"Hah?"
Gin had just tossed the apple into the trash when he heard Tajima's strange question—mentioning that old man who was already with the Sage of Six Paths. It caught him off guard.
"I knew it."
Seeing Gin's hesitation, Tajima sighed as if confirming his suspicions, a look of guilt surfacing in his eyes.
Gin was about to explain, but Tajima already had that 'I understand everything' expression on his face, making it hard for him to rebut. So Gin could only cautiously ask,
"You think it was Yao who taught me that?"
"Who else? That kind of profound secret technique isn't something a brat like you could've developed. It'd take years of targeted experimentation to create something so miraculous."
Tajima shook his head, recalling his knowledgeable teacher, sighing with emotion.
"That jutsu feels like it was created solely to heal your body. I can't imagine anyone other than Yao inventing it just for you."
Wow… old man Tajima's imagination is pretty wild too.
"If I had to guess, Yao must've met you long ago, realized your body was in terrible condition, and created the 'Yin Seal' specifically for you."
No, please stop making things up.
"…Sure, whatever you say~"
Gin rolled his eyes so hard they nearly evolved. Fine, you're the clan head. You win.
There's no evidence left anyway, so Gin didn't bother arguing. Letting them believe this story would save him a lot of trouble.
"Even if Master did make mistakes before he died, his love for you was real. I hope you don't hold a grudge against him."
Thinking Gin refused to acknowledge the jutsu out of resentment for Yao's betrayal before death, Tajima tried to comfort him sincerely, not wanting the kid to live in pain.
Ugh… Old man, you're actually kind of sweet.
Gin peeled a banana, checked for bugs, and then stuffed it into his mouth before asking casually,
"So, Uncle… Now that both of the cousins have awakened their eyes, what's your plan?"
Tajima paused, seeing Gin's cheeks stuffed like a hamster, and sighed internally—could this kid really be relied on?
"Actually, I had an idea even before we set off. I wasn't sure back then, but seeing how well Madara and Izuna have done, I don't hesitate anymore."
He looked out the window, eyes fixed on the rising sun over Sky Castle, speaking in an oddly calm tone.
"What's the idea? You beating around the bush isn't like you."
Gin swallowed the banana and turned his gaze toward Tajima, who looked like he had a lot on his mind.
"I want to step down… and let Madara take over as clan head."
Tajima returned his gaze to Gin as he dropped the bombshell.
"Huh? But you're still in your prime. Why step down?"
Gin looked shocked. Tajima's dōjutsu strength was above average. His vision was fine too. Why retire already?
"I had this thought long ago. When we rescued Hikaru, it first came to me. Now I see that Madara and Izuna are more than capable."
Tajima didn't shy away from mentioning Gin's little companion, even if she had a special identity. Sooner or later, she would have to fight for the clan too.
"Whoa, bold of you to say that out loud. Aren't you afraid I'll run off with Hikaru?"
Gin deadpanned, understanding the implication, and glared at his uncle with his usual dead fish eyes.
"Hmph! The Uchiha Clan hasn't fallen so far that we need to force our people to do what they don't want."
Tajima's gaze was sharp, brimming with pride in his clan.
"Nice. That deserves a like."
Gin gave him a thumbs-up. Honestly, people really were full of surprises. Tajima looked like a scheming villain, but his actions were all righteous and open.
"It's just... I didn't expect that brat from the Senju clan to grow so strong. Back then, Madara couldn't touch him. That's why I held off on retiring."
Tajima rubbed his eye, recalling the fierce battle with the wooden monk, the pain still fresh at the corners of his eyes.
"But now, with Izuna helping, Madara shouldn't have much trouble taking him on."
Tajima nodded, quite pleased with his sons' performance since awakening their Mangekyō. Though still inexperienced, with focused training, they would soon surpass even him.
No, no, no… they're just in the newbie protection phase. Once Hashirama logs on with full upgrades, big bro Madara's gonna get clapped.
Gin couldn't help but picture that massive thousand-armed Buddha. Once Hashi-Drama activates that face paint mode, even the Nine Tails looks like a house cat—never mind the big bro riding on it.
Complete Susanoo? Pfft. Just another toy for that giant Buddha.
"What do you think?"
Seeing Gin deep in thought, Tajima assumed he was mulling things over and asked for his opinion.
"Excellent. With the cousins joining forces, the Senju are nothing but chickens and dogs."
Gin said the opposite of what he believed, and Tajima nodded enthusiastically.
"I think it's no big deal, but just to be safe, I hope you'll support them when the time comes."
"Huh?"
You want me to fight Sukuna?
"Ahem, Uncle… You're giving me too much credit. That fight back there was real. I wasn't acting—I actually stabbed you. If not for my secret jutsu, you'd be at your funeral right now."
Gin flopped back onto the bed and let out a dramatic sob.
"Stop. I'm not asking you to fight. You've got that disciple and Hikaru. They're no joke either."
Tajima waved his hand, eyes twitching. He never expected Gin to go out and fight himself. The boy's strength was all over the place—hard to gauge. Without the Mangekyō, no matter how many tricks he had, he couldn't be that strong.
"Oh man, why didn't you say so earlier! Scared me!"
Gin exhaled in relief upon hearing Tajima meant Hikaru and Osamu.
"No problem! I'll take care of Hikaru and Osamu. I'll raise them into two big, fat, happy clan war machines."
He patted his chest in assurance.
"With your word, I'm at ease."
Gin might be unreliable in general, but he always came through when it counted. With his help, Madara would surely be a worthy clan head.
"In that case, I'll go draft the official announcement. You just focus on your recovery."
Tajima didn't waste any time, getting up immediately after saying his piece.
"Hey hey hey, Uncle! Didn't you promise I could retire after this?!"
Gin yelled after him, suddenly remembering their agreement.
"By the end of the year!"
"It's January, you bastard!!"
Gin flipped him off with a giant middle finger.
—The Next Day—
"Big bro! I'm coming in!"
The door slammed open as Izuna stormed in, arms full of get-well gifts.
"Can you not say stuff that sounds like a delinquent catchphrase? People might misunderstand our relationship."
Gin poked his head out from the blanket, sighing at the overly cheerful little cousin.
"Alright, alright! Let's not dwell on that. I brought oranges!"
Izuna happily pulled out some familiar-looking fruit from his bag.
"Wait a sec, are those oranges?"
Gin squinted at the weirdly-shaped yellow fruit.
"Yeah? The doctor said you were low on vitamin C, and the fruit seller said these are the best. I bought a ton, so eat up!"
Izuna expertly peeled one, revealing its bright golden flesh, and held it up to Gin's mouth like a prized offering.
"Come on, big bro! One bite and you'll feel the magic!"
"Get lost! Eat one yourself if you think it's so great! I've told you before—those are freakin' lemons!"
Gin caught a whiff of the sour citrus and exploded, kicking his cousin off the bed. This kid's brain just refused to grow.
"Huh? Not oranges?"
Izuna picked himself off the floor, looking puzzled at the now-mangled fruit.
"I mean, peeling it was tough, but it looks just like an orange, doesn't it?"
"Clearly the Mangekyō can't fix your eyesight. There's no saving you. Get out!"
Gin was devastated. How did he end up with a cousin like this? He was doomed to be trolled for life.
"Fine, whatever. I'll eat it!"
Izuna huffed, annoyed, and popped the lemon into his mouth.
"Bleeechhhh—!"
"Ahh yes, right there! Little bro, your massage technique is unmatched. I, Gin, acknowledge you as the greatest in this art!"
After the lemon debacle, Izuna was silently massaging Gin's back in guilt.
Ding! Host failure. +10 Mind Energy.
"Big bro, I have some huge news. Wanna hear it?"
Izuna ignored Gin's nonsense, eyes sparkling mysteriously.
"You got a girlfriend?"
Gin didn't even open his eyes, still enjoying the massage.
"Huh?! No, it's not that!"
Izuna froze slightly but quickly recovered.
"It's about Big Brother."
"Oh? Let me guess—he rebelled?"
(End of Chapter)
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