"Young Uchiha, no honor! Tricking and ambushing a sixty-nine-year-old veteran like me? Is this right? No, it's not!"
In the Tsukuyomi's genjutsu space, nailed to a cross, Uchiha Gin gazed at the endless sea of Itachis, feeling the weary frustration of a seasoned shinobi.
Sadly, his veteran wisdom didn't sway Uchiha Itachi. Instead, Itachi's attacks sped up, unleashing a relentless barrage on Gin's lower body.
Seventy-two hours passed. Gin felt this Tsukuyomi hit harder than before—those stabs stung fiercely.
Collapsing onto the recliner, panting, Gin clutched his head, the genjutsu's aftershock throbbing. Only when the system's debuff cleanse kicked in did he recover.
"Backyard Daily Random Skill Refresh: [Genjutsu: Tsukuyomi]. Obtained Tsukuyomi Fragment 10…"
[Tsukuyomi Fragment (30/40). Collect 40 to synthesize Genjutsu: Tsukuyomi. Requires Mangekyo Sharingan.]
Almost there! Once he had all the fragments, no more "one-versus-seven" torment. Dreaming of a brighter future, Gin chuckled.
Straightening up, he strutted home, eyeing his well-used house. Rubbing his chin, he mused: now that he knew Wood Release: Four-Pillar House, should he renovate or rebuild entirely?
Eh, sleep first, decide tomorrow. Yawning, Gin dismissed the thought, crashing on the couch.
Next day, the dutiful shinobi rose early, tidied up, scarfed down breakfast, and headed to work.
He strolled to the archive room, but the sight inside shocked him. "Ryusa, you're here early."
Uchiha Ryusa sat at Gin's desk, back turned. Gin waved a greeting.
"Morning, Lord Gin," Ryusa replied, voice weary. Turning, he revealed massive dark circles and bloodshot eyes, looking like he'd awakened a Sharingan.
"You didn't work all night, did you?" Gin asked cautiously, sensing something off.
Ryusa nodded, shelving a blue file. "Yeah, worked straight through, no sleep."
"Ryusa, you're a model shinobi! Your dedication blows me away," Gin praised generously.
"Just easing your burden, my honor," Ryusa said modestly.
Tch, smooth talker—real potential, Gin thought.
"Ryusa, health comes first. Rest up, I'll handle the rest," Gin said, all righteous. He wasn't a tyrant—overworking allies was bad; balance was key.
"Uh…" Ryusa eyed the few remaining files, internally rolling his eyes but yielding. "Then I'll leave it to you, Lord Gin."
Ryusa left, handing off the cleanup. Gin meticulously shelved the last file, exhaling heavily.
"Such grueling work!" he said, wiping imaginary sweat, grinning.
Pleased with the tidy archive, Gin grabbed a random file. "You're the one!"
The dungeon was perfect for Heart of Steel grinding—prisoners were locked away forever, so faked losses wouldn't leak.
Today's prisoner was unremarkable. Gin had Uchiha Tetsutama escort him, and after Tetsutama left, Gin had a "friendly" chat with the inmate.
…
"Host defeated. Gained Heart Energy 12. Two more battles to unlock Heart of Steel Chest reward. (Current Heart Energy: 22)"
System chime ringing, Gin dusted off, satisfied, waving goodbye to the helpful prisoner.
Nothing left to do, Gin ditched work early again, humming as he slipped out the dungeon.
Strolling the Uchiha clan grounds, savoring rare free time, Gin scratched his curly hair. He recalled yesterday's run-in with Uchiha Miao, who'd told him to get his Sharingan checked.
No time like now—his vision had been sharpening fast. Following the original host's memories, he navigated twists and turns to a secluded building.
As he approached, guards blocked him. "Restricted research area, no entry!"
"Elder Miao sent for me," Gin said calmly, unfazed by their attitude, explaining earnestly.
"Wait here, I'll check," a guard said, not doubting him, heading inside to report.
After a while, the guard returned. "Elder Miao says go in."
Stepping aside, the guard let Gin pass. Gin nodded thanks and entered the unfamiliar place.
"Uchiha Gin? Elder Miao sent me to guide you," a lanky young Uchiha said, waiting inside.
"Thanks for the trouble," Gin replied.
Following the man through a long corridor, Gin thought, No wonder they sent an escort—this place is huge.
The research facility looked new, clearly built recently.
"Here. Go in, I've got work," the lanky Uchiha said, leaving abruptly.
"Elder Miao, you there?" Gin called, spotting light through the office door crack, knocking.
"Come in," a cold voice answered. Gin pushed the door open.
Uchiha Miao, in a white coat, was hunched over something at a desk. Seeing him busy, Gin didn't interrupt, quietly scanning the lab.
A bookshelf lined one wall, stuffed with labeled folders. A display case held countless glass jars—closer inspection revealed preserved human organs, chilling Gin.
"Uchiha Gin, didn't expect you today," Miao said, pausing his work, turning with a piercing gaze.
"You asked me to come, Elder, so I rushed over," Gin lied smoothly, unfazed. "To make it quick, I pulled an all-nighter on Elder Yan's tasks."
Miao's eyes narrowed, voice heavy. "Sounds like you're in a hurry."
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