Genkei smiled faintly. "Loguetown is in the East Blue. There are several talents there I want to keep an eye on. Once I have time, I'll head over and recruit them early."
"It's much easier to build goodwill while they're still young."
"Also, the dragon bone we need for the longevity medicine is in the East Blue."
"And there's a swordsmanship dojo over there that would be perfect for training in this world's sword arts."
"The dojo's master is a renowned sword saint—at least vice-admiral level by this world's standards."
"Better yet, the admission process is simple. As long as your background is clean, they'll accept you."
He didn't even mention the real treasures waiting for him: Nami and Kuina.
He wasn't going to let either of those prodigies slip through his fingers.
Even Zoro, Ace, Sabo, and the soon-to-arrive Luffy were worth investing in. With enough goodwill, those four could become powerful allies.
Chiri nodded in understanding. "Unawakened talents and the dragon bone? That makes sense—very strategic."
"What about Jaya?"
Genkei's tone shifted slightly. "That one's about the legend of the Golden City."
"Golden City?" Chiri raised a brow. "Treasure, huh? That's valuable. If we're going to carry out all the reforms we've planned, we'll need massive funding."
"Our clan's finances are decent, but to support all this? Not nearly enough."
"You were thinking ahead… trying to ease the financial burden for your mother? That's thoughtful."
"Heheh," Genkei scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Yeah, something like that..."
Then he told her everything—about Jaya, the Knock-Up Stream, Skypiea, and even the unclaimed Rumble-Rumble Fruit hidden in Birka before Enel ever arrived.
"Ssshhhew—" Chiri sucked in a breath, eyes widening. "I never imagined a world like this."
"A column of water strong enough to launch an entire island into the sky?"
"Endless clouds that never fade? Sky islands floating above the world?"
"It's incredible... I really want to see it with my own eyes."
In comparison, the Golden City almost seemed secondary.
"You'll get your chance," Genkei grinned. "But we'll need a way to fly. Otherwise, we'll have to gamble on the Knock-Up Stream—and that's way too dangerous."
People always thought the Straw Hats had it easy, but they were protagonists. They had luck, destiny, and a plot armor that Genkei couldn't rely on.
Honestly, it'd be safer to approach from the Grand Line's west route or, even better, ride an airship from Visalia, one of the "Little Sky Islands."
Luckily, the Shinobi World had some flying techniques.
"Flying, huh..." Chiri mused. "Well, our Uchiha clan's Susano'o, once fully manifested, can fly."
"Too bad standard Mangekyō Sharingan can't reach that stage—at least, I can't."
"But maybe if I push my physical and spiritual energy several times higher, I can pull it off."
Genkei nodded. That tracked with canon. In the future, Obito achieved full-body Susano'o with just a Mangekyō, thanks to his white Zetsu-enhanced body.
Chiri continued, "The Stone Village's Light-Weight Boulder Technique, or the Sand Village's Magnet Release, can also allow flight."
"But those aren't easy to acquire."
"Ten years ago, there were those Sky Ninja who attacked the Leaf—they had flying tech. But after being defeated, they vanished."
"We might be able to track some of that down."
"Another option is summoning a flying beast—what do you think?"
She looked at Genkei.
"Worth a try," Genkei rubbed his chin. "But it needs to be strong—capable of flying to ten thousand meters up. Regular messenger hawks won't cut it."
"If I can get to Skypiea just once and unlock the location, I'll be able to teleport there whenever I want."
"Understood." Chiri nodded firmly. "I'll handle that."
"For the Golden City and the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, it's worth the effort."
"Not to mention, those special dials on Skypiea—those shells with unique abilities? They'd be high-value trade goods back home."
"Perfect for developing a new Uchiha product line. If we can make the clan financially independent, we'll sever another leash the village uses to control us."
"One move, two wins."
"Exactly." Genkei smiled. "I'm in."
"Anything else?" Chiri asked.
"Not really..." Genkei paused. "Actually—maybe one more thing."
"Could you ask Mikoto-nee to come over for dinner tonight?"
"I want to check if her favorability is high enough to form a contract."
"If she qualifies, I can bring her over to train in the pirate world."
"Besides, I hear Fugaku's been trying to court her…"
"I'd love to see the look on his face when Mikoto kicks his ass in a duel."
"Let's see if he still thinks he's worthy of her then—hmph!"
Yep. Genkei was petty like that.
Chiri covered her mouth and giggled, tapping his forehead with a finger. "Fugaku really rubbed you the wrong way, huh?"
"Hmph." Genkei crossed his arms and tilted his chin. "It's not just about Mikoto-nee. That guy's future actions lead to the clan's destruction."
"Well, well—" Chiri laughed, not quite buying the deflection. "Alright, I'll have someone invite her over. You just make sure to be home by six for dinner."
"I'll also bring the materials you asked for about soldier pills."
"That's all then—Mama's off!"
With a wave, she dispelled the soundproof barrier and vanished from the pirate world.
Genkei, meanwhile, left his room and headed straight for Kureha's library to keep reading medical texts.
That afternoon, just before 6 PM,
Genkei informed Kureha, then returned to his room and slipped back into the ninja world.
As soon as he stepped into the hallway, the rich aroma of freshly cooked food greeted him.
In the dining room, he spotted Uchiha Mikoto, setting dishes on the table.
"Yo, Mikoto-nee!"
Genkei waved cheerfully.
At the same time, he checked her favorability score:
87 points.
"Nice! She qualifies!"
A surge of joy bubbled in his chest.
"Genkei-kun?"
Mikoto blinked in surprise. "When did you get so tall?"
"And you look so healthy now! Did your illness heal?"
It had been nearly a month since she last visited.
With school and training, she hadn't had time—and Chiri had been unusually busy too.
But in just one month, Genkei had grown at least ten centimeters and looked far more robust.
Honestly, if it weren't for that same handsome face—no, an even more handsome face—she might not have recognized him.
He had turned into one fine-looking little prince.
"Yup. Just about," Genkei grinned. "I'll be fully recovered soon. Then I can start training for real!"