Chapter 123: Reform and Revolution – Hokage’s Dawn, Dragon’s Approach

"All right! If you understand everything!" Tsunade nodded indifferently, but added in a warning tone, "But don't rely entirely on Grandpa to handle Madara. He's unreliable at the best of times.

Also, we have to be cautious. If Black Zetsu learns about Madara's resurrection, he'll try to take control. Keep him sealed—at all costs."

For Tsunade, even the First Hokage wasn't above criticism.

"I get it! I'll be careful," Gin nodded.

After wrapping up village matters with Tsunade and Orochimaru, Gin exited the command tent and took some well-earned rest.

The next morning, Gin gathered Minato, Mikoto, and Kushina.

"Everything's settled. Time to head back to the village."

They all nodded without objection.

"Let's go!" Gin smiled, bidding farewell to Tsunade and the others before teleporting them back to their home.

Upon arrival, he noticed his mother wasn't home. Activating Hakke Surveillance, he located her in the Hokage's office.

"Let's eat breakfast at the Pirates World base and resume our morning training!" he said cheerfully to Mikoto and the rest. "We lost a lot of progress during the war. Time to make up for it!"

Though they had trained during the evenings while on the battlefield, they couldn't push themselves to the limit due to the need for rest and recovery.

"I'm starving!" Kushina rubbed her belly and teleported first to the base on Shimotsuki Island in the Pirates World.

Gin and the others followed her and made their way to the dining hall. The bases, built to sustain ninja from three clans, operated on three shifts with round-the-clock food availability. Unused portions were stored in time-static chambers and were always fresh upon retrieval.

Gin had designed this system to minimize waste and ensure everyone had access to hot meals anytime.

"Oh? Sister Mikoto, Brother Gin! You're here early today! I haven't seen you in days—still fighting out there?" Kuina called out as she and Tashigi spotted them.

"The war is temporarily over," Mikoto said with a smile. "Gin's brother practically ended it by himself!"

Carrying full trays, they joined Kuina, Tashigi, and the others.

"How's your training going?" Mikoto asked.

"Of course, I've been training!" Kuina grinned and clenched her fist. "I'm going to be the greatest swordswoman in the world!"

"Fantastic!" Kushina praised as she sat down.

"Hehe, I'm still nowhere near your level," Kuina said sheepishly.

To her, Gin and the others were both idols and goals to strive toward. She dreamed of one day standing beside Gin and helping him fight.

The conversation shifted to their adventures, with Mikoto and Kushina vividly recounting Gin's exploits, leaving Kuina and the others awe-struck.

"By the way!" Tashigi said, eyes lighting up. "Since the evil Hokage is captured and Gin will become the next Hokage, can we walk around Konoha?"

"Yes! I've always wanted to see the Ninja World and Konoha," Nami added.

"You can," Gin nodded. "But wait a few days. After my inauguration, I'll implement reforms—starting with a citizenship system. Once that's in place, I'll register you officially, so you can explore freely. But for now, don't leave Konoha's borders alone—stick with Mikoto or the others."

Teleportation restrictions ensured Pirate World natives could only materialize within Uchiha lands, and special guides would assist them.

"Yay! Sister Mikoto, will you show us everything later? That Short Fence Street was so fun!" Tashigi asked.

"Sure, sure," Mikoto chuckled.

After breakfast, Gin created several shadow clones for training. While the clones handled daily drills, the real Gin went to meet Koshiro, who sat sipping tea in his dojo.

"The war ended swiftly. The Ninja World is far too fragmented," Koshiro commented. "I hope unity comes soon. If you need help, I can handle someone at Kage-level. Beyond that, I can engage in early stages—but no guarantees after that."

Gin nodded. "Understood, sensei. If things escalate, I won't hesitate to ask. Also, I've finalized a trade agreement with Hatake Sakumo."

"I'm exchanging Pirate World fencing methods for his clan's samurai sword techniques and ninja sword training manuals."

"Excellent!" Koshiro's eyes sparkled. "I've been wanting to study those techniques. Ninja swordplay and chakra control… what a fascinating combination!"

Gin chuckled. "Sakumo is the famed 'White Fang of Konoha.' You'd enjoy sparring with him."

"He's incredibly gifted," Koshiro mused. "If he adapts to Pirate World techniques and supplements with Sea King meat and proper training, he could become a true great swordsman."

"You want to meet him? I'll set it up after the contract is in place."

Koshiro nodded. "Yes. Once he signs with you, his growth will skyrocket. Until then, even with new techniques, he'll hit a ceiling."

Gin smirked. "It'll happen soon. He's straightforward—shouldn't be hard to win over."

"Haha! That's the spirit!" Koshiro raised his teacup. "To reach true heights in swordsmanship, a pure and honest heart is essential."

They chatted for another half hour, when Koshiro suddenly remembered something.

"Oh, right! Monkey D. Dragon came to Shimotsuki Island recently. He wanted to recruit me."

"Dragon? The Revolutionary Army leader?" Gin's brows lifted. "He already defected from the Marines and started recruiting?"

"Yeah. I didn't accept or decline outright. I told him I wanted time—and mentioned you and your ideals. He's intrigued and agreed to meet again in twenty-six days."

"Bring your mother and convince him," Koshiro advised. "If he joins you—or signs a contract—it could change everything. He's destined for greatness, and he hates the current world order."

Gin's mind raced. Dragon was already in contact with Vegapunk by this time… maybe I can use that connection to sway Vegapunk, too.

"This is too good to pass up," Gin said. "Thanks, sensei. I'll handle it."

"Good. I trust you'll make it work," Koshiro said, sipping his tea.

After saying farewell, Gin returned to the Ninja World. Mikoto and the rest went to train while Gin headed to the Hokage's office.

"Mom! Lady Mito! Lord Hashirama!" he greeted as he entered.

"You're back?" Hikari looked up. "How was the front?"

Gin sat beside Hashirama.

"The major threats are neutralized. I killed the Kazekage and thousands of elite Sand shinobi. Now the rest is diplomacy—either they surrender, sign a contract, and pay reparations, or I'll finish it."

"Good. We're finalizing your inauguration," Hikari said. "The Hokage mantle is nearly ready. The carving on the mountain will begin soon. We're just waiting for the troops' triumphant return."

"Now that you're here, take over your Hokage duties," Mito smiled. "We're too old to be running around."

Gin narrowed his eyes. "Old, huh? You two look younger than half the village."

Everyone laughed, including Hashirama.

"Okay, enough joking." Gin pulled out a thick document and handed it to Hikari. "This is my Five-Year Plan for Konoha: reform, development, and a new power structure."

Hikari, Mito, and Hashirama read it together.

"Wow! You even included an R&D department?" Mito marveled.

"And reforms to the academy, including ideological education… this is amazing," Hikari added.

Hashirama was especially impressed.

"This education system is brilliant! From preschool all the way to elite jonin courses—and not just for ninjas, but for civilians, doctors, scientists… even ideologists. You're building a future."

He looked at Gin with awe.

"This is better than what Tobirama created… and I thought his plan was ambitious."

Gin smirked. "If we want a better world, we start with education."

"But… won't delegating so much power weaken the Hokage?" Mito asked.

"Not at all," Gin said calmly. "The Hokage shouldn't drown in paperwork. That's how power corrupts. Look what happened to the Third. A system with checks and delegation is harder to abuse—and stronger long-term."

"With the ANBU and financial departments still under the Hokage's control, true power remains intact."

Mito's eyes gleamed. "You really understand power... at such a young age. Konoha will be in good hands."

Hashirama nodded solemnly. "You even accounted for the hearts of the clans. You'll bring real unity—maybe even what Madara and I dreamed of."

"But…" Gin said quietly, "Tobirama will never accept a Uchiha as Hokage so easily. We'll resurrect him after I'm officially in office—after Danzo and the Third face judgment."

Hashirama fell silent, thinking about how things might have been different had he managed power more wisely in the past.

Gin stood tall.

A new era for Konoha was on the horizon. One shaped not by brute force or blind tradition—but by reform, unity, and vision.

And in twenty-six days… Monkey D. Dragon would come.

And the world might change again.

To be continued...