Konoha: Gu Master

In the Hokage's office, Shinho took the documents Shizune handed him.

These papers detailed the specifics of Konoha's alliance with the Land of Demons, covering a wide array of topics.

Upon returning to Konoha, Shinho had assigned Mikoto Uchiha to represent Konoha in the negotiations with the Land of Demons. Within a week, the alliance was formalized.

From Shinho's perspective, the most beneficial aspect of the alliance for Konoha was the opportunity to establish trade relations and exchange resources.

For the Land of Demons—and specifically Priestess Shion—the focal point of the agreement was Moryo.

The first clause of the treaty required Konoha to intervene should Moryo ever break free again.

Shinho understood their concern.

The priestess lineage had been entangled with Moryo for generations, and their fear of the creature, especially its immortality, was deeply ingrained and unlikely to dissipate quickly.

"There's also a letter for you," Shizune said, her sharp eyes fixed on Shinho. "From Priestess Shion herself."

"Hm?"

Shinho reached for the letter, but Shizune held it tightly, preventing him from taking it.

"What's your relationship with her?" Shizune asked calmly.

"Nothing special," Shinho replied with a shrug.

"Then why is she writing to you personally?" Shizune pressed, her tone cool.

"Shizune-nee, you're adorable when you're jealous," Shinho said with a chuckle, amused by her unusually serious straight face.

"…"

Shizune's composure cracked, and she shot him a glare.

"Give me the letter," Shinho said, extending his hand.

Shizune remained rooted in place, her expression stubborn.

"Shizune-nee," Shinho curled up his lips slightly as he said, "it seems your Will of Fire needs some work."

"And your Will of Fire is questionable at best," Shizune said with a huff.

"The Will of Fire represents the Hokage's will," Shinho declared with seriousness. "And I'm the Hokage now."

"What kind of twisted logic is that?" Shizune fumed, her chest rising and falling with irritation.

Shinho stood up, moving around the desk to approach her.

"What… what are you doing?"

Shizune's voice trembled slightly as she backed away, panic flashing across her face.

"Helping you strengthen your Will of Fire," Shinho said as he bent down and scooped her up, setting her on the Hokage's desk.

Shizune instinctively resisted, her long legs clad in black stockings flailing.

Shinho leaned in, silencing her protests with a kiss, his hands firmly holding her legs in place.

It didn't take long for her resistance to melt away. Shizune's body softened, and her arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer.

When they finally parted, Shizune was gasping for air, her face flushed a deep crimson. She rested her head on Shinho's shoulder, catching her breath in the quiet intimacy of the moment.

"Let go!"

Shizune said abruptly, her voice tinged with embarrassment and anger.

Shinho's hands, which had been wandering dangerously close to the hem of her pencil skirt, retreated reluctantly.

Shizune glared at him, her cheeks puffed out in irritation.

Sliding off the desk, she checked her stockings for damage. Satisfied that they were intact, she composed herself and resumed her professional demeanor.

"Get back to work," Shizune said firmly, her tone all business.

"Yes, ma'am," Shinho replied as he returned to his seat.

As he passed her, he playfully smacked her on the back of her skirt, earning a sharp glare. 

He responded with an innocent smile.

Opening the letter from Shion, Shinho found it full of gratitude and heartfelt words.

Toward the end, however, she reiterated her proposal about having a daughter to carry on her lineage.

Shinho shook his head with a wry smile.

This girl is really persistent.

…

By the afternoon, Shinho had finished his paperwork and turned his attention to cultivating.

Thanks to the assistance of his Hokage assistants, his workload was light, allowing him a half-day of free time daily. Without missions requiring him to leave the village, he used this time to refine his skills.

Shizune had grown accustomed to his meditative sessions and didn't disturb him. 

She appreciated his efficiency compared to Tsunade, who often procrastinated and turned half-day tasks into full-day marathons.

As the workday was drawing to a close, there was a knock at the door.

Shinho opened his eyes as Shizune, who was closer to the door, went to answer it.

"Lord Hokage," said Uzuki Yugao, stepping in with her ANBU mask in hand. "We've located Otogakure."

She handed Shinho a scroll, which he unrolled to reveal a map with the village's location clearly marked.

Given Orochimaru's capabilities, Shinho had instructed the ANBU to avoid any deep reconnaissance to prevent unnecessary casualties.

As a result, the scroll contained only the location and no additional details.

"You may leave," Shinho said without looking up.

"Yes, sir," Yugao bowed and exited the office.

Shinho stared at the map, lost in thought.

As a transmigrator, he was familiar with Otogakure.

While he didn't know the exact locations of Orochimaru's bases, he knew the key figures associated with the village; 

Kabuto Yakushi, Guren, Jūgo, and Suigetsu Hozuki.

In general, all were extremely talented individuals.

Shinho decided that the best way to handle Orochimaru was to use the Slavery Gu on him.

Capturing Orochimaru meant gaining control over his entire network, which was a high-return investment.

Now, the only question was whom to bring along.

Sasuke immediately came to mind. With his Mangekyō Sharingan, Sasuke was a natural counter to Orochimaru, whose damaged soul from the reaper death seal left him vulnerable to high-level genjutsu.

In theory, Sasuke alone would suffice.

But to ensure safety, Shinho decided to also bring Tsunade and Might Guy.

Tsunade was a given, as she wouldn't let Shinho confront Orochimaru alone once she found out about his plans.

Might Guy, on the other hand, was the ultimate insurance. In the current shinobi world, few could withstand the full power of the Eight Gates.

"Shizune-nee, I'll be heading out for a bit," Shinho said as he closed the scroll.

Shizune nodded without questioning him.

As his secretary, she respected his privacy, only occasionally teasing him when her instincts as a woman kicked in—such as with Shion's letter.

But after their earlier exchange, she had become noticeably more subdued.

…

Shinho headed to the casino, unsurprised to find Tsunade looking thoroughly annoyed as she sat at the gambling table.

It was another loss of a day.

Shinho often admired her persistence. If he were playing a game and kept losing, he'd uninstall it without hesitation.

But Tsunade, despite her repeated failures, never gave up.

"It's time to head home, sensei," Shinho said, patting her shoulder with a smile.

"One last round!" Tsunade said without looking up, throwing her remaining chips on the table.

A few seconds later, she growled in frustration. "Damn it!"

Her forehead creased with a tic mark, and her Yin Seal's diamond shape distorted slightly in her anger.

"What do you want for dinner?" Shinho asked, smoothly changing the subject.

Tsunade looked up, meeting his gaze. His dark eyes had a warm smile hidden within.

"Whatever," she replied, her expression softening as she stood and began walking toward the exit.

"How about Sichuan spicy chicken?" Shinho suggested, following behind and catching a faint whiff of her scent.

"Something less spicy," Tsunade said absentmindedly, licking her lips.

"Wait," Shinho called out as she began walking left. "Go the other way."

"We're not going home?" Tsunade tilted her head, puzzled.

"We need to buy some groceries," Shinho replied, extending a hand toward her.

Tsunade froze for a moment, caught off guard. Sweet words she could ignore, but gestures like this… now, they made her heart flutter.

For someone like her, with no lofty ambitions and who had only taken on the role of Hokage out of obligation, this kind of mundane normalcy felt oddly comforting.

"I don't have any money," Tsunade said casually, lightly brushing his hand aside as she walked ahead.

"That's not what I meant," Shinho said, his lips twitching into a wry smile.

She ignored him, a faint smile playing on her lips as she tucked her hair behind her ear, the strands catching in the breeze.

…

At the market, Shinho quickly gathered the groceries for dinner.

"Give them to me," Tsunade said, taking the plastic bags from his hands without waiting for an answer.

Shinho looked at her in surprise.

This was a first.

"What's with that look?" Tsunade asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing," Shinho coughed lightly. "Teacher, the ANBU have found the location of Otogakure."

"Otogakure?" Tsunade's eyes narrowed, her tone suddenly serious. "What are you planning to do?"

"Capture Orochimaru," Shinho said matter-of-factly.

"I'm coming with you," Tsunade replied without hesitation.

"I thought you'd try to stop me," Shinho admitted, momentarily taken aback.

It seemed his carefully prepared arguments were now useless.

"You're strong enough now; there's no harm trying what needs to be done," Tsunade explained.

"You don't sound very confident," Shinho noted, picking up on the nuance in her words.

"You don't know Orochimaru. Capturing him wouldn't be as easy as you might think," Tsunade said with a shake of her head.

"Want to make a bet?" Shinho asked, his mischievous grin returning.

"No bets," Tsunade shot him down immediately.

She had learned her lesson from the last time and wasn't about to fall into his trap again.

"What a shame," Shinho sighed, looking dejected.

Back at the Senju residence, Tsunade shoved the plastic bags into Shinho's hands.

"Help yourself," she said, sounding annoyed as she kicked off her high heels and strode barefoot into the living room.

Tossing aside her green coat, she flopped onto the couch, her ample curves sinking into the cushions.

Stretching her arms above her head, she yawned lazily, her shirt straining at the seams.

"Why are you just standing there? Go cook something," Tsunade said, a smug smirk on her face.

Shinho reluctantly tore his gaze away and headed to the kitchen.

Tsunade reclined on the armrest, crossing her legs with a look of satisfaction. She was starting to enjoy the obsessed look Shinho gave her.

The door opened, and Shizune walked in quietly, her footsteps softened by her black stockings.

"Tsunade-sama," Shizune sighed, shaking her head. "You should be more mindful of your image."

"In my own home? Why should I?" Tsunade replied, shifting slightly. Her snow capped mountains shifted from the motion, a sight that left Shizune momentarily envious.

"It may not matter to me, but what about Shinho?" Shizune asked, the corners of her eyelids twitching, this kind of mindset was what she wanted to have, but…

"What about that brat?" Tsunade asked, dismissive.

"He's not a kid anymore," Shizune said, her cheeks turning pink as memories surfaced in her mind.

Tsunade didn't notice the shift in Shizune's expression. She stared at the ceiling, her thoughts wandering. 

Shinho really wasn't the little boy she had once known.

"He's still just a brat," Tsunade muttered, though the words lacked conviction.

"I'll check on the kitchen," Shizune said, eager to escape before Tsunade noticed her flustered state.

…

The aroma of Sichuan spicy chicken wafted through the air.

Standing at the kitchen door, Shizune watched Shinho busy at work, not wanting to interrupt.

"Shizune-nee," Shinho called over his shoulder, "could you let Guy-sensei know not to take any missions for the next two weeks?"

"Of course," Shizune said, snapping out of her thoughts.

Half an hour later, the food was served: Sichuan spicy chicken, stir-fried shredded pork, and potato strips.

"Time to eat," Shinho said, handing Tsunade a pair of chopsticks.

Without hesitation, she grabbed a piece of chicken and popped it into her mouth. The red oil coated her lips, making them glisten.

"Phew! Delicious!" Tsunade exclaimed, exhaling sharply as the spice hit her tongue. She waved her hand dramatically. "Shinho, pour the wine!"

Shinho poured her a glass of sweet honey wine.

"Hiss!" Tsunade took a sip and found the wine even spicier. 

But she didn't mind and continued eating with gusto.

By the end of the meal, her face was flushed, and a light sheen of sweat covered her fair skin.

"I'll wash the dishes," Shizune said, gathering the plates and heading to the kitchen.

"Drink a glass of warm water," Shinho said, pouring Tsunade a glass.

"I'm too full," Tsunade replied, rubbing her slightly rounded stomach. "Later…"

Shinho glanced at her stomach, which was indeed slightly bloated. He couldn't help but think of Hinata, whose appetite seemed limitless without ever showing on her figure.

"You should lie down on the couch," Shinho suggested. "It'll be more comfortable."

If you lie down right after eating, you'll undoubtedly gain some weight, but Tsunade had no such worries with her Yin seal.

Tsunade looked at him and extended her arms.

Shinho was once again a bit startled, he hesitated not for a moment before leaning down to pick her up.

Tsunade wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her to the couch and gently set her down.

"Come here," Tsunade said, beckoning him with a sleepy smile.

"Do you need something?" Shinho asked, leaning in.

"A reward for you," Tsunade said, planting a kiss on his cheek.

Shinho reached out to smooth her tousled golden hair.

Tsunade gazed at him quietly, the moment carrying a surprising sense of familiarity, as though they were an old married couple.

"What are you looking at?" Shinho asked, his voice gentle and his face smiling.

Tsunade didn't answer immediately, she tilted her head and thought for a moment. 

"I want to drink some water," she said after a pause.

Shinho blinked but handed her the glass he had just poured.

Tsunade sat up, took a few sips, then reclined again. "When are you planning to leave for Otogakure?"

"In a few days," Shinho replied, settling onto the armrest.