Konoha: Gu Master

The setting sun bathed the streets of Konoha in a warm glow.

Shinho left the Hokage Tower, walking leisurely along the main street toward the casino where he knew Tsunade would be.

"Shinho-kun!"

A familiar voice called out, and Shinho turned to see Ino waving at him from a food stall.

Beside her stood her teammates, Chōji Akimichi and Shikamaru Nara, each munching on takoyaki.

"Shinho," Shikamaru greeted with a relaxed smile.

"Good afternoon," Shinho nodded.

"We'll leave you two to chat," Shikamaru said, pulling Chōji along to a nearby table.

"When did you get back, Shinho-kun?"

Ino's bright blue eyes sparkled as she smiled, her golden ponytail swaying gently with her movements.

Holding a box of takoyaki in her hands, her sleeveless outfit revealed her toned, pale arms. Her midriff was exposed, showcasing her smooth, flat stomach and navel.

As she got older, Ino's dressing style had changed, and now it resembled her look from the original work.

It was great!

"Just this afternoon," Shinho replied calmly.

"Shinho-kun, say 'Aahh'!"

Ino speared a piece of takoyaki with a toothpick and held it up to his mouth.

"Thank you," Shinho said, leaning forward to take a bite without hesitation.

"It's a shame I couldn't see you fighting that monster. It must have been an incredible battle," Ino remarked with a smile.

"How's Ido doing now?"

Shinho asked, remind the sealed Moryo. He planned to give Moryo to Ino, as both Moryo and Ido were creatures of Yin Release.

"I haven't absorbed all of it yet," Ino admitted sheepishly. "The Yin Release energy within it is just too overwhelming."

She had initially hoped to fully absorb Ido's energy and then use her newfound strength to help Shinho. But seeing his current power—which was on par with a tailed beast—made her realise how insignificant her contributions might seem.

"What determines the speed of absorption?" Shinho inquired thoughtfully.

"Probably the strength of the soul," Ino speculated after a moment.

"The soul, huh…"

Shinho mused, considering the potential of soul-path Gu worms. Ino's abilities seemed perfectly suited to such techniques, though Shinho currently had no soul-path Gu to offer her.

"Here, take this," Shinho said, pulling out the scroll containing the sealed Moryo.

"What is it?"

Ino opened the scroll instinctively, only to freeze in shock.

Though sealed, she could still sense the concentrated Yin Release energy emanating from within.

"This is the otherworldly monster, Moryo," Shinho explained casually. "Once you've finished absorbing Ido, you can start on this."

There was another option—to make Ino a Jinchūriki. However, that felt unnecessary. A sealing array would mar her waist, and most importantly, absorbing Moryo slowly would turn its energy into her own strength.

Shinho even speculated that combining so much Yin Release energy might create a new Kekkei Genkai.

"I…"

Ino hesitated, overwhelmed. Moryo, unlike Ido, was a being with tailed beast-level power. To give it to her felt like an incredible waste.

"Just take it," Shinho said dismissively.

"Shinho-kun!"

After a few seconds of hesitation, Ino's tone grew serious. "I will do whatever you ask of me from now on!"

"What nonsense are you spouting?" Shinho chuckled.

"I'm serious!"

Ino pouted, puffing out her cheeks in frustration.

"Alright then," Shinho said, extending a hand.

Ino's body stiffened, her heartbeat quickening as his hand moved closer. When he lightly flicked her forehead, the warmth of his touch brought a soft smile to her lips.

"Then work hard to grow stronger," Shinho said with a tap to her forehead.

Ino blinked, momentarily confused, then asked; 

"Anything else?"

Shinho raised an eyebrow;

"Anything else?"

"Even if you didn't ask, I'd work hard to grow stronger," Ino said earnestly, clasping her hands together. "So please, give me one more request."

She really was different from Hinata Hyuga, the blonde was more proactive and assertive.

Shinho narrowed his eyes. "Anything?"

Ino tensed under his gaze, her mind racing with thoughts of what he might ask. Bracing herself, she replied with determination as if she ready to lay down her life at any moment, "Anything!"

Shinho couldn't help but laugh.

"Ino, you're adorable," 

"Eh?"

Ino tilted her head, confused.

"How about this—when you have free time, come shopping with me," Shinho suggested, stroking his chin.

It was time to find new outfits for Tsunade and Shizune.

"Deal!" Ino's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Thanks for the takoyaki today," Shinho said, standing up. "I need to find my teacher now. See you later."

"I'll be waiting, Shinho-kun," Ino replied eagerly, her expression full of anticipation.

Shinho waved to Shikamaru and Chōji before heading to the casino.

…

The casino was bustling with activity, but it didn't take long for Shinho to spot Tsunade at one of the gambling tables.

Her face was contorted with focus, her eyes glued to the dice shaker before her. "Small!" she growled through clenched teeth.

"Sixteen points. That's large," the dealer in a cheongsam announced with a polite smile.

"Damn it!"

Tsunade slammed her fist on the table in frustration but refrained from causing any damage. Her gambling honor kept her from destroying the place, even if she was losing money.

"Sensei," Shinho leaned in, whispering softly in her ear, "Want me to take over for a round or two?"

Tsunade flinched at the tickling sensation in her ear.

And in public, such an act seemed too intimate. Without a word, she dragged Shinho into the seat beside her.

"Give it a try then," she said, throwing the remaining chips onto the table with a resigned look.

"Don't worry, I'll win it all back," Shinho assured her, glancing at the less than few thousand ryō she had left.

"Yeah?"

Tsunade snorted, unconvinced. "No way!"

In her eyes, Shinho was a gambling novice. How could a beginner win back her losses?

"Want to bet on that?" Shinho asked with a confident smile.

"Fine, let's bet!"

Unable to stand his smug tone, Tsunade agreed immediately. But as soon as the words left her mouth, she felt something was wrong. Still, her words were given and she couldn't back down now.

"If you win, I'll give you ten million ryō," Shinho said with a sly grin. "But if you lose…"

He didn't finish the sentence, instead pointing subtly at her lips.

Tsunade immediately understood his meaning.

After hesitating for two seconds, she straightened up, exuding her usual fiery confidence. "You're going down!"

Some people never learn.

Do you remember the last time you won?

"As expected of my teacher."

"Enough with the nonsense! Get started already!" Tsunade snapped.

Unbothered, Shinho casually placed a large pile of money on the "Big" side of the dice game.

"It's Big," the dealer announced with a professional smile moments later.

"Hmph, just beginner luck," Tsunade muttered through gritted teeth. "Don't get too cocky. Your luck won't last long."

"Teacher," Shinho said, gently placing a hand over hers, "are you trying to distract me?"

Tsunade recoiled as if shocked, pulling her hand back immediately. She shot him a sharp glare.

This kid! So brazen, in public! What if someone sees us?

Shinho, of course, wasn't concerned. If someone did notice, he could always have Sasuke erase their memory. Besides, his reflexes and skill made it nearly impossible for an ordinary person to detect his subtle moves.

"Congratulations," the dealer's voice rang out again.

"No way!" Tsunade's expression darkened as disbelief crept into her voice.

Seventeen consecutive wins. Every single bet had hit the mark.

How is this possible?

"Are you cheating somehow?" Tsunade demanded, unwilling to accept the outcome.

"With your skills, could I possibly cheat without you noticing at this range?" Shinho asked back, maintaining eye contact.

"…"

Tsunade was speechles.

"Don't back out on your word now, teacher," 

"I'm not the type to break my word!" Tsunade declared suppressing the throbbing of her heart.

It's just a kiss. Not like it's the first time.

Tsunade wasn't one to shy away from bold actions, but Shinho's confidence had a way of throwing her off balance.

"Let's head back," Shinho said, sweeping the winnings from the table into a bundle and handing it to her.

"For me?" Tsunade asked, clearly surprised.

"Don't you want it?" Shinho asked, blinking.

"I'll take it!" Tsunade grabbed the stack with a grin. "Since you're offering, I'll reluctantly accep the gift."

The bundle amounted to over 200,000 ryō—enough to keep her gambling for an entire day.

...

[Achievement unlocked: "Tonight, I Am the Chosen One." Reward: Turn Gold Gu.]

[Turn Gold Gu: A Rank 5 Gu shaped like a golden hand. Emits a golden light that, upon contact with a target, transforms the target into solid gold, rendering them lifeless.]

..

The notification flickered in Shinho's mind, and no matter how many times he experienced the same thing, he couldn't help but be surprised.

It was a solid attack method, and it could turn anything into solid gold. Somehow, it felt like the gu was establishing a rule.

Shinho's thoughts wandered briefly to less ethical ways to use the Gu for wealth.

…

They arrived at the Senju residence.

Tsunade opened the door and glanced at the shoe rack. Shizune's heels were neatly placed there.

Kicking off her own sandals, Tsunade walked barefoot into the living room.

Shinho followed her inside, prepared to sit down beside her, but Tsunade suddenly turned and grabbed his head, pulling him close.

Without hesitation or embarrassment, she pressed her lips against his.

Shinho was momentarily frozen, caught in her momentum. He looked at her in a trance.

He felt like there was something unreal about Tsunade at the moment.

Unlike her usual, shy self, she was carefree in her moments. It was a stark contrast.

But he understood, it was her original character.

Have you figured out your desires?

Shinho savoured the warmth of the moment until he felt a sharp nip at the corner of his mouth.

"Ow!" He pulled back slightly, licking his lips where the faint taste of blood lingered, mingled with her unique scent.

Tsunade smirked triumphantly. "I've fulfilled the terms of our bet."

"That wasn't part of the deal," Shinho pointed out.

"It's an extra bonus," Tsunade said, crossing her arms. "What? Are you not satisfied?"

"Very," Shinho said with a grin, leaning in and grabbing her by the wait.

Tsunade felt the weight of his body press against hers, and her eyes widened.

Three minutes later, she pushed him away, her breath uneven, her cheeks flushed.

"Next time, I'm cutting off that hand of yours!" she growled.

Shinho coughed awkwardly but didn't argue. Internally, he did not dare to refute. Not at the moment.

He rubbed his fingers sbubconsciously. He couldn't help but think his skills with hands were getting rusty.

…

Shinho moved to the kitchen, where Shizune was busy preparing dinner, wearing an apron as she flitted between tasks.

"Need any help?" Shinho asked.

"No need," Shizune replied without turning around. "It's almost ready."

Shinho nodded and took the plates to set the table.

Soon, dinner was served.

"Tsunade-sama, are you alright?" Shizune asked, noticing Tsunade's odd expression.

"Nothing," Tsunade said flatly, her gaze like daggers aimed at Shinho. "I almost got bitten by a snake on the way back."

"Huh?" Shizune looked confused.

"Let's eat," Tsunade said, quickly changing the subject.

Shinho twitched the corners of his mouth. I'm the one who got bitten, though.

Still, he didn't bother arguing. He was already looking forward to the evening.

…

After dinner, the routine returned to normal: some television, casual chatting, training, baths, and eventually, bed.

Shinho sat cross-legged on his bed, his internal energy cycling as he cultivated. His primaeval essence swirled, steadily strengthening his foundation.

Just a bit more…

He was getting closer and closer.

He estimated that within two weeks, he would ascend to the level of a Rank 5 Gu Master. Once he advanced, he planned to confront Orochimaru.

After a moment, a knock interrupted his thoughts.

"Come in," Shinho said, sensing who it was.

The door creaked open, revealing Shizune dressed in a maid's outfit, her face flushed as she approached.

Kneeling before him, she spoke softly, "Good evening, master."

Shinho's eyes widened, heat rushing to his face.

"You're amazing, Shizune-nee!" Shinho muttere, excited.

He hadn't expected her to go this far, even donning a maid's outfit to play along.

He leaned in slightly, and from his vantage, her posture emphasized her toned back, slightly raised hips, and the curve of her legs clad in black stockings.

Shizune's blush deepened. "M-Master, let me massage you," she stammered.

Soon, her hands were at work, skilled and precise with the moments.

Shinho felt his body relax under her expert touch, nodding in approval.

As expected of a medical ninja, her understanding of the human body is unparalleled.

Time passed unnoticed until Shinho's body shuddered slightly, and he opened his eyes.

Shizune's exhausted, slightly annoyed face came into view, her lips pressed into a thin line as she glared at him.

"Idiot!" she muttered, rolling her eyes.

"Sorry," Shinho apologized sincerely. "Your massage was so good I… thought I was falling asleep."

"…"

Shizune coughed lightly, stood up without a word, and left the room, her cheeks still tinged pink.