Chapter 95: The White Fang’s Favor

"Haha! Of course! If you ever have questions, feel free to come to me anytime!" said Hatake Sakumo with a warm smile.

Gin studied the veteran shinobi carefully, noting the kindness and openness in his demeanor. Curious, Gin instinctively used his ability to gauge Sakumo's favorability toward him—and was surprised by the result: 63 points. That was an exceptionally high level of goodwill for someone they had just met.

"Strange... There must be more to this," Gin thought.

Their moment of camaraderie was abruptly cut short when the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, interjected coldly.

"That's enough chit-chat. The front line is waiting for those supplies," he said, clearly annoyed by how well the two were getting along.

If it were up to him, he would never have included Gin on this escort mission. But with Sakumo leading the team, the mission was practically foolproof. At the very least, it provided Hiruzen a convenient alibi. If something were to happen to Gin... well, no one could say he hadn't sent proper protection.

"Danzo, don't fail me," he muttered under his breath.

As always, such delicate matters were best left to Danzo and his shadowy Root.

With a confused glance, Sakumo wiped the smile from his face and led Gin and his three teammates out of the office. They made their way to Konoha's main gate, where over a hundred wagons, a legion of transport workers, and a sizeable ninja escort awaited them.

Upon seeing Sakumo, the shinobi saluted sharply. Many also recognized the younger members in the group—Gin, Minato, Mikoto, and Kushina—recently hailed as the most promising generation of young geniuses. Some tried to subtly ingratiate themselves; others just nodded respectfully.

Gin's clan, after all, was the exclusive producer of high-grade soldier pills and medical elixirs—a resource no shinobi dared ignore.

Not everyone was pleased. Members of the Sarutobi, Shimura, and a few minor clans regarded the Uchiha clan's growing influence with increasing resentment. The monopolization of resources and growing alliance between the Uchiha, Uzumaki, and Senju was eating into their finances and political leverage.

"All people and supplies accounted for?" Sakumo asked, though he already knew the answer.

"All set, sir! We're ready to move," a Hyūga ninja reported.

"Then let's get going. Hizashi—" he turned to a tall shinobi with distinct white eyes "—you'll need to keep your Byakugan active. We'll rely on your scouting on the move."

"I understand," said Hyūga Hizashi, nodding firmly.

"So it's him..." Gin thought. "Neji's father. A good man... and one destined for tragedy."

An idea began to form. What if he could win Hizashi's favor and form a contract? Could he use that relationship as an entry point to gain influence over the Hyūga clan and eventually abolish the cursed 'caged bird' seal system?

The caravan began its slow march toward the border of the Land of Rain. Sakumo walked beside Gin, striking up friendly conversation. The White Fang of Konoha had grown to genuinely like the young Uchiha.

"You know," Sakumo said, "I owe a debt to your clan."

"Oh?" Gin raised a brow, intrigued. "How so?"

"Your clan's soldier pills and healing elixirs saved my wife's life—and my son's."

Sakumo's voice softened.

"Before she became pregnant, my wife suffered a grave injury during a mission. The damage to her body should've made childbirth impossible. But she insisted on going through with it, even if it risked her life."

He smiled warmly.

"She took your clan's medicine—over a long period. Her strength returned. The damage slowly healed. In the end, not only did she survive, but she gave birth to a strong, healthy child. The doctors say he has more vitality than most children born in the village. I believe... no, I know he'll surpass me one day."

"Congratulations, Uncle Sakumo," Gin said, smiling. "I'm glad both mother and son are healthy."

"You don't need to thank the Uchiha clan," Gin added, brushing it off. "It's just a business transaction. You paid for the medicine."

"No," Sakumo said seriously, shaking his head. "This is more than business. Trade or not, your clan's pharmacy saved lives. And I'll never forget that."

Gin felt a rare warmth stir within him. He respected Sakumo—not just as a warrior, but as a man.

By nightfall, they had covered about a hundred kilometers. Sakumo ordered a halt and instructed everyone to make camp. Dinner was sparse—just high-grade nutritional pills crafted by the Uchiha. Even Sakumo noticed something remarkable.

"These are... ten times stronger than the ones on the market," he murmured after examining one. "So the rumors were true. The Uchiha really do have superior medicine."

He was already considering how to establish regular access to the pills—not just for his family, but for his own training. He could feel the old wounds in his body healing, the chakra in his core becoming more stable.

"If I had a steady supply of these... I might even rival Hanzo someday," he thought.

Later that night, Gin approached Sakumo by the campfire.

"Uncle Sakumo, they say you're the strongest swordsman in Konoha," Gin began. "You've even fused ninjutsu with kenjutsu in a way few have."

Sakumo coughed modestly. "Haha, don't believe everything you hear. I've created my own style, yes. But I'm far from perfecting it. And calling me the strongest... that's a bit much."

Gin smirked. "Well, I've seen a lot of sword users—especially on the front. But most lack a true style. Our clan has developed something... new. A sword style that doesn't rely on chakra. Pure technique and physical prowess."

"Interesting," Sakumo said, his tone serious now. "I've seen it. Your clan's swordsmen fight differently. It's... refined. Precise. I'd love to learn more about it."

Gin leaned forward slightly. "Then why not exchange techniques? I believe we could both benefit."

Sakumo blinked, surprised at the offer. "You'd be willing to share that?"

"I would. But I know how it sounds, so if you're uncomfortable, I'll speak to my mother—Hikari Uchiha. She can formalize it."

Sakumo raised an eyebrow. "You've got a good head on your shoulders. Yes, I'd prefer that. Not because I doubt you—but because I respect the clan's hierarchy. I wouldn't want it to seem like I'm taking advantage of a young genius."

Gin nodded. "Fair enough. I'll ask her to send you a letter."

Sakumo smiled. "The fact that you even offered makes me think you'll be the one making those decisions soon enough."

They both laughed, the firelight reflecting in their eyes.

The next three days passed without major incident. They advanced nearly 400 kilometers, staying alert. As they approached the border, the attacks began.

Shinobi from Amegakure, disguised as Sunagakure and Iwagakure ninjas, launched ambushes—but they were all repelled under Sakumo's command.

Gin held back. He didn't use Flying Thunder God, Space-Time Gates, or most of his true abilities. Not yet.

"Let them think we're just normal elites," he thought. "Once Danzo makes his move, I'll show them true power."

Mikoto and the others were restless.

"There are two Root squads still tailing us," Gin informed his team when they neared the forward camp.

"They're persistent," Minato said.

"We should take them out," Mikoto said coldly.

"Not yet," Gin replied. "They're Danzo's. If we act now, he might retreat into the shadows. Let's wait for him to move first—then we take out all of them in one stroke."

Half a day later, they reached the Konoha front camp at the Rain border.

Danzo was immediately informed.

"Have the Gin team report to patrol duty. Keep them inside the camp and under watch," Danzo instructed a Sarutobi officer.

"Yes, sir."

Alone in his tent, Danzo lit a small flame with a jutsu and burned a letter into ash.

"Heh... Hiruzen, you're finally getting serious," he muttered. "Let's see if your golden children can survive."

The game was finally in motion.

End of Chapter 95