Chapter 94

On the journey to the Land of Lightning, Sakumo's curiosity finally got the better of him.

"That cold, eerie chakra you've been using—what's the deal with that?"

Chakra could be influenced by a person's personality and characteristics, giving off different vibes. But that was more about how it felt to others.

Chakra was still chakra.

However, Gin's chakra was different. It seemed fundamentally distinct from ordinary chakra. If Gin hadn't been able to use ninjutsu, Sakumo might have thought it wasn't even chakra at all.

"It's an evolved version of Basic Inner Technique: Chakra Inner Technique," Gin replied, looking up at Sakumo.

Why is this guy so tall? Gin thought, the urge to kick Sakumo in the knee rising.

"Mind if I take a look at it, for research purposes?" Sakumo asked, now intrigued. The enhancements from Basic Inner Technique had been significant, so Chakra Inner Technique might be even more powerful.

"If you want to discuss the principles, I'd be willing to, but if you expect me to develop it for you—keep dreaming," Gin retorted, rolling his eyes.

Gin was looking for ninjas to help him with his research, not ones who would make him do all the work.

"So, it's another sealing technique, right?" Sakumo guessed.

"Of course," Gin confirmed. Chakra Inner Technique was essentially an advanced form of sealing jutsu, but much more complex.

It required not only a high level of chakra control but also a deep understanding of sealing techniques. In fact, it involved multiple seals working in conjunction. The technology behind it was intricate.

With multiple seals involved, even the slightest instability could lead to failure. It had to be adapted to each individual's body, requiring constant experimentation and adjustments.

That was why Gin hadn't fully mastered it yet.

"You should still develop one for me," Sakumo said, sighing in defeat. He had a basic understanding of sealing jutsu, but this was beyond his level.

Gin extended his hand with a clear intention: Give me money.

Sakumo hesitated for a moment before placing his family's heirloom sword into Gin's hand.

"What are you doing?" Gin groaned, his head full of black lines. Sakumo's strength was largely tied to his sword. Handing it over would cut his power in half.

Were they still going to the Land of Lightning? Who would handle any potential threats?

Sakumo scratched his head in embarrassment.

"I don't have much else to offer. Besides this sword, I have a son. If you want, I can give him to you."

Hey! Kakashi would cry if he heard this!

Gin stared at Sakumo in disbelief. Was he really willing to trade anything just to get this technique?

Gin didn't need another sword—he already had the Kusanagi. As for Kakashi, what was he supposed to do with him?! Give himself more headaches?

Well, maybe when Kakashi grew up, he could repay his father's debt.

"Forget it," Gin sighed.

"So, you're agreeing to it?"

"I'll consider it when you offer something more tempting," Gin replied, walking ahead.

Sakumo's ridiculous offer? Not a chance.

The Land of Lightning was different from other nations.

The entire country was covered in towering mountain ranges, with peaks rising so high they seemed to pierce the sky. The country's cities were all built on these mountains.

This unique geography meant that the country was rarely affected by wars taking place in the lowlands.

However, life wasn't easy for the people of the Land of Lightning either.

The steep mountains, though breathtaking, made travel between cities incredibly difficult. Merchants from other countries were reluctant to come to the Land of Lightning, and frequent thunderstorms only added to the danger.

With trade limited, the Land of Lightning remained impoverished.

This was one of the reasons they sought to conquer parts of the Land of Fire. With access to fertile land below, they could finally develop their economy.

Economic prosperity played a massive role in a nation's strength.

As Gin and Sakumo climbed the mountains and entered a city, the constant rumble of thunder echoed in the air.

Unlike the bustling neon-lit cities in other countries, this one lacked much of the usual vibrancy. However, the streets were still full of people.

Men and women on dates, elderly people strolling around, and children playing and laughing filled the streets with a lively atmosphere.

The noise of the crowds made it hard to believe they were in the middle of a war.

While there were few large shops, small vendors lined the streets. Only the wealthiest could afford to open stores in the Land of Lightning, and there weren't many rich people here.

"This country feels surprisingly peaceful," Gin remarked.

"It's due to the geography. Invading the Land of Lightning is much more difficult than attacking other countries," Sakumo explained.

Each country had its own unique geography. The Land of Fire, for example, had the best and most fertile lands, which was why other nations always sought to invade it.

Gin's gaze lingered for a moment on a passing woman.

When she noticed him staring, she didn't seem to mind. Instead, she winked at him.

"This place isn't bad," Gin commented.

Both he and Sakumo sighed at the same time, then glanced at each other.

Sakumo quickly straightened his posture. "The people here are known for being bold and passionate."

Yeah, sure, Gin thought, not buying it. Sakumo clearly wasn't as straight-laced as he pretended to be.

The two found an inn and settled down for the night.

Once they had unpacked, Sakumo turned to Gin, his expression serious.

"Let's split up and investigate the presence of any Kumogakure shinobi in this city."

With that, Sakumo left the room.

Gin opened the window and watched Sakumo disappear into the distance, rubbing his chin.

"Why does this feel like it's more than just a simple investigation?"

Without a second thought, Gin jumped out the window.

Covering himself in Yin Release chakra, Gin masked his presence and stealthily followed Sakumo.

He watched as Sakumo asked for directions and made his way through some back alleys before entering a small shop.

Once Sakumo had gone inside, Gin stood in front of the shop, looking up at the sign.

"Black Rose," it read in pink chalk, the storefront appearing to be a legitimate establishment.

"Finally, I've caught you."

Gin grinned mischievously and quickly performed a transformation jutsu.

Poof!

He turned into a tanned, muscular man and walked inside.

"Welcome!" A hostess in a revealing outfit greeted him warmly.

Clearly, this wasn't the most respectable place.

Gin, acting all proper, said, "I'm with the man who just came in."

The hostess, noticing how Gin's eyes kept darting to her exposed skin, kept her smile fixed. She knew that no one who entered this place was here for anything good.

"Right this way," a woman in a red dress with tanned skin led Gin to a private room.

The inside was dimly lit with pink, suggestive lighting, and there were small rooms all around.

The woman opened the door to one of the rooms.

Inside, Gin found Sakumo, surrounded by women, looking thoroughly pleased with himself.

When Sakumo saw someone enter, he asked in surprise, "Who is this?"

Before the hostess could respond, Gin pushed the women aside and threw his arm around Sakumo's shoulders.

"Take a guess."

Gin hadn't changed his voice at all.

Sakumo's face turned green.

(End of Chapter)

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