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

"Are we going to fight?"

Sensing a chilling aura, the little ones shrank back, looking worriedly at Uchiha Gin who was in the center of danger. Although Gin liked to swindle children's pocket money, he was ultimately a good person.

"You guys stay here and watch over things, I'm going to find the security team."

Seeing that the situation was about to escalate, Hiruzen Sarutobi gritted his teeth. There were two of them, and he wasn't sure if Gin Uchiha could handle them alone. He then made a snap decision and gave instructions to his companion beside him.

"Hiruzen, don't panic, Uncle Gin..."

As the one who knew Uchiha Gin best among the younger members, Uchiha Kagami showed no sign of panic like the others. In his memory, his uncle had never suffered a loss at the hands of any man.

"Mirror, but..."

"Hmph~ That old man, Byakuren, has already clashed with the people of Konoha so quickly? He's really not calm enough."

Just as Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned, unsure of what to do, several unfamiliar figures appeared behind them. Among them was an elderly man of average height, stroking his gray beard, who coldly mocked,

The sound appeared very suddenly, and the little ones, who hadn't noticed it at all, felt a sudden tightness in their hearts. Looking at the three strangely arranged people behind them, sweat slowly soaked their backs.

"That guy, Hozuki Gengetsu, didn't come. Is he dead?"

Besides the old man, there was a tall, thin man covered in bandages among the three, and the children could clearly smell the strong medicinal odor emanating from him.

"Grandpa, are we just going to watch like this?"

The last one was a boy who seemed somewhat timid, but his height was similar to that of Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others. If it weren't for his mature appearance, the younger ones would have mistaken him for a peer.

"We're not the only ones watching."

A sly glint flashed across the old man's resolute face as he gestured for the others not to act rashly and instead chose to continue observing.

"Hey monkey, look at that guy, he's so ugly!"

Danzo glanced at the boy behind him, nudged Hiruzen Sarutobi at the front, and covered his mouth to prevent himself from laughing out loud.

"Danzo, how can you just casually comment on someone's appearance? Holy crap, so ugly!"

"Ugh~ Yan, let's switch places. I keep thinking that guy has a weird smell."

With a disgusted look, Koharu covered her nose and pulled Mitokado Homura next to her, switching places with him to get away from the seemingly silly and dull Onoki.

Uchiha Kagami, however, held a view that differed somewhat from the others.

"Hey, don't judge a book by its cover. Even though she's short and ugly, maybe her granddaughter will be fair-skinned, beautiful, and have long legs~"

Having overheard the children's arrangement clearly from behind, Onoki's face grew increasingly gloomy. He finally couldn't hold back any longer.

"You little brats! Your voices are too loud!"

On the other side of the street, a bald man with a ferocious appearance frowned as he looked in the direction of Uchiha Gin. A considerable crowd had already gathered there. Intrigued, Shamon turned to the middle-aged man in front of him and asked, "..."

"Lord Retsuto, it seems there's been some kind of conflict over there."

"Mind your own business, monk."

The composed middle-aged man seemed oblivious to the commotion nearby. His eagle-like eyes gazed thoughtfully at the Hokage mural above Konoha, and he shook his head.

"Yes."

The monk, feeling a bit disappointed at not getting any melon, had no choice but to give up.

"What a prosperous country! Compared to this, the Land of Wind is nothing short of hell."

Retsuto withdrew his gaze from the Hokage Rock and looked around at the bustling crowd, a hint of envy flashing in his eyes.

"You went to gather information about the First Hokage, while I wandered around."

"Okay."

Seeing Retsudou leave him, and heading in the direction of the conflict, the dull-witted Shamon was momentarily unable to process what was happening.

Okay, okay, you're leaving me out of this gossip, huh?

"Phew~ Since that's the case, I might as well buy some snacks while I'm at it!"

Shamen pursed his lips, then suddenly remembered his disciple who was waiting for him at the reception desk. A gentle look appeared in his eyes, and he walked in another direction from the commercial street.

"Lord Ai, it's Bai Lian and his disciple."

Among the onlookers, a much taller, dark-skinned man looked up for a long time before speaking to the curly-haired dark-skinned man beside him.

"This Bai Lian is getting more and more impulsive as he gets older. I wonder if his disciple can persuade him to stay calm."

The curly-haired black man shook his head helplessly.

"Uh, no, the conflict started with his disciple, and Bai Lian is trying to break it up."

Uchiha Gin, who was currently confronting the two from the Land of Water, scratched his face in surprise. He had only meant it as a joke, but he hadn't expected the other party to actually have that name.

"Okay, wig, I got it. Do you still want your milk?"

Seeing the young man showing signs of going berserk, Uchiha Gin reached out and handed him the strawberry milk.

"I hate strawberry milk! And, it's not the wig, it's Katsura!"

The young man named Gui was about to unleash his fury. This annoying, dead-eyed, curly-haired guy in front of him had repeatedly challenged his bottom line, not only by mocking his name but also by pulling out the strawberry milk he hated most.

You have already chosen the path to your death!

"Um, what do you like to eat? It's my treat. How about buckwheat noodles?"

"!!!"

Upon hearing the words "buckwheat noodles," the young man visibly wavered, and the icy aura emanating from him subtly dissipated. He raised his head, his squinting eyes fixed intently on Uchiha Gin, as if engaged in some internal struggle.

"The insults you've given me can't be forgiven with just a bowl of soba noodles!"

Two bowls.

"Lady Bai Lian's status is so noble, how dare you insult her at will?"

"I have plenty of buckwheat noodles, feel free to show off."

"Hmph~ Since you're so sincere, then I'll..."

After exchanging words with Uchiha Gin, the young man's expression softened considerably. Glancing at the growing crowd of onlookers, he knew he couldn't continue fighting; a real fight would only make him a laughingstock in the eyes of the other nations.

Besides, this annoying curly-haired guy in front of him actually had a pretty good attitude in admitting his mistake. He didn't agree to settle things just because of some soba noodle set meal!

"The security team is here! Everyone, put your heads down!"

Just as Uchiha Gin and the young man were about to reach a reconciliation, a group of hurried figures burst in. Leading them was a spiky-haired man with a sinister face; his shrill howls could be heard from afar.

The young man, interrupted by the sound, immediately frowned, a hint of displeasure flashing across his face.

"I told you to calm down, now things are getting more and more complicated."

Bai Lian, standing beside the man, looked somewhat helpless. Originally, there was nothing wrong, but now that things have escalated, everyone knows about it. How is he supposed to hold a meeting tomorrow?

"Behave yourself!"

Uchiha Setsuna, who had just taken over as the squad leader of the security team, rushed over with his men immediately after receiving a report from the public.

Foreigners dare to cause trouble in Konoha? Do they even know whose territory this is?

"I am the White Lotus of the Water Kingdom."

Bai Lian glanced at the crimson Sharingan in Uchiha Setsuna's eyes, a hint of jealousy flashing in her brows.

Uchiha Setsuna showed absolutely no respect for disabled people, especially towards Byakuren, this comical-looking old man.

"I don't care if you're a white lotus or a black lotus, just squat down with your hands behind your back. Uh... why is it you?"

Just as he was preparing to show off his power, he suddenly saw a smiling curly-haired man beside him, and a chill ran through his entire body from the depths of his soul. His initial arrogance vanished.

"Isn't this Nana? Haven't seen her in a while. She's actually become a team leader?"

"I only contact people in a business-related manner. Someone reported that there was a street fight here."

Uchiha Setsuna, whose attitude had clearly changed drastically, looked at Uchiha Gin with some caution. Even though he was now an adult, his buttocks still ached every time he saw this man. His tragic childhood experiences were like a needle, firmly embedded deep in his heart.

"This man is not simple."

After being rebuked by Uchiha Setsuna, Byakuren looked at the sinister man whose attitude had suddenly become extremely humble with some surprise, even though they seemed to be about the same age.

Could this curly-haired man be a high-ranking figure in Konoha?

As if to confirm her suspicions, Byakuren kept scrutinizing Uchiha Gin, who exuded a lazy aura, but after looking at him for a long time, she still couldn't figure out anything.

"He doesn't have any particularly outstanding qualities."

In Bai Lian's perception, Uchiha Gin's aura was at most at the elite level; apart from being somewhat handsome, he seemed utterly unremarkable in other aspects.

If someone with that kind of strength can become a high-ranking member of Konoha, then Hashirama Senju is probably just a third-rate nobody.

"Lord Yin, did these two disturb you? I'll arrest them right now!"

Not wanting to stay near Uchiha Gin for even a second longer, Uchiha Setsuna immediately jumped out, pointing at Byakuren and the other two, and asked,

"Don't worry, little Nana~ This is my friend."

Uchiha Gin did not abuse his power. Instead, looking at the tense-faced young man, he smiled and said to Uchiha Setsuna,

"Friends? But they shouldn't be from our village, right?"

Looking at the clothes of Byakuren and the other person, Uchiha Setsuna's face was full of disbelief.

"Hey~ I have connections all over the world, it's normal to have one or two foreigners among my contacts~"

"So, what's his name?"

Hearing Uchiha Gin start his usual boasting again, Uchiha Setsuna rolled his eyes in exasperation, then pointed at the young man whose complexion wasn't good and asked, "..."

"It's a wig!"

#

"It's not a wig, it's Katsura!"

"Don't think that just because you helped us, I'll forgive your rude behavior."

Watching the security team's departing figures, the young man, his expression softening somewhat, turned to Uchiha Gin and said,

"Buckwheat noodles still count."

Uchiha Gin raised an eyebrow and spoke.

"Buckwheat noodles next time."

The young man, whose heart was already openly expressed, shook his head with regret upon seeing the murderous gaze of the white lotus beside him. He then turned to Uchiha Gin and asked,

"I am Gui."

"My name is Uchiha Gin. I have some connections in Konoha. If anyone gives you trouble, you can mention my name."

Seeing that the other party had introduced themselves, Uchiha Gin didn't stand on ceremony and introduced himself as well.

Uchiha Gin, huh?

The two searched their memories and found no information about the name Uchiha Gin. It seemed that he was just a Uchiha clansman with a little reputation.

"Let's go, Katsura."

Thinking about the meeting tomorrow, Bai Lian urged her disciple to leave quickly.

"See you again someday~"

Katsura, feeling a little regretful for not getting a free soba noodle, bid farewell to Uchiha Gin. In his opinion, after this meeting with Lord Byakuren, he might never set foot in Konoha again in his life.

"Okay, wig~"

Having seen through the man's thoughts, Uchiha Gin smiled and nodded.

"It's not a wig! It's Katsura!"

"Let's go, it's a real shame we didn't fight~"

Having witnessed the entire incident, Shihe shook his head with some regret.

"You little brats, don't let me run into you on the battlefield, or I'll teach you a lesson!"

clenching his fists, Onoki glared resentfully at the kids who had ridiculed him as he left.

"Hmph~ Anyone can talk big."

Danzo Shimura stepped forward, gave a disdainful snort, and retorted,

"I'll remember you, big ass!"

After staring at Danzo's face for a long time, Onoki finally fixed his gaze on the pair of astonishingly large buttocks behind him.

"Heh heh, I, Hiruzen Sarutobi, have never been afraid of anyone in my life!"

"Fine, Hiruzen Sarutobi, is it? You've already chosen your path to death!"

Having firmly memorized the name Hiruzen Sarutobi, Onoki said no more and left with his teacher.

"Danzo, you son of a bitch!"

As the incident came to an end, the crowd of onlookers gradually dispersed. Liedou and the two black laborers, who were mixed in with the crowd, shared the same thoughts as Shihe earlier: they were disappointed that they had not witnessed the conflict.

"I was hoping that old man Byakuren could probe Konoha's strength, but I didn't expect it to end so abruptly."

Liedou shook his head and left in disappointment.

"Lord Ai, shall we continue shopping?"

"Let's go shopping! Of course we'll! I heard there's a really famous yakiniku (grilled meat) place in Konoha. Let's go try it!"

So, the starving black laborers rushed to a popular barbecue restaurant to check it out.

After the commotion subsided, Uchiha Gin found the younger members and, looking at the somewhat worried Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura with dark circles under his eyes, asked with some surprise,

"Who did Xiao Tuantuan fight with?"

He didn't even fight the Water Country duo!

"I did the call."

Shaking his slightly sore fist, Hiruzen Sarutobi put on an angry expression, looking at Danzo as if he wanted to devour him alive.

"Well played! Remember to keep it up!"

Uchiha Gin clapped his hands in delight, indicating that Hiruzen Sarutobi could preserve this custom.

Danzo deserved to be beaten.

Knowing he was in the wrong, Shimura Danzo merely glared at Uchiha Gin without offering any rebuttal.

"Let's go, it's time for barbecue!"

"Yay!"

Uchiha Taro's Barbecue Restaurant

"Splash!"

"Welcome~ Uh... It's Gintoki, Sasipuri~"

Leading a few children, the man opened the door of Taro's barbecue restaurant. The mature woman who was settling accounts at the counter looked up with a smile. Upon seeing that the visitor was Uchiha Gin, her formulaic smile transformed into a familiar one.

"Ayako, are there any seats left?"

Gin Uchiha patted Hiruzen Sarutobi's head and greeted him with a smile.

"You'll definitely get it if you come!"

It's so convenient to have someone you know open a shop!

"What would you like to eat? Order whatever you like, it's on me today!"

Uchiha Gin, now seated in the private room, smiled and pushed the menu towards the children.

"Monkey, order this! It's expensive!"

Danzo Shimura, who only wanted to give Bamboo a good thrashing, pointed to the most expensive ingredient on the menu, didn't even look at the name, and clamored for Hiruzen Sarutobi to order.

"Let me see what a cow's pup is?"

Having stumbled upon a blind spot in his knowledge, Hiruzen Sarutobi scratched his head in confusion.

"Never mind, just order the expensive ones, you can't go wrong!"

Little Danzo was filled with delight. In his opinion, this thing must be some rare ingredient to be so expensive, and he had to eat it all!

"Okay, if it's not good, you can eat it all by yourself~"

"Hmph~ Just don't try to take it from me!"

After a brief discussion among the group, the ordered menu was pushed over. Uchiha Gin, who was sipping his tea, didn't even glance at it before handing it to Uchiha Ayako.

"Um, Ah Yin, are you sure you ordered this much?"

After receiving the menu, Uchiha Ayako looked up at the dishes she had ordered, her expression quite interesting, and asked in a teasing tone,

"Too many? No problem, these kids have good appetites, I'm worried it won't be enough~"

Uchiha Gin, whose mind was elsewhere, didn't suspect anything and instead answered with a smile.

"All right."

Since Uchiha Gin had said so, Uchiha Ayako stopped asking questions and took the menu to the kitchen.

"Big Brother, these are the dishes Ah Yin and the others ordered."

As she handed the menu to her husband, Uchiha Ayako's expression remained as fascinating as ever.

"What's with that expression? Let me see."

Uchiha Taro, who was preparing ingredients, noticed his wife's strange expression and took the menu from Uchiha Gin with great confusion. The next moment, his expression became just as interesting as Uchiha Ako's.

"Tsk tsk tsk, is Gintoki already this weak? He actually clicked on a whole page of guns and bullets."

"Sigh, who can argue with that? But it's not entirely his fault; he's surrounded by so many young girls."

"Yako, go and get the deer antler wine I've been saving in my cellar!"

Inside the private room, as one uniquely shaped dish after another was served, Uchiha Gin's face grew increasingly dark, and his gaze toward the children became complicated.

"After all that ordering, this is all you've got?"

Sensing that Uchiha Gin's tone was a bit strange, the younger kids nodded hurriedly.

"Is that too much? San San~"

Thinking that Uchiha Gin was upset that they had ordered too much, Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke up somewhat timidly.

"No, that's not it. I just wanted to ask, who ordered the food?"

"It was Danzo who did it!"

The children quickly pointed out the culprit, and Shimura Danzo, betrayed by his beloved friends and family, was so angry that his eyes turned red.

"Monkey, you'll regret this!"

"You brat, if you dare leave me with not a single bullet, I'll make your front bigger too!"

Recalling Uchiha Ayako's mocking gaze just now, Uchiha Gin coldly stared at the culprit who had damaged his reputation.

"Hmph, fine, I'll eat it!"

Unaware of the enormity of his mistake, Shimura Danzo immediately picked up a uniquely shaped piece of food from the grill with his chopsticks and stuffed it into his mouth.

"Ou Yixi~"

"Really? I'd like to try some too!"

Seeing Shimura Danzo enjoying his meal so much, the other children couldn't help but feel tempted. Unable to suppress their hunger, they also reached for the grill with their chopsticks.

"Ou Yixi! Ou Yixi!"

Watching the innocent little ones eating the large D, Uchiha Gin suddenly regretted not bringing a camera. Otherwise, he could eat his way through Konoha for the rest of his life just from this picture.

"Eat slowly, we can order more if you're not full~"

With most of his anger dissipated, Uchiha Gin poured himself a glass of sake that Uchiha Ayako had just brought him. He took a small sip and found it quite potent, so he drank it down in large gulps.

"Boss! Bring us all your signature dishes!"

Just as Uchiha Gin was drinking alone, a rough voice suddenly came from outside the private room. Judging from the accent, the owner of the voice was not from the Land of Fire.

"Sorry, sir, there are no seats available."

Uchiha Ayako's voice rang out. It was lunchtime, and the restaurant was already packed. There were no seats left, not to mention private rooms. Many people were even sharing tables.

"Lord Ai, how about we go to another place?"

The two black laborers were tempted by the enticing aroma of meat in the air, but they were somewhat disappointed to see that the restaurant was packed with people. However, even so, they did not choose to use any forceful means.

"What a pity, this is the only way."

The curly-haired black man, known as Master Ai, swallowed hard and nodded with some regret. With such a tight schedule, he figured he wouldn't be able to enjoy the barbecue.

"Yako, our table is empty. Can these two guests share it with us?"

Just then, Uchiha Gin opened the door to the private room and smiled broadly at the two somewhat familiar black men.

"It's him!"

Blackie, who had just witnessed the commotion between White Lotus and the other two, couldn't help but be surprised when he saw Uchiha Gin, exclaiming how small the world was.

"In that case, we shall respectfully comply."

Better safe than sorry. With a hint of wariness in his heart, the First Raikage subtly exchanged a glance with the black-clad man behind him, then gave a simple and honest smile and walked over.

"You guys don't look like locals at all. Do you need me to recommend someone?"

The two black laborers who sat down in the private room saw the small group struggling with strange ingredients inside, and their wariness slowly dissipated. Upon hearing Uchiha Gin's kind inquiry, the two simultaneously revealed a simple, honest smile and said...

"No need for that, just bring me two more servings of what you ordered." (End of Chapter)