"Konoha's Dimensional Pirate: Reborn Uchiha Gin"

Chapter 148: Chapter 148: Will of the Blade – Hatake Sakumo’s Pact



"Hmm... Fine! I'll go myself! I doubt those so-called nobles and fat merchants of the Fire Country would dare to turn me away!" Tobirama Senju scoffed with disdain after a brief moment of thought.

He clearly held little regard for the daimyo or the ruling elite of the Land of Fire. But that was typical of Tobirama—he never masked his contempt for such people.

"Good! Then I'm entrusting this task to you, Second Brother," Gin said with a smile, pleased by his agreement.

When it came to matters demanding intelligence, cunning, and a capacity to intimidate, there was no one better than the Second Hokage. The First? Better not to count on him for such things.

Hashirama would likely bow to the daimyo and beg them to join the negotiations. Despite the current daimyo being his junior, Hashirama would probably still be courteous. Wasn't it the same at the first Five Kage Summit?

"Hmph! I'll do anything for Konoha's prosperity. That's that—I'm heading to the research department!" declared Tobirama as he turned and strode out of the Hokage's office.

Gin left a shadow clone behind to handle administrative matters, then summoned Hatake Sakumo.

"Come, Sakumo-senpai. Let's talk about passing on the kendo techniques."

Placing a hand on Sakumo's shoulder, Gin teleported them both to the training ground in his courtyard.

From his robe, Gin pulled out a pre-prepared scroll and handed it over.

"These are the kendo techniques I've gathered. Start with the first."

"Yes," Sakumo said, accepting the scroll. But instead of reading it immediately, he pulled out another scroll from his belt pouch and handed it to Gin.

"Hokage-sama, these are the techniques I've compiled from the Hatake clan—swordsmanship infused with Wind and Lightning Release. Please take a look."

Gin took the scroll without hesitation, walked over to the garden gazebo, and sat down to read.

"You read too," he said with a nod.

Sakumo sat across from him and began reading eagerly.

As he read, his eyes gradually widened in astonishment.

"These... These techniques don't just bring you to the level of a master—they allow you to surpass it. Swordmasters from this system are on an entirely different level compared to our samurai! What terrifying power... But they do seem to require an incredibly strong body. High-grade nutrient pills will be essential for training this."

As expected of a sword expert, Sakumo quickly grasped the core of these pirate-world techniques.

"You're absolutely right," Gin nodded. "Even I've only reached the level of a sword master. The path to becoming a great master is still ahead of me."

The truth was, his body hadn't matured enough. He was still young and had to limit his physical training to avoid harming his growth.

His current physique was thanks to the talent granted by the "Heavenly Blessing of Guidance." Mikoto and Minato, by comparison, hadn't even reached the level of sword masters.

You couldn't rush these things.

"Oh? Hokage-sama has already reached the level of a sword master? Could you demonstrate the power of this style's mastery?" Sakumo asked, eyes shining with anticipation.

"Of course! But not here—it's too destructive. Let's head to the Forest of Death," Gin said as he grabbed Sakumo's shoulder and teleported again.

"Watch closely," he said, unsheathing his blade, Genko.

He first demonstrated the full series of techniques that Sakumo had shared with him. Then, he thrust his blade forward suddenly.

"Vozha!"

A tremendous wave of blade energy, more than ten meters long, erupted from the sword. It cut through the forest in a ten-meter-wide arc, felling trees in neat rows before it finally dissipated.

Crack—Crack!

Boom—Boom—Boom!

Felled trees crashed down, raising clouds of dust and clearing thousands of square meters of forest in mere seconds.

"Incredible..." Sakumo muttered in shock. "This is the power of a sword master? Then what of a great master?"

What he had just witnessed was pure swordsmanship.

He could sense it—Gin hadn't used a single drop of chakra. That destructive force had come solely from physical strength and the intent behind the swing. The potential in this style was staggering.

"Don't get too excited just yet," Gin grinned. "Ordinary sword masters can't produce this kind of devastation. Even high-level masters would only manage a tenth of this. The reason my slash is so powerful is because I've comprehended the true intent of the sword and infused it into my attack."

Sword greats like Koshiro had also grasped the sword's intent—but their understanding was far less refined, and their power much weaker. Gin had already taught Koshiro his method of cultivating sword intent, allowing him to take his first steps toward mastering it.

As for Mikoto and the others, they had yet to even master the fundamentals. Isshin-ryū style and sword intent cultivation were still far out of their reach. Only after becoming true sword masters would they be ready to learn.

"Oh? I didn't see anything about that in the kendo scrolls we exchanged. Is this method not part of the sword's path?"

Sakumo's tone wasn't doubtful—he simply wanted to understand.

"Haha! As expected from you, Sakumo-senpai," Gin laughed. "I thought you were accusing me of hiding techniques!"

"Impossible," Sakumo shook his head. "Hokage-sama would never do such a thing. I would never doubt you."

It was his principle.

"You..." Gin chuckled. "Sometimes, being too upright can be a flaw. Not everyone is like you. Don't expect too much from others—or you'll get hurt. Even those close to you."

"People are inherently selfish. Truly selfless individuals who follow the rules for the greater good are rare. They're often the ones who end up losing."

"But you're right—this sword intent training method is different from the techniques I gave you. I created it myself by merging your techniques with mine and adding my personal understanding of the sword's path."

"This method has no upper limit—it can be refined endlessly. The stronger your intent, the deeper your swordsmanship, and the more destructive your strikes become. What do you think? Interested?"

"Ehh..." Sakumo hesitated, scratching his head. "But I haven't done anything to deserve such a reward. I don't have anything valuable enough to offer in exchange. I'd be ashamed to ask."

He wasn't shameless enough to beg.

"I'll teach you."

Gin cut off his teasing and spoke seriously.

"Remember what I told you yesterday about another deal—another choice?"

"Of course I remember!" Sakumo nodded eagerly. "It's related to this?"

"Yes, and no," Gin replied. "Let me explain the terms—this is a contract."

"You meet the requirements. If you agree, you'll sign a pact with me. From that moment, you'll receive many benefits—including the sword intent method. Compared to what else you'll gain, that's middle-tier."

"If you accept, I'll teach you everything for free and support your training fully. Nutrient pills, rare resources—all without limit."

"In return, once the contract is sealed, you'll be bound to me. You won't be able to harm me—not even entertain the thought. In essence, you're selling me your future."

"So think carefully. This is a big decision—there's no need to rush."

Gin had opened the door. Whether Sakumo would walk through it was up to him. If he hesitated or doubted, Gin wouldn't force him.

But Sakumo, pure of heart, looked at him and said without pause:

"Yes, Hokage-sama. I agree. Serving you is reward enough. Besides, your offer far outweighs anything I could ever give. And a restriction like that? It's nothing."

After all, Gin was Hokage. He was the strongest—someone Sakumo admired deeply. He was willing to serve loyally, to obey without question. Unless Gin went mad and tried to destroy Konoha—though that was obviously unthinkable.

"Oh?" Gin raised an eyebrow, pleased but still cautious. "You sure you don't want to think it over?"

"No need. I accept fully. When do we sign?" Sakumo asked firmly.

He knew the contract would be protected by powerful seals to safeguard Gin's interests. He didn't mind.

"Alright. Then let's begin," Gin said, forming a glowing, complex rune between his fingers and pressing it into the air.

"Touch the rune and mentally agree—that's all it takes."

"Yes," Sakumo said.

He took a deep breath and touched the rune.

A voice echoed in his consciousness, asking if he wished to enter into a contract with Gin. In exchange for massive benefits, he would be partially controlled—unable to harm or betray him.

"I agree," Sakumo responded without hesitation.

The rune transformed into a stream of light, flowing into his palm and then to the center of his forehead, embedding itself in his sea of consciousness. He immediately felt a newfound clarity of mind.

Suddenly, torrents of information filled his mind—knowledge of the Pirate World's past and future, and secrets of the Shinobi World. Techniques followed: sword intent cultivation, Isshin-ryū style, enhanced basic kendo, chakra purification, longevity training, crystal meditation, and more.

Sakumo closed his eyes, absorbing it all. The deeper he delved, the more awe-struck he became.

He had thought himself prepared, but the reality surpassed his wildest dreams.

Gin could travel freely between worlds—and even bestow this power upon his contractors. The kendo styles they had exchanged originated from the Pirate World!

So that's why this sword style is so different... Sakumo realized. No wonder the Uchiha, Senju, and Uzumaki have all changed so dramatically over the years! It's all because of Gin-sama and the other world!

The key ingredient in the nutrient pills—is it really meat from Sea Kings and other ferocious Pirate World beasts? No wonder the Third and the others couldn't figure it out. How could they, when it all comes from another world?

The longevity techniques really worked—lengthening life, strengthening the body, improving talent, and purifying the blood.

Then Keiko and Kakashi... they'll become stronger, live longer, and stay by my side...

But to teach them, I must first help them win Gin-sama's favor. I'll speak highly of him often, and when the time comes, I'll request contracts for them too.

He knew well—mere requests weren't enough. He had to train harder than ever, using everything he'd been given. And above all, he had to help Gin.

To him, Gin was no longer just a leader—he had become something akin to a divine being.

Gin, watching from across the field, noticed Sakumo's loyalty meter spike.

Hiss... What is he thinking? he thought. Sakumo had convinced himself of absolute devotion.

But then again, for someone like Sakumo, it was only natural.

Half an hour later, Sakumo finally finished processing the information. Dropping to one knee, he bowed his head in reverence.

"Thank you for your blessing, Hokage-sama. From this day forward, Hatake Sakumo is your blade. Whatever mission you assign, I will carry it out without hesitation!"

"Get up, quickly!" Gin said, rushing forward and lifting him by the shoulder. "No need for such ceremony. Just train hard, grow strong, and support me when needed. Together, we'll unite the Shinobi World and the Pirate World—bringing peace and happiness to both!"


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