Konoha: Gu Master

The mission to deal with Kurosuki Raiga was important, but they couldn't neglect the task of finding the Bikochu Beetle.

After all, Team 8 had already accepted the mission. Failing to complete it would impact their ninja records.

Moreover, the Bikochu Beetle was genuinely valuable. Its olfactory abilities surpassed that of ninja hounds by a thousandfold, making it a perfect fit for the Aburame clan. Cultivating a few more could prove crucial in dire situations.

…

Situated between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind, the Land of Rivers was a two-day journey at a ninja's standard travel pace.

Though Shinho could use his Golden Aroura Gu to fly them there quickly, he chose not to.

This was a rare chance to venture out with Tsunade, and he decided to treat it as a leisurely trip.

"Shino and Akamaru, you're in charge of reconnaissance," Shinho instructed as they left the Forest of Death.

"Woof! Woof!" Akamaru barked enthusiastically.

Shino, however, hesitated briefly before nodding in agreement.

Though reconnaissance was indeed Team 8's responsibility, hearing it from Shinho felt oddly misplaced.

Extending his arm, Shino released several swarms of Parasitic Insects, dispersing them in all directions. Meanwhile, Akamaru leapt down from Kiba's arms, sniffing around as he trotted ahead.

With reconnaissance underway, Shino and Kiba took positions at the front and rear of the formation, while Shinho walked in the center alongside Tsunade and Hinata.

"Does Kurosuki Raiga's gold mine have any connection to the Land of Rivers?" Tsunade asked abruptly.

"None," Shinho replied, shaking his head.

"Good," Tsunade said with a faint smirk. "So, Hokage-sama, what's my cut of the reward?"

"Do you want the gold mine?" Shinho asked, catching the glint in her eye.

"I know the rules. The mine will belong to Konoha," Tsunade said, waving a hand dismissively. "I'm asking literally—what's my payment?"

Shinho blinked in surprise.

She's this straightforward? It didn't seem like Tsunade at all.

But after some thought, he realized that aside from drinking and gambling, Tsunade had always been an exemplary ninja.

"Ten million ryo!" Shinho declared grandly, waving his hand.

"Deal!" Tsunade's eyes sparkled.

While the brat could be irritating at times, he was undeniably generous with money.

Shinho chuckled, finding her greedy demeanor unexpectedly charming.

But when Tsunade caught the look on his face, a wave of unease washed over her.

She wasn't oblivious. His expression was not that of a student toward a teacher.

Her gaze instinctively shifted to Hinata, who was walking quietly beside her.

"Stay with me," Tsunade said, grabbing Hinata's hand. "Let's go to the front and have a chat."

"...?"

Shinho tilted his head in confusion, while Hinata blinked, equally puzzled.

Though Tsunade was Shinho's teacher and had tutored Hanabi, she rarely interacted with Hinata herself.

What could they possibly talk about?

Not wanting to refuse, Hinata nodded and followed Tsunade.

Shinho scratched his head.

Am I being excluded?

Though women could bond quickly, the age and status gap between these two seemed too vast for such camaraderie.

"Brother," Shino called, stepping closer.

"Something up?" Shinho asked.

"No," Shino replied, then hesitated. "What exactly is this S-rank mission?"

Shinho glanced toward Tsunade and Hinata, who were deep in conversation and clearly not waiting for him to join.

Left with nothing else to do, he explained the situation with Kurosuki Raiga and the gold mine.

"Can I fight him one-on-one first?" Shino asked.

"You want to test your Sage Mode?" Shinho immediately understood and, after a moment's thought, nodded.

"Sure."

His goal was to gain recognition from the mission, but that didn't mean he had to be the one to land the final blow.

After all, the story that "the new Hokage led the team to defeat Kurosuki Raiga" would suffice for his reputation.

And even if this mission didn't boost his fame, there was always Orochimaru waiting down the line.

"Thanks, brother."

Shino's face lit up with anticipation as he returned to the rear of the group to resume reconnaissance.

Shinho followed behind Tsunade and Hinata. 

He assumed their conversation would be brief, but to his surprise, they talked until sunset.

Only when they crossed into the Land of Rivers did their discussion end.

…

"We'll rest here for the night," Tsunade said, surveying their surroundings.

They had stopped in a forested area near a stream, an ideal spot to set up camp.

"I'll cook," Shinho volunteered. "Kiba, pitch the tents. Shino, check the perimeter."

Though ninjas typically avoided lighting fires during missions to minimize risk, the presence of two Hokage rendered such precautions unnecessary.

Tsunade hesitated briefly but relented when Shinho pulled out an array of fresh ingredients.

Why settle for cold bento when hot, delicious food was an option?

"Shinho-kun, is there anything I can do?" Hinata asked, feeling idle and wanting to contribute.

"You could start by telling me what you and my teacher were discussing," Shinho said, lowering his voice.

Hinata's face turned pink, her tone flustered. "Just… some things about you, Shinho-kun."

"Did I do something wrong?"

"No! No, nothing like that!" Hinata waved her hands nervously. "Was it… wrong of me to say anything?"

"Not at all," Shinho said with a smile. "Feel free."

"I'm heading to the stream," Tsunade announced, heading off on her own.

Moments later, a loud splash echoed through the area.

"Hinata, help me rinse the vegetables," Shinho said, standing up. "I'll go see what happened."

Hinata nodded, taking the ingredients to the stream.

By the Stream

Shinho arrived to find Tsunade barefoot in the water, her pants rolled up to her knees.

She stood poised, waiting for fish to swim near. 

With a swift punch, she stunned a fish and tossed it onto the bank.

"What are you doing here?" Tsunade asked calmly, noticing him.

"You seem off today, Teacher," Shinho said, smiling.

"I'm perfectly fine," Tsunade replied, though her movements briefly faltered.

She clenched her fist and slammed it into the river, sending water splashing in all directions.

Before the spray could drench Tsunade, a surge of chakra formed an invisible barrier around her, shielding Shinho from catching a peek.

"Catch!" Tsunade said, flinging a fish with enough force that it flew like a kunai.

Shinho caught it effortlessly, though he couldn't help but feel the power behind the throw was overkill.

[Achievement Unlocked: Tsunade's "Frozen Tilapia." Reward: Vine Claw Gu.]

[Vine Claw Gu: A Rank 4 Gu worm that transforms the user's hand into wooden tendrils resembling wisteria vines, both flexible and strong.]

Shinho stared at the achievement message in silence.

What kind of bizarre achievement is this?

Still, the reward was excellent. Paired with the Hundred-Year Wood Charm Gu, it would make for an effective Wood Release imitation.

"Teacher, do you want grilled or boiled fish?" Shinho asked, his smile widening.

"Grilled," Tsunade replied after a brief pause.

Their fishing continued, with Tsunade punching and Shinho catching. Before long, they had a bucket full of fish.

"Teacher," Shinho said, extending a hand to her as they stood by the riverbank. "Come on up. There are no more fish here."

Tsunade glanced at him, then accepted his hand.

As she stepped out of the water, she placed her bare feet into her high-heeled sandals and pressed lightly to lift herself out of the stream.

"I'll dry your feet," Shinho offered, pulling a towel from his Sky Vault Gu.

Tsunade's expression softened as she looked at Shinho.

"Lift your foot," Shinho instructed after drying her calves and ankles.

Tsunade raised her bare foot, water droplets trailing down her fair skin.

Shinho wrapped her foot in the towel, gently drying it with careful strokes.

"Thank you," Tsunade said as she slipped on her high-heeled sandals.

"It's nothing," Shinho replied casually, folding the towel and preparing to stand.

Before he could rise, a shadow fell over him.

Tsunade leaned down and placed a soft kiss on his forehead, then walked back to the camp as if nothing had happened.

"Wait for me!" Shinho snapped out of his daze, grabbed the bucket of fish, and hurried after her.

…

By the time they returned, the tents were set up.

Kiba had prepared four tents, which was an unusual arrangement for Team 8's typical missions.

Normally, there would be two: one for Hinata and another shared by Yamato, Shino, and Kiba.

Today, however, the addition of two Hokage—past and present—meant separate accommodations for Shinho and Tsunade. Their status made sharing a tent with others inappropriate.

"Shino, place the grill over the fire. We're having a barbecue tonight," Shinho instructed as he set down the bucket of fish.

"So many fish?" Kiba exclaimed in surprise.

"Woof! Woof!" Akamaru barked excitedly, his tail wagging at the thought of a feast.

"They're all thanks to my teacher," Shinho said, glancing at Tsunade.

"It's nothing," Tsunade replied with a faint smile. "I'm waiting to taste your grilled fish."

"You'll love it, I guarantee," Shinho promised as he began preparing the fish.

Tsunade sat on a blanket nearby, quietly watching him work.

Half an hour later, the enticing aroma of grilled fish filled the air.

"Here," Shinho said, handing her a bottle of honey wine.

"Not during a mission," Tsunade said, taking the bottle but stowing it away instead of opening it.

"Alright, everyone, dig in!" Shinho called out, offering fish skewers to the group.

Hinata eagerly accepted one, taking a small bite. Her face lit up with delight.

Shinho-kun's grilled fish is the best!

…

As the moon rose high into the sky, Shinho lay in his tent, unable to sleep.

His thoughts drifted back to Tsunade's kiss earlier.

Why the forehead, though?

An idea suddenly struck him.

Maybe I should check on her?

Was she asleep yet?

After a moment's hesitation, he got up and left his tent.

Passing Hinata's tent, he glanced at the entrance.

The tents weren't transparent, so he couldn't see inside, but knowing Hinata's shy nature, barging in would likely cause her to faint.

"Brat!"

The sudden voice startled him.

It was Tsunade. She wasn't asleep either.

"I'm coming in, teacher," Shinho announced, lifting the tent flap and stepping inside.

Tsunade lay snugly in her sleeping bag, zipped up tightly, with only her head poking out. She looked like a cocooned silkworm.

"What are you doing outside instead of sleeping?" Tsunade asked.

Shinho lay down beside her, their eyes meeting.

The quiet night and their close proximity gave the moment a subtle but undeniable tension.

Tsunade quickly averted her gaze.

"I was thinking about what you did by the river," Shinho said with a gentle smile.

"I'll do whatever I want," Tsunade retorted, glaring at him. "We have a mission tomorrow, so stop wasting time and go to sleep!"

"Can I sleep here?" Shinho asked, pushing his luck.

"No!" Tsunade snapped, answering without hesitation.

"Why not?" Shinho asked innocently. "I'll be in my sleeping bag. Are you scared, teacher?"

"Scared of what?" Tsunade scoffed. "Fine, stay if you want, but don't you dare bother me—or else!"

With that, she closed her eyes, effectively dismissing him.

"Thanks, teacher," Shinho said, pulling out his sleeping bag and settling in beside her.

The proximity made Tsunade uneasy. Opening her eyes, she found herself staring at Shinho's calm, handsome face.

He looked as though he'd already fallen asleep, with his head poking out like a cocooned silkworm.

Tsunade bit her lip, a strange emotion stirring within her.

She didn't want to admit it, but her feelings toward Shinho were shifting into unfamiliar territory.

Damned brat!

She sighed, trying to steady her thoughts as the night grew quieter.

The only sounds were the occasional chirp of insects and the steady rhythm of their breathing.

Slipping her hand out of the sleeping bag, Tsunade reached out, brushing her hand lightly over Shinho's head.

Just as she was about to pull back, her wrist was caught.

"Teacher," Shinho said with a sly smile. "What were you doing just now?"

"Let go and go to sleep," Tsunade said with a straight face.

There was no way she would admit to her actions.

Shinho suddenly leaned closer, catching her off guard.

Her body tensed briefly before relaxing, her gaze softening.

"Ah!" Shinho hissed, pulling back in pain.

She had bitten his lip during the kiss.

"Idiot!" Tsunade, her face flushed, spat angrily. "I told you not to bother me, and now you're suffering the consequences!"

With a swift kick, she sent him, still bundled in his sleeping bag, rolling to the edge of the tent.

"Stay there!" she commanded, her voice seething with embarrassment. "Don't come any closer!"

"Yes, ma'am," Shinho replied, opting to obey. He had pushed his luck enough for one night.

Still, as time passed, he inched closer to her.

Tsunade glanced at him briefly before closing her eyes again, feigning indifference.

In the quiet of the night, their breathing steadied, the faint sound of their synchronized heartbeats filling the space.

…

When Tsunade woke, Shinho's smiling face was the first thing she saw.

Her heart skipped a beat.

"Good morning, teacher," Shinho said cheerfully.

"Get back to your tent," Tsunade ordered, shooting him a glare.

If Team 8 saw this, there would be no way they could get away with an explanation.

"Got it." Shinho packed his sleeping bag and left the tent.

He shared her concern.

Tsunade exhaled deeply, sitting up and patting her flushed face.

As memories of the previous night resurfaced, she bit her lip in frustration.

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