Uchiha Gate: From Konoha to One Piece

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"Well... fine! I'll handle this personally! I doubt the daimyo and those so-called elites and merchants of the Land of Fire would dare disrespect me. Hmph!"

Senju Tobirama thought for a moment before nodding in agreement, scoffing disdainfully.

Clearly, he didn't hold the daimyo or the so-called elites and merchants of the Land of Fire in high regard.

Respect for them? Not a chance.

This was typical Tobirama!

"Great! Then I'll leave this matter to you, Second Hokage," Kaito said, grinning.

Indeed, for tasks requiring cunning, manipulation, and intimidation, Tobirama was the man for the job.

Rely on the First Hokage?

Hashirama might very well bow to the daimyo and beg for a meeting instead.

This was the same man who turned the first Five Kage Summit into a comedic plea for cooperation.

"Alright. As long as it helps Konoha grow stronger, I'm willing to do it. That's settled then—I'm heading to the research department."

Tobirama left the Hokage's office after saying his piece, leaving behind a shadow clone to handle administrative tasks.

Kaito then summoned Hatake Sakumo and said, "Let's go, Sakumo-senpai. We're off to exchange swordsmanship knowledge."

With that, Kaito placed a hand on Sakumo's shoulder. In an instant, they disappeared from the office and reappeared in the training field behind Kaito's house.

Kaito pulled out a prepared scroll and handed it to Sakumo. "Here. This is a compiled guide to the swordsmanship techniques of the clan. Take a look!"

"Yes, sir!"

Sakumo respectfully took the scroll but, before opening it, retrieved another scroll from his robes and handed it to Kaito. "Lord Hokage, this contains the Hatake clan's swordsmanship techniques, as well as my personally developed Wind and Thunder Attribute Sword Techniques. Please review them."

"Alright," Kaito said without pretense, accepting the scroll and sitting under a nearby pavilion to read.

"You should sit down and read as well," he suggested.

"Understood!" 

Sakumo sat across from Kaito, his heart racing with excitement as he began studying the new swordsmanship techniques.

The more he read, the more astonished he became.

"A new swordsmanship power system? Swordmaster level? Great Swordmaster?"

"...hmm!"

"This technique you've shared with me, Lord Kaito—it doesn't just lead to the level of a swordmaster but can even reach the heights of a great swordmaster?"

"And these swordmasters and great swordmasters... they're on an entirely different level compared to the samurai swordmasters I'm familiar with!"

"Unbelievable!"

"Though... it seems this swordsmanship requires an exceptionally strong physique."

"The training methods also seem to rely on supplements like nutrition pills—perhaps even advanced ones—to achieve optimal results."

As a master swordsman, Sakumo quickly grasped the essence of this foreign swordsmanship.

"Yes, you're right," Kaito affirmed with a nod. "Even I am only at the level of a swordmaster right now. The great swordmaster level is still far off for me."

He sighed. His young age limited his physical training; overexerting himself could stunt his growth.

His current physique and strength were largely thanks to his innate talent and relentless hard work.

Even prodigies like Mikoto and Minato hadn't reached the swordmaster level yet. These things couldn't be rushed.

"You're already a swordmaster, Lord Hokage? Could you demonstrate the strength of such swordsmanship for me?" Sakumo asked, his eyes lighting up with curiosity.

"Sure. This place isn't suitable, though—the destruction would be too much. Let's head to the depths of the Forest of Death," Kaito replied.

Once Sakumo stood, Kaito touched his shoulder again, and the two teleported to a secluded area deep within the Forest of Death.

— — —

"Watch closely!"

Kaito unsheathed his sword, Mystic Blade, and performed a series of precise movements, showcasing the techniques he had shared with Sakumo.

Then, with a sudden burst of energy, he unleashed a devastating slash.

"Whoosh!"

A terrifying blade energy, over ten meters long, erupted from the sword, slicing through rows of trees in its path before dissipating.

"Crack... boom!"

The trees groaned and toppled over in succession, filling the air with dust and leaving a swath of destruction spanning thousands of square meters.

"Gulp..."

Sakumo stared in shock, muttering, "So this is the power of a swordmaster? How terrifying! Then what kind of strength does a great swordmaster possess?"

He could feel it—Kaito hadn't used any chakra in that attack. It was pure physical prowess and swordsmanship.

This swordsmanship... held boundless potential.

"Don't get too excited," Kaito chuckled, smirking. "Not all swordmasters can achieve this level of destruction. Only peak swordmasters have a fraction of this power."

"My attack is so devastating because I've learned the sword aura and infused it into my strikes."

Sword Aura.

Even great swordmasters like Koshiro had comprehended sword aura, but it was far weaker than Kaito's.

Of course, Kaito had shared his sword aura training method with Koshiro, and the latter had recently started mastering it, boosting his strength significantly.

As for Mikoto and the others?

They hadn't even perfected basic swordsmanship yet. Mastering sword aura was a distant goal for them.

"Sword aura?" Sakumo raised an eyebrow. "I didn't see anything about that in the swordsmanship scroll. Are they not part of the same system?"

He wasn't accusing Kaito of withholding anything; he simply sought clarity.

"Ha! That's why I admire you, Sakumo-senpai," Kaito said, laughing. "You didn't assume I left something out of the deal."

"Of course not!" Sakumo shook his head. "You're not the type to do such a thing. Questioning the Hokage would be wrong."

"You..." Kaito chuckled softly. "Being too rigid and honest can be a disadvantage sometimes. Not everyone is as trustworthy as you think. Even comrades can be selfish at times."

He sighed. "But you're right—the sword aura method isn't part of the swordsmanship I gave you. It's a new core training method I created, inspired by basic swordsmanship and the techniques I shared with you."

"This is a technique with no limits. You can keep developing it indefinitely."

"The stronger your sword aura, the more it enhances your understanding of swordsmanship and amplifies your attacks!"

"So, what do you think? Tempted?"

Kaito asked, smiling mischievously as he looked at Sakumo.

"Uh..."

Sakumo was stunned for a moment before nodding reluctantly, his eyes full of longing for the sword aura method. "Of course, I want it!"

"But I have nothing of value left to trade for it. I'm afraid I can't ask for something without offering anything in return."

How regrettable.

Still, he wouldn't shamelessly beg Kaito for it.

Kaito, seeing this, didn't continue teasing Sakumo and instead said directly, "Actually, I can teach it to you!"

"What?"

Sakumo was taken aback.

Before he could say anything more, Kaito continued, "Remember when I mentioned another trade and choice yesterday?"

"Of course, I remember!" Sakumo nodded excitedly. "Does it have something to do with this trade? But I really have nothing left to offer!"

"No, you still do."

Kaito shook his head. "Let me explain the trade—or rather, the contract—first."

"Because you've met certain requirements, you're now eligible to form a contract with me."

"Once you sign this contract, you'll gain numerous benefits, including the sword aura method."

"Compared to the other advantages, the sword aura method is just average."

"If you're willing to form the contract, I'll give it to you for free and fully support your training."

"Things like advanced nutrition pills will also be supplied to you in unlimited quantities."

"In return, once the contract is signed, you'll be restricted to some extent. You won't be able to do anything that harms me—not even think about it."

"It's essentially selling your future to me."

"So, do you want to form a contract? Take your time to consider it. There's no rush."

The opportunity was presented. Whether Sakumo accepted it or not was up to him.

If he hesitated or refused, Kaito wouldn't force the matter.

But true to his straightforward nature, Sakumo didn't even flinch. After hearing everything, he looked at Kaito seriously and nodded without hesitation.

"I agree to it, Lord Hokage!"

"As they say, you reap what you sow. And the conditions you're offering far exceed what I could ever repay."

"Being restricted from harming you in any way? That's nothing to me!"

After all, Kaito, as the Hokage and a strong leader he admired, was someone Sakumo was already willing to serve with unwavering loyalty.

Unless Kaito lost his mind and decided to destroy Konoha someday—which was unthinkable—this restriction was irrelevant.

"Oh?"

Kaito raised an eyebrow, pleased with the outcome but still followed protocol.

"Are you sure you don't want to think it over again?"

"No need! I'm all in! So, when do we sign the contract?"

Sakumo's gaze was firm as he shook his head, fully determined.

He figured the contract was likely no ordinary one—probably some powerful seal designed to ensure Kaito's interests.

But he didn't care.

"Alright! Let's begin!"

Kaito smiled and summoned a mystical contract rune from his brow, presenting it to Sakumo, who watched in amazement.

"Touch this rune and agree to it in your heart. That's all you need to do."

"Yes!"

Sakumo took a deep breath, touched the rune, and instantly heard a voice in his mind.

It asked if he was willing to form a contract with Kaito.

The contract promised immense benefits but also bound him to Kaito, prohibiting any harmful actions or even thoughts against him.

"I agree!"

Sakumo declared firmly.

The next moment, the rune dissolved into a stream of light, entering his hand and quickly embedding itself into the center of his brow.

It anchored itself in his mindscape, making it feel more stable and secure.

Suddenly, an overwhelming amount of information about the Pirate World, parts of the Ninja World, and countless techniques flooded his mind.

Sword aura method, enhanced basic swordsmanship, Primal Chakra Refinement, Life Force technique, Crystal Meditation...

Each technique was extraordinary. Sakumo had to close his eyes and focus entirely on digesting the influx of knowledge.

The more he absorbed, the more astonished and thrilled he became.

He realized his imagination had been far too limited.

Kaito could travel to other worlds at will and even bring his contract holders along.

No wonder the swordsmanship techniques he'd traded earlier felt so foreign—they were from the Pirate World.

"Now it makes sense why clans like Uchiha, Senju, and Uzumaki have changed so much in recent years."

"It was all because of Lord Kaito and the other world!"

"Even the nutrition pills—they're made from the meat of sea kings or fierce beasts from the Pirate World?"

"No wonder the Third Hokage and those greedy investigators couldn't find a single clue about the recipe or ingredients!"

They weren't even in the same world. How could they possibly figure it out?

"And this Life Force technique—it can extend life, enhance physical fitness, and improve talent? There is even an Eternal Life technique!"

"With these, Keiko and Kakashi will not only grow stronger but also live longer and stay with me."

"But to teach them, I'll need them to form contracts with Lord Kaito too."

From now on, Sakumo decided, he'd sing Kaito's praises to Keiko and Kakashi, increasing their admiration for the Hokage.

Then, when the time was right, he'd request Kaito to allow them to contract with him as well.

Sakumo resolved to train diligently, utilize the techniques to grow stronger, and contribute more to Kaito's cause.

Otherwise, what right did he have to ask for such divine blessings?

To Sakumo, Kaito had already ascended to a godlike status.

Meanwhile, Kaito noticed Sakumo's affection and loyalty skyrocketing, quickly reaching 90.

"What on earth is he imagining?" Kaito thought, surprised.

This guy was practically convincing himself to worship me or what!

But considering Sakumo's straightforward nature, Kaito found it fitting.

Simple, pure people often approached things directly.

In Sakumo's mind, the incredible benefits of the contract made him feel indebted. He could only repay it with absolute loyalty and unyielding dedication.

About half an hour later, Sakumo finally finished absorbing the information.

He knelt on one knee, bowing respectfully to Kaito.

"Thank you, Lord Hokage. From now on, I am your sword. Assign me any task, and I will accomplish it with all my might."

"Please, stand up!"

Kaito hurried forward, helping Sakumo to his feet and patting him on the shoulder.

"There's no need for such formality. Just focus on training, becoming stronger, and helping me bring peace and happiness to both worlds."

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