Konoha: Gu Master

"What do you mean stupid things?" Shinho defended himself seriously, "I've always been very measured in my speech."

"You'd better be!" Tsunade warned, pinching his waist sharply. "Or else, you'll face the consequences!"

Shinho inhaled sharply—not because it was unbearably painful, but because he was surprised by her action.

"Go on," Tsunade said, her tone softening as she withdrew her hand.

"Alright," Shinho nodded and began walking toward Hashirama and Tobirama Senju.

"Grandpa first," Shinho greeted respectfully as he reached them. "Granduncle."

"Just as Little Tsunade said—quite the smooth talker," Hashirama said, laughing heartily.

"…"

Shinho's face broke out in a cold sweat. Sensei, what exactly have you been saying about me?

"Don't worry," Hashirama said, patting Shinho's shoulder. "She spoke very highly of you."

"She didn't just speak highly of you," Tobirama added thoughtfully. "I've never seen her look at anyone that way."

Hashirama sighed, his tone turning wistful. "Little Tsunade has had a tough time over the years. It's good she has you by her side."

"It's the least I can do," Shinho replied, feeling slightly relieved. It seemed that meeting her family wouldn't be as problematic as he had feared.

"We're already deceased," Hashirama continued. "You are the only one who can stay by her side now."

"I have a question," Tobirama interjected suddenly.

"Please ask," Shinho said, adopting a serious demeanor.

"What's your opinion on age differences?" Tobirama asked after a moment of thought.

"Age is not an issue," Shinho replied without hesitation.

"Then I'll leave Little Tsunade in your care," Tobirama said, observing him closely and giving a faint nod.

"Yes!" Shinho replied firmly.

"Hahaha!" Hashirama burst into laughter. "Our reanimation this time was so worth it. We've fulfilled a long-held wish."

"Little Tsunade, come here," Tobirama called out, turning his attention to her.

Tsunade blinked, then quickly approached.

"We've finished our conversation. It's time for us to return to where we belong," Tobirama said, glancing at Shinho and Tsunade.

"…"

Tsunade opened her mouth as if to say something but stopped herself.

"Knowing you're doing well is enough for us to leave in peace," Tobirama said with a small smile.

Tsunade nodded silently, understanding that their presence in this state was unnatural and that forcing them to stay wouldn't be right.

Suddenly, she froze as she felt Shinho take her hand.

Instinctively, she tried to pull away, but his grip was firm. She shot him a glare, but when she turned back, she saw Hashirama and Tobirama smiling knowingly.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly lowered her head, a faint blush spreading across her face.

"Kabuto," Shinho called out loudly. "Undo the Reanimation Jutsu."

"Goodbye, Little Tsunade," Hashirama and Tobirama said as their bodies slowly disintegrated into fragments.

Tsunade suppressed her emotions and waved at them as they disappeared.

Shinho was about to say something when two lines of text appeared before him:

[Achievement Unlocked: "Meeting Tsunade's Family." Reward: Quadruplet Gu.]

[Quadruplet Gu (Rank 4): A Gu worm that ensures the birth of quadruplets. Usable only by pregnant women.]

Shinho's mouth twitched slightly. This again?

He glanced at Tsunade instinctively. He had to admit, her physique did seem suitable for childbirth—but using such a Gu was definitely out of the question.

"You can let go now, kid," Tsunade said, taking a deep breath as she returned to her usual self.

She wasn't one to cry or wallow, fully aware that this was Reanimation Jutsu and not true resurrection.

"No," Shinho replied shamelessly.

Tsunade raised her head to glare at him. After a few seconds, she started laughing.

"Do you think you're still a child?" she said with a smirk. "Even if you want to hold hands, you should pick the right time and place."

"Then let's do it back home," Shinho said, catching onto her tone and noticing the subtle changes in her demeanor. It made him inwardly happy.

"What did my grandfather and Second Granduncle say to you?" Tsunade asked, pulling her hand free and lightly slapping the back of his hand.

"Nothing much. Just that I should take care of you," Shinho replied with a smile.

"You? take care of me?" Tsunade said with a laugh. "It's always been me taking care of you since you were a kid!"

"Sensei, did you consider Shizune-nee when you said that?" Shinho asked, his grin widening.

"What do you mean by that?" Tsunade asked, narrowing her eyes dangerously. "Are you saying I've never cared for you?"

"Of course you have!" Shinho said decisively, and with sincerity, "You're my teacher, after all!"

"…"

Tsunade pouted slightly. 

Every time Shinho emphasized the word "teacher," it felt oddly out of place.

Especially after meeting Hashirama and Tobirama, which only heightened the sense of incongruity.

"What's the deal with Orochimaru?" Tsunade asked, changing the subject.

She still couldn't bring herself to Trust Orochimaru, as it was far too risky in her opinion.

"I've placed a Gu on him," Shinho said after a brief pause. "Think of it as a kind of poison. He wouldn't dare act out."

"No wonder," Tsunade said, finally understanding, though she added a reminder, "To be safe, make sure the Anbu keeps an eye on him once we return to Konoha."

"I understand," Shinho nodded.

In truth, the Slavery Gu was not a poison and had no antidote. 

The only way to break its effects would be for Orochimaru's soul to surpass Shinho's in strength. However, to ease Tsunade's concerns, he didn't explain further.

"Kakashi-sensei and Sasuke are here. Let's head out," Shinho said, walking toward the group.

Standing with Hatake Kakashi and Uchiha Sasuke were Guren, Jugo, Suigetsu, and three jonin from the Fuma clan. They all still seemed dazed after witnessing Orochimaru's submission.

Fortunately, after some reassurance, they shared the same sentiment as Kabuto—that Orochimaru-sama was enduring this humiliation for the greater good. Inspired, they decided to work even harder.

"Let's go back to Otogakure," Shinho ordered after a quick glance.

Returning to Konoha would take a day or two. 

Handling the matters in Otogakure first would be more efficient.

"Yes," Orochimaru replied obediently.

Tsunade couldn't help but feel a bit unsettled. Seeing Orochimaru so compliant was incredibly unusual. 

What kind of Gu could make him so fearful?

Otogakure wasn't far. In less than ten minutes, the group arrived. Shinho surveyed the area carefully.

Compared to Konoha, Otogakure was much simpler, barely resembling a proper ninja village.

Still, considering Orochimaru had only spent a few years building it, the results were impressive.

Kabuto arranged rooms for Tsunade and Shinho before hurrying off to write his report. Orochimaru, on the other hand, returned to his usual activities, showing no signs of concern.

"Come here," Tsunade called as Shinho was about to leave the room.

"What's the matter?" Shinho asked, puzzled.

Tsunade didn't answer. She sat on the couch and extended her hand toward him.

In a natural fashion, Shinho shut the door, walked over, and took her hand.

"Thank you for today," Tsunade said, pulling him down to sit beside her.

"Thank me? For what?" Shinho asked with a smile.

"You know what," Tsunade replied, glancing at him before leaning her head on his shoulder.

From his angle, Shinho could see her golden hair and smell her faint fragrance.

"I haven't seen my grandfathers in so long," Tsunade murmured, lost in thought.

"If you want to see them again, you can always use the Reanimation Jutsu," Shinho suggested, gently holding her soft, slender hand.

"No!" Tsunade rejected firmly. "That kind of jutsu should be sealed away forever, there's a reason why it's called a forbidden jutsu."

"I figured you'd say that," Shinho said with a small shake of his head.

"Then why bring it up if you know?" Tsunade shot back, tilting her head at him in annoyance.

"Sorry," Shinho said sincerely.

"…"

Tsunade looked at him, unsure of how to respond. She hadn't actually been angry…her reaction had been more of a subconscious action.

"I'm tired," Tsunade said, wrapping her arms around him. Closing her eyes, she added, "Let me rest for a bit."

Shinho froze.

Her presence, warm and soft, pressed against his arm, making it impossible for him to relax. He could feel every contour and softness against him.

This is torture.

Realizing sleep was out of the question, Shinho sank into meditation.

…

Time passed.

Tsunade stirred and opened her eyes, immediately meeting Shinho's gaze.

"You didn't sleep?" she asked, releasing him and stretching. Her figure shifted slightly, revealing a graceful, pale curve in motion.

"I couldn't sleep," Shinho admitted, swallowing reflexively.

"Well, thanks for putting up with me, kid," Tsunade said, planting a quick kiss on his cheek before standing. "Let's go."

"It's no trouble at all," Shinho quickly replied, following after her.

…

Otogakure - Leader's Hall;

A group of people had already gathered, waiting for their arrival. Tsunade scanned the room briefly before stepping behind Shinho, showing her respect for the current Hokage in front of others.

"Lord Shinho," Kabuto said, handing over a detailed report.

Shinho opened it and began reading. 

The document was comprehensive, with the first section covering the village's shinobi. It largely matched his own knowledge:

Orochimaru, Kabuto, Guren, Jugo, Suigetsu, and Shin Uchiha.

The first five were well-known.

Shin Uchiha, however, was not a true member of the Uchiha clan. He was one of Orochimaru's experimental subjects, possessing a unique body that didn't reject any transplanted organ or tissue. 

Notably, Shimura Danzo's right arm had come from Shin.

Orochimaru had also conducted several cloning experiments using Shin.

Other shinobi in Otogakure, such as the Sound Four, had limited roles in the original narrative. 

Slightly more prominent was Yukimaru, who had the ability to influence the Three-Tails and appeared briefly during the Three-Tails arc.

The second section listed Orochimaru's created and modified jutsu.

This included not only Edo Tensei and Yamato no Jutsu but even the Living Corpse Reincarnation Technique.

Living corpse reincarnation technique was a clear sign of the Slavery Gu's influence.

Though the jutsu had its merits, it came with significant downsides. Although it allowed for immortality, it required the user to take over another's body, damaging their own soul in the process.

For Shinho, it was unnecessary. With his Lifespan Gu, he had no worries about lifespan.

Edo Tensei, on the other hand, had practical uses. 

Though it required living sacrifices and disturbed the dead, using criminals or enemies as sacrifices could solve that ethical dilemma. 

Figures like Danzo or Kakuzu could be repurposed to serve Konoha forever.

Let it be known that Shinho had the capitalist in him.

Shinho chuckled at the thought as he turned to the final section, which detailed various experiments conducted in Otogakure:

The first one was Orochimaru's Vessel Experiments; 

The village housed numerous geniuses, either recruited or imprisoned. They served two purposes: as subordinates or cannon fodder (e.g., the Sound Four) and as potential vessels for Orochimaru.

The second was Hashirama Cell Experiments: Which Shinho was quite familiar with.

The third was Shin Uchiha's Cloning Experiments.

The fourth was Cellular Transplantation Experiments: 

It was the study of transferring cells from one shinobi to another to gain their kekkei genkai and jutsu. In the original story, Kabuto himself had transplanted the cells of the Sound Five.

Beyond these major experiments, there were several smaller ones.

"Shut down the genius recruitment program," Shinho said, closing the report.

"Yes," Orochimaru replied without hesitation.

"Wait!" Kabuto interjected. "Orochimaru-sama's current body has reached its limit. He needs to reincarnate soon."

"I have a better vessel in mind," Shinho said, glancing at Kabuto.

He was referring to White Zetsu.

Kabuto looked stunned.

"Once we find the right vessel, Orochimaru can use the Reaper Death Seal to reclaim his arms' soul and perform the Living Corpse Reincarnation Technique," Shinho said calmly.

The Slavery Gu's soul-binding properties ensured that even with reincarnation, Orochimaru wouldn't escape his control.

"Thank you, Lord Shinho!" Kabuto stammered, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.

Though Shinho's motivations weren't entirely altruistic, this solution resolved a problem that had plagued Orochimaru for years.

"Moving on, Otogakure will continue operating as usual. I won't interfere," Shinho said after a pause, "but I have a task for you."

"What is it?" Kabuto asked cautiously.

This, he suspected, may be the true reason for Shinho's subjugation of Orochimaru.

"The Cursed Seal," Shinho said. "I want you to lower the barrier to entry so that ordinary shinobi can use it."

Kabuto froze, then quickly grasped the implications.

This Hokage's ambitions were far greater than he had imagined. 

Orochimaru had only developed the Cursed Seal to create a backup method for his reincarnation. 

Lowering its threshold to make it accessible to ordinary shinobi was something he'd never considered.

If successful, it would undoubtedly elevate Konoha's overall strength significantly.

"Understood," Kabuto replied, glancing at Orochimaru before agreeing.

"This project will be led by Orochimaru and conducted in Konoha," Shinho added. "The rest of you will assist him as needed."

Orochimaru's experimental capacity was vast, but Shinho preferred to tackle one goal at a time. There was no rush as time was on his side.

But before moving on to other matters, Shinho had one more thing to take care of.