"Shuala~ shuala~"

Finishing the plan in his hands, Uchiha Gin slowly raised his head, looking in surprise at the finely dressed Uchiha clansman before him—who looked more like a noble than a shinobi.

"You wrote this plan?"

The trembling clansman jolted, then lifted his head in fear.

"Y-Yes, Lord Gin, I wrote it."

"You… Though your strength is ordinary, you've got talent in this field."

Gin scanned him with a glance—just a squad captain's level. He handed the plan to his uncle Uchiha Tajima.

"Uncle, you've picked up a treasure. This one's got a knack for making money."

[Plan for Establishing a Shipping Company in the Land of Waves]

Seeing the cover, Tajima frowned.

"Wasn't this just a ruse to swindle Senju Tobirama's money?"

"No. This plan is real—and it can make big money."

The shinobi world was about to enter a relatively peaceful era. It was the perfect chance to seize the lucrative sea-trade market while nations were rebuilding.

"But won't the Land of Water guard their sea routes?" Tajima pressed. He'd spent decades watching great nations play their games.

Gin shook his head. "The Land of Water can't hold them. After their war with the Land of Earth, they lost heavily. Add to that the enormous cost of buying a Bijuu… even Kirigakure's ninken will be working overtime. They won't have forces to cover those seas."

"If you think it's viable, then do it."

Tajima fully trusted his nephew. He clapped his hand down.

Gin handed the plan back to the clansman.

"You'll lead this. The clan's dividends for the second half of the year are in your hands. Don't fail us."

"Thank you, Clan Head! Thank you, Lord Gin!"

The man's eyes shone. He'd polished this plan long ago, but never had the chance to present it. To have Gin himself recognize him—it was like a dream.

"Lord Gin… but the money?"

He looked at the scroll, feeling it burn his hands. If the company truly launched, Tobirama would profit. And to him, letting a Senju earn was worse than debt.

"Keep it. It'll be start-up capital."

An angel investment—free. Why not use it?

"But… I promised Senju Tobirama dividends."

The man looked pained. He regretted not pushing the payout date further.

"No matter. Give him one payout first to calm him. For the next one, tell him the company is new, it needs funds to circulate. Once it profits, he'll get his share."

"Will that work? That white-haired one isn't easily fooled…"

Gin chuckled. "Just show him financial reports, feed him dreams of profits, toss him gifts during festivals. He won't doubt you. Besides, he won't live long enough to enjoy many dividends."

Then Gin added, "And remember, rope in Uzushio. Don't do this alone."

The clansman nodded—of course they'd involve their brothers of Uzumaki.

Tajima smirked knowingly.

"Haha, Gin… When do you plan to marry that Daimyo's daughter of Uzushio?"

"Eh… when the shinobi world is at peace, maybe."

After the man left, Gin and Tajima spoke of Konoha's affairs.

"You say Madara wants to be Hokage?"

"Yes. He's practically working without pay, sticking to Hashirama like glue. I couldn't stop him if I tried."

Tajima sighed. "And the clan? He just abandoned it?"

"Fortunately, little cousin Izuna keeps it all in order."

Tajima scowled. "Izuna's old enough to marry, and still single? Will I be the last of the line?"

Gin thought a moment. "Lately I've heard rumors he's interested in a girl from the civilian branch. But she's only fourteen, and cousin is nearly thirty…"

Tajima waved it off. "Civilian or not, she's a woman. Handle it for me. By next year, I expect a grandchild!"

After much more talk, as the sun dipped below the sea, Gin finally rose.

"I must go, or the others will suspect."

"Gin, come home often."

"Of course, uncle."

He used Hiraishin and vanished in golden light.

But this time, he did not reappear in Konoha.

Inside the dimensional corridor, a black void opened, sucking him in. Gin's gut lurched as he was tossed about—until suddenly, he slammed onto a soft floor.

He rubbed his spinning head, ready to curse—until a cold female voice froze him.

"I told you I could drag him here."

Gin's eyes shot up. His throat bobbed. He was on the moon, in the Otsutsuki palace—on Tsukihime's observatory.

"Hi… Long time no see." Gin forced a grin. "Biroku, Tsukihime… I've missed you~"

"Gin~"

Otsutsuki Biroku flew into him, hugging his neck, pressing her mature yet holy body tightly against his.

"You never visit me!"

Gin scratched his cheek awkwardly, eyes flicking down despite himself.

Then a colder voice cut in.

"What about me?" Otsutsuki Tsukihime's face darkened.

"You dragged me here?" Gin asked.

She didn't answer, glaring.

"It was Tsukihime who did it," Biroku explained.

Gin's eyes sharpened. "So it was you… Then let's fight?"

Tsukihime's eyes gleamed. A cloak of green-blue chakra wrapped her. Her hair floated as her eyes shifted—Rinnegan-like orbs.

"Rinnegan… mode?" Gin muttered.

"Now I have mastered the Tenseigan. It's time to prove who is the true Otsutsuki."

"True Otsutsuki? Not me, don't drag me into this." Gin flinched.

"Silence."

Tsukihime raised her hand. Chakra orbs appeared, spinning into a glowing vortex.

"Oi, wait—what do I use against that?!" Gin panicked. His own Tenseigan powers were locked since Tsukihime was the rightful wielder.

Awkward silence hung. Tsukihime's attack dimmed slightly, embarrassed.

But she growled, "With the Tenseigan, victory is inevitable!"

Gin quickly buttered her up. "Yes, yes, Tsukihime-chan, you're amazing~"

"Who said you could call me that?! Address me as Queen!" she snapped, launching her silver wheel explosion at him.

"Gin, careful!" Biroku gasped.

But Gin only sighed, and opened his scarlet eyes. His Sharingan spun, evolving into a kaleidoscopic pattern.

"Perfect chance to test my new Mangekyo…"

Dark energy oozed forth. A black shadow rose at his feet.

A woman.

Pale skin turned dark, dressed in a white kimono, long gray hair cascading. Cold yet noble beauty…

Tsukihime and Biroku froze.

"Who… is she?"

Gin smirked. "My creation. Born of my Mangekyo. She is my avatar."

The shadow girl stood, holding strange vibrating weapons.

Gin's eyes bulged. "W-Wait… what are you holding?!"

Biroku covered her lips, eyes glimmering with teasing. Tsukihime grimaced in disgust.

"Gin, you pervert…"

"No! It's not what it looks like!!"

But the black woman—Kaguya—ignored him, dismissing the "items" only after a glare. Her gaze fell on Tsukihime.

Pure Otsutsuki blood, awakened Tenseigan… worthy.

But Kaguya only posed in combat stance, awaiting Gin's order.

"Now, Tsukihime, witness the bond between me and her!" Gin declared grandly.

"Don't underestimate me!" Tsukihime snarled, chakra flaring.

But Kaguya had already slipped into the shadows. She appeared silently before Tsukihime, regarding her with curiosity. She sheathed her weapons, merciful.

Because Kaguya—despite everything—was the most loving ancestor.

(End of Chapter)

[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/euridome]

[Thank You For Your Support!]