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

the land of rain,
As the year draws to a close, the village of Amegakure is already filled with the festive spirit. Thanks to the favorable environment, the residents of the Land of Rain, reaping the benefits of this era, wear joyful and satisfied smiles, preparing their wallets early and eagerly anticipating the upcoming New Year.
Amidst the bustling crowd, a curly-haired man in an indigo striped yukata, with a pair of lazy, lifeless eyes, curiously surveyed the unique goods from all over the ninja world lining both sides of the street.
"Wow, I didn't expect it to be so lively here!"

Just as he was marveling at how the once impoverished and isolated Land of Rain had become a grand bazaar in the ninja world, a bright red storefront on the street corner instantly caught his attention. In front of the brightly decorated shop, a long queue, guided by a憨厚 (honest and simple) Snow King mascot, was moving in an orderly fashion.

You love me~ I love you~

"They've actually opened a branch here! Mrs. Yongmei's business empire is really expanding!"

Uchiha Gin, who had been entrusted by his uncle to visit his two younger cousins, nodded with a sigh.
His spur-of-the-moment angel investment back then actually succeeded. Honey Ice Cream has now become a household name in the ninja world, with franchise stores springing up everywhere. It is said that even the extremely remote Land of Snow is applying to the headquarters in the Land of Fire to open a branch.
"What a pity."

Uchiha Gin had come on a mission, so he was short on time. Plus, the queue was too long, so he regretfully had to wait until his next visit to support him.
"Huh? That's..."

Just as he was shaking his head and about to walk past, he suddenly noticed several familiar figures in the queue. His steps faltered, and a strange look gradually appeared on his fair face.

"Is it already this big?"

It was a group of children, one older and one younger. Leading them was a black-haired girl dressed as a trainee shrine maiden, carrying a large vegetable basket; her round face was full of endearing charm.
Behind her were three little tails of different colors—red, orange, and purple—staring longingly at the ice cream on the shop sign, their innocent eyes filled with nothing but desire.
Perhaps because they had waited a long time, the little girl with purple hair squatted on the ground looking tired, her rosy lips pouting in a wronged manner.
"Sister Maitreya, isn't it our turn yet? I have to go to my dance class later!"

"It'll be our turn soon."

The black-haired girl, called Maitreya, gently bent down and patted the purple-haired little girl's head, softly comforting her.

"How about you order first, Xiao Nan?"

Hearing this, a bright smile finally appeared on the purple-haired little girl's face. As she stood up, the blue teardrop gem hanging around her neck swayed gently.

"Hey, Nagato, did you bring enough money? I heard from Uncle Jiraiya that things in here aren't cheap!"

The orange-haired boy in the trio patted his pocket, then turned to look with slight concern at the boy with medium-length red hair beside him.
"Isn't a thousand taels enough?"

The red-haired boy paused for a moment upon hearing this, then slowly pulled his left hand out of his pocket, along with a banknote of considerable value.

What's a bit surprising is that the child was wearing a thick glove on his left hand.

"You brought a thousand taels? That's perfect. Let's do a group buy. There's a buy-one-get-one-free promotion on lemonade. You pay for the one you buy, and I'll pay for the free one, how about that?"

"."

The red-haired boy called Nagato didn't reply immediately. Instead, he glanced up at the lemonade priced at 1000 ryo on the sign, then looked back at his childhood friend who was trying to get a free gift. His delicate face suddenly fell.
"Yahiko, do I look like someone who drools when I talk?"

"Uh"

The orange-haired boy scratched his head awkwardly; his plan to get something for free seemed to have ended in failure.
"How about this, I'll treat you to a cone of ice cream, and you give me the lemonade that was given to you."

"No."

Nagato rejected Yahiko's unfair deal without hesitation; an ice cream cone cost only 200 ryo, its value incomparable to lemonade.
Moreover, at a price of one thousand taels, he has more options than just lemonade.
"I want brown sugar bubble tea."

"Huh? Brown sugar? Your hands are all black from drinking it?"

Glancing at Yahiko, who was still mocking him with a pained expression, Nagato casually pulled out a banknote of the same denomination from another pocket and flicked it a few times.

"Sigh, I was originally thinking of helping someone out, but now it seems I was overthinking it."

Pfft!
"Big Boss Black Hand, please accept my humble knees!"

Yahiko, who slid to his knees at lightning speed, rubbed his hands together with a fawning expression, practically branding the words "lackey" onto his face.

"Minami, you must never become a spineless person like Yahiko in the future."

Seeing the interaction between the two, Maitreya frowned and turned to Xiao Nan beside him to warn her, which earned him a crisp reply from the girl.
"They know!"

"Hello, how many of you are there and what do you need?"

Finally, it was their turn. Looking at the smiling shop assistants, Miroku reached out and patted Konan on the head.

Choose.

"I want a strawberry kiss!"

The menu was overflowing with drinks, leaving the girl overwhelmed, but in the end, the classic strawberry boba stood out.

"A cup of jasmine milk green tea."

Maitreya chose a relatively light tea drink.

"Hello, one cup of brown sugar pearl milk tea, and one buy-one-get-one-free lemonade."

Having successfully tamed Yahiko with money, Nagato stepped forward and generously handed over 2000 ryo.

"Okay, would you like your lemonade half-sweet or full-sweet?"

The shop assistant nodded, and while processing the order, asked some questions.
"Half"

"Thank you, triple sugar."

Before Yahiko could answer, a voice suddenly interrupted him.

"Okay, both cups will have triple sugar, right? Please wait a moment~"

"Huh? Uncle, who are you?"

Following the voice that had made the decision for them, Yahiko and Nagato stared wide-eyed, their faces filled with wariness, upon discovering that the newcomer was a man they had never seen before.

Just because they don't recognize the person doesn't mean others don't.
"Crack~"

Upon hearing that familiar, languid voice, Miro, who was waiting with Xiaonan, suddenly turned around. The vegetable basket she was carrying slipped from her hand, and her round little face was filled with the joy of reunion.

"Uncle Yin?!"

"Hey~ Little Maitreya, Sasipuri, it's been years since I last saw you, you've grown into a beautiful young lady!"

Uchiha Gin smiled and waved to Miroku, whose eyes were gleaming.

Three years had passed since their last parting. He had assumed the priestess and her apprentice had long since moved elsewhere to gather faith, but he never expected them to still be in Amegakure, a place where people only half-believe in God.
"You and me."

Upon their long-awaited reunion, Maitreya became somewhat incoherent, his flustered little hands unsure of what to do.

"Hello, your drinks."

Just then, the staff pushed over several large cups of drinks packed up. Uchiha Gin glanced at the long line behind him, took the drinks, and waved to a few bewildered children, signaling them to follow.
"Sister Maitreya, who is this uncle?"

Konan, who had followed Miroku out, reached out and tugged at the other's plain-colored shrine maiden robes, quietly asking, "..."
While asking the questions, she was also secretly observing the tall figure walking at the front. For some reason, Xiao Nan felt that this person had a strange connection with her.

"He is the master's friend."

Miroku nodded slightly and briefly explained Uchiha Gin's identity to reassure the children that they could hand over their drinks to him.

The main street wasn't the place to talk, so Uchiha Gin looked around and finally settled on a traditional pastry shop, stepping inside first.

Uchiha Gin has reached an age where he's nostalgic; he prefers traditional pastries to fancy cakes.

"welcome!"

At the owner's enthusiastic invitation, Uchiha Gin led his four children to a quiet private room, picked up the menu, casually ordered a specialty dessert from the Land of Rain, and handed it to Miroku, who looked puzzled.

"You guys keep an eye on things, it's on me."

Looking at Uchiha Gin's handsome face, untouched by the ravages of time, Miroku pursed his lips.

"Uncle Yin, why haven't you come to visit us all these years? My master and I miss you very much."

"Well, I do believe you, Little Maitreya, but as for what you said about your master missing me, is that true or not?"

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Gin paused slightly, his expression becoming quite subtle as he recalled the night he spent at the Hakurei Shrine.

"It's true! Every night, Master reads the book you left for her until late at night."

Seeing Uchiha Gin's disbelieving expression, Miroku explained with certainty,
Uchiha Ginhaku rolled his eyes; he already had his answer.

That flat-chested red and white shrine maiden must have been studying his breast enhancement secrets all night long!

"The three of you..."

He shook his head and then turned his gaze to the three children who were secretly observing him.
"It's been a long time."

Seeing the same face on Konan Yahiko's face as that of the disciple from another timeline, Uchiha Gin revealed a warm smile.

haven't seen you for a long time?

The three members of Nagato blinked in confusion, exchanged glances, and all saw utter bewilderment in each other's eyes.
"Uncle, is this the first time we've met?"

Yahiko, who grew up in a barbecue restaurant, is the most outgoing of the three. As the eldest of the three, he was the first to speak up and express the questions that were on their minds.

"It's understandable that you don't recognize me, after all, you were only this young when we last met."

Uchiha Gin smiled and gestured the size of a swaddled baby, leaving the three of them even more confused.

"Nagato, how's business at your family's general store? Is Masahiko still managing to keep up?"

Nagato saw Uchiha Gin smiling at him, and a strange tremor suddenly emanated from his black hand hidden under his glove. Although this unusual situation was strange, his attention was completely drawn to the other's words at the moment.

"You know my father?" "I not only know your father, but also your grandfather and your great-grandfather."

Especially considering the complex relationship between Nagato and Uchiha Gin, their friendship can be traced back to the Warring States period.

"what?"

Ignoring the dumbfounded Nagato, Uchiha Gin turned to look at Konan, who was blinking his big, watery eyes, and, suppressing the urge to angrily smack his head, smiled and said...

"Xiao Nan, is your father still a teacher?"

His impression of Xiao Nan's father was still that of an ambitious young man who had just moved into Amegakure and was preparing to pursue a career in education.

"Ah? Father is the headmaster now."

Due to the stable political situation, the residents of Amegakure were no longer content with just having enough to eat and drink, and began to focus on the next generation, leading to a flourishing of education.

This also provided Xiao Nan's father with a stage to showcase his ambitions. Already possessing extensive knowledge, he rose rapidly from a teaching assistant to the head of a preschool in just three years—a meteoric rise indeed.

"Wow~ I didn't realize that!"

Nodding with a sigh, Uchiha Gin finally fixed his gaze on Yahiko.

Does your barbecue restaurant still offer fresh milk?

"Huh? You actually know this! Uncle, who exactly are you?"

Yahiko's eyes widened in surprise. The special fresh milk was a hidden drink known only to regular customers.
"Hmph~ I am Uchiha Gin, just a handsome guy passing by. Remember me?"

Feeling the intense gazes of the three children, Uchiha Gin hummed contentedly twice, then straightened his posture and began to introduce himself.

"Huh?" *3
"So you're Gin Uchiha, sir!"

Konan jumped off her chair and ran to Uchiha Gin, scrutinizing this mysterious curly-haired man who only appeared in her parents' bedtime stories, her big eyes filled with curiosity.

Wasn't Uchiha Gin supposed to be a warm-hearted and highly responsible ninja?

Why do you look like a social outcast?
"Do you recognize this?"

Discovering that Uchiha Gin's appearance was vastly different from what her parents had described, Konan, with a questioning attitude, tilted her head and took off the teardrop necklace from her neck.

"How could I not recognize you? This is a gift from me."

Uchiha Gin chuckled as he glanced at the teardrop-shaped item Konan was wearing; the equipment's attributes immediately came to mind.
[Goddess's Tears: Increases chakra recovery speed by 15%. Trait - Accumulation: When the holder and nearby teammates refine or consume chakra, the holder's maximum chakra increases by 4. (Accumulated: 0)]

Gin Uchiha's gaze swept over the accumulated numbers, and he nodded thoughtfully. It seemed that Konan and her friends hadn't awakened their ninja talents yet; they hadn't even learned the most basic chakra extraction.
"Do you know what this hand of mine is like?"

Nagato, who was standing nearby, also came over and showed Uchiha Gin his gloved left hand.
"Take off your gloves, let me check the seal for you."

"I'm fine."

Nagato timidly removed his gloves, revealing a small, jet-black hand. Uchiha Gin's eyes narrowed, and his enhanced sensory abilities activated.

The Ten Directions Seal remained firm, and Cixian's wedge was pressed down obediently, unable to even turn over.

Because everything seemed normal, he became increasingly suspicious.
Uchiha Gin frowned slightly. Although he hadn't seen Jigen cause any trouble in the past three years, he always felt that the cunning alien was secretly brewing some big news.

"Put it on, there's no problem for now."

Thank you.

Nagato silently put on his gloves, recalling how his parents had told him about a strange illness he contracted at birth.

Just when he was about to be ruined by a quack doctor, Uchiha Gin traveled all the way from Konoha to help suppress his illness. The black hand that appeared to be the cause of the treatment was a side effect.

"So you're the Uchiha Gin that Uncle Jiraiya was talking about. You really do look like you deserve a beating!"

"You know Jiraiya?"

Upon hearing the familiar name from Yahiko, Uchiha Gin raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"Uncle Jiraiya works at our shop, and I often hear him talk about your story."

Is that kid still infiltrating?

This time he got what he wanted and infiltrated the side of the very gentle Yahiko's mother. Hopefully, Jiraiya won't make the mistake that every man makes. The sweet and soft little Hijiri is still waiting for him in the village!
After confirming Uchiha Gin's identity, the three children finally lowered their guard and huddled together to open the menu and start choosing their food.
Seeing the three of them being so informal, Miroku gave Uchiha Gin an apologetic look, then, as if remembering something, his face lit up with relief.
"Uncle Yin, you've come at just the right time. My master and I will be leaving soon."

"Leave? Is the Hakurei Shrine finally going to close down thanks to your master's relentless efforts?"

Uchiha Gin looked curiously at Miroku, who seemed like a little adult.
"My master said she had a bad feeling, so she was going to take me back to her hometown to avoid trouble."

Miroku was also puzzled as to why Reimu Hakurei was running away with her bucket. The Land of Rain was thriving, and its people lived in peace and prosperity; it was the perfect opportunity for them to spread their faith.
A bad feeling?
Recalling the peculiar talent possessed by the priestess of the Land of Demons, Uchiha Gin's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.
Although Reimu is a half-baked shrine maiden, she is at least a legitimate member of the Land of Demons, and possesses some degree of prophetic ability.
"It would be good to go back and take a look. It's not good for the two of you to keep wandering around outside."

Uchiha Gin nodded with a look of satisfaction. Miroku had been taken out by Reimu to travel the world since he was a child.

To take care of her useless master, she devoted all her great talent to housework at a young age, neglecting her proper training. This time, returning to the Land of Demons, she can finally relieve herself of this burden and systematically learn the way of the priestess.
"We've ordered!"

Just then, the three children, having chosen their favorite snacks, said in unison,
"Let's drink and wait."

After handing the menu to the arriving owner, Uchiha Gin distributed the drinks that the group had ordered to each of them.

"Ugh, so sweet!"

Yahiko wrinkled his nose after taking a sip of the triple-sweet lemonade; this level of sweetness was far too much for a child.
"As a man, surely you can't even beat this little bit of sugar?"

With a straw in his mouth, Gin Uchiha watched Yahiko sticking out his tongue with great interest, his face full of mockery.
"Hmph! A mere triple candy? Watch me refine it in an instant!"

Influenced by an unknown employee, Yahiko, his face suddenly serious, grabbed a straw and began gulping down the watered-down syrup. His frantic actions left Nagato and Konan watching with expressions of worry.
"Yahiko, stop drinking! Your teeth will rot!"

Just looking at it made Xiao Nan's lips feel greasy, so she frowned slightly.
"Ignore this idiot; once he gets serious, not even ten oxen could pull him back."

Nagato, who grew up with him, understood Yahiko's personality well and knew that persuasion would be useless.
Anyway, he's not the one who got cavities.

"Burp~ Done!"

"You're a real man, I have high hopes for you!"

Watching Yahiko down the triple-sugar lemonade in one gulp, Gin Uchiha patted him on the shoulder approvingly, earning a proud, goofy grin from the other.

To have such courage at such a young age, he truly deserves to be the leader of the number one ninja group in the future!

"Guests, please enjoy your snacks~"

As fresh pastries were served, Yahiko, whose mouth was practically glued together, picked up a piece and stuffed it into his mouth, using the pastry to neutralize the lingering sweetness in his mouth.
"Phew, I'm alive again~"

The other children were much more refined, munching on their snacks with drinks in small bites, their faces showing pure enjoyment.
"Grandpa Yin, is there something you need this time?"

Miroku took a bite of his red bean bun and looked curiously at Uchiha Gin, who had suddenly frowned.
"I'm here to visit relatives."

Uchiha Gin stared at the snacks in front of him with a conflicted expression. He hadn't expected to encounter his lifelong nemesis again.
Salty snacks unique to the Land of Rain that shouldn't exist in this world.

"Visiting relatives? If you're not in a hurry to leave, Uncle Yin, could you..."

"If you don't mind me bothering you, I'll go to the shrine later to pray for good fortune in the new year."

Seeing the little girl pursing her lips, Uchiha Gin, who was asking the shopkeeper to pack her food, smiled and nodded. He knew the girl's mouth was lonely.
"Remember to buy the ingredients."

"Great!"

Because Xiao Nan had to rush to her dance class, the reunion tea party had to end early.

After saying goodbye to the kids, Uchiha Gin, carrying a bag of savory snacks, headed towards the property his older cousin had purchased, following the address he had found out beforehand.

"A bad feeling. Could it be that war is really about to break out?"

Recalling their conversation, Uchiha Gin frowned thoughtfully. Reimu's precognitive abilities were never unfounded; it seemed he would have to inquire further with his cousin later.

The construction of Rain Village proceeded rapidly; in just three years, it transformed from a small town into a relatively prosperous county town.

Brand-new high-rise buildings stood tall in the misty rain, their neon lights shimmering and reflecting each other, creating a magical scene.

"363738! Is this the place? Why are there so many people?"

Following the house number, Uchiha Gin finally stopped in front of a three-story mixed-use commercial and residential building facing the street, his curiosity only growing stronger.
How could my cousin be so careless as to buy a property in such a conspicuous location?

"Parents, please line up and keep an eye on your children."

Seeing the long queue of adults and children at the entrance, Uchiha Gin looked up at the store's extravagant storefront with a puzzled expression.
[Traditional Dance Exchange and Training Base of the Land of Fire]

After seeing the flamboyant, dragon-and-phoenix-like signboard, his eye twitched violently.
"This guest, please take a seat!"

Finding him standing there in a daze, a staff member dressed in exotic armor and performance costume came out of the store, holding a flyer, and warmly invited him to line up.
Upon seeing Uchiha's silver face, the staff member with long, flowing black hair froze, and the flyers in her hand slipped to the ground.
"What are you doing here?"

"My cousin is going back to his old profession to pursue his dream, how can I, as his older brother, not offer my support?"

Looking at the two Black Zetsu Sasukes before him, clad in heavy, ancient armor, Gin Uchiha shook his head with a complex expression.
Where's my older cousin?

"Banta is rehearsing for a special program to welcome the Spring Festival."

Black Zetsu, who had crouched down to pick up the scattered flyers, answered truthfully. It was then that Uchiha Gin noticed a striking figure on one of the brightly colored flyers: a free-spirited man clad in red armor, riding a horse and wielding a halberd.
【Divine Steed Blesses General - Unparalleled Dance Skills】

Forcibly pulling his gaze away from his strangely-looking older cousin, Uchiha Gin, who was clearly struggling to maintain his composure, remained silent for a few seconds before placing the savory snacks he was offering as a gift into the hands of the bewildered Black Zetsu Sasuke.
"Here, take this. Just pretend I never had this younger brother." (End of Chapter)