In Cell Zero's dungeon, Uchiha Yao's face looked pale and eerie under the flickering candlelight. After hearing his tale, Uchiha Gin's mind churned with calculations.
This old man might truly be the original host's grandfather. His shocking revelations about past secrets left Gin reeling.
The uncle who'd doted on the original host, Uchiha Tajima, was painted as a ruthless schemer—killing Gin's parents, imprisoning his grandfather, brainwashing him, and stealing his eyes.
Gin glanced at Yao again. The old man's gaze held genuine affection, no pretense.
If he were the original host, he might've bought it. But as aer, Gin instinctively shied from the host's doomed fate.
With a half-baked system prone to glitching, his first goal was clear: survive until Konoha's founding.
"Gin, don't overthink. Just join Tajima to find Nameless. Once you do, put this on her," Yao said, producing a plain headband and setting it before Gin.
"It's fitted with a control device to wrest Nameless's control from Tajima. When you return, I'll manipulate her to remove her Sharingan for you. Then, we—grandfather and grandson—can exact revenge, unite the Uchiha, and you'll be clan head."
Yao's words carried a seductive pull. Gin's less-than-iron will wavered, his eyes glazing with ambition, nearly falling for the old fox's bait.
A cool sensation in his eyes snapped him clear, cold sweat beading.
Warily eyeing Yao, Gin thought, This old schemer's spinning grand promises.
His past life's grind taught him: big talkers were rarely trustworthy.
"Got it, Grandpa! Together, we'll be unstoppable. I'll prep right away," Gin said, sensing danger and plotting his exit.
Outmatched, he couldn't afford to clash with Yao.
Pocketing the headband, he grabbed Yao's hand, tears welling, voice quivering. "Grandpa, you've suffered so long. I'll get you out, I swear."
The sudden shift threw Yao off. Was his grandson… dim? Could this kid pull off his plan?
Maybe let Wanryo possess him instead?
"I stay in this dungeon not because I can't leave, but to avoid Tajima's suspicion. Don't worry about me—focus on finding Nameless," Yao said, shaking his head with a haughty air.
"Then I'll head out," Gin said, ready to bolt.
"Go. Wanryo will contact you if needed," Yao said, nodding dismissal.
As Gin turned, Yao's voice followed. "It's late—Ryuei's back. I'll have Wanryo escort you."
The creepy old jailer emerged from the shadows, no longer blank-faced. A faint smile curled his eyes, chilling Gin.
"Big help, thanks," Gin said, licking dry lips, knowing he couldn't dodge.
The jailer melted into a black shadow, engulfing him. Gin's senses vanished, his body hurtling forward.
In moments, light returned. He stood outside the dungeon's gate, the jailer gone.
Glancing at the sky, Gin sighed. Too much info today. Time to sort it out—screw work.
On the way home, Uchiha clansmen gave him their usual cold shoulder.
After days, Gin was numb to it. The original host took the blame—he felt no guilt.
"You're back early? Ditching work?" Senju Banma, in casual clothes, swept the porch. Seeing Gin, he blinked, surprised.
"This job's trash—done with it," Gin yawned, squinting with dead-fish eyes. "You're settling in, huh?"
Seeing Banma's ease, Gin teased with a smirk.
"Evil Uchiha, I'm not your buddy!" Banma flushed, tossing the broom and bolting to his room, slamming the door.
"Kid can't take a joke," Gin chuckled, shaking his head. Thin-skinned brat.
"Cousin, I'm here!" The front door crashed open as Uchiha Izuna stormed in.
(╬￣皿￣)
"Izuna, give me one good reason, or you're paying for my door," Gin growled, grabbing Izuna's spiky hair, fuming at the wobbling frame.
"Ow!" Izuna wailed. "Stop, I'll go bald! I've got big news!"
"What?" Gin released him.
Rubbing his head, teary-eyed Izuna said, "Dad sent a message."
"What's Uncle want?" Gin tensed. Had Tajima caught his scheming?
"Three days from now, a mission. Dad says you're coming," Izuna said, puffing his cheeks, all serious.
"Mission details?" Why send Izuna for this? Normally, a specialist delivered such news.
"Classified. You'll know when we go," Izuna whispered, eyes darting, acting sly.
Thwack!
Gin's fist bonked Izuna's smug head. "Then fix my door!"
Sporting a lump, Izuna meekly grabbed hammer and nails, diligently repairing.
Later, proud, he patted the restored door. "Door fixing? I'm a pro."
Yeah, and you still got stabbed by one, Gin thought, rolling his eyes, knowing Izuna's canon fate.
"You're thinking something bad, aren't you?" Izuna asked, catching Gin's odd look.
"Izuna, be nice to your cousin. I might save you from a door someday," Gin said, patting his head, dead serious.
"Ow! You hit my lump!" Izuna yelped, dodging. Unmoved by the warmth, he fled, fearing for his life.
Watching Izuna's "tragic" retreat, Gin felt refreshed, the day's stress gone. Rubbing his empty stomach, he called, "Banma, what's for dinner?"
---
If you want to read more than 20 chapters early feel free to visit pa tre on . com /Archus