Konoha: Gu Master

"I'm stuffed!" Tsunade announced, setting her chopsticks down as she stood from the dining table.

She glanced briefly at Shinho before heading to the sofa.

She had skipped her evening wine because of the incident at lunch.

While she could call it an accident, it wasn't entirely unintentional.

Her impulsiveness while drinking had given that brat an opening.

Now, the real issue was that the first time had already happened—and where there was a first, there was bound to be a second.

Shinho's bold kiss earlier had proven as much.

Although Tsunade had sternly rejected him, a sliver of doubt had taken root in her heart.

"Shizune-nee," Shinho called out, unaware of Tsunade's thoughts. He looked at Shizune with a smile. "Let me help you clean up."

Revenge shouldn't wait for another day.

Earlier, Shizune had unwittingly put him in a tough spot, and it was time to return the favor.

"No need," Shizune replied, shaking her head. "I can handle it myself."

"No way," Shinho said, grabbing her wrist with a smile.

A shiver ran through Shizune's body.

Something was off—she could feel it. Though she didn't know why, Shinho's expression meant he was going to cause trouble.

"W-what are you up to?" she asked in a low voice, glancing nervously toward Tsunade lounging on the sofa. If she noticed, that would be a disaster.

"You've misunderstood me. I'm just trying to help," Shinho said, releasing her hand. He picked up some plates and bowls, heading for the kitchen.

Shizune stared at his back, momentarily stunned.

Did I overthink it?

Guilt quickly replaced her suspicion.

Ever since her relationship with Shinho had taken a turn, her thoughts often wandered in strange directions on every turn.

It's all his fault!

Shizune sighed, trying to compose herself.

I used to be so normal.

She picked up the remaining dishes and entered the kitchen.

Shinho was already at the sink, washing plates.

Shizune walked to the refrigerator, placing the leftovers inside one by one.

"Why don't you wear an apron?" she asked, casually pulling one out and handing it to him.

"With just three sets of dishes, I'll be done in no time," Shinho replied without turning his head. "Give me two minutes."

"Alright." Shizune shrugged and put the apron back.

"Oh, one thing," Shinho said as he turned off the faucet. "Notify Team 8 to gather at nine, tomorrow morning."

"Got it," Shizune agreed.

"The mission isn't too difficult. Having teacher leading the team should be more than enough," Shinho added.

For a task like finding the Bikochu Beetle, having two Jonin was an overkill. Even considering the subsequent encounter with Kurosuki Raiga, it wouldn't be necessary.

"True," Shizune nodded. "I'll also inform Yamato."

"Have Yugao-nee bring a squad of Anbu with us," Shinho suggested, his mind on Raiga's control over the gold mine.

Money was something you could never have too much of. By eliminating Raiga, the mine would naturally fall under Konoha's jurisdiction.

And besides, this was a mission of justice.

Raiga had seized the mine and forced the locals into hard labor without pay. 

Those who tried to escape met an even darker fate—buried alive as part of Raiga's twisted hobby of holding funerals for the living.

"Why bring the Anbu?" Shizune asked, puzzled.

"Shizune-nee," Shinho said, drying his hands with a towel. "As my secretary, what do you think should happen when you question the Hokage?"

"I-I was just curious!" Shizune stammered, stepping back nervously. "I'll handle it first thing tomorrow!"

"Don't move!" Shinho commanded, his face suddenly serious. He stepped forward and wrapped an arm around her.

Shizune froze, her body stiffening.

"Don't worry, it's just a little punishment," Shinho murmured, his cold hands trailing along the nape of her neck, sending a shiver down her spine.

"You…" Shizune gritted her teeth, on the verge of calling him a pervert. But she stopped herself, knowing it would only provoke him further.

Fine, if this is all, I'll endure it.

Shinho's eyes traveled downward. Shizune's outfit caught his attention, a low-cut blouse beneath a fitted blazer.

Her neckline revealed fair skin, while the buttoned-up blouse hinted at the curves beneath. 

Unlike Tsunade, whose buttons would be under constant strain, Shizune's look was perfectly tailored and refined.

Noticing his gaze, Shizune instinctively covered her chest.

Shinho turned his eyes to meet hers, making her heart skip a beat. She couldn't bring herself to hold his gaze.

The next second, her expression changed.

She felt his fingers brush against her collarbone.

"Can you… move your hand?" Shizune asked, summoning her courage.

"That's enough punishment for today," Shinho said, pinching her cheek.

Shizune exhaled in relief.

"But it's not over yet," Shinho whispered, leaning close to her ear. "Tomorrow morning, wake me up wearing a maid outfit."

Shizune froze in shock.

I get this kind of punishment just for one question?

This guy… He's just taking advantage!

Shinho noticed her lips tightening. In the light, her soft lips shimmered faintly, almost irresistibly.

Unable to resist, he leaned forward.

Shizune's pupils dilated.

In those fleeting three seconds, she could have pushed him away.

But she didn't.

When their lips met, she surrendered entirely, even parting her lips without resistance.

For a moment, Shizune stared at him with hazy eyes, her expression dazed and uncertain.

Fine. Just this once.

After a while, clarity returned to her hazy mind.

"No!" she exclaimed, her face turning crimson as she quickly stepped back. Without waiting for a response, she fled the kitchen in a flustered rush.

"…" Shinho sighed.

Can you blame me? In this situation, breaking the 'seal' was inevitable.

And I wasn't even fully unleashed yet.

Shinho left the kitchen, heading to the bathroom. A cold shower was in order—he too needed to cool his head.

Still, this couldn't go on. He made up his mind to talk things over with Shizune in the morning.

After his shower, Shinho walked into the living room and paused. 

His eyes lit up.

Tsunade sat on the sofa, her right leg bent and propped against the armrest.

Her body leaned into her leg, causing her clothes to press tightly against her figure, emphasizing her curves.

Her fair, slender foot was extended, her toes slightly splayed as she painted her toenails.

The vibrant red polish gleamed under the light, giving her toes an eye-catching sheen.

"If you're free, go practice or something," Tsunade said, glancing at him before returning to her task.

"Want me to help?" Shinho asked, blinking innocently.

"No need," Tsunade replied, her expression neutral. "This small task is well within my capabilities."

Sensing that pressing further would only irritate her, Shinho wisely left.

"tsk," Tsunade clicked her tongue.

He ran pretty fast

Tsunade casually ran her fingers over her toned thigh, her lips curling into a faint smile.

That little brat was always flirting with women everywhere, yet was still completely obsessed with her. 

His gaze gave him away every time.

The night passed uneventfully.

…

In the morning;

A familiar scent tickled Shinho Aburame's nose as he stirred awake.

Opening his eyes, he was greeted by the sight of shapely thighs clad in black stockings.

"Good morning, Shizune-nee," Shinho said, reaching out to tug lightly at the edge of her stockings.

"Eek!" Shizune yelped, pulling back instinctively. She glared at him. "I've done what you asked. Now, get up yourself. I need to change and head to the Office."

"Wait!" Shinho sat up, his voice stopping her in her tracks.

"Y-you're not wearing any clothes?!" Shizune exclaimed, her eyes widening as her cheeks turned a deep red.

"The weather's too hot," Shinho said nonchalantly, flexing his arms and showing off his physique. "What do you think?"

His body, honed by countless rounds of cultivation, was lean and perfectly balanced—not overly muscular but undeniably fit.

Shizune's heart raced as she stole a glance, her gaze darting away after just a few seconds.

Shinho climbed out of bed and walked slowly toward her.

Shizune froze, her heart pounding wildly. It was as if she were facing some terrifying beast. Closing her eyes tightly, her mind went blank.

"Shizune-nee," Shinho chuckled, he couldn't help it.

Shizune stood there, dazed, her face burning as if it were on fire.

Shinho's gaze lowered, taking in the sight of her maid outfit, black-stockinged thighs, and petite feet tucked into round-toed black flats.

"Shizune-nee," he said softly, leaning closer to whisper something in her ear.

Shizune's eyes went wide, her confusion turning into panic as she processed his words.

"No... No way!" she stammered, her voice trembling. "That's out of the question."

"Alright then," Shinho said with a sigh, stepping back.

Shizune bit her lip.

Why did seeing his disappointed expression make her feel so conflicted? But she just couldn't bring herself to agree.

She'd only heard tales of su-such things.

Shinho stepped aside, showing no intent to push her further. He wasn't one to cross a line, especially with someone he'd grown up alongside.

At the doorway, Shizune hesitated, then turned back briefly.

"I'll... think about it," she mumbled before vanishing with a flicker.

Shinho blinked, then laughed.

Her hesitation was a good sign, it meant there indeed was a chance. The next time, the situation might play out entirely different.

It was exciting

He sighed, resigning himself to temporary restraint.

After breakfast, Shinho and Shizune headed to the Hokage Office.

As they left the house, Shizune hurriedly walked ahead, leaving him behind as though he was out to eat someone.

Shinho shrugged, unfazed, and continued at his own pace.

When Shinho arrived at the office, Shizune was already gone, likely delivering the message to Yamato.

He used the quiet time to tackle the stack of documents on his desk.

…

8:50 AM

Shizune returned, looking as skittish as ever.

"For the next couple of days, I'll be relying on you, Shizune-nee," Shinho said as he stood.

"Mhm," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I'm off," he said, heading for the door.

Shizune exhaled deeply, collapsing onto the sofa in relief. Covering her face with her hands, she couldn't help but recall the morning.

This is going to be a disaster, isn't it?

Her face turned crimson once more.

…

Outside the Hokage Office

At the entrance, Shinho noticed Anbu members shadowing him discreetly. 

He thought for a moment, and decided to make a brief detour back to the Senju residence.

As expected, Tsunade was still there.

"Teacher," Shinho called out. "It's time to leave. Team 8 is probably already waiting at the village gates."

"Asuma came to see me just now," Tsunade said, casually slipping on her light green coat.

"And? What do you think?" Shinho asked, closing the door as they stepped out.

It wasn't hard to guess why Asuma had sought her out.

"I don't have an opinion," Tsunade replied indifferently. "I'm not the Hokage."

Shinho blinked in surprise.

This wasn't the reaction he had anticipated. He'd even prepared arguments to justify his decision, but it seemed unnecessary.

Tsunade smiled faintly.

When Asuma had broached the topic, her initial thought was just as Shinho had predicted.

Logically, the Sarutobi clan deserved a position, given their history and Hiruzen's legacy. Moreover, when she was the hokage, it was Shinho who recommended candidates for Hokage guards.

But Tsunade quickly dismissed the thought and refused Asuma outright.

Her reasoning was simple: Shinho was the Hokage, and she supported his decisions.

…

Village Gates

By the time Shinho and Tsunade arrived, Team 8 was already assembled.

Kiba Inuzuka raised a hand to greet them but froze when he spotted Tsunade.

He immediately straightened up and greeted her respectfully, "Lady Tsunade!"

Shino Aburame and Hinata Hyuga followed suit.

Shinho couldn't help but sigh inwardly. In terms of reputation, Tsunade outshone him by a mile.

Of course, it didn't help that he was particularly familiar with Team 8.

"Yamato has other responsibilities, so I'll be leading this mission," Tsunade informed them with a calm, assessing glance.

"Yes, ma'am!" Kiba exclaimed, practically vibrating with excitement.

After all, this was one of the legendary Sannin and a former Hokage!

And with Shinho present as the current Hokage….

Kiba suddenly took a cold breath, feeling the weight of the situation.

"Is this mission really a C-rank?" Kiba muttered nervously, voicing the question in everyone's mind.

"C-rank?" Tsunade's gaze turned to Shinho.

She had assumed the mission was at least A-rank, if not S-rank, simply because of Shinho's involvement.

Now it seemed his true motivation was not to gain reputation, but to spend time with Hinata.

This brat… he was neglecting his duties!

Danger!

Shinho could almost see the crimson kanji for "危" (danger) looming above him.

He cleared his throat with a cough and said; "It's not just a C-rank. It's an S-rank mission."

"What?" Kiba gaped. 

He wasn't sure he'd return to Konoha in one piece, not anymore.

Shino adjusted his glasses, his interested. This could be a chance to test his Sage Mode against a real opponent.

Hinata looked surprised but didn't question it. Wherever Shinho led, she followed without hesitation.

"Teacher," Shinho said, pulling out a scroll. "This is our target."

Tsunade opened the scroll, her gaze scanning the details about Kurosuki Raiga and the Shamrock Gold Mine.

After a moment, she nodded, her expression calm. "Let's move out."

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