Chapter 101: Mito’s Blessing, Hokage of the Future

"It would be incredible," Mito said brightly, her crimson eyes sparkling with hope, "if you could really develop techniques that don't require the Sharingan! Good luck, Gin—I believe in you."

Gin smiled wryly and raised his hands in mock surrender. "I'll try. But the odds are slim. Eye techniques rely on eye power—without the Sharingan, there's no ocular strength. Though, maybe… the Byakugan carries some potential."

Hikari Uchiha scoffed and shot a sharp glance at Mito. "Dream on. Why should they get the same privileges as the Uchiha?"

Then she turned to Gin, expression serious. "Even if you can develop such techniques for the Hyūga, don't hand them over for free. If their entire clan pledged loyalty to you, maybe we could consider it."

Her voice was steely. "No more handouts. They don't get to profit off our bloodline without consequence."

"Of course," Gin nodded with an easy grin. "We'll discuss it after I become Hokage and assume full control. That bird-cage seal the Hyūga use on their branch family—it ends. I won't allow anyone in Konoha to be treated like a slave while living under the same flag."

Mito and Hikari exchanged glances and nodded.

"Well said," Hikari murmured.

Then Mito's voice grew curious. "By the way… You found the original Hashirama cells in the Root base, didn't you? Why didn't you hand them to me? Planning to use them for your own goals?"

Gin nodded, unbothered. "I do want to study them. Not just to awaken Wood Release… but more importantly, to understand the First Hokage's Sage Body. Of course, I won't perform human experiments. And if I do, it won't involve people from the Senju or Konoha clans. In fact, the results will benefit your clans—Senju, Uzumaki, and Uchiha alike."

Mito arched a brow but motioned for him to continue.

"When we formed our alliance, I shared with you the truth—about the Sage of Six Paths, the origins of our three clans. We're all connected. Uchiha are descended from Indra, Senju and Uzumaki from Asura. To awaken the Rinnegan, an Uchiha like Madara had to merge with the flesh of Hashirama—the Asura reincarnate."

He leaned forward, eyes intense. "That means the Sage's Body, and the chakra of Asura within it, are key to our evolution. If my research succeeds, even those from the Senju and Uzumaki clans may one day access the Sage's power and Wood Release."

Mito's gaze sharpened. Her lips trembled—caught between disbelief and excitement.

"You paint a tempting future," she admitted, pressing a palm to her forehead. "If that's really possible… then Hashirama's cells are a small price."

"But are you sure you can do it? You won't need Senju or Uzumaki help in the research?" she asked seriously.

Gin nodded with quiet confidence. "Not unless they want to be direct beneficiaries. When I understand the structure of the Sage Body and replicate it, I'll only need a few volunteers to help adjust it for others. No harm, and no forced participation."

His medical expertise was already advanced—his skills growing by the day. If he could strike a research agreement with someone like Orochimaru, results would come faster.

"…If only I could bring Vegapunk from the One Piece world," Gin muttered half-jokingly. "But the World Government guards him too tightly. Maybe Judge and the Vinsmoke family… even Caesar Clown could be useful. That Gasu Gasu no Mi is terrifyingly strong."

"Is that so?" Mito folded her arms thoughtfully. After a long silence, she raised her head. "Fine. I'll assign you a few researchers from the Uzumaki. I trust you not to betray that faith."

Gin bowed gratefully. "Thank you, Mito-sama."

Then she asked quietly, "Gin… do you think there's a way to bring Hashirama back?"

The room fell silent.

Mito's voice had softened. It wasn't about power now. It was about love. She was thinking far ahead—to the day Gin ruled the shinobi world, unified the lands… and when that day came, she wanted her husband by her side again.

"I didn't expect such sentimentality from you," Hikari said with a rare smile. "But resurrecting Hashirama… it could help Gin. He's more than just a fighter—he's a symbol."

Hikari didn't speak of her own late husband. There was nothing left of him—burned away by fire jutsu in battle. Even Edo Tensei couldn't bring him back.

Gin placed a hand over his heart. "With Rinnegan, I'll have the Outer Path—Samsara of Heavenly Life. It's possible. The key is minimizing the cost. Hashirama was a genius; with proper guidance, he could reach even greater heights. He'd help Mito, assist me. Same with Tobirama—though… he's more complicated."

Mito raised a brow. "You want to bring back Tobirama too?"

Gin's eyes lit up. "Why not? The First could help rebuild the village, reshape its foundations. With Wood Release, he'd revolutionize our infrastructure. And Tobirama—he was a scientist. Under proper supervision, he could accelerate our progress like no other."

"You don't want them for war?" Mito asked.

"Not primarily. Look—if Yamato can build houses with Wood Release, imagine what Hashirama could do. Once I'm Hokage, I'll redesign Konoha. Massive expansion. Entire city sectors. That kind of construction… he's perfect for it!"

Mito: "…"

Hikari: "…"

"So your grand plan is to resurrect two Hokage to work them day and night as a builder and a researcher?" Mito asked, laughing in disbelief.

Gin scratched his cheek. "Well… kind of. But it's fine, right? I won't be hurting the village. Hashirama would support me."

Mito sighed, amused. "He probably would. But Tobirama? That's different. If you revive him, he might resist—or worse, undermine you."

"I'm not worried," Gin said nonchalantly. "Even if he objects, I can defeat him. And with you, my mother, and Hashirama around, he won't cause trouble. If he has a brain, he'll see I'm the best candidate for Hokage."

He sighed again, this time more deeply. "Honestly, if I could avoid it, I wouldn't become Hokage. It's stressful, exhausting, and full of responsibility. But if I want to reform Konoha, unify the shinobi world, and start bridging it to the pirate world… I have to."

"But once peace is secured, I'll decentralize most Hokage duties. Create a governing council. Right now, Konoha's structure is completely inefficient."

Hikari nodded thoughtfully. "Especially for such a small village. Hokage has to handle everything, even petty thefts."

"Exactly!" Gin exclaimed. "In a world as big as ours, that's madness. Naruto was run ragged in the future. Couldn't even train properly or spend time with his family. If I don't change things, I'll end up like that—chasing cats and chickens while the world burns."

Mito and Hikari both grew solemn, then slowly nodded.

"When you put it that way… the problems are clear," Mito murmured.

"But it's also the fault of past Hokage," she added. "Tobirama and Hiruzen—centralized everything, hoarded power, refused to delegate. Not everyone's willing to share authority like you."

Gin's eyes narrowed with quiet resolve.

"Then I'll be the one who changes that."

To Be Continued…