Konoha: The thirty-year-old Uchiha lacks motivation.

Finally, after much persuasion, Uchiha Gin reluctantly acknowledged his bratty younger brother, Uchiha Madara. With a slightly cold expression, he looked at his older cousin, who was bowing his head in remorse, and immediately decided not to remind the kid about the Nine-Tails anymore.

Only by enduring hardship can one truly appreciate the kindness of their older cousin.

"Cousin, I'll find a way to pay you back."

Madara Uchiha, who was the instigator, could see that Gin Uchiha was indeed a little angry, so he lowered his head and made a promise.

Anyway, Izuna's house has so much gold, it wouldn't hurt to take some and use it.

"My dear cousin, it's not that I'm worried about the money; to me, money means nothing!"

"Whoa~"

Tobirama Senju immediately emitted a sarcastic and insinuating voice that made everyone's teeth itch.

Moreover, even Madara Uchiha looked incredulous upon hearing this. The fact that Gin Uchiha had tricked the Ninja Alliance was widely known and had caused quite a stir.

"Cough cough cough What I'm angry about is that you don't tell me what's wrong, and you always keep it all to yourself."

After clearing his throat a few times, Uchiha Gin put on a serious expression, looked at his younger cousin, and said with a pained expression,

"Remember, your older cousin won't hurt you. If there's anything you can't figure out, be sure to talk to him about it."

"I see!"

Upon hearing this, Madara Uchiha was deeply moved, feeling a warmth in his chest. Even his usually icy face showed a rare hint of shame.

With his expression softening considerably, Uchiha Gin reverted to his usual lazy demeanor, and looking at the deeply moved Uchiha Madara, he said with a smile,

"Okay, that's right. Remember to give me an IOU when you get back~"

"You really are my good older brother."

"Even close brothers should keep clear accounts!"

After all, Gin Uchiha's money didn't come easily; grinding for gold is a very arduous task.

……

After inspecting the tailed beasts controlled by genjutsu, Hashirama Senju and the others said they would return to their posts to continue contributing. As they left, Tobirama Senju looked at Gin Uchiha and the others, pondered for a moment, and then spoke up.

"Don't worry, the tailed beasts won't stay here for long. Someone will come to take over, and your mission will be over."

In fact, at the very beginning of the capture of the Tailed Beasts, Tobirama Senju already had some considerations about how to deal with them.

Because many countries have followed the Land of Fire's "one country, one village" system and established their own ninja villages,

With the support of military funds allocated by the daimyo, these officially certified ninjas rapidly expanded their combat power. In order to seize resources and territory, some of the restless ninja villages have begun to overstep their bounds.

Not long ago, the Land of Water and the Land of Earth had several significant clashes over territorial disputes.

The Land of Thunder, sitting on the sidelines, watched with predatory eyes, while the Land of Wind lurked in the shadows, preparing to seize the opportunity to take a bite out of the other major powers amidst the chaos.

Fortunately, these countries haven't yet set their sights on the Land of Fire, otherwise Konoha would have an excuse to use Susanoo and the Great Buddha to destroy four countries.

"What, are you going to open a zoo and make money by charging admission?"

Uchiha Gin knew perfectly well that he had been temporarily pulled in to take the fall. If the Senju clan had been willing to go after the Uzumaki clan, they would have been completely out of the picture.

If it were a long-term mission, Tobirama Senju would absolutely not have agreed to let the Uchiha clan get their hands on the Tailed Beasts.

"almost."

Tobirama Senju did not deny it, but he did not want to discuss the matter in detail. He simply instructed Gin Uchiha to pay attention to the tailed beasts, as they were related to the livelihood of Konoha, and hinted that the Konoha dungeon was being reorganized recently and that they might recruit more talented people at that time.

"I've decided to raise the Tailed Beasts to be plump and healthy, so as not to let the organization down!"

This wasn't just a hint; it was a blatant declaration. Upon hearing this, Uchiha Gin immediately stood at attention and solemnly pledged to dedicate his life to the prison cause of Konoha.

After Hashirama Senju and the others left, Gin Uchiha turned to look at the rows of tailed beasts, waved for the girls to come forward and listen to his instructions.

"Little Zhili, Little Guang, how long can your illusions last?"

Although both women possess extremely powerful genjutsu (illusionary techniques) in their Mangekyou Sharingan, Uchiha Gin was worried that the strain would be too much for them to sustain for long.

"It's alright, Mr. Yin, my energy expenditure isn't much."

As her devoted little disciple, Uchiha Rinko was the first to shake her head. She could only control the Two-Tails, Three-Tails, and Four-Tails, which required relatively less energy.

As long as the genjutsu wedge she left in the tailed beasts' consciousness is not destroyed, the three tailed beasts will remain under her control.

"Are you underestimating me?"

Uchiha Hikari was even more direct. She pouted and glared angrily at Uchiha Gin, who didn't trust her, her face full of resentment.

As the holder of the Eternal Eye even older than Madara Uchiha, Hikaru Uchiha's mastery of ocular techniques had reached a level of consummate skill after reconciling with her second personality.

To deal with a mere few tailed beasts, ordinary genjutsu of the Sharingan would be enough to easily subdue them. If the Eight Thousand Spears were used, these tailed beasts would probably all be blinded.

"No, that's not true. I'm just worried about your health. If you feel unwell, please let me know."

"Better safe than sorry," Uchiha Gin said with a smile, shaking his head. His concern was genuine.

"Are you all packed? Can we go home now?"

Because the Senju brothers were present, Senju Itama had been deliberately keeping her presence to herself, hiding in a corner to clean up the mess from the hot pot. She only came online after her brothers left.

"Alright, alright, the picnic is over~"

Since the Senju clan was stationed on the outskirts of the forest, Uchiha Gin immediately waved his hand and announced that the troops would return to their camp.

For the next period of time, everything was very peaceful. Apart from Uchiha Hikaru and Uchiha Osamu occasionally reinforcing the genjutsu, Uchiha Gin did not even set foot in the forest again.

In his view, he had already achieved his goal and collected all the chakra from the tailed beasts. There was no point in continuing to exploit them. He might as well spend that time farming steel.

"Ugh, so boring!"

Today was another lazy day. Uchiha Gin, who slept until the sun was high in the sky, scratched his messy hair as he walked downstairs, ready to enjoy the breakfast that Senju Itama had prepared for him, just like always.

"Hello, is anyone there?"

After waiting for a long time, there was still no response.

"Alas, in the end, I've become a lone wolf. Is this the loneliness of the strong?"

Filled with sorrow, Uchiha Gin couldn't help but lower his head and sigh.

However, on a prominent spot on the table in the hall, Uchiha Gin noticed a note. Looking at the delicate handwriting, Uchiha Gin raised an eyebrow in exasperation.

"Tsk! I guess I'll have to rely on myself again today~"

[Curly-haired baboon, I couldn't wake you up at all this morning. We're going camping in the forest to see the turtles today, so you'll have to take care of your own meals!]

After putting down the note, Uchiha Gin's eyes were full of thought.

That little rascal, he's really forgotten his old love now that he has a new one.

"Gurgle~ gurgle~"

Suddenly, a wave of hunger washed over him. Uchiha Gin rubbed his empty stomach, curled his lip, and prepared to go out to find food.

A moment later, Uchiha Gin, having finished packing, strode towards Konoha Village with an arrogant and smug air.

"Sigh~ I'm getting tired of eating all of this."

Looking at the numerous restaurants lining the street, Uchiha Gin rolled his lifeless, dead fish eyes, smacked his lips, and said listlessly,

"Huh? That's..."

Just as Uchiha Gin was feeling lost, several short figures in the distance caught his attention.

Seeing the direction they were heading, Uchiha Gin's eyes immediately lit up. He quickly followed, shouting loudly with a broad smile,

"Jingzai! Long time no see~"

The group of children, who had been chatting and laughing, froze for a second as if struck by lightning after Uchiha Gin's voice rang out. Then, they quickened their pace instantly, as if they hadn't heard someone call them.

Among them, Uchiha Kagami, whose name was called, moved particularly quickly and was about to escape Uchiha Gin's sight.

"Hey~ It's been a few days. I haven't learned anything else, but I've certainly learned a lot about White Hair's intermittent hearing loss."

Seeing that the kids were deliberately ignoring him, Uchiha Gin chuckled, vanished in a flash, and reappeared blocking the path of Uchiha Kagami and the others. Looking at the ashen-faced brats, his smile deepened.

"Ah! It's Uncle Yin! It's been so long! We were in such a hurry and didn't hear your voice!"

Seeing that he couldn't escape Uchiha Gin's grasp, Uchiha Kagami had no choice but to bite the bullet and greet him.

"Oh~~~"

Uchiha Gin crossed his arms and looked at Uchiha Kagami, whose face was stiff with mockery, inwardly sighing that his nephew had been corrupted by the white-haired man.

"Uncle Yin, we really didn't hear you greet us!"

Squeezed out by Danzo's large buttocks, Hiruzen Sarutobi, despite his young age, had already learned the ways of the world. Wiping the cold sweat from his brow, a fawning smile appeared on his fair face as he spoke in a very respectful tone.

"The little monkey is still so polite, unlike that brat who takes up too much space~"

With a smile, he ruffled the future Third Hokage's hair, then glanced at the 5.5th Hokage, who was trying his best to hide himself, but whose anus was too large to conceal. His tone was full of unease.

"Hello, Uncle Silver~" *3

With nowhere to retreat, Akimichi Torifu, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu had no choice but to bow their heads respectfully in greeting.

"Hmph! Traitor!"

Left out in the cold, Shimura Danzo gritted his teeth and grumbled, his eyes blazing with fury as he glared at his friends, a deep sense of desolation rising within him.

"Good girl~ Here, have some candy."

Seeing that Danzo had lost everyone, Uchiha Gin smiled, rummaged in his bag, pulled out five lollipops, and handed them to the children one by one.

"Wow~ Thank you, Uncle Yin!" *5

The children, having received a windfall, wore the pure, innocent smiles unique to children.

"Hmph! Glug~"

Danzo, the only one who didn't receive any candy, had a hint of envy in his eyes. Watching his friends eagerly stuffing candy into their mouths, he subconsciously swallowed.

"Little Tuantuan~ want some?"

Holding a lollipop, Uchiha Gin squatted down in front of the wary-looking Danzo, tempting him with a smile.

"I'm not a shallow person like a monkey; I won't be bought off by such petty gains."

Suppressing the urge to reach out, Danzo turned his face away stiffly, transforming into Sengoku Kagesawa.

"Oh? That's a real shame. These are top-quality candies that I specially sourced from the Land of Honey. They're priceless in the Land of Fire, and even the children of daimyo might not get to taste them."

Shaking the sweet-smelling candy in his hand, Uchiha Gin looked regretful before slowly putting it away.

"Autumn beans, sack of potatoes!"

Danzo Shimura turned his head stiffly, his pale face filled with deep inner turmoil.

Upon hearing the words "Land of Honey," Danzo's defenses were finally broken. It was the country that children longed for most, where the rivers were said to flow with chocolate milk and the air was sweet.

"Want some?"

"."

Danzo didn't speak, but the sound of Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others smacking their candy forced him to abandon his last shred of dignity and give a barely perceptible nod to the smiling Gin Uchiha.

"Okay, make a nice sound~"

"Hello, Uncle Yin."

Unexpectedly, he ultimately succumbed to his own desires. Feeling utterly humiliated, Danzo greeted them in a voice barely audible.

"Oh? Just saying hello isn't enough, I'm telling you, you have to have a nice voice~"

Smiling and waving the candy in his hand, Uchiha Gin devised new rules.

"ha?"

Why are my exam questions different from everyone else's?

"Let me think... I'll call him 'Handsome Guy' then~"

After all, he was the most compassionate Uchiha, so after a brief moment of thought, Uchiha Gin smiled and gave Danzo the answer to clear the level.

"Hmph! That's wishful thinking! I, Shimura Danzo, would rather starve to death or jump off the Hokage Rock than eat a single piece of candy from you, Uchiha Gin!"

"That's commendable!"

Wow, I never would have guessed! The future Dark Lord of the Ninja World is so principled and responsible. But Uchiha Gin just loves bullying kids.

Uchiha Gin's smile remained unchanged. He reached into his bag on his back and rummaged around for a bit, then his face became mysterious.

"Then I'll take out this, how will you deal with it?"

Uchiha Gin slowly pulled out a meter-long candied hawthorn from his bag, with all sorts of novel fruits stuck on it, and the crystal-clear syrup radiating an enticing color under the sunlight.

Wow~~~

The children, who were happily munching on lollipops, exclaimed in unison upon seeing the exaggerated candied hawthorn skewer, suddenly finding their own candies less appealing.

"How about it? Once you get it, you'll be the strongest among them, and becoming the No. 1 of F6 isn't impossible~"

Holding up the custom-made lollipop, Uchiha Gin's voice was like a devil's whisper, completely captivating the shocked Danzo.

"Seriously handsome!"

Without any hesitation, Little Danzo, defeated by his inner demons, immediately performed a dogeza (a deep bowing posture), resting his head on his fingertips, his plump buttocks raised high, and shouted in a loud voice,

"Who's the handsome guy?"

"Uncle Yin is such a handsome guy!"

"Didn't you eat? Speak louder!"

"Uncle Yin is such a handsome guy!!!"

"It smells so good!"

A moment later, holding up a candied hawthorn skewer almost as tall as himself, Xiao Tuanzang smiled smugly and happily.

"Danzo, can I have just one lick? Just one!"

Following behind Kodan, Hiruzen swallowed enviously and whispered a plea.

"Um?"

"Danzo, I'll trade you my snacks, just let me have a bite."

Akimichi Torifu looked at the syrup covering the candied hawthorns. As a member of the Gourmet Family, he recognized it immediately by its aroma as the highest-grade secret syrup from the Land of Honey. So, he reluctantly took out his own snacks, intending to use them as a bargaining chip.

"Oh?"

"Danzo, we are best friends. Do you remember what our teacher taught us? Good friends should share."

The handsome Mitokado Yan pushed up his glasses, and the envy reflected in the lenses pleased Danzo greatly.

"Oh?"

"Danzo~ Can I have a bite~"

As the only female, Koharu Utatane has her own unique advantages. She tugged at Danzo's arm in a coquettish manner, her big, watery eyes filled with pleading.

"Um!"

Seeing Koharu's expression, Danzo's heart almost melted. He then handed over the candied hawthorn in his hand, his pride growing even stronger.

"Danzo, I am ashamed to be associated with you!" Mitokado Homura angrily turned and left.

"I really misjudged you." Akimichi Torifu's small eyes showed disappointment as he silently put away the snacks and walked to the side.

"Danzo, you really are not someone I can entrust with anything." With a deep sigh, Hiruzen Sarutobi's disappointment was palpable.

"Hmph! Hiruzen, I am number one!"

Even if a victory is won at the cost of one's dignity, it's still a victory, isn't it?

"Jingzai, your classmates are really interesting!"

Having witnessed a dramatic tale of grudges and affections between children, Uchiha Gin chuckled and patted his nephew's head, saying in a teasing tone,

"hehe."

Uncle Yin is still so wicked; it's a good thing I didn't get involved.

"Where are you going together?"

Ignoring his nephew's impolite gaze, Uchiha Gin lowered his head, stroking the curly hair that felt almost identical to his own, and asked,

"Let's go to Teacher Da's house."

"Master Hachiman?"

Where in the ninja world does a story of youth come from?

"It's the Hokage's house. Tobirama-sensei has been quite busy lately, so Hashirama-sama is taking over the classes."

Unable to bear the abuse any longer, Uchiha Kagami slapped away Uchiha Gin's malicious hand, then pouted and explained...

"The home of Hashirama's prison mate?"

Uchiha Gin's eyes lit up upon hearing this. He patted his stomach, which hadn't had any food or water, and said with a smile,

"Then hurry up and let's go, we're going to be late!"

Lunch is finally settled! Lady Peach Blossom's culinary skills are truly remarkable!

"Bang Bang Bang~"

Accompanied by the noisy Konoha F6, Uchiha Gin was the first to knock on the door of the Senju Hashirama clan. The younger members following behind him watched the man's actions with varying expressions, guessing the outcome.

"Hmph~ Lord Hashirama's house isn't a place where just any Tom, Dick, or Harry can walk in."

People say that those who accept gifts are obligated to serve them, but for Shimura Danzo, that was utter nonsense.

This is a classic case of someone who criticizes the cook after eating their fill, or curses their mother after drinking their fill.

"Are they Lord Tobirama's disciples?"

The door opened quickly, and the Senju family servants, seeing the smiling man standing outside, were momentarily stunned.

"I'm a parent here to observe the class."

"It's Master Yin! Please come in!"

As a servant who had served the Senju clan for many years, how could he not recognize the wealthy man before him? Thus, amidst the surprised gazes of the children, Uchiha Gin was respectfully invited inside.

"Jing, tell us the truth, isn't your uncle amazing?"

Seeing the Senju clan servants so respectful to Uchiha Gin, the younger members, filled with curiosity, secretly asked Uchiha Kagami,

"Well, everyone says that Uncle Yin's strength on paper is extremely strong, even the clan chief has to give way to him."

Scratching his little head, Uchiha Kagami recalled the opinions of his clan members about Uchiha Gin, and then explained to the other children...

"On paper strength?"

When they first heard this term, the children were completely confused. They had heard of ninjutsu strength and taijutsu strength, but they had never heard of the term "paper strength" before.

"Lady Taohua~ It's been a long time!"

Following the servant through the long courtyard, Uchiha Gin immediately spotted the black-haired woman approaching and waved to greet her.

"Ah! It's the Hokage's wife. She's a famously cold beauty. When she attended the Hokage's banquet before, many clan leaders' wives went to offer their greetings, but they all got a cold shoulder. This guy is probably going to embarrass himself~"

Danzo Shimura, who harbored a deep-seated hatred for Gin Uchiha, grinned as he saw Momoka Senju approaching from a distance, ready to witness her humiliation.

Wearing simple, plain loungewear, Senju Momoka has transformed from a cool, aloof young girl into a charming and sophisticated young woman.

Her once aloof and slender face now bore an alluring rosy glow; her full lips parted slightly, revealing pearly white teeth; and her captivating phoenix eyes were filled with a peach blossom-like allure.

"Mr. E Yin, I am so sorry for not welcoming you properly. Why didn't you tell me in advance so I could have prepared a banquet for you?"

She smiled and covered her mouth, her voluptuous body swaying uncontrollably, as she gave Uchiha Gin a slight bow as a greeting.

"What?! The Hokage's wife is actually laughing, and at this guy no less! How is that possible? Is her so-called 'paper strength' really that terrifying?"

Instead of finding a joke, Danzo was furious. It was the first time he had ever seen Senju Momoka so enthusiastic towards someone other than the Hokage.

"Why are you being so polite with me? I'm at Hashirama's house as if I'm at home. There's no need for such formality."

With a smile, Uchiha Gin immediately waved his hand, indicating to the woman that she didn't need to be so polite, as he was also considered part of the family.

"Hey, Mr. Yin, what brings you here today?"

A charming smile played on her lips as Senju Momoka tilted her head, asking with a puzzled expression,

"It's been a while since I've bothered you. It just so happens that Jingzai is studying under Hashirama's younger brother, so I thought I'd drop by for a visit."

Turning his head and nodding at Uchiha Kagami and the others behind him, Uchiha Gin found himself a very reasonable excuse.

After saying that, as if remembering something, he began rummaging in the bag behind him.

"Sigh~ I don't know what to bring either. Please keep these things safe, don't be disgusted by them."

Uchiha Gin pulled out a dazzling gold brick from behind his back, and without the slightest hesitation, handed it to Senju Momoka.

"???"

He understood. Watching the Hokage's wife skillfully accept the gold brick, young Danzo suddenly realized something. Clenching his little fists, he turned to his beloved family and friends, his heart filled with resentment, and posed a soul-searching question from the depths of his being.

"Hiruzen, does having money really mean you can do whatever you want?" (End of Chapter)