263. Bet

Uchiha Gin exchanged a few pleasantries with Senju Momoka, drawing a series of soft laughs from her. As he looked up at the ancient and tranquil Senju residence, he asked,

"Where’s Brother Hashirama?"

"He’s meditating in the inner courtyard right now," Momoka replied with a cheerful smile.

Recently, Hashirama had been busy practicing some secret technique, leaving all Hokage duties to Tobirama and Uchiha Madara. At a young age, he was already acting like a hands-off manager, making others envious.

"Alright, we’ll go find him first."

"Okay, don’t forget to join us for a meal later."

"Oh, how could I impose? Can I order dishes too?"

"You’re truly an amusing person, Gin-san."

With a laugh, Senju Momoka bid farewell, covering her mouth to stifle her chuckles. Uchiha Gin led the small group toward the inner courtyard.

Before they entered, Gin suddenly sensed a familiar energy. The dense natural energy in the air surprised him, causing his eyebrow to twitch slightly.

"So, Brother Hashirama is practicing Sage Mode. Judging by this, he’s almost mastered it."

He smirked inwardly. Cousin, you’re like an autumn cicada now—your days are numbered.

"Brother Hashirama, we’re coming in!"

Pushing open the door to the inner courtyard as casually as if it were his own home, Gin saw Hashirama sitting cross-legged in the middle of the room.

"Brother Gin, what brings you here?"

Hearing the sudden voice, Hashirama, who had just finished his Sage Mode training, slowly opened his eyes. A broad smile spread across his honest face as he stood up to greet him.

"I had some free time today, so I came by to observe Kyou’s training."

Patting his nephew’s head, Gin explained his purpose for coming.

"Ah, I see!"

Hashirama glanced at the small group behind Gin, noticing their somewhat pale expressions, and suddenly realized what was going on.

Because of his Sage Mode training, Hashirama had temporarily assigned Hokage duties to Tobirama and Madara. However, Tobirama wasn’t one to let things slide easily. He delegated the task of supervising the children’s training entirely to Hashirama, even insisting on assessments later to ensure no corners were cut.

"Good day, Teacher Hashirama!" ×6

The children, who had been whispering among themselves moments ago, instantly straightened their postures and greeted him enthusiastically, their eyes brimming with admiration. Clearly, the Hokage held a high place in their hearts.

"Ah, good day to you all," Hashirama replied warmly, though he felt a bit at a loss when it came to teaching. Unlike Tobirama, who was skilled in instruction, Hashirama’s expertise lay elsewhere.

Thankfully, after learning more about the children’s backgrounds, Hashirama was relieved. Most of them were from notable clans, except for Mitokado Homura and Koharu Utatane, who came from lesser-known families.

Clan children often focused on their family’s accumulated techniques, so their apprenticeship was more political than practical. Nonetheless, their talents were undeniable.

Hiruzen Sarutobi: A prodigy with an affinity for all five nature elements.

Choza Akimichi: Mastering clan techniques at a young age.

Kagami Uchiha: Showed shadow of young Madara in his shuriken and fire-style skills.

Danzo Shimura: Innovating his own techniques at an early age.

Koharu Utatane: Displayed exceptional chakra control, a promising medical ninja.

Homura Mitokado: Exhibited talent in space-time ninjutsu, a rare specialty.


"Brother Hashirama, what exactly do you teach them?"

Watching the eager children, Gin asked curiously. To him, having Hashirama teach felt like using a cannon to swat flies—overkill and inefficient.

"Well..." Hashirama awkwardly scratched the back of his head, laughing to cover his embarrassment.

"Teacher Hashirama lets us bring up our training questions, and he answers them one by one," Kagami Uchiha explained.

"Ah, so you’re taking the laid-back approach," Gin teased. No wonder the “Seekers of Peace” theme fits so well here.

"Don’t misunderstand, Brother Gin. It’s just that there’s nothing more I can teach them!" Hashirama explained hastily, sensing Gin’s amusement.

"These kids have solid foundational skills already. I can’t add much to their basic training."

Gin sighed at Hashirama’s reasoning. With their impressive talents, these children could be Konoha’s future pillars if properly nurtured.

"Brother Hashirama, this isn’t right. I paid Tobirama tuition fees, and now you’re slacking off? Isn’t this fraud?"

"Ah, this..." Hashirama broke out in a cold sweat, avoiding Gin’s accusing gaze.

"It’s not that I want to slack off—it’s just not my expertise!"

"If you can fight a war from the Land of Water to the Land of Wind without flinching, you can teach kids!"

"Hmph! It’s just tutoring—it’s not that hard. You’re just being lazy!" Gin exclaimed.

"Kagami, is your uncle always this bold, even scolding the Hokage?" A girl asked, feigning shock.



While observing the argument between the two adults, the curious young girl Koharu Utatane couldn't resist lightly tapping the calm-faced Kagami Uchiha in front of her. She leaned in and whispered:

"Wow, so you can even scold the Hokage face-to-face? Money really can make anything possible!"

“You guys shouldn’t be fooled by Uncle Gin’s appearance. He’s actually over forty years old,” Kagami explained casually, as if used to such situations. After all, Uncle Gin was the type of person who could casually knock on the clan leader’s head during a clan meeting.

“What?! He’s already that old?”

Danzo’s head was filled with question marks. He had assumed Uchiha Gin was only around thirty but was surprised to learn he was much older.

“Then why does he look so young?” Koharu’s attention was drawn to Gin’s youthful appearance, which didn’t match his age. By forty, most people looked far older.

"Well... I’m not entirely sure. Maybe it’s some kind of secret technique,” Kagami replied. Only a select few among the higher-ups of Konoha knew the truth about the Yin Seal. Even Kagami, a close relative of the clan leader, only had vague knowledge of it.


---

“Hmm… how about this, Brother Gin? If you design a teaching plan for me, I’ll count it as an S-rank mission for you.”

“Huh?”

Gin Uchiha, who had been fervently chastising Hashirama moments ago, was stunned into silence. He rolled his eyes dramatically.

“An S-rank mission? Do you think that’s enough to tempt me?”

“Ah, uh…” Hashirama scratched his head, clearly troubled. Suddenly, an idea struck him, and his eyes lit up. “Oh, by the way, the Konoha prison project is almost complete…”

“Deal! Consider it done!”

Gin immediately changed his demeanor, adopting a bright smile as he clapped Hashirama on the shoulder. “Why didn’t you say so earlier? I would’ve agreed right away!”

As Madara often said, Gin had an inexplicable fascination with dungeons and prisons.


---

The two adults, having struck a discreet deal, turned to the uneasy group of children.

“Alright, kids, listen up!” Hashirama cleared his throat and introduced Gin. “Today, Brother Gin will act as your substitute teacher. He will customize a learning plan for each of you.”

“Wait, what?”

“Brother Gin, an experienced Uchiha and a wise elder, has eaten more salt than you’ve eaten rice. This is a rare opportunity, so make the most of it!”

“But I eat ten bowls of rice a day…” muttered Choza Akimichi, his focus entirely on food.

Gin stepped forward, a warm smile on his face. “Don’t worry, kids. I’m here to make up for any, uh… shortcomings in Hashirama’s teaching. Of course, we understand the Hokage has many duties to attend to, so it’s not his fault.”

The children exchanged awkward glances at Hashirama, whose “shortcomings” in teaching were being called out so openly. They had long felt that his teaching style was closer to neglect. However, out of respect for the Hokage, they had refrained from complaining.

“But now that I’m here, your future is bright!”


---

Gin pulled out a pair of gold-rimmed glasses seemingly from nowhere. With one swift motion, he put them on, transforming his aura entirely. The once carefree and lazy demeanor disappeared, replaced by an air of authority and reliability.

The children, who had initially been skeptical, suddenly felt a strange sense of trust and anticipation for what was to come.

“Here, Brother Gin, these are their evaluation records,” Hashirama said, handing Gin a stack of detailed reports prepared by Tobirama.

“From now on, don’t call me Brother Gin. Call me Teacher Gin,” he declared, pushing his glasses up his nose with a confident smile.


---

After carefully reviewing the records, Gin approached Sarutobi Hiruzen, who was visibly nervous.

“Hiruzen, you have a solid foundation—mastery of all five chakra natures. Impressive.”

“Thank you, Teacher Gin. It’s all thanks to my family’s guidance,” Hiruzen replied modestly, straightening up under Gin’s scrutinizing gaze.

“Don’t be so humble. Your aptitude is exceptional. However, if you continue training like this, you’ll likely only reach your father’s level.”

“Really?!” Hiruzen’s eyes lit up with excitement.

“Wait a minute,” Gin interrupted with a frown. “Why are you happy about that? Don’t you want to surpass him?”

Hiruzen hesitated, then stammered, “My father is incredibly strong. Reaching half his level would already be an honor…”

“Dream bigger, kid,” Gin said with a disappointed shake of his head. “You could surpass him if you train properly.”

“Is that… really possible?”

“Of course! But only if you enroll in my exclusive training program. Give it ten years, and you’ll surpass your father effortlessly.”

“This sounds like a scam…”

“Young man, do you understand the wisdom of taking risks? Great rewards require great risks.”

Hiruzen looked doubtful but intrigued. “Are you saying I should bet on your methods?”

“Exactly! Go all in. With me as your guide, you’ll soar to new heights!” Gin declared confidently.