Chapter 83: Shadows Before the Storm — Choosing Commanders and Setting the Stage

In the quiet heart of the Hokage residence, Hikari covertly summoned Jun using a Shadow Clone disguised with the Transformation Technique. The goal was simple—stay hidden from the Third Hokage's surveillance. With the looming war, secrecy was everything.

Inside the secured meeting space, Hikari, Mito, Tsunade, Gin, and the others laid out dozens of coordinated plans for Jun and Tsunade. These battle strategies were complex, adaptive, and laced with contingencies. Gin memorized each one meticulously. After all, he, Minato, Mikoto, and Kushina—upon gaining early release—would also participate.

"We'll finalize the strategy here," Hikari said firmly. "We can adapt through the communication space once things begin. The primary objective: destroy the elite forces of Sarutobi, Shimura, and their loyal clans, eliminate Danzo, and shift the blame—ideally onto Amegakure or even Sunagakure. The Third Hokage must never uncover the truth, even if he suspects it."

Everyone in the room nodded.

"Tsunade," Mito continued, "you're essential to this. Stay linked to Jun through the communication space and work seamlessly together."

"Yes, Lady Mito," Tsunade answered sharply, her eyes cold with vengeance.

She would never forget what happened during the First Shinobi War. Too many Senju fell. Too much pain followed. Navaki's suffering had only hardened her heart. This time, she wouldn't hold back—no matter who stood in her way.

"Aminari," Mito said, turning next, "who will lead the Uzumaki clan in your absence?"

"My son, Daro," Aminari answered. "He's Kushina's father. Trusted, powerful, and one of the few adults to form a contract with Gin. His favor level is already high—over 80."

"Perfect," Mito nodded. "Then the three of you—Jun, Tsunade, and Daro—will work together. Make no mistakes."

"As you command," they said in unison.

Mito turned her gaze to Gin. "Now then, Gin, your early release is imminent. You and Navaki will be part of the upcoming mission. Have you considered a team leader?"

Gin exchanged a glance with Tsunade. "What about Tsunade's sister? She's strong, already training me. The Third will approve it easily. And Navaki's under Orochimaru—let him get hands-on experience. Our team should be composed of select Uchiha and Uzumaki candidates preparing for early release."

"That's a solid choice," Mito said. "And with your save-point teleportation function, Navaki is protected. But I assume this is also part of a deeper strategy?"

She narrowed her eyes knowingly.

"You're trying to build a bridge to Orochimaru, aren't you?"

Gin chuckled, caught in the act.

"You know me too well, Lady Mito. Orochimaru is one of the brightest scientific minds of this era. If I want to secure him for the future, I can't approach him directly. He's too cautious—especially when it comes to trust. Navaki is the perfect entry point."

Indeed, despite Tsunade's occasional attempts, Orochimaru always kept others at arm's length. Gin had made only rare appearances, subtly planting impressions through sanctioned Sannin meetings. It wasn't enough. But with Navaki's involvement, Orochimaru would drop his guard.

"Jiraiya is harder," Gin admitted. "Too emotional, too stubborn—and he's under Mount Myōboku's prophecy. That senile old toad could blow my cover."

"And Orochimaru?" Mito asked.

"He's not like Jiraiya," Gin said. "He doesn't rely on prophecy. He relies on logic. And right now, his failures with Sage Mode and Tsunade's rapid rise in power—thanks to our methods—have put him under pressure. He's desperate to break his limits. He's ripe for recruitment."

"If you succeed," Mito said, "you'll have secured one of the greatest minds of this generation. Good. But hurry—Orochimaru has already begun contacting Danzo. If we don't act soon, we might lose him."

"I'm ready," Gin replied with steel in his voice.

Mito turned to Mikoto, Kushina, and Minato. "Speaking of your team... you four—are you sticking together?"

Gin nodded. "Absolutely. We work as one. And if Tsunade leads troops from the front, we'll act autonomously. The extra member won't slow us down."

Tsunade grinned. "You've thought this through. Alright, I'll talk to the old man and fast-track the deployment. Time to reel in Orochimaru and get Navaki ready."

With that, the meeting concluded. Tsunade rushed off to find Orochimaru. Gin and the others resumed training in the Pirate World.

Shimotsuki Village, Isshin Dojo – Pirate World

Later that afternoon, in a hidden dojo, Gin continued training with the next generation. Quinn and Tashigi approached, wide-eyed and worried.

"Big brother Gin," Quinn asked, "is it true? A war is starting? Are you going?"

"Yes," Gin said with a soft smile.

"But war is dangerous!" Tashigi added, eyes shining with concern.

Gin chuckled, ruffling their hair. "That's why we train, right? And don't forget—we have the teleportation safeguard. Even if things go bad, we'll be fine. Just keep working hard. Your time will come."

"We will!" both girls nodded fiercely.

Nearby, other kids like Nami, Nojiko, Kaya, Ace, and Sabo trained diligently. They had all passed 80 points of favor and entered contracts with Gin, allowing for their regular teleportation to the Pirate World.

In truth, the children were training across multiple locations—Skypiea, Drum Island, and even the Beastlands. But Shimotsuki Village remained the heart of the program. Its hidden location protected it, and the village dojo served as the training ground for swordsmen, chakra users, and future prodigies.

Gin smiled warmly, watching the kids spar and grow.

Later, with Koshiro at Lunch

At lunch, Koshiro—now stronger than ever after contracting with Gin—sat beside him.

"What's the update on the war?" he asked. "Should Lisa and I prepare to assist?"

Gin shook his head. "Not yet. For now, it's a chess game—layers of strategy and manipulation. But when the time comes, I'll call."

Koshiro nodded. "I trust your judgment. Just say the word. Also, the swords are ready. Four great ones, forged by my father's hands. They're ninja-class, large swords, strengthened with chakra-reactive metals and rare minerals. You'll love them."

Gin's eyes lit up. "Really? That's incredible! These will boost our frontline power tenfold. Kozaburo truly is a master."

"After lunch," Koshiro said, "we'll pick them up. And next month, another batch—lesser swords for the rest. But these four? They're something special."

Gin's heart swelled with anticipation.

The stage was set. The blades were forged. The players were in motion.

And soon, the shadows would rise over the Rain Country.