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

Madara Uchiha was never a sentimental person.

But at this moment, nearing seventy, his long-buried memories are gradually being awakened, and his thoughts uncontrollably drift back decades.

That era of war and fragmented power among warlords.

At that time, he had a father, a younger brother, a hot mom from Harbin, and...

A cousin who died young.

"They look so alike, so incredibly alike, they're practically identical."

Beneath the cloak was a withered, emaciated old face, with two vibrant, crimson eyes staring intently at Uchiha Gin not far away, muttering to himself.

"Lord Madara, what are you doing hiding here?"

A somewhat lively figure emerged from the damp ground, its white head covered in question marks.

However, after only three seconds of confusion, a lightbulb, symbolizing wisdom, lit up on his white head, and he wore an expression of sudden realization.

"I know! You must be taking a dump!"

"How's that kid doing?"

As if he had grown accustomed to this way of speaking, Madara Uchiha didn't bother with it and instead inquired about other matters.

"That red-haired brat is almost here, but he's not in good shape... well, in your human terms, he's starving to death."

The white figure was completely pulled from the ground, shook off the dirt on its shoulders, stretched lazily, and spoke in a very frivolous tone.

"By the way, Lord Madara, what does it feel like to be hungry?"

"Don't let him die."

"Don't worry, that red-haired brat won't starve. I sent him an emergency ration."

Thinking of the little dog he had recently placed next to Nagato Uzumaki, White Zetsu smugly put his hands on his hips.

"Idiot, you're just adding to his burden."

Having witnessed Nagato's growth firsthand, Madara Uchiha knew he was a cowardly brat. If Madara hadn't been secretly watching over him, Nagato would have died in the war long ago.

But now, he is too old and no longer has the energy to keep an eye on Nagato.

Madara Uchiha looked at his aging hands, a flash of disdain crossing his eyes. For the sake of his plan, Nagato Uzumaki had to survive until he became a qualified pawn.

"Go and find out what that person is all about."

Pointing at the departing Uchiha Gin and his two companions, Uchiha Madara suddenly spoke, giving an order.

"Huh? Lord Madara, do you dislike them?"

Whirlpool White Zetsu tilted his head in confusion, then nodded in deep agreement after his gaze fell on Uchiha Gin.

"That curly-haired guy really looks like he deserves a beating. I'm going to shave his head bald right now. Speaking of which, all the other White Zetsu have hair, but I'm the only one without any."

"Stop arguing and go quickly."

Madara Uchiha frowned upon hearing this, thinking, "Why is this guy getting more and more talkative?"

If this White Zetsu wasn't a tiny bit smarter than the average White Zetsu, Madara Uchiha wouldn't have taken it out with him.

"receive!"

Watching the White Zetsu burrow underground, Madara Uchiha turned his gaze back to Gin Uchiha. The aura emanating from Gin was completely unfamiliar to him, but his appearance...

"It must be a coincidence."

Madara Uchiha shook his head, clearing his mind of unnecessary thoughts. His decision to send White Zetsu to probe Gin Uchiha's strength was not a spur-of-the-moment act.

Nagato Uzumaki has reached the age where he should be learning ninjutsu. If he can't learn to refine his own chakra, he'll eventually be drained dry by the Rinnegan.

Not far away, Uchiha Gin was a very suitable candidate. The two children beside him, who were about the same age as Nagato, already had faint traces of chakra on their bodies. Judging from their clothes and appearance, they were undoubtedly from the Land of Rain, and most likely orphans as well.

As long as Uchiha Gin's strength is still sufficient, he can proceed with the next step of his plan.

"Is it genuine kindness, or is there an ulterior motive?"

In Madara Uchiha's eyes, Gin Uchiha was either an innocent and kind person like Hasi Hota-ma, or a despicable person with ulterior motives like Tobirama Senju, who could teach two orphans with no relatives to ninjutsu.

But regardless of which method it is, it can help him train Nagato in a short period of time. Moreover, with White Zetsu keeping an eye on things, even if Uchiha Gin finally reveals his true colors, it will all be for nothing, and he will have helped him raise the account for nothing.

"Host detected to be in combat; Heart Steel Chest begins to accumulate."

As Uchiha Gin and Konan were hurrying back, a long-lost system notification suddenly popped into his mind.

"what?"

After a brief pause, Uchiha Gin pretended nothing had happened and continued on his way, but inwardly he became more vigilant.

The enemy is definitely not someone to be trifled with.

Although Uchiha Gin's strength was forcibly reduced back to Jonin level, and his sensory abilities were also downgraded, Jonin's sensory abilities are not to be underestimated. The fact that the opponent could bypass his sensory abilities shows that the enemy lurking in the shadows is not to be underestimated.

"What should we do?"

At this moment, White Zetsu, who was standing on the ground beneath Uchiha Gin's feet, was stroking his chin in distress. Uchiha Madara's order was to investigate this curly-haired guy. What if he accidentally killed him without restraint? How would he explain that to Lord Madara?

"Fine, as long as you don't kill him."

Picking at his non-existent nostrils, White Zetsu's body began to deform, gradually transforming from a small white figure into a stout middle-aged ninja wearing a headband from Iwagakure on his forehead.

"Minami, Yahiko, you two should go back first."

The warning from Heart of Steel grew louder and louder. Uchiha Gin stopped and turned to the two children, whose expressions had dimmed, and said...

"Yin San San, you really are something."

Upon hearing this, Yahiko's expression froze, and his mood instantly somber.

"."

Konan remained silent, stubbornly raising her head to look directly into Uchiha Gin's eyes. A faint mist welled up in her starry eyes.

"Yahiko, the second lesson of ninjas: you must listen to advice, or you'll easily die young."

Bending down and patting their heads, Uchiha Gin gave them a long and earnest lecture, hoping they would remember it.

"I haven't eaten yet. You guys go and clean the fish first. I have some personal business to take care of. I'll be there shortly."

"Swear it!"

Xiao Nan bit her pale lips, her voice slightly trembling with tears.

"Don't worry, don't worry, I will definitely go back."

He turned around and waved to the two children.

"Sure enough, the binding effect disappeared after the secret technique was learned."

After the two children, who kept turning back to look at each other, disappeared into the rain, and the invisible wall from before did not appear, Uchiha Gin felt a little relieved. Then, pretending to be nonchalant, he started walking in another direction.

"Huh? How did he get separated from those two brats? Oh well, anyway, Lord Madara's mission target is only him."

White Zetsu, transformed into a middle-aged Iwa ninja, followed Uchiha Gin for a distance before seizing an opportunity. His two large, fan-like hands suddenly burst forth from the ground.

"Boom!"

coming!

Having anticipated this, Uchiha Gin showed no panic. He pushed off with his legs, performed three backflips in the air to create distance, and immediately drew his black wooden sword from his waist, holding it horizontally in front of him, ready to face the enemy who had ambushed him.

"Hehehe, I didn't expect you to be so agile."

Having failed in his sneak attack, the White Zetsu didn't continue to lie in wait. Instead, he openly emerged from the ground, grinning as he drew his long sword from behind him.

"Iwa nin?"

Judging from the man's clothing and headband, Uchiha Gin immediately recognized the middle-aged man before him. However, he was just an ordinary person who had never made any enemies, so why was he being targeted by a ninja?

"I'm just a wandering ninja, I have no grudge against you, why are you trying to harm me?"

Uchiha Gin frowned. Had he run into some bored idiot?

"Hehehe, I just don't like the look of you, is that reason enough?"

No, there really are ninjas who have nothing better to do?

Looking at the tall Iwa ninja with a strange expression, Uchiha Gin scratched his head helplessly.

"What do you dislike about me? I'll change it, okay?"

"First, shave this curly hair of yours!"

"Whoosh~"

Before White Zetsu could finish speaking, Uchiha Gin's figure suddenly vanished from the spot. A dark black light flashed by, and a seemingly harmless wooden sword came from below, aiming straight for its chin.

Sensing the sharp sword energy, White Zetsu's eyes flashed with a hint of astonishment. It hadn't expected Uchiha Gin to be so fierce, starting a fight without warning.

Seeing that there was no way to avoid it, White Zetsu immediately stretched out his hands, trying to block the attack.

"Bang!"

With a muffled thud, White Zetsu, who had barely blocked the attack, shook his numb arms and his opinion of Uchiha Gin rose a few points.

"Which village are you a spy from? Confess now!"

"To make the performance convincing," White Zetsu's face revealed a chilling expression as he coldly questioned.

"I've already said it, I'm just a wandering ninja passing by."

Gin Uchiha felt there was something off about this Iwa ninja in front of him, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

"Hmph! You won't listen to reason, so you'll have to suffer the consequences. Once I catch you, I'll make sure you experience the ultimate humiliation."

Licking his lips, the White Zetsu, disguised as an Iwa ninja, revealed a chillingly savage expression. He clasped his hands together and began rapidly forming hand seals.

"This is."

Hearing the rumbling of the ground beneath his feet, Uchiha Gin frowned.

"Earth Release: Earth Flow!"

After completing the hand seals, White Zetsu slammed his hands into the ground, instantly turning the muddy earth into a swamp of quicksand that hurtled towards Uchiha Gin.

Upon seeing this, Uchiha Gin immediately jumped up, searching for a new foothold in mid-air. However, he saw that the Iwa ninja not far away also leaped high into the air, and his sharp long sword slashed down fiercely towards his head.

"Bang!"

The sound of metal ringing out instantly rang out. Feeling the immense force coming from his arm, Uchiha Gin's heart sank. The strength displayed by this Iwa ninja was far beyond that of an ordinary Jonin.

"Thump~"

"Hehehe, let's see where you run now!"

Forced to the ground, Uchiha Gin's feet were instantly trapped by the quicksand of the swamp. Seeing this, the White Zetsu in the air laughed maniacally as it charged towards him.

"Tsk."

Uchiha Gin, who hadn't been this disheveled in a long time, secretly pursed his lips and raised one hand to rapidly form hand seals.

[巳－未－申－亥－午－寅]

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"

A burst of violent flames erupted from his mouth, coalescing into a massive fireball in the air, radiating a scorching heat that made Bai Jue, who was in a vegetative state, feel slightly uncomfortable.

"Sizzle sizzle~"

As the sizzling sound of flames reached his ears, Uchiha Gin raised an eyebrow in surprise. His original intention in using this technique was to obscure the enemy's vision.

Can a powerful fireball really kill people?

"Bang!"

The next second, the Iwa ninja, his entire body encased in heavy rock armor, burst out of the flames, landing on the ground in a disheveled state. Most of his clothes were burned away, revealing a foul-smelling middle-aged body. Uchiha Gin quickly averted his gaze to avoid offending his eyes.

Hmph! You're not the King of Black Soil!

"Phew~ I thought I made history."

"You wretched curly-haired fellow, you've completely enraged a lion!"

Bai Jue was trembling with anger. Even Madara couldn't bear to roast it over a fire, but this annoying curly-haired guy in front of him almost turned it into a BBQ. He immediately rolled up his sleeves and decided to teach Uchiha Gin a lesson.

"Boom!"

Hearing the distant explosion behind them, Konan and Yahiko stopped simultaneously. They exchanged a glance, both seeing worry in each other's eyes.

"It shouldn't be Yin San San, right?"

Yahiko clenched his fists, his expression very serious.

"What are you standing there for? Hurry up and go!"

Xiao Nan was even more decisive than him, immediately changing direction and rushing towards the place where the explosion came from.

"Wait for me!"

The two were not walking fast, but in the distance, they saw a blazing fireball that illuminated half the sky, and their faces instinctively turned pale.

"So, Yin San San did this for our safety."

If the two of them still can't understand what Uchiha Gin just did, they might as well go back to the drawing board and start over.

"Xiao Nan! Don't be impulsive!"

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Facing the lingering heatwave, Konan gritted her teeth and was about to charge forward when the more mature Yahiko grabbed her arm.

"If we go now, we'll only cause trouble for Yin San San."

Yahiko knew his own limitations, especially after Uchiha Gin repeatedly instructed him these past few days to be cautious in everything he did, not to be rash, and to think things through before acting.

"We can't keep doing OMO forever, can we?"

Shaking off Yahiko's hand, Konan's face was filled with grief and indignation.

"We must believe in Yin San San's abilities!"

"but."

"Boom!"

Just as the two hesitated, a figure flew from afar like a cannonball and crashed heavily beside them, kicking up a cloud of dust.

"Cough cough cough, he's really a tough nut to crack."

A familiar voice rang in their ears, and Xiao Nan and the other girl's faces instantly lit up with delighted smiles.

"Silver Three Three!"

"Huh? Didn't I tell you to leave? Why are you back?"

Uchiha Gin, who had just crawled out of the ditch, spat out a few mouthfuls of muddy saliva. He turned his head and saw the eager gazes of Konan and the other two; his brows furrowed instantly.

"We heard an explosion."

"You all need to get out of here right now, and remember, whatever you do, don't look back."

The current situation is not optimistic. That Iwa ninja is clearly after him, and Uchiha Gin doesn't want to drag the two children into it.

"I can help!"

Xiao Nan gritted her teeth, raised her small hand, and as a blue light shone, several sheets of white paper transformed into the shape of a sword in her hand, floating around her.

"Me too!"

Seeing that Konan had already shown off her skills, Yahiko was not to be outdone, but unfortunately he had not learned any lethal ninjutsu, so he could only take a step forward to show his determination.

"Very good, very spirited, but your opponents are not at your level to be fooled."

Although the three only had a brief master-disciple relationship, Uchiha Gin could clearly feel the two children's warm hearts. He reached out and patted their heads, his tone no longer as stern as before.

"Hehehe, they even brought reinforcements."

White Zetsu, transformed into an Iwa ninja, burst forth from the ground in the distance. The fierce look in his eyes made Konan and Yahiko, who had never experienced battle before, tense up and their bodies began to tremble involuntarily.

"However, you two little ants are really tired of living."

Konan and Yahiko's strength was easily discernible to ordinary ninjas, and White Zetsu was no exception. He curled his lip in disdain and turned his gaze back to Uchiha Gin.

"If you don't want anything to happen to these two brats, you'd better surrender obediently~"

"Sorry, while I appreciate proactive people, that doesn't mean I'm good at being passive."

Holding his sword protectively in front of the two children, Uchiha Gin subtly revealed his sexual fetish.

"Hehehe, then I won't be polite."

Facing the Iwa ninja attacking again, Uchiha Gin lowered his black wooden sword, his entire demeanor as still as a meditating monk.

Just before the opponent's large hand was about to grab his face, Uchiha Gin moved.

"Whoosh!"

A blazing flame spread across the blade, and the figure gradually became blurred.

"Bang!"

The next moment, Uchiha Gin, wielding a flaming longsword, appeared before White Zetsu. With a flick of his blade, several dazzling flames erupted instantly.

"Uchiha-style Ninja Taijutsu: Dance of the Sun Halo".

"That is."

Madara Uchiha, who had been secretly observing from the shadows, widened his red eyes slightly upon seeing Gin Uchiha unleash this attack.

Such a magnificent fire technique, such elegant swordsmanship, such a handsome face.

Madara Uchiha's scrutinizing gaze swept across Uchiha's silver-haired face, before he abruptly swallowed back his most important assessment.

"He's definitely from the Uchiha clan!"

However, Madara Uchiha frowned and thought for a long time, but he couldn't find a single member of the surviving Uchiha clan who matched Gin Uchiha.

"Could it be a posthumous child who was lost and wandered away? Whose could it be?"

Looking at Uchiha Gin's fluffy curly hair, Uchiha Madara vaguely had an answer in his heart.

"Is it that kid Jing's? No, Jing isn't that cunning. So it must be... my cousin's descendant?"

No wonder this child is so kind and innocent.

"Ah Fei, be back soon."

Since he was the son of an old friend, Madara Uchiha immediately issued orders to the White Zetsu who were engaged in fierce combat.

"But I haven't figured out his background yet!"

"Let's end it here. There's no need to keep testing the waters."

"Bang!"

Using the recoil from his clash with Uchiha Gin, White Zetsu retreated more than ten meters, landing steadily with a hint of resentment on his rugged face.

"I have important business to attend to. Consider yourself lucky to have escaped with your life."

Having said that, it merged directly into the ground and disappeared without a trace.

"The technique of reflecting fish in the earth? It's so similar to the hidden technique of Tan Gen~"

Seeing the opponent's incredibly strange stealth technique, Uchiha Gin vaguely guessed what was going on.

"Host success."

The notification sound in his mind signaled the end of the battle, and Uchiha Gin finally breathed a slight sigh of relief.

"Yin San San! Are you alright?"

Xiao Nan and her companion, who had been watching from a distance, rushed over as soon as the fight ended.

"It's nothing serious. We've made quite a commotion here, let's go back first."

Uchiha Gin shook his head, grabbed the two little ones, and quickly ran away.

The town wasn't too far away, and such a fierce battle would definitely attract the attention of the Rain Ninja stationed here. They already had enough trouble, and he wanted to have one last meal.

"Lord Ban, I can clearly sense that he is still hiding something. If I fight him a few more times, I will definitely expose all his secrets."

Tobi, now transformed back into his swirling white Zetsu form, kept criticizing the silent Uchiha Madara.

"Idiot, if he really reveals his trump card, you'll most likely lose."

Madara Uchiha, who had already decided in his heart that Gin Uchiha was the right person, looked disdainfully at the indignant White Zetsu.

The power of the Sharingan is far beyond what a lowly creature like you could ever match.

"Huh? Lord Ban, you know him?"

I guess so.

"Then why did you send me to investigate? Aren't you just playing me for a fool?"

Now A-Fei was even angrier. Even White Zetsu have human rights, so he immediately crossed his arms, puffed out his cheeks, and sat down to the side, drawing his defense on the ground.

"You tricked me? I'll show you what I'm made of with my dissertation defense!"

"."

"Hmph, stop playing around, it's time to get down to business."

Madara Uchiha glanced at the non-stopping White Zetsu with a headache, let out a long sigh, and his aged voice carried a hint of helplessness.

"Hmm? Should we let that red-haired brat run into them?"

"No, we need to find someone else. We can't let him teach Nagato Uzumaki."

Uchiha Madara's sudden change left Tobi somewhat bewildered. Hadn't he just said he wanted that curly-haired guy to help him level up his account?

"If it doesn't work, it doesn't work. We'll look for other options."

Shaking his head, Madara Uchiha's tone was extremely firm. Turning his head, a complex emotion flickered in his crimson eyes.

His choice was not only because the Sharingan might discover the secrets of the Rinnegan, but also because he didn't want Uchiha Gin, the son of his old friend who had been living away from home, to be involved in this conflict.

"Consider it something I owe you."

Recalling the figure deeply hidden in his memory, Madara Uchiha slowly merged into the darkness, the crimson light gradually fading, leaving behind a melancholy sigh filled with longing.

Meanwhile, the three who had safely arrived at the secret base sat together deep inside the cave. Konan and Yahiko looked expectantly at Uchiha Gin, waiting for him to explain.

"Hoo, as you have seen, I am not someone who can bring you peace."

As the countdown in his mind gradually decreased, Uchiha Gin decided to lay his cards on the table. He lowered his eyelids slightly and spoke in a very heavy tone.

"We are not afraid!"

Yahiko suddenly stood up, raising his clenched fist with a determined look on his face. He believed that he could definitely become a powerful ninja.

Meanwhile, Konan, not wanting Uchiha Gin to see her as a burden, gritted her teeth and stretched out her hands, forcibly drawing upon the little chakra she possessed.

"We can protect ourselves."

Behind her, a mountain of white paper seemed to be drawn to her, gradually converging and transforming into a pair of simple wings that drooped listlessly behind her.

Faced with the two children's burning gazes, and knowing he couldn't respond to them, Uchiha Gin slowly stood up.

"Since things have come to this, let's eat first." (End of Chapter)