Chapter 151: Chapter 151: Seeds of Infiltration
"This too can be an option," Gin nodded thoughtfully. "If possible, it's best to kill Kaido right away to avoid future complications. But as you said, Mom, killing him isn't that easy."
"Maybe you should ask Rayleigh for a sparring match," Hikari offered. "It would help us gauge the true strength of Yonko-level fighters. Once we understand how they compare to Super-Kage from the Shinobi World, we can decide if approaching Kaido is even worth the risk."
According to Gin's analysis, his mother Hikari could defeat Kaido if she fought alongside Uzumaki Mito. And with the help of the First Hokage, they would undoubtedly win. But killing him? That was a different matter entirely.
"I wonder how sealing techniques would work on Kaido?" Gin mused. "Maybe it's time to explore the possibility of sealing Devil Fruit powers. If it's feasible, it would give us a major advantage."
Forming a contract with Kaido had never crossed Gin's mind. Someone like that couldn't be tamed. Like many high-level pirates, Kaido had a forceful personality and an unyielding will. Without a life debt or a deep emotional bond, earning such a person's loyalty was nearly impossible. And even if favor were gained, individuals like him rarely submitted to binding contracts.
Then again, the Shinobi World had similar figures.
Kage loyal to their villages, bound by rigid ideals, were just as difficult to sway. And while Gin didn't plan to kill them all, they would never earn his full trust. In time, such people would be sidelined. Once his own contractors grew in power and public sentiment leaned his way, removing those figures would be effortless.
"The sealing technique?" Hikari raised an eyebrow. "I completely forgot! It's really worth investigating again—we might uncover something unexpected."
"Right now, we can seal vitality and restrict physical movement," Gin said. "But our ceiling is too low. These seals are useless against powerhouses above Kage-level. And against monsters like Kaido, they're practically a joke. We need to continue our research."
"If we don't," Hikari added, "resurrecting Madara Uchiha with the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan—even without the Rinnegan—would be a nightmare. He's already borderline Six Paths level. Far too dangerous."
"Exactly. So, let's stay away from that one… for now."
Gin's voice hardened as he shifted topics.
"I've been thinking about building a powerful pirate crew in the New World. If we take enough territory and grow strong enough, we can eventually claim Yonko status."
He paused, eyes narrowing.
"Right now, Shanks isn't officially a Yonko yet, which means only three real contenders exist. That leaves open territories in the New World we could move into."
"Under our own pirate flag," Gin continued, "we can carry out any policy and reform we want, without bowing to the World Government. As long as we don't act like a Revolutionary Army or openly announce our opposition to the Government, it won't raise too many alarms."
"In parallel," Gin said, "I want to place our people within the top forces of the pirate world and various kingdoms. Some will act as moles; others will rise in the ranks and earn influence. From there, we attract promising talents, earn their loyalty, and form contracts. That's how we create leverage."
He looked around the room.
"This is how we prepare for the fall of the World Government and the reshaping of the pirate world. What do you think?"
There was a heavy pause.
"Sometimes," Gin added, "covert actions only make the World Government more suspicious. But acting as pirates? That's expected. That's what makes it the perfect disguise."
"Huh…" Hikari looked genuinely impressed. "Not bad, Gin. This might actually work."
Hikari mulled it over for a moment longer before speaking again.
"Better than just fighting Kaido and taking Wano. We should try it. But in terms of power, you'll need help. Make contracts with the First and Second Hokage immediately. They'll be essential frontline forces."
"We'll need at least one Kage-level fighter to maintain control of occupied territory," she said. "Otherwise, someone stronger could take it at any time. Though ideally... you'd sign Madara Uchiha."
Gin nodded. "The First is busy rebuilding and expanding Konoha, and while Madara is helping him, he could be reassigned to the pirate world. His temperament fits perfectly. And the Second Hokage is a genius at governance."
"To build a Yonko-level pirate crew," Hikari added, "you should consider recruiting your old mentor—Koshiro. He's one of the strongest swordsmen alive. Or head into the pirate world and form contracts with other Yonko-tier individuals—maybe Mihawk or Issho."
Mikoto chimed in with a nod. "You could also try contracting with some of the Navy's legends."
"Like Zephyr," Kushina said boldly. "Offer to resurrect his family and help create a pirate-free world. Or maybe Fujitora—through Dragon. Think it could work?"
Gin rolled his eyes. "Sure. Let's just contract the future admirals, or better yet, Fleet Admiral Sengoku. Come on, don't be ridiculous!"
Then his tone changed.
"…unless I joined the Marines myself. Rise up through the ranks, gain influence… It might just work."
Gin rubbed his chin, eyes flickering with ideas.
"Yeah… That could actually work."
"Ha! I told you!" Kushina grinned, smug.
"Shut up. I wasn't talking about your dumb plan," Gin shot back, glaring at her. "I meant going undercover—completely clean identity. Build a new persona. Rise through the Navy, gain the trust of their elite, and pull them to our side."
"Mom, what do you think?"
Hikari nodded, serious now. "Not a bad idea. With your charisma, you could easily form a new faction inside the Marines—one that quietly opposes corruption. Like a Radical Wing that hunts evil relentlessly. You'd gain many followers."
"But…" Her eyes narrowed. "It means spending a lot of time in the pirate world. Especially the Navy. And you can't let them see your training techniques. They're too powerful, too unique. If the World Government finds out…"
"Even daily training would be risky," she added. "Observation Haki masters would see right through your clones, even ones with special seals."
Gin sighed. "Yeah. That's the real problem."
"Then maybe send others?" Hikari offered. "Talented ones, already under contract. Kushina, Mikoto, Minato, Might Duy, Queen… they'd all be great candidates."
"Oh, that reminds me," she added, turning to Gin. "Did you already sign a contract with Duy? He's extremely loyal to you, and his favor must be high by now. Plus, he just got married—and had a son. Might Guy. The father and son duo would be perfect for training and development!"
Gin blinked. "Guy's already born? I completely forgot! I'll make a note to sign Duy soon, and Guy… we'll wait a few years. He's still too young."
"As for sending Minato, Queen, and the others to the Navy… It's worth discussing." Gin turned to the group. "What do you think, Minato?"
"I'm in!" Minato smiled. "The Navy's atmosphere doesn't sound bad. And the Shinobi World doesn't need me constantly. I can always return when needed."
"I don't want to!" Kushina protested. "In the Navy, you're not free. You're just a pawn of the Celestial Dragons! I'd rather be a pirate—build a crew with Queen or join your Yonko crew, Gin!"
Everyone burst out laughing.
"Haha! Fine, fine," Gin chuckled. "But not everyone in the Navy reports to the Celestial Dragons. That's only rare occasions. Rear Admirals and Vice Admirals might see them once in a blue moon."
"Really?" Kushina looked unsure, then shook her head again. "Still not going! I'll walk the pirate's path! Mikoto, are you coming with me?"
Mikoto gave a soft smile.
And Gin?
He simply laughed again—because things were just beginning.