"Konoha's Dimensional Pirate: Reborn Uchiha Gin"

The next morning dawned bright over Konoha. The square in front of the Hokage Residence was overflowing with people. Even the rooftops and surrounding streets teemed with spectators. It was a sea of excitement, a tide of anticipation.

Amidst the crowd's roar, Uchiha Gin, flanked by Tsunade, the First Hokage Senju Hashirama, and the Second Hokage Senju Tobirama, ascended the platform.

Gin took in the sea of expectant faces, then amplified his voice with chakra and declared clearly:

"People of Konoha! From today, I, Uchiha Gin, become the Fourth Hokage!"

"Hooray!!!" the crowd erupted in thunderous cheers.

With that, Gin turned and descended the stage, applause roaring in his wake.

Then, Nara Shikamaru stepped forward. On Gin's behalf, he outlined the coming wave of reforms—centered on overhauling the education system and long-term strategic planning. The intention was to prepare the villagers for the future and rally support behind the transformation.

As the crowd gradually dispersed, the discussions began to swell like ripples across a pond.

"Worthy of the Fourth Hokage! A true genius of the Uchiha—he singlehandedly defeated ten thousand enemy shinobi and took down both Hanzo and the Third Kazekage! Incredible!"

"Absolutely! And he's planning a massive expansion of the village—more people, more strength! That's the future!"

But not all voices were in unison.

"Wait... If more people come, won't we have to share our resources? Won't that make life harder? Jobs will be scarce!"

"Nonsense! Think ahead—more people means more work, more development. And the Uchiha have deep coffers—they've made a fortune off medicinal pills and their miracle shell."

"Exactly! With Lord Gin at the helm, he won't let us fall into poverty."

"He's a visionary! He knows a strong village attracts loyalty. He'll raise everyone's standard of living!"

"You're all missing the point. It's not just expansion—what about the reforms to the Ninja Academy and the new civilian schools?"

"True! More kids from common families can become shinobi now. And for those without chakra talent, there'll be schools for trades and crafts."

"That's what I want! I don't want to send my child to the ninja academy—it's too dangerous!"

"Same here! My neighbor lost her husband and son on a mission. It's too much!"

"Still, shinobi earn well. There are pros and cons to everything."

The village buzzed with debate. Support and skepticism blended like colors on a palette. After all, when personal interests are involved, unity is hard to find.

But thankfully, most welcomed the reforms. Even the doubters adopted a wait-and-see attitude. After all, this was the Hokage's decree.

In the shinobi world, the opinions of civilians mattered only if the Hokage chose to consider them. And Gin's authority was unshakable. Compared to civilians, shinobi—both clansmen and ordinary ninja—embraced the changes. The reforms favored them.

Meanwhile, Gin wasted no time. He convened a meeting of all jōnin in Konoha. There, he presented the first Five-Year Plan for village development and the finalized power structure, including new appointments.

The plan passed with a majority vote, and every division was mobilized to execute it.

Later, Gin requested a private audience with the former Hokage.

"First Hokage," Gin said seriously to Hashirama, "the future of Konoha's expansion lies in your hands. Without your Wood Release, the reconstruction's first phase could take years. I need your help."

Hashirama sighed internally. Of course Gin hadn't revived him just for nostalgia.

He'd seen the development blueprint. Even with his boundless chakra, the work would take months of relentless effort. It was hard labor—he was going to be worked like a horse.

"Can I refuse?" Hashirama asked, shooting Gin a reproachful glance.

"Pffft—hahaha!" Gin burst out laughing. "You lived to see this day! You love teasing me, but now it's your turn! Even Tobirama's stuck working in the research lab day and night, and you want to get out of it? Dream on!"

Ignoring the First's glare, Gin gave him a big thumbs-up.

"Good for you, old man. That's the spirit!"

"Madara! Read him a lecture!" Hashirama grumbled, lunging at him in mock anger.

"Alright, alright! I give up!" Madara laughed, waving his arms defensively. "It's for Konoha's future! You like it too, don't you?"

Hashirama wasn't truly upset. After all, if he were, Madara—his powers sealed to chūnin-level—would've been flattened in moments.

Then Hashirama lit up with an idea.

"Oh! Gin! Madara can help with the reconstruction too! He inherited my cells and mastered the Wood Release! Plus, his Earth Release skills are top-tier! He'd be a great help!"

"What?" Madara froze, glaring daggers at Hashirama. "How could you?"

But deep inside, he felt a spark of hope. Maybe this is my chance to escape... If they lift some seals so I can use Wood Release properly, and I'm allowed near the village boundaries… then maybe…

Still, one major obstacle remained—the sealing system embedded in his body. The Flying Thunder God markers Gin had placed would allow them to teleport to him instantly or drag him back.

Madara had already examined the seal array once—and recoiled. It was impossibly complex, interconnected, and delicate. Disturbing one seal would trigger the others.

Could even Black Zetsu disable it? Madara wasn't sure. If Zetsu failed, the risk of capture would skyrocket. And Gin didn't tolerate mistakes.

Then, unexpectedly, a new thought crept in.

"The Infinite Tsukuyomi was a failure… a trap. So why run?"

"Why not stay… Watch Konoha flourish… See the Uchiha rise… Be part of peace?"

Gin hadn't restricted his movements. He could stroll around Konoha freely, even if some power was sealed.

He smiled inwardly. Perhaps I could even work with Gin. Use myself as bait to capture Black Zetsu…

Gin rubbed his chin, thoughtful.

"That's a good point, First. I forgot Madara has Wood Release. What do you say, Madara? Planning to escape? Might be your only shot!"

Madara sneered internally. Like I'd fall for that.

Gin's confidence and careful wording only strengthened his resolve: escape was futile.

Madara shook his head.

"No. I'm not running," he said. "After our last talk, I realized the Infinite Tsukuyomi was a dead end."

"I like this life. Hashirama and I drink and play cards. We walk the village and watch it change. Seeing the Uchiha prosper and the village grow—that's enough. I look forward to that peaceful future you spoke of."

The room fell silent. No one had expected Madara to change his stance so easily. Or was it a bluff?

Then Madara's tone shifted dramatically.

"But if you think you're putting me to work like a draft horse—forget it! I refuse!"

"Gin is too cruel. You treat your elders like tools. Is that how you honor your ancestors?"

"Come on, Madara!" Hashirama caught his arm, grinning. "We're best friends, aren't we? This is the continuation of our old dream—to build Konoha together!"

Madara groaned.

"Hashirama, you're dead already!"

Gin stepped forward, expression unreadable.

"Madara, I don't care whether you've truly changed or are faking it. I trust my own measures. You can try escaping."

"But the First Hokage's idea is sound. You'll help him with the reconstruction. I'll remove the current seals and apply new ones that prevent you from harming villagers."

"If you refuse, I'll just control your body and force you to use Wood Release to assist Hashirama anyway."

Madara's mouth twisted. He knew Gin wasn't bluffing.

He thought quickly.

"Alright… If you agree not to send me to construction, I'll help you catch Black Zetsu. I know you're worried about him. He still thinks I trust him—I can lure him in."

Gin shook his head.

"No. I'm not planning to capture Black Zetsu for now."

"What? Why not?" Madara was stunned.

"Because," Gin said with a faint smile, "after discussing with my mother and Lady Mito, we decided to let him roam free for now. Let him keep stirring chaos in the shinobi world."

"His future actions—like capturing the tailed beasts or reviving Kaguya—will help push the ninja world toward unification."

"If we catch him now, the great villages will focus all their aggression on Konoha. I don't fear war, but I don't want widespread bloodshed or mass hatred."

"So we'll let him act freely. We might even help him from the shadows. In a few years, he'll be the most feared being in the world—and we'll be the only ones who can stop him."

Madara stared, speechless.

"You're even planning to use Black Zetsu…" he whispered. "You really might be the one to unify the world."

For a moment, Madara's old pride faded. If he and Hashirama had possessed even half Gin's foresight in their time, the ninja world would have long since known peace.

"What? We're using Black Zetsu? Why didn't anyone tell me?" Hashirama exclaimed.

The doors burst open.

"Hmph. Brother, you're too naive," Tobirama said, walking in with a sardonic grin. "We didn't tell you because you'd object. Why waste time?"

"No, that's slander!" Hashirama protested. "What makes you think I'd disagree? I think it's a brilliant plan! Minimal cost, maximum peace—of course I'd approve!"

He pouted slightly.

"I'm not that stupid…"

End of Chapter 138.