Konoha: Gu Master

North of Konoha.

A massive building had risen from the ground.

Shinho gazed at the newly constructed transportation hub and couldn't help but marvel. Ninja labor was truly impressive.

Built with the foundation of Earth Style techniques and Wood, complemented by traditional designs, the construction was nearly complete within a week.

From the outside, it resembled an extremely rudimentary version of a train station from Shinho's past life.

Upon entering, there was a large hall, followed by platforms and tracks leading north. The tracks were projected to connect to the capital of the Land of Fire.

According to the Transportation Department, the construction would take about another week to finish.

To the left of the platform, a large empty area had been reserved, now serving as an airship hangar.

Currently, nine airships brought back from the Land of Snow were parked there.

"Nine is far too few," Shinho said.

"We already received the blueprints from the land of snow and is manufacturing them," Shizune, standing behind him, explained. "We've also enlisted the help of the Land of Snow. With both out efforts combined, we should meet the required numbers soon."

Shinho nodded slightly, a thought suddenly crossing his mind. He realized that airship technology wasn't exclusive to the Land of Snow.

In the past, there had been a place called the Land of the sky.

They had mastered the technology of iron wings for flight and developed various flying machines.

What left the deepest impression on Shinho was their aerial fortress, Ancor Vantian.

The fortress was enormous, powered by the Zero-Tails, and equipped with an array of weaponry.

Most notable was its energy-based super cannon, capable of splitting mountains with a single shot.

Although The Land of Sky had been destroyed, remnants of its forces still existed. Their current leader, Shinnō, was a powerful medical ninja, who wielded two forbidden medical techniques:

Body Activation, which enhanced cellular activity to strengthen the body's capabilities.

Body Regeneration, which allowed reassembling and revival even if the body is torn to pieces.

Additionally, there was the Zero-Tails, a creature that absorbed the darkness in people's hearts to generate dark chakra.

In theory, it possessed endless chakra and an immortal body, hence its name.

By combining Body Activation, Body Regeneration, and Zero-Tails chakra, Shinnō achieved an ultimate physique.

In the original storyline, he could maintain his peak transformed body for extended periods. However, his prowess still paled in comparison to Might Guy's Eight Gates.

Shinho's goal wasn't Shinnō himself but the Ancor Vantian and The Land of Sky's airships and warships.

With these assets, the Transportation Department would transform completely, replacing their cannon with homing missiles.

"The Transportation Department is doing a great job," Shinho said as he turned his gaze back. "Let's head back."

"Shinho," Shizune followed behind him, hesitating before asking, "Why are we building this transportation hub?"

"To make money, and to make transportation easier for the common folk" Shinho answered casually.

"But… will the daimyo agree to this?"

Her concerns mirrored Tsunade's.

Historically, the economy and the matters of the common people was managed by the Land of Fire, while Konoha simply executed their orders with funding provided.

"They will," Shinho replied confidently.

After Uchiha Sasuke returned from the Land of Snow, Shinho sent him to the Land of Fire's capital.

Without much effort, Sasuke placed the daimyo under Konoha's control.

In other words, the Land of Fire was now essentially Konoha's backyard.

This act had triggered an achievement.

..

[Achievement Unlocked: "Are Kings and Nobles Born?"

Reward: Sky Strength Gu]

[Sky Strength Gu: A Rank Five Gu that, when paired with Borrowing Strength Gu, allows the user to draw power from the heavens.]

..

It was precisely what Shinho needed to complete the Rank Five killer move: Six-Armed Heavenly King Zombie.

Even when used alone, the Sky Strength Gu was incredibly powerful. It granted Shinho a continuous supply of strength as long as he stood under the sky.

Combined with the Wind Overlord Gu and Earth Overlord Gu he had obtained earlier, it felt like the entire world was fueling his strength.

If he could acquire the remaining Water, Fire, and Earth strength Gu, he would possess an inexhaustible source of Primeval Essence and limitless power.

"Shizune-nee," Shinho placed his hand on her cheek and asked, "Do you trust me?"

"Of course!" Shizune replied without hesitation.

In her heart, Tsunade and Shinho were the two people she trusted most.

"Then just watch," Shinho said with a smile, "You'll see a brand-new Konoha."

Shizune's heart fluttered. Whether it was her imagination or the intimacy they shared, the confidence radiating from this man left her captivated.

Her cheeks reddened slightly as she nodded.

"Adorable," Shinho teased, pinching her cheek before heading toward the Hokage Tower.

Shizune's lips curled into a shy smile as she quickly followed.

"Lord Hokage!"

Villagers greeted Shinho with respect and awe as he walked through the streets.

This newfound reverence was largely due to recent events involving the Akatsuki.

Three days ago, Uchiha Itachi, Kakuzu, and Hoshigaki Kisame had appeared in Kumogakure.

They captured Yugito Nii, the Two-Tails Jinchūriki, outside the village.

Killer Bee, the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki, managed to escape during the battle at the Valley of Clouds and Lightning by severing a tail. With the Fourth Raikage's intervention, the Akatsuki retreated.

Even so, the incident caused an uproar across the ninja world.

Kumogakure and Konoha were regarded as the two strongest villages, Konoha with the Nine-Tails and Kumogakure with the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails.

Yet Kumogakure had suffered such a devastating loss at the hands of only three Akatsuki members.

In contrast, Shinho had single-handedly defeated three Akatsuki members and saved Gaara, the One-Tail Jinchūriki.

As a result, Konoha was now universally acknowledged as the strongest ninja village.

"Hokage-sama."

Uzuki Yugao approached Shinho as he entered the Hokage's office.

"Is there something you need?" Shinho asked.

"It's about Kumogakure," she replied, handing him a letter. "This was personally written by the Fourth Raikage."

Surprised, Shinho accepted the letter, noting the Raikage's signature.

Was it about the Akatsuki?

Opening the letter, Shinho quickly realized it wasn't written by the Raikage but by Mabui, his secretary.

The first half praised Shinho, written in a tone as if they were long-lost friends.

The second half discussed the threat posed by the Akatsuki and proposed a temporary alliance to eradicate them.

"As expected," Shinho muttered, handing the letter to Shizune.

While the Raikage was reckless, he wasn't stupid, especially with Mabui advising him.

The Akatsuki's attack had left Kumogakure desperate. Not knowing how many members the Akatsuki had, they turned to Konoha, the only village to resist the organization.

The eight tails was saved this time, but what about next time. Who knew how many forces they had.

"Shinho, what do you think?" Shizune asked after reading the letter, "I think forming an alliance could benefit Konoha."

While not incorrect, it conflicted with Shinho's larger plans.

"Kumogakure won't be of much help to us," Shinho replied.

Shizune hesitated. The Raikage and Killer Bee were known as the strongest duo in the ninja world. How could they not be helpful?

However, recalling Shinho's earlier words, she decided to trust him.

"I'll respond immediately," she said, taking the letter to her office.

"Yugao-nee," Shinho ordered, "Send the ANBU to find a medic named Shinnō and locate the remains of The Land of Sky."

After The Land of Sky's destruction, Shinnō had gone into hiding, wandering as a traveling healer.

There were two reasons for Shinnō's actions.

First, to make money.

Second, to steal jutsu.

His mastery of his techniques and the sealing technique to control the Zero-Tails both originated from Konoha.

However, Shinho suspected that these weren't techniques Shinnō had stolen himself but were likely provided by Orochimaru.

After all, the sealing techniques were extremely difficult to steal.

If it were Orochimaru, however, it made perfect sense.

In the original storyline, it was hinted that Shinnō had dealings with Orochimaru.

"Understood," Uzuki Yugao replied without further questions, then turned and left.

Shinho rubbed his temples, picked up a pen and paper, and began writing.

Four days ago, Neji had returned to Konoha after completing a mission.

He had reported some historical information about the Land of Fire, but Shinho hadn't made any comments.

That was because he was planning to rewrite the Will of Fire.

The original Will of Fire wasn't fundamentally flawed.

It emphasized protecting the younger generation, erasing divisions among ninja clans, prioritizing the greater good, and viewing everything from Konoha's perspective.

However, it lacked concrete implementation or detailed plans to bring it to life.

Shinho, who had attended university in his past life, had been exposed to various philosophies and governance strategies. He intended to integrate some of those ideas.

Moreover, enriching and expanding the Will of Fire was a responsibility befitting the Hokage.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, had done an excellent job in this regard during his tenure.

…

Time passed, and dusk arrived.

Shinho stretched, feeling a wave of relaxation wash over him.

Indeed, the best part of the day was finishing work.

"Shinho," Shizune called from the doorway.

Shinho set down his pen, rose from the Hokage's chair, and grabbed his jacket.

Stopping in front of Shizune, he noticed they were alone.

Without hesitation, he reached out and slapped her on her tight skirt.

Shizune shot him a glare.

By now, she was accustomed to these little liberties Shinho took. Her only concern was the possibility of being caught by someone else.

"Who's cooking tonight?" she asked, casually adjusting her skirt.

Both of them could cook, but their styles differed. Considering Shinho was the Hokage, she usually deferred to his preferences.

"You can," Shinho decided after a moment, "I feel like having tempura."

"Alright." Shizune smiled warmly, "I'll make sure it's perfect."

Ever since her relationship with Shinho had deepened, she had begun to see herself as his wife. Being able to cook for him brought her a sense of joy and fulfillment.

…

Senju Compound.

Autumn had set in, and the sun set quickly. The living room lights were already on.

As usual, Tsunade lounged on the couch, her legs stretched out and crossed, the soft flesh of her thighs pressing together enticingly.

Shinho instinctively glanced at the sight, catching a glimpse of her smooth, pale soles.

He quickly averted his gaze, though, as Shizune bent down to change her shoes.

Her long, slender legs in black stockings bent slightly, her perfect hips wrapped in a short black skirt that highlighted their fullness.

Placing her heels in the shoe cabinet, Shizune turned to catch him staring.

Shinho, unfazed, simply winked at her.

To his surprise, Shizune grabbed the hem of her skirt and playfully lifted it ever so slightly—just for a second—before blushing furiously and fleeing to the kitchen.

As a ninja, Shinho's sharp eyes didn't miss a thing.

She was wearing black pantyhose with a balck pantiesunderneath.

The faint glimpses were… mesmerizing.

Shinho couldn't help but be surprised.

When had Shizune learned to tease him like this?

Could this be her way of provoking him?

After all, today was one of their agreed-upon "truce" days.

Shizune wasn't like Tsunade. She was younger, less skilled in combat, and didn't possess as much fighting spirit. Moreover, she worried about Tsunade discovering their secret relationship.

So, they had established a rule: at most, three "matches" per week, giving her time to recover.

Shinho had readily agreed, especially since he was up against two opponents. Taking occasional breaks was welcome.

He also felt grateful for cultivating the Path of Strength. If nothing else, it ensured his body remained exceptionally robust.

…

"Sensei," Shinho addressed Tsunade, approaching the couch.

She glanced at him before retracting her legs to make room.

Shinho sat beside her, immediately leaning into her embrace and taking in a deep breath of her scent.

Tsunade's body stiffened momentarily before she sighed and gently stroked his head.

Her expression softened with a trace of tenderness. "I heard about the Akatsuki's actions today."

"You mean Kumogakure?" Shinho asked, his face resting against her fair skin as he looked up at her.

"Yes." Tsunade's tone carried a hint of worry, "The Akatsuki won't leave Konoha alone. Do you have a plan for dealing with their mysterious leader?"

The intel provided by Uchiha Itachi had outlined members like Hoshigaki Kisame and Kakuzu, but Tsunade didn't see them as significant threats to Shinho.

However, Pain was a different story. With his Rinnegan, his power far surpassed that of the other members. 

Otherwise, he wouldn't be their leader.

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