Later that day, after returning home from the Police Force HQ, Uchiha Chiri left behind a shadow clone and headed straight to the pirate world where Xuanqing was staying.
Once there, she detailed everything she had arranged over the past few days.
"Any feedback or additions?"
"Oh, and by the way, I made sure Might Duy was selected for the new unit. You said his character is solid, and his taijutsu potential is top-tier, right?"
Xuanqing gave her a bright smile and a thumbs up.
"No notes. Two words: absolute power move."
"As for Duy, this is perfect for now. Later, once my recovery is complete and I shift more focus back to the village, I'll start making direct moves."
"Only by building his goodwill can I safely 'invest' in him—provide healing, training resources, and eventually contract him."
"And if we bring him to the pirate world, he'll skyrocket. The resources here are tailor-made for taijutsu monsters."
"With his willpower and talent, he might hit Kage level or beyond in just a few years."
Chiri nodded in agreement.
"Alright, we'll go with your plan."
Then, as if remembering something:
"By the way, our finances are taking a hit from all the recent reforms. We need new revenue sources, fast."
"Skypiea's out of reach for now. Can you focus on the nutrition pills? Water down the effects—just 30% better than our best soldier pills is enough."
"Also, based on Kureha's recovery formula, create a diluted version with about 10% of the effect."
"We'll sell both."
Xuanqing nodded again, confident.
"Easy. I should have both ready in two days."
"And not just those. Kureha's super nutrient and body-tempering formulas are almost done as well."
"I'll create basic versions of those too. Sellable, but not too potent."
"They'll fly off the shelves."
In the shinobi world, medicine is paradoxical, he thought. Advanced in theory, crude in execution. Especially when it comes to pharmaceuticals.
"Good," Chiri's eyes gleamed. "They'll make money and won't strengthen our enemies. Perfect."
Then she got serious:
"I plan to meet with Mito Uzumaki soon. I want to establish an alliance—balance out Hiruzen and the elders."
"Can you make a gentle, vitality-restoring medicine suitable for her?"
"And how long would it take?"
Xuanqing considered the question.
"Technically, everything we're already using—our tonics, sea king meat, the nutrition pills—helps with vitality."
"But Mito's a unique case. I need to examine her in person before I can guarantee anything."
"Worst case, we use full-strength sea king-based pills. They'll work—it'll just take a bit more."
"I'm basing this on previous-life knowledge of her status as a jinchūriki, but that's not enough. Real data matters."
"Fair enough," Chiri replied. "Then you'll come with me. We'll go after your recovery is complete."
"Better credibility that way."
After all, no one would believe a frail child could save Mito Uzumaki's life.
"I'm trying to avoid revealing too many of your secrets too early. But exposing a little of your medical talent isn't a bad thing…"
She smiled slyly.
"Might even be your ticket to learning all of Tsunade's medical knowledge."
Xuanqing grinned.
"You read my mind."
"That's exactly what I was thinking—make it part of the deal."
"I'm particularly interested in integrating Tsunade's methods. If I combine that with our world's medicine, my skills will break through new limits."
"And maybe... just maybe... I can become her disciple. Build ties with the Senju."
"Position myself as part of the Hokage line for easier village navigation."
"Eventually, it'll help me take the Hokage seat and control Konoha."
"Heck, might even charm Tsunade completely."
Chiri gave him a teasing look.
"Oh? Is that a wicked little smirk I see? You're thinking naughty thoughts, aren't you?"
"Cough, cough—nope! Nothing of the sort!"
Xuanqing instantly shifted tone, clearly caught red-handed.
"So, uh—Mom! What do you think of the plan?"
"Mom?"
Chiri raised an eyebrow.
Then her smile chilled. Slowly, she reached out and pinched both his cheeks.
Stretching them like mochi.
"So I'm old now, huh? Just Mom?"
"Little Xuanqing doesn't love his beautiful, forever-young mama anymore?"
"Unghh—I'm sorry! I was wrong! You're always gorgeous and timeless! Please don't pull—!"
Xuanqing frantically flailed.
Yep. It's true what the ancients said: Every woman hates being called old.
"Hmph! At least you know your place."
Chiri released him with a smug grin.
"One warning, kid—next time, I won't be so merciful."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Rubbing his sore cheeks, Xuanqing quickly nodded and swore he'd never do it again.
"Alright," Chiri said, satisfied. "So it's settled."
"Before your full recovery, prepare a treatment plan for Mito Uzumaki."
"Once we have her on our side, the power balance in the village shifts dramatically in our favor."
Because if Mito dies…
…then the last force holding Hiruzen and the elders in check disappears.
The Senju will fall.
And the old guard will feast on the spoils.
At that point, the Uchiha will be next on the menu.
That wasn't a future Chiri would allow.