"It was a dark and windy night," Gin began dramatically, "I stood guard outside the clan head's office as usual. Even late into the night, I dared not slack off, because the clan head was still working tirelessly on war plans. Suddenly, I heard the sound of something being smashed, followed by his furious roar…"
He paused, letting his gaze sweep over his audience.
"Well? What did he roar?!" Ryouichi pressed eagerly.
"Yeah, tell us already," Hie and Dairou chimed in. Even Fenghuo watched curiously.
Gin licked his dry lips and fumbled for his water flask — empty. Before he could say anything, Ryouichi handed him his own flask. Gin didn't hesitate, chugging it greedily.
Setting it down, he waved them off and continued with a mysterious look.
'"Damn you, Senju Butsuma! I'll grind your bones to dust… and raise your children myself!"'
"…What does that even mean?" Ryouichi muttered in confusion.
Gin put on a pained expression and sighed. "Why do you think someone like me has served as Tajima-sama's personal guard all these years? You think it's just because he's my uncle?"
Hie snorted, loud enough to echo in the cave. "Isn't it exactly because he's your uncle?"
Gin coughed. "Ahem. There's a saying: 'recommend the worthy, even if they're kin.'"
He straightened up and spoke seriously. "It's because of my unshakable loyalty. More importantly, I can interpret the clan head's deeper meaning. Every gesture, every word has layers others can't grasp. He told us to eliminate the Senju prodigies — but that was just the surface. What he really wants is a living hostage. Butsuma dotes on his children. If we kill them outright, the Senju will fight to the bitter end. But if we bring one back alive, we can use him as leverage."
Fenghuo murmured, impressed. "What a brilliant plan. Did Tajima tell you all this?"
"Nope. Just my deduction."
"…"
Still, it was enough to convince them — for now.
The next morning, they set off again, carrying the bound and unconscious Itama. The journey back to Uchiha lands would take nearly half a month.
Gin insisted on carrying Itama himself — partly because he feared one of the others might accidentally kill the boy and doom his mission.
That night, they camped by a small river. At one point Itama stirred awake, only to be knocked back out by Gin without ceremony. The boy was surprisingly heavy for his size, and Gin's weak body was already struggling.
Sitting quietly, Gin suddenly remembered the Steel Heart chest. He wasn't sure exactly how to trigger it, but he had a hunch.
He got up and walked over to Ryouichi, who frowned. "What do you want now? You've already slowed us down today."
"Ryouichi-aniki," Gin greeted.
"Don't call me aniki. I'm younger than you."
"Ryouichi-bro."
"…What?"
"Let's spar."
"…What?"
No system chime yet. Gin realized it probably wouldn't activate unless the other party actually accepted the fight.
"I'm busy resting."
"Oh? Scared? After all, my shuriken technique was personally taught by the clan head himself. I've never been beaten." Gin gave a smug shake of his head.
"You…!" Ryouichi's temper flared. "Fine! If I don't turn you into a pincushion tonight, I'll change my name to Senju!"
Ding! Host engaged in combat. Steel Heart chest accumulating energy.
Gin grinned.
The two squared off. Ryouichi threw five shuriken in a sharp, precise pattern, aiming for Gin's limbs. Gin, recalling the original's training, threw five of his own to intercept. All ten clashed midair and fell harmlessly to the ground.
"Not bad," Ryouichi admitted. "Let's see you handle this."
He drew the massive windmill shuriken from his back and hurled it. Gin didn't move, letting it spin closer and closer. Ryouichi panicked. "What are you doing?!" He didn't want to actually kill him.
At the last moment, Gin dropped flat to the ground, letting the giant blade sail overhead. Ryouichi stumbled and nearly fell into the river.
Lying there, Gin raised his hands and called out cheekily. "As expected of the clan's number one shuriken genius, Ryouichi! I, Uchiha Gin, acknowledge you as the strongest!"
Ryouichi froze, then toppled into the river with a splash.
Ding! Host defeated. Gained 10 Steel Energy. 2 more battles needed to unlock Steel Heart chest reward. (Current total: 11)
Gin jumped up, hauled Ryouichi out of the water, and patted him on the back. "Ryouichi-bro, that was a great fight. I learned so much. Let's spar again tomorrow!"
"GET LOST!!!"
(End of Chapter)
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