Konoha: The thirty-year-old Uchiha is not motivated.

The No.1 hot pot restaurant on Konoha's must-eat list

"Glug~ Glug~"

The copper pot, resting on a charcoal fire, churned with heat. Its dark red, magma-like bottom emitted a pungent, pungent aroma that pierced the senses. Uchiha Gin, standing beside the pot, wiped the fine sweat from his brow, glanced at his watch, and nodded thoughtfully.

"We should be there soon, right?"

"Curly-haired baboon, did you make plans with other people?"

Senju Itama, who was selecting her favorite ingredients on the menu, curiously looked up.

"Wasn't it supposed to be a family dinner?"

"correct."

Uchiha Gin nodded; he had only invited family members.
"Lady Yongmei?"

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Hikaru stopped stirring the ingredients in the bowl, her delicate eyebrows slightly raised.
"How can a dinner party be complete without Madam Yongmei and Xiao Zhili?"

It's not easy for orphans and widows to have it easy, so isn't it normal for me to take care of them sometimes?

Creak~
"Gintoki, are we not late? The streets suddenly became very congested, it seems like some celebrity is nearby."

As soon as the words were spoken, the door to the private room was slowly pushed open by a delicate, fair hand. It was Uchiha Eimi and her daughter, whom they had been discussing.
"You've come at just the right time."

Uchiha Gin smiled and stood up to greet them, his gaze passing over the gentle and intellectual-looking Lady Yongmei, and landing on Uchiha Rinpoche, who was frowning in thought behind her.

"Little Zhili, don't be shy with me, order whatever you want!"

"Mr. Yin, if you find a wallet, you can't just leave it unattended with the security team, okay?"

Looking at Uchiha Gin, who was completely different from his usual stingy self, Uchiha Osamu offered a stern warning without any expression.
"What kind of person do you take me for? This money is what I earned by selling myself!"

So, the money for the last treat wasn't from legitimate sources?
"."

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Rinpoche's expression froze, his usually cold eyes filled with complex emotions.
"A man should never sell himself, no matter how difficult things get."

Hearing this familiar slang, Uchiha Gin couldn't help but roll his eyes. His reputation was already at rock bottom, so being framed like this wouldn't bother him much. Without offering any further explanation, he casually picked up the menu beside him and handed it over.

Let's order first.

"Sister Zhili, come quick~ come quick~"

Senju Itama cheerfully invited her best friend to sit down next to her; the two hadn't seen each other for a while.
"haven't seen you for a long time."

Looking at the idiotic-looking Itama, a rare smile appeared on Uchiha Osamu's usually cold face.

"Curly-haired baboon has made a fortune. You don't need to save money for him; just pick the most expensive items!"

"Oh? Did Mr. Yin win by playing pachinko?"

"Ah! When did that guy sneak off to beat up pachinko again?"

"."

"Gintoki, you keep checking your watch, is someone else still here?"

Meanwhile, sitting next to Uchiha Gin, Uchiha Eimi noticed that he kept glancing at the time, so she tilted her head and asked curiously,

"Yes, and Mito too."

"What's that red-haired woman doing here?"

Upon hearing the familiar name, Uchiha Hikaru unconsciously curled her lip slightly. From the girl's undisguised disdain, it was clear that her relationship with Uzumaki Mito wasn't exactly harmonious.
"She came to visit Kushina."

"That would be best."

Uchiha Hikaru didn't believe that Uzumaki Mito had come to Konoha just to see her granddaughter. He needed to keep a close eye on Uchiha Gin these next few days, otherwise he wouldn't even know his little brother had been stolen.

"Kid, there's enemy activity. Be careful lately."

Thinking of this, she turned to look at Senju Itama, who was still considered an ally, and whispered her instructions.
"Don't worry, I have the best sense of taste. I can taste other people's flavors immediately!"

"Idiot, it will be too late by the time you taste it."

Seeing Senju Itama lick his lips with a confident expression, Uchiha Hikaru rubbed his forehead, looking utterly helpless.
What amazing teammates!
"I will be careful."

"Uh?"

However, before she could continue her reprimand, Uchiha Osamu, sitting next to Senju Itama, suddenly retorted.
(all)
Noticing Uchiha Hikaru's strange gaze, and realizing she had misspoke, Uchiha Osamu blushed slightly. Fortunately, she was quick-witted and soon found an impeccable excuse.

"I'm helping my mother."

"You are such a filial daughter."

Uchiha Hikari nodded with a strange expression, not wanting to expose this long-standing secret. She knew best how oblivious Uchiha Gin was to feelings, and this little apprentice of hers still had a long way to go!
About ten minutes later, a red figure pushed open the door and gave everyone present an apologetic smile.

"Sorry I'm late."

"Has everything been settled with Kushina?"

Uchiha Gin nodded, then inquired about Kushina and the others' onboarding.

"Sigh~ Don't say anything, there's a whole stack of contracts to sign, otherwise I wouldn't be late."

Mito Uzumaki, who plopped down opposite Gin Uchiha, sighed, her pretty face full of annoyance.
"What happened to Kushina?"

Lady Yongmei looked at Mito curiously. Kushina was a high-level VIP at Honey Ice City, spending a considerable amount of money at her shop every month, so she had a deep impression of that energetic red-haired girl.

"Let me tell you about this."

Once everyone was present, Uchiha Gin, taking advantage of the waiter's break while serving the food, vividly recounted to the women present the events of the day that had transpired.
"Curly-haired baboon, didn't you say you'd never work again in your life?"

Upon hearing that Uchiha Gin had accepted Danzo's offer to become a mentor for the four child candidates, Senju Itama couldn't help but ask curiously,
When Uchiha Gin was forcibly retired from prison, he swore a solemn oath that he would never work a single day again in his lifetime, much to the chagrin of those incompetent capitalists.

"Isn't it because the price is right?"

With a forced smile, Gin Uchiha scratched his head. How could he forget the poisonous oath he had sworn in anger? But aren't oaths meant to be broken?

"Ten million a month is indeed not a small amount; it's almost as much as our store's weekly revenue."

While expressing her feelings, Madame de Yonmei didn't forget to briefly mention her vast business empire in the tiny Versailles.

"So, ten million is enough for a monthly subscription?"

Uchiha Rinne secretly checked his account balance, his eyes filled with thought.

If we try a little harder, it seems like we can afford it.

"The dishes are all served, please enjoy your meal."

As they were talking, the staff carrying ingredients filed in, and soon the previously empty table was filled with fresh ingredients.

Let's eat!

As Uchiha Gin, the head of the family, finished speaking, everyone picked up their chopsticks and threw their favorite ingredients into the boiling pot. Soon, the entire room was filled with an enticing aroma.
"I'm vaguely~I'm vaguely~"

The greedy Thousand Hands Ignoring the scorching heat of the freshly cooked ingredients, she tossed a slice of tender white fish into the pot. The perfectly smooth texture, combined with an irresistible spicy aroma, completely won over her taste buds.
"Eat slowly, be careful it's hot."

Seeing her wolfing down her food, Uchiha Osamu looked on helplessly and reminded her, while he carefully blew on the chicken meatball that was almost in his mouth.

Her refined, ladylike manner of eating contrasted sharply with the wolfish eating of Senju Itama beside her.
Uchiha Gin picked up a piece of tender, fatty beef and swished it around in the pot a few times. When he picked it up again, the pink color of the meat had faded, and he nodded in satisfaction.
"Tap~"

"Tap~"

However, before he could even place the slices of meat into the bowl full of sesame sauce, Uchiha Hikaru and Uzumaki Mito on either side simultaneously pushed their own bowls of sauce in front of him.

"Uh"

Feeling two burning gazes, Uchiha Gin hesitated in mid-air, chopsticks in hand, holding the first slice of meat, creating a momentary stalemate.

"A Yin!"

"Gintoki~"

Two delicate hands simultaneously rested on his thighs, a seemingly ambiguous scene that caused Uchiha Gin to reveal a faint look of fear.

"Well!"

As expected, seeing Uchiha Gin's hesitant expression, his two small hands, which had been gently rubbing together, suddenly clenched, and the veins on the back of his hands bulged.

"It's just a piece of meat, isn't it? Let me taste it to see if it's salty enough."

His thigh was pinched, and Uchiha Gin was in so much pain that his face was covered in cold sweat. His hand holding the chopsticks was trembling slightly, but even so, he managed to force a polite smile that looked more like a grimace.
"No, you have to choose one today."

Uchiha Kou glanced at Uzumaki Mito, who was arguing with him, with a forced smile, and gently shook his head, rejecting Uchiha Gin's decision.
"Oh, this."

Clang!

Just as Uchiha Gin was caught in his usual chaotic predicament, the door to the private room was suddenly pushed open, a figure rushed in, and then slammed the door shut with lightning speed.
The action was so fast that no one present could react in time.
The intruder pressed their ear to the door, and only after confirming that the noisy footsteps outside had faded away did a look of relief appear on their fair face.
"Phew, sorry, there are too many fans outside. Uh... Silver, it's you!"

Finding himself under the scrutiny of many eyes, the intruder turned around apologetically, intending to apologize for his rudeness. However, before he could finish explaining, he spotted a familiar face holding chopsticks.
"Jeong-hime?"

Uchiha Gin looked at the flustered Su Shen Zhen Ji with suspicion. The two, one human and one snake, hadn't seen each other for some time; he never expected them to reunite in this way.
Upon seeing that it was Uchiha Gin, the apology on Zhenji's face faded at a visible speed.

"I was doing a live stream at a newly opened store nearby, and I didn't expect so many enthusiastic fans that they blocked the road."

Ignoring the strange looks from everyone present, she explained why she had been avoiding him as she strode over to Uchiha Gin. Her gaze lingered on the swaying piece of meat, and she lightly licked it with her pink tongue. She was hungry, after all.
"I'm starting to eat!"

Having said that, she naturally leaned down and rested her head on Uchiha Gin's shoulder, her long neck brushing against his face. Her lips parted slightly, and the piece of meat that Uchiha Hikaru and Uzumaki Mito had fought over for so long, more symbolic than edible, was devoured by Sugami Sadahime.

"So tender! It's just a little cold~ Hot pot has to be eaten while it's hot, otherwise the experience will be much worse!"

After finishing her meal, she gave a serious critique, which infuriated Uchiha Hikaru, instantly turning his black eyes bloodshot.

"How can it be repaired?"

"Hikaru! Don't be impulsive, Zhenji is family too!"

Seeing the furious Uchiha Hikaru, Uchiha Gin quickly spoke up to calm him down.

"Gintoki, tell me honestly, how many family members like us do you actually have?"

Mito Uzumaki, standing to the side, put down her chopsticks, her gaze gradually becoming serious. This newly appeared brown-haired, snake-faced man gave her a very dangerous feeling.

"It's gone~ It's gone~" Uchiha Gin wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, noticing the disbelieving expressions on everyone's faces. He immediately raised his hand and swore a solemn oath.

"I swear in the name of my ancestors, absolutely not!"

Fortunately, Indra's reputation was still good, and the women believed him.
As expected of a smooth-talking livestreamer, Zhenji effortlessly lowered the guard of the initially wary women with just a few words, allowing the hotpot meal to continue smoothly.

"Silver, thank you for the treat~"

After the meal, Su Shen Zhen Ji, having once again devoured all the remaining food at the hot pot restaurant, smiled and waved to Uchiha Yin.
"Remember to invite me next time there's a gathering like this."

"hehe."

Looking down at his empty wallet, Uchiha Gin forced an awkward but polite smile.

"Gintoki, who exactly is she?"

Mito's gaze shifted from Sujin Sadahime's swaying figure, her expression growing even more grave. Her sensory abilities were among the best in the ninja world; she could clearly sense the terrifying power contained within her opponent.
"The streamer I signed with is also a trustworthy ally."

They can eat a little bit, but how can an average person afford to feed them?

Uchiha Gin pursed his lips and put his wallet back.

"An ally?"

Mito Uzumaki nodded thoughtfully. Such strength indeed warranted the title of ally.

"Red-haired sea woman, when are you leaving?"

Suddenly, Uchiha Hikaru's voice interrupted her thoughts. Seeing the fighting spirit in his eyes, Uzumaki Mito raised an eyebrow.
"What's wrong? Is your skin itchy again?"

"Arrange a match? I'll make you cry."

"You think I'm afraid of someone as plain as a washboard as you?"

To be clear, Uchiha Hikaru isn't exactly flat, but it depends on who you compare him to.

"Shh!"

The two, locked in a fierce argument, vanished in the blink of an eye, and a battle between the two women, disguised as post-dinner exercise, began.

"Curly-haired baboon, Sister Zhi is going shopping with me. You can go back first!"

Senju Itama, beaming with excitement, greeted them and, pulling along the clearly reluctant Uchiha Osamu, disappeared in the direction of the shopping district.

"Gintoki, could you take me home?"

Thus, the ultimate winner of this battle without gunfire emerged.

Uchiha Eimi smiled and climbed onto Uchiha Gin's arm, acting like a spoiled little girl.
"Gudong~"

Feeling the amazing sensation coming from his arm, Uchiha Gin swallowed hard. Is this the so-called law of conservation of energy? You have to release as much energy as you eat.

A week later,

Tailed Beast Management Department
Having already signed his employment contract, Uchiha Gin was in high spirits. The thought of now being among the high-income earners with a monthly income of tens of millions made him walk with an unusually light step.

Kushina and the other three hadn't had a moment's rest this week either; Danzo had made them study a dictionary-thick set of rules and regulations, leaving them still looking listless.

"What, are you unhappy to see me?"

In an indoor lecture hall, Uchiha Gin looked at the four listless children below the stage, and raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Master Yin."

"Please call me San San in class."

Uchiha Gin fiddled with his newly issued department uniform, then shook his head seriously to correct him.
"Yes, Yin San San~"

The children exchanged glances, then, forcing themselves to stay alert, shouted in unison.

"Okay, let's begin our first lesson today."

Since everyone here is already an acquaintance, there's no need for a tedious self-introduction session. Uchiha Gin decided to get straight to the point on the first day, letting these kids know just how professional he really is.
"But before that, let me introduce two teaching assistants to everyone here."

Teaching assistant?

The four blinked upon hearing this; they had never heard of a teaching assistant before.
Meanwhile, Danzo, who had been eavesdropping outside the lecture hall, looked at his subordinates with a bewildered expression and asked in a strange tone,

"You've assigned him an assistant?"

No~ No~

Led by Xiaolanhua, the root members shook their heads vigorously.
"Click~"

Amidst the four people's puzzled gazes, Uchiha Gin opened the textbook beside him and took out two Tailed Beast Cards that were shimmering with a subtle light.

"Ok?"

Danzo frowned upon seeing this.
Is he this energetic in the very first class?
Shouldn't we proceed step by step?

"I sacrifice one card's power, Bond Summon, come forth, my assistant coach!"

Uchiha Gin remained expressionless, raising his hand to toss out the Tailed Beast Cards. With two blinding beams of light, the cards, before even hitting the ground, transformed into two chibi-style Nine-Tails.

"what!?"

Turning his face away from the spot where Danzo had screamed, Uchiha Gin smirked slightly. "I'll show you whether that ten million was worth it."
"Roar!"

The Nine-Tails, now revealed, roared towards the sky; their small bodies exuded a terrifying aura that sent shivers down one's spine.
"Snapped!"

However, the next second, a huge hand slammed down, knocking the two nine-tailed foxes, which were displaying their majesty, into a daze.
"No talking in class."

Uchiha Gin withdrew his large hand, his face cold as he warned,

"Yes Yes."

The two nine-tailed foxes, recovering from their dizziness, secretly swallowed, their faces displaying a human-like fawning expression.

"You can choose students according to your own attributes. Today's task is to let them understand what the power of the tailed beasts is."

The two nine-tailed foxes nodded hurriedly, their four beastly eyes sweeping over the children below, locking onto their targets in the blink of an eye.

"Tomato Fatty, Cataract Kid, you two come here to me."

Once the choice was made, Yang Jiuwei spoke first, uttering two nicknames that made people blush.

"Boom!"

This nickname hit Kushina's sore spot perfectly, and her round little face instantly turned red with anger, her little fists clenching so tightly they cracked.

Hyuga Kagami, standing to the side, was in no better shape. Feeling insulted, his white eyes were filled with shame and indignation.

"Humph!"

Seeing the two angry figures, Yang Jiuwei snorted coldly, and a terrifying aura emanated from her body.

"Ok?"

Danzo's eyes widened suddenly, as he could feel the profound and terrifying aura emanating from outside.

"This isn't a clone, it's the real body!"

Don't be fooled by the cute chibi version of Kurama. Unlike the chakra clones from the previous trials, this is the real tailed beast. It's just that it's been transformed into this form for the sake of lecturing.

"Be on alert! Notify the sealing team to prepare the formation immediately."

"Splash!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than the door in front of Danzo was suddenly pulled open from the inside, and a curly-haired head with a resentful expression poked its head out.

"Quiet down, all of you! Can't you see I'm teaching?"

"Uh, but..."

Danzo's expression froze. Although he was embarrassed at being caught eavesdropping, he was more worried about the Nine-Tails' true form.
If these two Nine-Tails go berserk, Konoha will be in big trouble.

"If you have any doubts about my professionalism, come in and listen."

"No, no!"

Upon seeing Uchiha Gin, who had invited them to sit in on the conversation, Danzo and the others turned pale with fright. They dared not approach the Nine-Tails without its shackles; who knew how reliable the seals of the Tailed Beast Cards were?
"We're just passing through, we'll be right there."

For safety reasons, Danzo waved his hand and led his gang of henchmen away quickly, leaving the once crowded corridor empty in an instant.

Seeing this, Uchiha Gin nodded in satisfaction, slammed the door shut, and continued his lesson.
Inside the classroom,
Overwhelmed by the aura of the Nine-Tails, Kushina knelt on one knee. Her body's defense mechanisms were triggered, and several golden chains involuntarily extended from her waist.

"Humph!"

However, with a cold snort from Yang Jiuwei, the golden chains snapped instantly. This was no longer a mere chakra clone; this level of Adamantine Sealing Technique was as fragile as a hair in its eyes.
Hyuga Kagami, also affected by the aura, suddenly bulged his temples, his Byakugan, which possessed a high purity, gleamed with a hidden light, and his inherent pressure emanated from them, attempting to resist the Nine-Tails' suppression.

"Well"

Unfortunately, his white eyes were still too immature; the light only lasted for less than a second before dimming.
"Hoo hoo. Is this the true power of a tailed beast?"

Panting heavily, Kushina's eyes were filled with astonishment. She had only ever felt such a terrifying aura from her great-aunt, and even her grandfather, whom she considered invincible, paled in comparison.
"Kid, now you know how powerful I am, right?"

Yang Jiuwei smugly brandished its tail, looking down at the discomfitured Kushina.

"So what if you're powerful? You've still been tied up by me before."

That doesn't count!

Unexpectedly, Kushina refused to back down, continuing to fight back even after suffering a setback. The Nine-Tails was furious, baring its teeth. If it weren't for Gin Uchiha's presence, it would have definitely shown this chubby tomato girl how many tails it, Kurama, had.

On the other hand, the situation with the Nine-Tails was much better. Minato and Kizaru were both mature young men, and after being chosen, they were very obedient and did not cause any trouble.

"Little blondie, concentrate! Don't get distracted while sensing the tailed beast's chakra."

Seeing this, the Nine-Tails didn't make things difficult for them. Instead, it readily threw two clumps of its tailed beast chakra at them, while also reminding Minato, who was secretly watching Kushina, not to get distracted.

"Yes."

Upon hearing this, Minato quickly composed himself, raised his hand to catch the crimson chakra thrown by the Nine-Tails, and the next second, the crimson Tailed Beast Cloak enveloped him and Kizaru.
Seeing this, Uchiha Gin, slumped in his teacher's chair, nodded repeatedly. The best way to understand a power is to experience it firsthand.

"See that? Now that's what professionalism looks like!" (End of Chapter)