Uchiha Chiri nodded in agreement through the first half of Genkei's rant.
But the moment he dropped that last line, she narrowed her eyes in amusement and looked him up and down.
"Oh? Then tell me, who is worthy of your Mikoto-neesan?"
"Obviously, I—uh…"
Genkei froze mid-sentence.
He'd blurted out what was truly on his mind, only to realize it too late. Caught red-handed, he gave an awkward cough and quickly looked away from his mother's playful gaze, his cheeks flushing red.
"Ahem… Anyway! The point is, Fugaku definitely isn't worthy of her. Right, Mom?"
"You—"
Chiri couldn't help but chuckle. She reached out and tapped him on the forehead with a finger, teasing.
"Didn't expect my little boy to turn out to be such a tiny lecher."
"Already got your eyes on Mikoto-neesan, huh?"
"But… you're not wrong. Fugaku really doesn't deserve her."
"And, judging from the future you described, that was a timeline where you didn't awaken your trait… a world without you or me."
"Now that fate's changed, so will the future."
"So—yes. I fully support you marrying Mikoto-neesan someday."
"In fact, I plan to groom you as the next head of the Uchiha clan."
"So you'd better step up! Grow stronger, and start building your reputation within the clan."
"I'll help from the sidelines, of course. But it's time for you to shine."
Honestly, Chiri didn't mind if her son had a bit of a roving eye. As far as she was concerned, the more wives and children he had, the better. Spread those Uchiha genes far and wide.
Over the next two days, Genkei stayed aboard the ship, focusing on two things:
—Practicing Life-Nurturing Arts with Sea King meat, and—Copying medical texts while cultivating the Uchiha clan's Yin Release meditation technique, which Chiri had brought him.
Perhaps due to his past life, his soul and mental strength were far beyond average for his age. His memory and comprehension were extraordinary.
On the day he received the technique, he'd reached beginner proficiency after just a few attempts.
And once the skill was registered in his Heaven Rewards Diligence panel, advancing it became even faster.
Two days later, the group arrived at Port 13 on the Sabaody Archipelago.
Waiting there at the dock were Shakuyaku and Rayleigh.
"Welcome back!"
As the ship docked, Shakuyaku leapt aboard with Rayleigh behind her. She nodded to the captain, then turned to Chiri and Genkei with a warm, grateful smile.
"So you two must be Uchiha Chiri and Uchiha Genkei—the ones who saved our Kuja fleet."
"On behalf of Amazon Lily, thank you."
"Nakki already told me everything."
"Escorting you to Drum Island isn't nearly enough to repay what you've done."
"So—if you have any requests, please don't hesitate. As long as it's not too outrageous, I'll do everything I can to fulfill it."
"Also, I'm quite well-connected when it comes to information. If there's something you want to know, just ask—no charge."
"I really can't thank you enough."
She wasn't exaggerating.
Had Chiri not intervened, the Kuja pirates might've been decimated. Hancock and her sisters could've been captured—sold to the Celestial Dragons.
That would've been a disaster beyond imagination.
Especially considering Hancock was a prime candidate for the next Empress.
"You're too kind. It was just a coincidence—we happened to be there."
Chiri waved off the praise modestly.
But Shakuyaku simply shook her head.
"No. A favor is a favor—and it will be repaid."
"If you haven't decided yet, that's fine. Just know you can come to me anytime to claim it."
"Ha!" Rayleigh laughed and patted Shakuyaku's shoulder.
"Alright, alright. This isn't the place to chat."
"Why don't we all head back to the shop and talk over drinks?"
He looked to Chiri for confirmation.
"Sounds good. Thank you for the hospitality."
Chiri nodded.
Soon, they arrived at a cozy-looking bar with a large wooden sign out front:
Bamboo Extortion Bar.
Chiri blinked.
Then slowly turned to give Shakuyaku a sideways glance.
"…What kind of name is that?"
"Ahahaha…"
Shakuyaku scratched her cheek, a little embarrassed. But she quickly recovered, putting on a sly grin.
"You know how it is. This island's crawling with thugs and pirates."
"A name like this gives us a little… deterrent value."
"Mm-hmm…"
Chiri and Genkei both nodded slowly, pretending to believe her.
Shakuyaku coughed and ushered them inside.
She poured drinks—juice and tea for Genkei, wine for herself and Rayleigh—and brought out some fresh cake.
Once everyone was settled, she finally asked:
"So, I hear you're heading to Drum Island for medical treatment?"
"Want me to put you in touch with a good doctor?"
"My old man here knows a few. Should be able to help."
It was obvious Genkei's condition was abnormal—anyone with a decent eye could see that.
And frankly, even Chiri didn't look especially healthy.
Their life force and physical vitality were unusually weak—hard to imagine from someone strong enough to slaughter bounty hunters with ease.
Still, Shakuyaku and Rayleigh could both sense something unusual inside Chiri—a foreign energy, likely the source of her strength.
They didn't pry. It would've been rude.
"No need for now."
Genkei spoke up before his mother could.
"We're planning to visit the so-called Witch of Drum Island—Dr. Kureha."
"She should be able to help. If not, we'll come back and take you up on that offer."
"Oh?"
Shakuyaku raised an eyebrow at how quickly he answered.
Even Rayleigh glanced at the boy with mild surprise.
"Dr. Kureha, huh? I know her."
"She's a brilliant physician. Possibly even better than Crocus."
"But… she doesn't come cheap. If you can't offer her something worthwhile, she won't even look at you."
"Understood."
Genkei nodded. "We've already prepared for that."
"I see…"
Shakuyaku smiled. "Then I wish you the best."
"Now—have you decided on what you want in return for saving us? Please don't refuse. I hate owing debts."
"We have."
Genkei stepped forward again.
He looked at both Shakuyaku and Rayleigh before speaking:
"I'd like to exchange that favor—plus a bit of exclusive intel—"
"—for your training notes on the Three Types of Haki, the Rokushiki techniques, and the method of Life Return."
Rayleigh's expression shifted instantly.
"What?! You have intel on Roger's son?!"
Even Shakuyaku's breath caught.
She stared at Genkei, astonished.
They had long suspected something, but never had confirmation.
"Kid… you're full of surprises."
Rayleigh was still reeling.
Shakuyaku looked from Genkei to Chiri, and back.
From the moment they'd entered the shop, Genkei had taken the lead.
She hadn't missed it.
Just who is this boy?