"We're really allowed to take these belts for free, just by signing this contract on behalf of our villages?"
Gengetsu and the others each held a prepared scroll. After carefully reading through the terms, they all raised their heads in disbelief and asked Gin again.
"Of course. As long as you sign this Rider Promise Scroll on behalf of your village, I'll give you belts free of charge, one per beast."
Gin spread his hands, acting pure and generous, like it was all just a family gift.
"All we need to do is follow the clause that says: we cannot use Rider power in times of war?"
Mu pointed to the bolded line, confirming once more.
Right now, the nations had just signed a peace agreement: no war between the Great Five for now. At least in the short term, there'd be no fighting anyway.
"That's right. For missions, personal grudges, duels—it's fine to use it. But in actual war, if you use Bijuu Rider power, the consequences will be… very tragic~"
The contract's purpose was simple: to restrict Riders from becoming weapons of war.
"…What if we're invaded? Are we still forbidden?"
Shamon finally asked, worried.
"Who would invade your broke desert land? What's there to steal, sand?" Gengetsu sneered.
Shamon turned red. "It's hypothetical! And our land is rich in minerals! Someday we might dig up gold that'll make you choke on your little moustache, you—"
"Still no. Rider power cannot be used in war. That's iron law," Gin cut him off firmly.
"Then we'd rather not take them," the others said grimly.
The realization dawned: they were about to trade away their trump cards in exchange for power they couldn't use in war.
"Oh? Really don't want them~?" Gin tilted his head.
They shook their heads, ready to hand back the scrolls.
"In fights against Bijuu, Riders are allowed to join the battlefield."
They froze, brows furrowed in thought.
After a moment, Mu raised his hand decisively.
"We, Iwagakure, will take them!"
He'd caught the loophole. In war, they couldn't use Rider Bijuu power—except when the enemy unleashed their Bijuu. Then Riders could legally join the fight.
And a Rider, with shinobi discipline, would be far deadlier than a berserk beast.
"Wait! Then villages with only one beast will be at a huge disadvantage," Shamon realized grimly.
Gengetsu pounced. "Not my problem you're poor~ We, Kirigakure, will also take them!"
Shamon clenched his teeth. "…Give us one too."
"You sure? Once signed, no going back."
"All right then~" Gin raised his hand. Three black rifts opened above them.
Each man caught a gray belt box that dropped into their hands.
"It's real!" They were ecstatic.
Gin then turned to Kinkaku, still cradling his brother.
"You don't want one?"
"…Who are you really?" Kinkaku's eyes searched Gin's mask, recognition flickering.
"Don't ask such personal questions. Look, your brother won't last long."
Kinkaku dropped to a desperate dogeza.
"Sigh… fine. After all, he's a test subject."
Gin raised his hand. Black mist crackling with lightning enveloped Ginkaku.
"You! It's you!" Nibi, draining Ginkaku's life, suddenly recognized that chakra.
"Kitty, back to your cage."
The seal Gin had placed triggered. With a smirk, he forced Nibi back into its shining card.
The spectators paled. He had subdued a Bijuu with a flick of his wrist.
Gin then glanced at Chōmei, who trembled.
The beetle spread its wings and fled the sky at full speed.
"Good choice. Being a wanderer suits you."
Gin's voice was cold warning.
As Ginkaku collapsed, his armor dissolved. He was pale but alive.
Kinkaku hugged him tight, eyes wet. "I owe you everything. Ask anything of us!"
"Already asked. Just remember the contract." Gin tossed him a belt.
Kinkaku's heart jolted—he understood who stood before him. But Gin only pressed a finger to his lips. "Shh."
The others crowded closer. "How do we use these?"
Patiently, Gin explained the two transformation methods, as he had once to the First Raikage.
On the treeline, the Konoha squad fidgeted, ready to jump down.
"Matte matte! If you fight him, I'll take the damage too!" Gin rushed to stop them.
Mitsuko pouted. "A-Gin, that guy clearly has a scheme. He must be trying to control all the beasts!"
Osamu muttered, "Shouldn't we at least take a belt too? Feels like we're losing out."
Gin smiled, rubbing her head. "We don't have Bijuu. No point. We've got the intel we need. Mission complete. On the way home, I'll buy you anything you want in the capital."
The girls' eyes sparkled. Gin sighed in relief. Money well spent.
"…Any more questions?"
Mu raised his hand. "If a Rider was made by defeating a beast, how do we reduce the risk of rampage?"
"Can't eliminate it. But strong willpower, mental discipline—Yin chakra, especially—can suppress it. Like the Uchiha can."
Kinkaku frowned. "Ginkaku is weak in genjutsu…"
Shamon then asked: "We in Suna have no Bijuu card. How do we transform?"
"That's not my specialty. The cards come from another. You'll have to find them yourself."
Shamon clenched his fists in silence.
Gengetsu asked, "Does power scale with number of tails?"
Gin smirked. "Yes… but sometimes even a weak beast can upset the odds. Don't underestimate luck."
Finally, Gin stood. "Lesson over. I have other shows to catch."
"May we have your name?" they called after him.
He paused at the portal, then waved lazily.
"…Just call me Decade-nii."
"Thank you, Decade-nii!"
Gin chuckled. "One last tip—Riders are destined to fight. The victor always gets an unexpected reward."
Then he vanished into the rift.
As soon as he left, the alliance shattered. Gengetsu, Mu, and Shamon all leapt apart, hostility blazing.
Kinkaku alone stood tall, guarding his brother. "If you don't want trouble, leave. Or we'll oblige you."
One by one, they retreated.
Kinkaku exhaled in relief. In his heart, he vowed: assisting Gin was his duty.
Each village carried the belts home, excitement and scheming in their eyes.
In Iwa, Mu demanded the Beast Cards.
"Instructor, I will be a Rider. I'll join the destined war."
In Kiri, Gengetsu wrested a card from his comrade. "Rokubi—victory is mine!"
In Kumo, Kinkaku returned alone, begging for the Hachibi card. "I cannot watch my brother fight alone."
In Suna, Shamon laid the belt before the Kazekage. "We must research seals. Or… I will beg Gin himself."
The Kazekage scoffed. But Shamon only said solemnly:
"Gin is one of the rare men of true love in the shinobi world."
Ps: From now on, Jinchuuriki will be replaced by Bijuu Riders. Who do you think will be the Fox God Rider?
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