Chapter 94: The White Fang and the Spark of Eternity

"By the way, Mom," Gin said casually over breakfast, "how much longer do you think it'll take before you officially awaken the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan?"

Hikari looked up from her tea, her eyes sharp and contemplative. For three years now, her Sharingan had been evolving steadily—strengthened through tailored medicines, chakra-enhancing techniques, and deep meditation. Though she was already Super Kage-level, her power wasn't yet tied to the completed Eternal Mangekyō. Gin had long believed that once she did obtain it, her strength would reach an even more terrifying peak.

"Probably another six months to a year," Hikari answered. "Not exactly fast, but that's the point. We're cleansing the genome, nurturing the Sharingan's potential naturally. For me, the delay is due to restoring what was once lost... but you and Mikoto? You're different. You two may achieve the Eternal Mangekyō directly from the three-tomoe stage. That would make your foundation even stronger."

"Right," Gin nodded. "That's what I've always planned for. No tragic awakenings. No shortcuts. I'll keep cultivating the Sharingan's depth until it reaches the Eternal stage naturally. With my physique and spiritual power, I could've forced a Mangekyō by now—but it wouldn't be stable. That's not my way."

"I agree," Mikoto said, her voice calm but resolute. "Thanks to your guidance, Gin, I've been able to grow without needing the Mangekyō as a crutch. If I'd taken the usual path... I might have awakened it already. But I would've paid too high a price."

Hikari smiled, satisfied. "Good. That's the right way. Forcing the Mangekyō always comes at a cost—and it weakens the foundation. The Uchiha are too hasty sometimes. But with your approach, even the clan's future elites will be born strong."

Gin grinned. "Actually... it wasn't just Mikoto I warned. I've quietly passed that advice to every Uchiha who holds a contract with us. That's why no one's awakened the Mangekyō in recent years—not because they lack potential, but because I told them to wait."

"Oh?" Hikari blinked, then laughed in realization. "I did think that was odd! But now it makes perfect sense... you little schemer."

"They'll all reach the Eternal Mangekyō in time," Gin said confidently. "And when they do, they'll be far more stable—and far more loyal."

That was important. For their eventual control of the Pirate World, Gin would need powerful, reliable commanders—not fractured, grief-ridden warriors who had torn open their own eyes for power. Only a unified force would bring true peace, not tyranny masquerading as order like the World Government.

"Now that's thinking like a real leader," Hikari said approvingly.

The next morning, as they ate breakfast together, Tsunade was preparing to depart for the war front.

"Ugh! Back to the battlefield... I'm going to miss these sea king steaks," she sighed. "Looks like I'll have to live on high-grade nutrition pills again."

Gin nearly choked on his rice. "Are you serious? You do realize you can teleport back and forth, right? You have access to the Pirate World. Just send a Shadow Clone and eat like a queen every night!"

Tsunade blinked.

"Huh... that's true. Why didn't I think of that?" She looked mildly embarrassed. "If I hadn't gone on that mission with you recently, I probably would've forgotten entirely."

"Don't blame me!" Gin protested. "We go to the Pirate World every day. Did you suddenly get memory loss?"

Tsunade gave him a flat look, then huffed and waved her hand dismissively. "Forget it! I'm still blaming you. Anyway, I'm off. Don't let the Hokage make a mess while I'm gone!"

With a gust of wind and the faint scent of sake, she vanished.

Gin stared after her, speechless. "She's... truly one of a kind."

The others laughed.

For the next two days, Gin's team trained intensively. On the third, ANBU arrived bearing an urgent mission request.

"They're trying to control our movements," Gin muttered, reading the scroll. "It's too deliberate, too soon. Looks like they're getting desperate."

"Let them be," Kushina said coldly. "This just gives us the right to move more aggressively against the Hokage's faction."

"And we wanted to go to the front anyway, right?" Mikoto added. "You do still want that Hokage title in the future, Gin. Reputation and merit are part of the game."

"Of course," Gin said with a smirk. "Time to make some headlines."

They arrived in the Hokage's office shortly after noon. Hiruzen greeted them with his usual smile—but Gin could already sense the scheming behind it.

And then they noticed him.

Tall, sharp-eyed, silver-haired—with a white chakra aura like a blade sheathed in calm.

Hatake Sakumo. The White Fang.

All four of them recognized him instantly. His reputation preceded him. Gin, Minato, and Mikoto had all long wanted to meet the man—to witness his swordsmanship, and perhaps even test it against techniques from the Pirate World. But now wasn't the time for duels.

"You must be Gin," Sakumo said, bowing politely. "I've heard a lot about you. It's good to finally meet."

"The honor's ours," Gin replied, bowing back. "We've looked forward to serving under your command."

"Too kind," Sakumo said. "Please—feel free to correct me if anything seems off. You all have incredible reputations already."

Gin kept his smile polite. Though stronger than Sakumo now, he would never show it openly. The White Fang was a man of integrity—exactly the kind of ally he wanted. Winning his favor early would be critical. And besides… his newborn son, Kakashi, had just entered the world five days ago.

It was a rare vacation—Sakumo had hurried back for the birth but was now needed again for a critical supply mission. This time, the stakes were higher.

"The previous convoys were intercepted by Sunagakure," Hiruzen explained. "This one cannot fail. It includes antidotes, rare pills, and Uchiha medical compounds worth over 200 million ryō. If it's lost, not even money can replace them—there's no surplus this month."

Gin understood immediately. They were baiting the convoy. Hoping someone would attack. Perhaps even planning it.

But that was fine.

Because this time, he was ready.