Naruto: Uchiha Madara's Cousin

"You two, don't embarrass me when you go to the Land of Thunder. At the very least, you better become leaders," Uchiha Gin said with a teasing smile, wiping away tears from the corner of his eye as he looked at the serious young Kinkaku. "Otherwise, don't say you know me."

"Every word of Mr. Gin is etched in our hearts," Kinkaku said, pulling his younger brother. His tiger-like eyes filled with tears. Despite the short time they had spent together, Kinkaku sincerely respected Uchiha Gin.

From the beginning, Gin had taught the brothers without holding back, and later even saved their lives in a critical moment. Kinkaku had witnessed all of this and remembered it deeply.

"Kinkaku, take it out," Kinkaku said as he pulled out an old, worn scroll from his chest and called to his brother behind him.

Without hesitation, Ginkaku took out a similar scroll from his chest and handed both scrolls to Uchiha Gin, saying, "Mr. Gin, these contain the sacred treasures of the Hagoromo Clan. Please feel free to choose two."

"Huh? Wasn't the task for one item?" Gin said as he accepted the scrolls, feeling the weight in his hands. The material felt like it was made from some kind of bark.

Just by holding it, Gin could sense the mysterious power contained within. However, due to the long time these scrolls had existed, it felt as though they might fall apart at any moment.

"We can't thank you enough, Mr. Gin. Please select two items. The second one is a token of our brotherly gratitude, so don't refuse," Kinkaku said, waving his hand. Although Uchiha Gin had been assigned to escort them as a mission, the help he had provided far exceeded the mission's scope. The brothers had discussed it and decided to let Gin pick two treasures.

After all, these rare sacred treasures, if Gin took them back, would likely be reclaimed by his clan for research, and he might not get the chance to use them himself.

"Alright, let me take a look," Gin said. He understood the brothers' intentions and felt a warmth in his heart. Without further refusal, he opened the scrolls to inspect them.

Opening Ginkaku's scroll first, he found two treasures sealed inside: a broad sword adorned with clouds at the corners on the left and a plain red gourd on the right.

Next, Gin opened Kinkaku's scroll, revealing three treasures: a golden rope on the left, a red-and-white fan in the center, and a jar inscribed with ancient runes on the right.

"Kinkaku holds the Seven Star Sword and the Red Gourd, while I have the Golden Rope, Banana Fan, and Amber Purifying Pot," Kinkaku carefully introduced the six sacred tools of the Sage of Six Paths. Despite their somewhat whimsical names, Gin, who knew the original story, had a decent understanding of these items.

"The Seven Star Sword is..." Kinkaku's eyes sparkled as he proudly introduced his family's treasures, worried that Gin might not appreciate them.

"The Banana Fan allows the wielder to unleash fire, water, lightning, wind, and earth techniques without concern for chakra nature, making it an incredibly powerful weapon."

Kinkaku, feeling a bit parched from talking so much, licked his lips and introduced the last treasure. "This jar is called the Amber Purifying Pot. As long as the target responds to the wielder's words, they'll be sealed inside the pot."

"Hmm," Gin thought as he listened to the explanations, which were consistent with their descriptions in the original story. This made it difficult for him to choose.

First, the Seven Star Sword, Golden Rope, and Red Gourd were a set. Using them together unlocked a great power. If he took one, it would make Kinkaku and Ginkaku's lives harder in the future, so he immediately dismissed those three.

Then there was the Banana Fan. The enhancement to elemental techniques didn't hold much appeal to him, as he neither lacked chakra nor techniques.

Plus, in the future, when dealing with extraterrestrial enemies, ordinary techniques wouldn't be very useful. Better to leave it for Kinkaku and Ginkaku to use for self-defense.

"This one, then..." Gin's gaze fell on the last item, the Amber Purifying Pot. He examined its ancient inscriptions and pondered.

This jar was later stolen by the Third Raikage's son. Instead of letting that ruthless character have it, he might as well keep it now. Besides, he didn't have many sealing techniques, and this jar could come in handy.

"Have you decided, Mr. Gin?" Kinkaku asked, watching Gin's expressions shift from indecision to determination as his gaze finally settled on the Amber Purifying Pot.

"Yes, this jar will do. Just the right size for a decorative vase at home," Gin said with a smile, pointing to the Amber Purifying Pot.

"Just this? Why not pick another?" Kinkaku was surprised. Of all the treasures, the Amber Purifying Pot was the least useful to the brothers. After all, it required two hands to hold, meaning one less weapon in battle.

Feeling a mix of gratitude and admiration, Kinkaku's gaze toward Gin grew even more intense. "Mr. Gin is truly a kind man," he thought.

"No need. I'll take just this one. The remaining four can be divided between the two of you—two each, perfect," Gin said with a shake of his head, insisting on taking only one item.

"Alright then," Kinkaku relented. Seeing Gin's resolve, he bit his thumb, smeared blood on the scroll, and performed a release seal. A puff of white smoke rose from the scroll, and when it cleared, a half-human-sized jar stood before Uchiha Gin.

Kinkaku stroked the ancient treasure, a trace of reluctance in his eyes that quickly turned into determination. The Hagoromo Clan was on the verge of extinction. What use were these treasures now?

Kinkaku believed that as long as they survived, the legend of the Hagoromo Clan would continue.

"Thanks!" Gin took the Amber Purifying Pot, sealed it in a blank scroll, and packed it away. He clapped his hands, ready to bid farewell to the brothers of the Hagoromo Clan.

"Mr. Gin, we have little left to offer, but to thank you for your help..." Kinkaku said, his eyes glinting as if he had just remembered something. He suddenly stopped Gin, who was about to leave.

Gin's expression shifted immediately. Was this going where he thought? Surely not... Was Kinkaku planning something indecent?

He prepared himself, thinking, I'm a righteous Uchiha, and I don't play those kinds of games!

"I've decided to share with you a secret of our Hagoromo Clan," Kinkaku said, his eyes filled with resolve, as if he were going against his ancestors' wishes.

"Huh? Brother, you mean..." Ginkaku said, his normally stern face showing rare surprise.

"Ginkaku, don't stop me. The Hagoromo Clan is nearly extinct, and that secret is of no use to us anymore," Kinkaku interrupted his brother.

Phew, at least they weren't planning to make any indecent proposals. Gin relaxed, but his curiosity was piqued by their conversation.

"Alright, let's hear it," Gin said, intrigued by the secret of the Hagoromo Clan, which hadn't been mentioned in the original story.

"You know, our Hagoromo Clan is descended from the Sage of Six Paths," Kinkaku said proudly.

Tch! Who isn't descended from the Sage of Six Paths nowadays?

Gin thought, rolling his eyes.

"The legend of the Sage of Six Paths needs no explanation—it's well-known," Kinkaku continued, teasingly withholding the information, which didn't match his personality.

"The Sage left more than just these sacred treasures. He also left his personal sword in a sealed location. Our Hagoromo Clan was tasked with guarding it," Kinkaku revealed.

Gin raised an eyebrow. Could this be the famous Swords of Kirigakure?

According to ancient records of the Hagoromo Clan, it was a sword called the "Heavenly Spear." It could channel one's deepest wishes, earning it the name "Wish-Fulfilling Sword." Legend had it that the Sage used this sword to create the world.

"It sounds impressive. Why haven't you reclaimed it?" Gin asked, recalling the legendary sword from the original story that the Sage wielded.

"Only those with a high concentration of the Sage's bloodline can enter the sealed location, and even then, they might not be able to retrieve the sword," Kinkaku explained with a shake of his head. Even the Hagoromo Clan, being direct descendants, had never managed to reclaim it.

"Wow, bloodline threshold, huh?" Gin thought with a wry smile.