Konoha: Gu Master

Night fell.

Shinho and his group had already left Otogakure and arrived at a dense forest in the Land of Fire.

Sasuke had set up four tents.

One each for Shinho, Tsunade, and Orochimaru, while Might Guy, Kakashi, and Sasuke shared the fourth.

After dinner, Shinho called Orochimaru aside. The two walked to a nearby riverbank, not far from their campsite.

"Orochimaru, can you summon the three high-ranking leaders of Ryuchi Cave?" Shinho asked directly.

His goal was to use the Serpent Mastery Gu. 

The White Snake Sage was beyond his control, and ordinary snakes lacked both strength and the ability to take human form. 

The only suitable targets were the three Serpent Princesses: Tachikarahime, Ichikishimahime, and Tagitsuhime.

"It would be difficult," Orochimaru replied, shaking his head. "The three high-ranking members hold exalted positions and will not respond to a summoner's call."

"Is there any way to meet them?" Shinho asked. He had indeed never seen the three Serpent Princesses summoned in the original story.

"You'd have to visit Ryuchi Cave to meet them," Orochimaru suggested after some thought.

"Won't the White Snake Sage notice us?" Shinho frowned.

"No," Orochimaru explained. "The White Snake Sage resides deep within the temple of Ryuchi Cave. Even summoners rarely encounter it."

Shinho fell into contemplation. 

Should he send Orochimaru alone with the Serpent Mastery Gu? But could Orochimaru overpower the three Serpent Princesses? If he failed, it would all be for nothing.

The best solution would be for Shinho to accompany him. 

However, entering Ryuchi Cave required either finding its entrance or using reverse summoning. 

The former would take too much time, and the latter required Shinho to become a summoner of Ryuchi Cave, which he was unwilling to do.

A workaround came to his mind.

"Orochimaru, sign a contract with Shikkotsu Forest and then go to Ryuchi Cave," Shinho instructed. "Once there, summon Katsuyu and have Katsuyu summon me."

Even if they were discovered, it wouldn't matter. 

If the White Snake Sage attacked, Shinho was confident he could hold his ground until Katsuyu completed the reverse summoning. 

In the worst-case scenario, if Ryuchi Cave dared to attack Konoha, he could bring Shikkotsu Forest and Mount Myoboku into the fray. 

Konoha wouldn't fall so easily.

"Understood," Orochimaru agreed without hesitation.

Shinho bit his thumb, pressed his hand to the ground, and performed a summoning. 

With a puff of smoke, a small Katsuyu appeared.

"Lady Katsuyu, I need your help with something," Shinho said, explaining his plan.

"Lord Shinho," Katsuyu hesitated before replying, "If the White Snake Sage does notice you, your life may be at risk."

"It's not a big deal," Shinho said with a smile. "I just need to hold out until you can use reverse summoning."

"Very well," Katsuyu said gently. "If it comes to it, leave the White Snake to me."

Though the three Sages had differing abilities, their strengths were comparable, and none could decisively overpower the others.

"Thank you, Lady Katsuyu," Shinho said sincerely. 

Unlike the White Snake Sage and the Great Toad Sage, Katsuyu was pure, diligent and responsible.

She was the ideal summoning beast.

Katsuyu produced the summoning contract scroll.

Orochimaru signed his name, becoming an official summoner of Shikkotsu Forest.

Moments later, Orochimaru's body vanished as he was summoned to Ryuchi Cave. A few seconds later, Katsuyu also disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

Shinho felt the summoning pull shortly after and allowed himself to be transported. 

The scenery around him changed abruptly, shifting from a dense forest to a cold, dark cavern.

"Let's meet Ichikishima-hime," Shinho said, having already decided on his target.

The three Serpent Princesses shared certain abilities, such as levitation and invisibility, but each had unique powers:

Ichikishima-hime had Absorption.

Tachikara-hime had Genjutsu.

Tagitsu-hime had Binding.

"Follow me," Orochimaru said, scanning the area before leading Shinho down a tunnel.

After a few minutes, they arrived at a large underground castle. Orochimaru stepped forward and knocked on the door.

The door creaked open, revealing Ichikishima-hime. She appeared as a dainty, doll-like girl but was, in reality, a murderous thousand-year-old monster.

She wore a flowing white robe and a golden crown. 

Her long, deep blue hair framed her golden slit pupils and red eye shadow. Her pale skin shimmered faintly, and aquamarine earrings dangled from her ears.

"Lady Ichikishima-hime, I have a request," Orochimaru said, gesturing toward Shinho. "This is a sacrifice I've brought for you."

In Ryuchi Cave, any ninja who failed their trials would be devoured by the Serpent Princesses.

Shinho remained expressionless, feigning the effects of a genjutsu. To avoid drawing the White Snake Sage's attention, he planned to outwit his opponent.

"One sacrifice isn't enough," Ichikishima-hime said, her delicate face twisting into a predatory grin. 

She opened her mouth, revealing razor-sharp teeth and a forked tongue that extended unnaturally far.

"He's a summoner of Shikkotsu Forest," Orochimaru replied with a faint smile. "One of him is worth ten others."

"Oh?" Ichikishima-hime floated upward, her body defying gravity, and hovered above Shinho.

"Let me have a taste first," she said, her grin widening unnaturally as her jaw extended, exposing more rows of teeth. She lunged toward Shinho to bite him.

At that moment, a streak of black light darted into her mouth.

"What did you feed me?" Ichikishima-hime demanded instinctively as she swallowed. 

Her once-adorable face twisted in rage, but her body trembled moments later.

Looking at Shinho, she felt an overwhelming urge to submit.

"Ichikishima-hime greets her master," she said humbly, her face softening as she knelt on the ground, pressing her forehead to the floor.

"I'll summon you tomorrow. Do your best to avoid alerting Ryuchi Cave to anything unusual," Shinho instructed, watching the prostrated Serpent Princess. 

So snake-like.

"Yes, Master," Ichikishima-hime replied, remaining in her submissive posture.

"Let's return," Shinho said, glancing at Katsuyu.

Orochimaru, bound by the Slavery Gu, showed no reaction, but Katsuyu was visibly astonished.

This was one of the three high-ranking leaders of Ryuchi Cave, a creature capable of human transformation. 

By strict definition, Ichikishima-hime was no longer just a summoning beast—she was closer to a mythical monster or a sage-in-training.

And yet, Shinho had subdued her so easily. It was terrifying.

...

[Achievement Unlocked: "Rogue Hero." Reward: Earth Chief Zombie Gu.]

[Earth Chief Zombie Gu (Rank 5): Transformation-path Gu worm that allows the user to transform into one of the six flying zombies, the Earth Chief Zombie.]

…

What the heck? Shinho's expression froze.

Rogue Hero? I didn't do anything! System, this is slander!

Though the reward was good, Shinho couldn't suppress his desire to complain.

[tl/n: I don't really understand the reference but, the original translation 'grassroots hero' is a reference to people who achieve things through unconventional means.. Maybe it's something along the lines?]

Smoke rose, and Shinho and Orochimaru returned to the riverbank.

"Thank you for your help, Lady Katsuyu," Shinho said, expressing his gratitude before dismissing the summoning.

Orochimaru headed back to his tent, while Shinho paused in front of Tsunade's tent.

"Come in," Tsunade's voice called out, sensing his hesitation.

Without delay, Shinho stepped inside.

"What were you doing outside?" Tsunade asked, raising an eyebrow.

Tsunade lay in her sleeping bag, with only her head peeking out.

"I was wondering if Sensei wanted a midnight snack," Shinho said with a light cough.

"Liar," Tsunade said bluntly.

"Fine." Shinho smiled. "I just wanted to spend more time with Sensei."

"…" Tsunade's heart skipped a beat. She turned her gaze away, and after a moment of silence, said, "It's late. Go to sleep."

"Alright!" Shinho replied, clearly excited.

He unrolled his sleeping bag and laid down beside Tsunade. 

The tent fell silent.

Tsunade listened to the steady rhythm of Shinho's breathing, her thoughts wandering. This brat really doesn't miss any opportunity.

After a brief hesitation, she turned to face him. 

In the faint summer moonlight filtering through the tent, she could clearly see his face.

He does look rather handsome when he's quiet, she thought, her lips curling into a faint smile before she closed her eyes.

…

Morning.

Sunlight streamed through the branches, gradually illuminating the tent.

Tsunade opened her eyes and found Shinho looking at her.

"Why are you staring at me?" she asked, sitting up as she unzipped her sleeping bag.

"Because you're beautiful," Shinho replied earnestly.

"Sweet talker," Tsunade muttered, shooting him a glare. "Hurry and leave before someone sees us."

"Sensei, don't you think this feels a bit like we're sneaking—"

Before Shinho could finish the word, Tsunade raised her leg and kicked him.

He grabbed her foot and tickled the sole lightly in retaliation.

"Get out!" Tsunade shuddered and quickly withdrew her foot.

"Yes, ma'am." Shinho grinned as he exited the tent.

After breakfast, the group continued their journey, reaching Konoha by noon.

Upon arrival, Shinho immediately took Orochimaru to the Hokage's office, while Tsunade and the others dispersed to handle their own affairs.

Orochimaru's presence caused a commotion as they walked through the village. The sight of the infamous Sannin following behind Shinho, subdued and obedient, left many stunned.

The public's perception of Shinho skyrocketed. His reputation reached an unprecedented peak.

"Orochimaru?!" Shizune gasped when she saw Shinho and Orochimaru enter the Hokage's office, her face pale with shock.

Her initial reaction was that Orochimaru had captured Shinho, but she quickly realized it was the opposite.

"Orochimaru is under my control thanks to a Gu worm," Shinho explained casually as he sat in the Hokage's chair. "You don't need to worry."

"So it's true?" Shizune asked, her disbelief evident in her face.

"Of course," Shinho said with a smile. "Orochimaru, you're not allowed to harm anyone in Konoha."

"Yes," Orochimaru replied respectfully.

"This is…" Shizune started but couldn't find the words to describe the scene. 

As someone who had grown up hearing tales of the Sannin and had worked under Tsunade, she deeply understood their power. 

Yet now, Orochimaru bowed to Shinho.

Shizune instinctively crossed her legs. People naturally admired strength, and her special connection with Shinho only amplified this.

"Shizune-nee," Shinho said, breaking her reverie, "Orochimaru will oversee the cursed seal experiments moving forward."

Shizune nodded, still somewhat dazed. She snapped out of it when Shinho playfully patted her skirt-covered hip.

"Yes," she replied, glaring at him.

Shinho raised an eyebrow, and Shizune quickly stepped back, putting some distance between them.

"Orochimaru, summon Ichikishima-hime," Shinho ordered, letting Shizune off the hook.

Biting his thumb, Orochimaru performed a summoning jutsu. 

In a puff of smoke, Ichikishima-hime appeared.

"What's her deal?" Shizune asked, narrowing her eyes.

"She's a high-ranking member from Ryuchi Cave," Shinho replied nonchalantly. "Shizune, take Orochimaru to the lab."

Shizune gave Ichikishima-hime a once-over. The serpent princess's delicate and youthful appearance didn't seem threatening.

"Before you go," Shinho added, "make sure to spread the word: I captured Orochimaru and brought him back to Konoha."

"Understood." Shizune nodded and led Orochimaru out of the office.

…

"Is everything settled in Ryuchi Cave?" Shinho asked Ichikishima-hime.

"As long as I return occasionally, there won't be any problems," she replied.

"Good," Shinho said, stroking his chin as he pondered her potential uses. 

Despite her strength, there didn't seem to be an immediate role for her—though she could serve as a bodyguard.

"What's the smallest form you can take as a snake?" he asked after a moment.

Ichikishima-hime clapped her hands, and with a puff of smoke, she transformed into a deep blue, crystal-like serpent no more than five centimeters long.

"This small?" Shinho was a little surprised. 

Perfect for ambushes in critical moments.

"When no one's around, stay in human form," he instructed. "If there are others, hide in here." He pulled out a pen holder.

"Yes, Master," Ichikishima-hime replied, leaping into the holder. 

She remained motionless, resembling a decorative crystal toy.

Shinho couldn't help but think of the pet snake he had as a child in his previous life.

Shortly after, the door opened again.

"Shinho," Shizune said as she entered. "Everything has been arranged."

"Thank you, Shizune," Shinho replied, flipping through some documents. "Did anything happen in Konoha while I was gone?"

"Not much," Shizune said, pausing before adding, "but there is something related to Lady Tsunade."

"What is it?" Shinho asked, looking up.

"Next week is August," Shizune reminded him.

"Sensei's birthday," Shinho realized. Tsunade's birthday was on August 2nd.

What should I get her? he wondered, quickly settling on an idea.

Human Power Triumphs Heaven Gu will be perfect.

Not only would it help Tsunade awaken as a Gu Master, but it would also make her use of Sage Mode more natural.

As for himself, Shinho had no need for it—after all, he already possessed the Second Aperture Gu among his Rank 5 Gu.

[tl/n: is this Human Power Triumphs Heaven Gu, Hope gu?]