In his palm, the chirping of Chidori compressed into fine steel-like needles under his control — a new technique Gin had developed after learning the Chidori Nagashi from the original story.

Chidori Ryū: Pohketsu! (Chidori Current: Pressure Point!)

The sharp, focused current pierced the woman's collarbone. Her eyes widened in shock as the lightning chakra drilled in; her secret technique, halfway charged, fizzled. She collapsed, body convulsing, before a shimmering ripple of light descended and whisked her away.

Deactivating his Byakugan, Gin felt his stamina instantly replenish. He nodded, satisfied at how efficient he was becoming.

"Backyard daily refresh: Random Skill [Yin Seal] obtained."

Yin Seal: An S-rank medical sealing technique. A rhombus mark appears on the forehead, subtly regulating chakra to allow instant healing and enhanced strength and speed. Mastery can even maintain youth and optimal physical condition indefinitely. (Note: Only females other than the host can learn this skill.)

Gin's eyes lit up in delight — he'd finally pulled this skill. He clicked to learn it at once. A flood of knowledge filled his mind, and when he opened his eyes again, he tried circulating chakra. A dark, nearly blood-red rhombus appeared on his forehead.

Pleased with his haul, Gin strolled back to his grand house. Six years had passed, yet the Wood Release-built structure still looked pristine. Pushing open the door, he spotted a familiar figure bustling about and raised a brow.

"Itama. What's on the menu today?"

"Fish, obviously. What else?"

The now-taller figure didn't even glance up, his tone impatient.

"Big words, huh? Watch that attitude."

Gin flexed his knuckles ominously.

"Eat it or don't. Or get out."

The boy didn't even flinch, snapping right back.

"…I'll go wash up."

The knuckle-cracking? Just for washing his hands, don't take it wrong.

Seated at the table, Gin watched the busy figure in the kitchen and felt a rare pang of pride. In six years, the brat had grown up well — now he could handle a kitchen entirely on his own.

"Here you go, you curly-haired ape. Sweet and sour fish."

Now eleven, Itama wore a custom apron as he served the dish. The glossy sauce and fragrant aroma made Gin's mouth water; he quickly took a bite and closed his eyes in fake bliss.

"Not bad, not bad. Almost seventy percent as good as mine."

The blatant lie earned him a massive eye-roll as the boy took off his apron.

Gin glanced at him — the scrawny bean sprout from before had shot up like a weed. Too thin still, though, his pale skin and delicate face making him look like a fragile, pretty young man.

"You'd better eat more. A man should have some muscle if he wants to be popular."

Gin picked up another piece of fish with his saliva-drenched chopsticks and dropped it into Itama's bowl, wagging his finger like a wise elder.

"…And you, a thirty-year-old virgin, are qualified to give me advice?"

Itama shot back with an angry glare.

"I've only stayed single because I've been looking after you! Otherwise I'd already be with… someone!"

Caught off guard, Gin flailed with shifty eyes.

"Heh." Itama snorted.

Knock knock knock!!!

A furious knocking saved Gin from further humiliation. He darted over and opened the door to find two handsome young men standing there.

"Madara, Izuna! Long time no see. What brings you here?"

At the door stood twenty-year-old Madara and sixteen-year-old Izuna. Both wore that signature Uchiha haughtiness — but at the sight of Gin, their frosty exteriors melted into warm smiles.

"Cousin! Don't tell me you forgot what day it is!"

Izuna, now nearly as tall as Madara and looking more and more like a younger Sasuke, grinned happily.

"…What day?"

Gin blinked and glanced at the calendar.

"…Singles' Day?"

"It's your big day!"

Izuna looked exasperated.

Gin frowned. Big day? It's Singles' Day — what's big about that? He'd been so busy grinding his daily system routine — farming courage by day, clearing the backyard by night — he never even thought about dating. Like the saying went: No women, no distractions, blade as sharp as ever.

"It's your birthday," Madara finally said flatly.

Oh.

Gin smacked his forehead. He'd actually forgotten his own thirtieth birthday. Thankfully his two cousins hadn't.

"Haha, here's my present!"

Izuna grinned mischievously, pulling out a small bundle and handing it over.

"I won it from an Akimichi in battle. They say it makes a man… bigger. I figured you might need it."

He leaned in close with a sly grin and patted Gin's shoulder.

"…I… uh… thanks…"

Gin swallowed his curses and forced a polite smile. The kid didn't know any better — clearly he needed to redouble Izuna's moral education.

"Can't let this go to waste… I'll… dispose of it properly later."

Then Madara stepped up, his icy demeanor softening. He removed a weapon from his back and handed it over.

"This came from a samurai of the Land of Iron. Forged entirely of chakra metal, excellent conductivity."

Gin's eyes lit up at the sleek blade — it looked just like a treasured Chinese jian from his previous life. He accepted it gladly, running his fingers over it lovingly.

"Come, come — let's eat first!"

Beaming, Gin ushered them to the dining table and called into the back room,

"Itama! Get two more sets of chopsticks for Izuna and Madara!"

Izuna leaned closer and whispered, glancing at his frowning big brother:

"Cousin, how long are you planning to keep raising that brat?"

(The War Era arc is really about to wrap up. Might be going premium soon — thanks for sticking with it and for your support!)

(End of Chapter)

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