Reborn in Konoha, Sailing to the Grand Line

On that day, after leaving the security department and returning home, Sarah left a Shadow Clone at home and went directly to Ethan in the Pirate World.

She relayed everything to him in detail—the strategies, her movements in the past few days, and the progress of their plans.

"Do you have any additional comments or opinions?" she asked. "By the way, when selecting members of the security team, I specifically chose Might Dai! I remember you mentioned that he has great character and high potential in physical skills. He's a strong fighter, right?"

Ethan nodded with a satisfied smile. "No! Mom, you've done a great job! Two words—Haki!" He gave Sarah a thumbs-up and continued, "As for Might Dai, this is enough for now! Later, when the time is right, you can show him favor, help him adjust his body, and provide him with advanced training resources."

He leaned back, contemplating. "Once my body fully recovers, I'll return to the village and oversee things personally. That way, it will be easier to solidify his trust and loyalty."

He paused and then added with conviction, "People like him—determined and perseverant—are worth investing in. If we sign him early, we can ensure his long-term allegiance. We can even bring him to the Pirate World and use the resources here to accelerate his physical training. With his talent and willpower, he could reach Kage-level or beyond in just a few years."

Sarah's eyes gleamed. "Alright, we'll follow through with that plan!"

Then, remembering another concern, she sighed. "By the way, the clan has been burning through funds due to the ongoing reforms. We need new sources of income as soon as possible. Sky Island isn't reliable for steady finances at the moment, so we need another solution. That's why I need you to finish producing the nutrient pills as soon as possible!"

She tapped her chin, thinking. "We should weaken their effects—just 30% better than the best ration pills currently available in the clan. That should be enough to make them desirable but not overpowering. Also, we should create a weaker version of the conditioning potion using the formula Kuleha gave us, at only 10% effectiveness. These should sell well. What do you think?"

Ethan nodded affirmatively. "No problem! These are minor issues—I can have them ready the day after tomorrow!"

He smirked. "Not only those two items, but Kuleha's super nutrient potion and body-enhancing potion are also near completion. Once those are ready, I'll create a diluted version for public sale. Trust me, they will sell like crazy."

The medical and pharmaceutical industries in the shinobi world were paradoxical—advanced in some areas yet lacking in others. This would be a lucrative endeavor.

Sarah's expression brightened. "Perfect! These will sell well, and the best part is, we won't be enriching our enemies while doing it."

Then, as if something clicked in her mind, she said, "By the way, I'm planning to meet Uzumaki Mito soon and try to form an alliance with her. We need to restrict and check Sarutobi Hiruzen's power. For that, can you create a vitality-replenishing potion that's relatively mild? If so, how long would it take?"

Ethan rubbed his chin in thought. "Vitality replenishment, huh? Actually, most of what we've been working on already has that function—whether it's the conditioning potion, the Sea King's meat we eat, or the high-tier nutritional pills."

He glanced at Sarah seriously. "Mito's situation is unique. I'd need to examine her in person to tailor a solution. If needed, the 100% nutrient pills made from Sea King meat would work, but it would require a sufficient dose."

Sarah nodded in understanding. "Alright, then you'll accompany me when the time comes. How about after you've fully recovered?"

"That would be best," Ethan agreed. "It would also lend credibility. If I show up sick and claim I have a solution for her condition, it'll only weaken our negotiation stance."

Sarah's mind was already racing with the possibilities. She needed to make a move on Uzumaki Mito soon but had to be careful with how much of Ethan's abilities she revealed.

"Speaking of that," she said with a smirk, "perhaps we could use this opportunity to acquire all the medical knowledge and ninjutsu that Tsunade has mastered?"

Ethan chuckled knowingly. "Heh, I was thinking the same thing. We can add that as part of the deal when we negotiate with Mito. I've always been interested in the medical field, particularly Tsunade's expertise. If I can integrate her knowledge with what I already know, my skills will reach an entirely new level."

His grin widened. "Additionally, this might be a golden opportunity for me to become Tsunade's apprentice. That would allow me to get closer to her, the Senju, and obtain an official standing in the Hokage's circle."

He leaned forward, eyes gleaming with ambition. "This could make my eventual path to Hokage much easier. With that position, I'd have control over Konoha, ensuring Uchiha's rise to power."

Sarah raised an eyebrow and teased, "Tsk, tsk! So that's what you're thinking about, huh?"

Ethan coughed, clearing his throat awkwardly. "Ahem! No, no, that's not it!" He waved his hands in denial before quickly shifting topics. "So, Mom, what do you think of the plan?"

Sarah's expression darkened as she stretched out her hands, grabbed Ethan's cheeks, and pulled them apart.

"Mom?" she repeated in a dangerously sweet voice. "So I'm old now, huh? Poor me... It seems my dear son no longer loves me!" She feigned a dramatic sigh.

Ethan's face turned pale as he waved his arms frantically. "No! No! That's not what I meant! Mom, you're always beautiful and youthful! I made a mistake!" His voice cracked as he struggled against her grip.

Sarah narrowed her eyes before finally letting go, her lips curling into a satisfied smirk. "Good answer. But next time, you won't get off so easily, Ethan-chan."

Ethan massaged his sore cheeks and muttered, "Women really do care about age and appearance... The ancients never lied to me."

Sarah crossed her arms. "Alright, back to business. Work on a suitable medicine for Uzumaki Mito before you fully recover. If we secure her as an ally, it will be a massive win for Uchiha. A living Uzumaki Mito as our ally is in our best interest."

She took a deep breath. "As long as she remains, she can keep the Third Hokage in check. But if she dies, the Sarutobi faction will be completely unrestrained. They will swallow up the remaining Senju resources, solidify their hold on Konoha, and eventually turn their full focus on eliminating us."

Her gaze sharpened. "I won't allow that to happen."

Ethan nodded. "Understood. I'll handle it."

Their plans were coming together. Now, it was just a matter of execution.