Konoha: Gu Master

Chapter 182: Chapter 182: Tsunade’s Reward



At the barbecue restaurant, Kakashi reluctantly paid the bill, his face contorted in pain.

It was one thing to cover Hinata and Choji's hearty appetites, but with Chōza Akimichi from the older generation's Ino-Shika-Chō trio joining in, the cost skyrocketed.

This meal was a true blow to his wallet.

Still, as a jōnin, he could afford to splurge occasionally.

Asuma Sarutobi had it even worse, often complaining that treating his students drained his funds.

"Thanks for the meal, Kakashi," Chōza said with a satisfied grin.

The reason Chōza had joined them was to learn more about Shinho Aburame's Djinn Transformation technique.

Over dinner, he had learned all he needed to know, turns out it wasn't the Akimichi clan's Expansion Jutsu after all, but a unique bloodline trait linked to Shinho's insects. Not something anyone else could learn.

"Don't mention it," Kakashi replied, his half-lidded eyes betraying his exhaustion.

Chōza, being of the same generation as Minato Namikaze, was technically Kakashi's elder, so he wasn't in any position to argue.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Kakashi-sensei," Sasuke said after finishing his meal, giving him a quick nod before heading out.

"Sasuke, wait up!" Sakura called, hurrying after him.

"It's nice to be young," Kurenai Yuhi said with a smile as she watched them leave.

"Kurenai, let me walk you home," Asuma offered, clearing his throat.

"Shinho, are you coming home tonight?" Shibi Aburame asked his son.

"Not tonight," Shinho shook his head. He had a pressing matter: claiming his reward from Tsunade.

"Alright then," Shibi nodded, used to Shinho's absences by now.

"Well, everyone," Shibi said, rising, "Shino and I will head out."

"It's getting late, so I'll be heading home too. See you all soon," Shinho said, leaving the restaurant with his father and Shino.

By this hour, Tsunade was probably already home.

"Shinho-kun!" Karin quickly followed him.

"Damn it!" Ino muttered as she watched them leave together, feeling a wave of frustration.

Living together made things all too convenient!

"Oh boy, the wars women wage are terrifying," Shikamaru said, stretching his arms over his head, sighing.

"You should take a leaf out of Shinho's book," Shikaku said, clapping his son on the shoulder. "Your mother's still hoping you'll find a girlfriend to bring home."

"Just end me now," Shikamaru groaned, waving his hands in protest. "Learn from Shinho? How?"

"Didn't Temari from Sunagakure take you out for dinner yesterday?" Chōji asked with a clueless smile.

"Don't spread rumors!" Shikamaru's face went red.

"Temari?" Shikaku raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Come on, let's head home and talk."

"…"

Shikamaru felt utterly defeated.

Senju Residence

Shinho glanced at Karin, who was clutching his arm with a triumphant grin.

"Shinho-nii," she asked, looking up at him, "want to come over to my place?"

"I have something to do," Shinho replied with a shake of his head.

"Alright," Karin pouted, releasing his arm before taking a step forward, standing directly in front of him.

Shinho looked at her in confusion.

The next second, she threw her arms around him, pressing herself into his chest.

"Hehe," Karin said, smiling brightly, "Today's victory is mine!"

She was, of course, referring to her ongoing rivalry with Ino.

"Alright, off you go," Shinho said, giving her head a gentle pat.

"Goodnight," Karin replied, taking a few steps away before turning to wave at him again. In the soft glow of the porch lights, her slender legs gleamed, accentuated by her long black stockings.

Shinho tore his gaze away and went into the living room.

He turned on the lights and looked around. Neither Tsunade nor Shizune was home yet; they were probably still at the Sunagakure banquet.

Seeing this, he lay down on the couch to wait. Closing his eyes, he quickly drifted off.

He wasn't sure how much time had passed when he felt something warm against his arm.

Shinho opened his eyes.

He looked down and saw Tsunade's thigh resting against him.

"Sensei?" he murmured, noticing a faint scent of alcohol in the air. "Have you been drinking?"

"I only had a couple of drinks; Gaara and Baki insisted on toasting," Tsunade replied, her cheeks tinged with a slight blush.

"Gaara drinks?" Shinho asked, surprised.

"He's the Kazekage now, not a child. There's nothing wrong with having a drink or two," Tsunade replied, patting his leg. "Scoot over a bit."

"Oh," Shinho moved to give her more space.

Tsunade plopped down beside him, her curves pressing against him.

Shinho couldn't help but take a glance.

"Hey, brat!" she snapped, immediately noticing his gaze. "What are you looking at?"

"Nothing!" Shinho quickly denied, shaking his head.

"Do you think I'd believe that?" Tsunade leaned forward and flicked his forehead with her middle finger, irritation flashing across her face.

Shinho winced slightly.

"Idiot!" Tsunade's annoyance grew, her flushed face deepening in color. She stood up and, with a tense leg, planted her bare foot against his chest.

Watching her irritated expression, Shinho couldn't help but think it was a shame she wasn't wearing a skirt or qipao.

"My apologies," Shinho said sincerely.

"…"

Realizing how uncharacteristic her actions were, Tsunade shook her head.

Barefoot antics were unbecoming for someone of her stature.

She sat back down, rubbing her temples.

Drinking really does make me act out of character.

"What's my reward?" Shinho asked, sensing an opportunity. Observing her closely, he reached out with a hopeful look.

"You still dare to ask for a reward?" she replied, glaring at him.

"People who lie have to swallow a thousand needles," he said with a smile. "Surely the Hokage wouldn't go back on her word?"

"Of course not!" Tsunade replied with a sly smile. "Your reward is that I'll make you the next Hokage."

"What?" Shinho's grin froze. "That doesn't count as a reward!"

Her laughter grew louder, her whole frame shaking.

"What's so funny?" Shinho asked, annoyed.

"Isn't it your dream to become Hokage?" Tsunade teased. "With my help, you could achieve it sooner."

"I could do it without your help," Shinho muttered, looking at her with frustration. "You need to pick something else."

"Fine," Tsunade sighed, pretending to be magnanimous. "I'll grant you one wish."

"Three wishes!" Shinho countered, holding up three fingers.

"Are you looking for trouble?" Tsunade retorted, punching him lightly in the chest. "Don't push your luck!"

"You're the one who tricked me first," Shinho said, standing his ground.

Tsunade's punch hadn't been even remotely forceful, so he wasn't the least bit concerned and didn't bother dodging.

Just like the kick she'd given him earlier—if she'd been serious, he'd have been in pieces. Or… maybe not, now that he had the Golden Silk Armor Gu. 

If they ever tested it, maybe it'd be her the one having to suffer for once.

"Speaking of tricks, who's been fooling whom here, you little brat?" Tsunade huffed, grabbing his cheeks with both hands. "Now, tell me—what's going on with you and Hinata's transformations?"

Was drinking really making her this intense? Her stare practically bored into him as if she wanted to devour him whole.

"Th-those are just my… mutated parasitic insects," Shinho mumbled through his squished face.

"Do you really expect me to buy that?" Tsunade said, tightening her grip.

Mutated bugs could mimic Ice Release techniques and make him turn into a giant? Unlikely.

Although she had to admit, considering Shino's insects could wield sage chakra, it wasn't entirely out of the question.

"Why not?" Shinho replied defiantly.

"…."

Tsunade stared at his stubborn expression and squeezed a bit harder, twisting his face into odd shapes.

"Oh, forget it," she said with a sigh, laughing suddenly as she let go. Standing up, she announced, "I'm going to take a bath."

"Wait!" Shinho called after her, reminding, "We agreed on three wishes."

"Three it is!" Tsunade agreed reluctantly, shooting him a warning look. "But nothing too outrageous!"

"Understood," Shinho nodded, pleased. "Once I know what to ask for, I'll let you know."

She paused to eye him suspiciously for a few seconds, then finally headed to the bathroom.

Splashing water on her face, she felt herself start to sober up.

"Ugh… I've been swindled," Tsunade muttered, frowning at her reflection.

He'd earned his rightful first place, and here she was, handing out three free wishes. 

As Hokage and one of the Legendary Sannin, people would kill to have her owe them just one favor. Three wishes were as good as gold.

"Why do I get the feeling this brat's going to ask for something ridiculous?" Tsunade sighed, pressing her hand to her forehead. 

She was already regretting it. Why had she agreed so quickly?

The sound of water echoed from the bathroom as Shinho sat up on the couch. 

He'd had the perfect view from his lying position, which was why he hadn't moved.

Of course, Tsunade had caught him and rewarded him with a smack and a kick.

Out of nowhere, Shinho noticed a figure in the shadows. Turning his head, he spotted Shizune lurking nearby.

Their eyes met.

"Done talking with Lady Tsunade?" Shizune asked, offering an awkward smile.

"Oh, Shizune-nee, you know that eavesdropping on the Hokage could have serious consequences, don't you?" Shinho said, narrowing his eyes mischievously.

"W-what do you plan to do about it?" Shizune stammered, backing up against the wall.

Her movements made her robe slip slightly, revealing her smooth, bare legs.

"I'd like to see Shizune-nee in a maid outfit," Shinho said with a playful blink.

"N-no way…"

A blush spread across Shizune's face as she avoided his gaze, pressing her legs together as a faint nervousness seemed to take over.

"Then I'll just have to tell Tsunade-sensei about your eavesdropping," Shinho said, smirking.

"W-wait!" Shizune hesitated, fidgeting before finally nodding. "Alright, I agree."

The way Tsunade had been acting tonight was so out of character that Shizune had almost thought someone was impersonating her with a Transformation Jutsu. 

If Tsunade found out she'd been listening in, Shizune was genuinely afraid for her life.

"You're really nice, Shizune-nee," Shinho said, a little surprised.

"I-is that so?" she mumbled, flustered.

The thought of wearing a maid outfit in front of Shinho made her feel like ants were crawling all over her skin.

"I'll… I'll buy it tomorrow," Shizune muttered, clearly embarrassed, her gaze downcast as she bit her lip.

The image of Shizune from the Naruto mobile game in her summer and swimsuit costumes flashed through Shinho's mind. 

Her appearance, from her figure to her features, would look great in a maid outfit.

"I'll… just head to my room," Shizune mumbled, unable to handle his stare any longer. 

She quickly turned, barefoot as she pattered across the floor, disappearing down the hallway.

Once in her room, she collapsed onto the bed, face flushed and heartbeat racing.

What on earth am I doing? Shizune thought, pressing her hands over her face.

….

The Next Morning

Shinho got up leisurely and opened his door, only to catch a glimpse of Shizune scurrying off to the kitchen like a startled rabbit.

"Am I that scary?" Shinho yawned, shaking his head as he made his way to the bathroom to wash up.

Breakfast was a bowl of pork bone ramen.

As they ate, Tsunade eyed Shizune, a curious expression on her face.

There was something off about the atmosphere.

Shizune wasn't normally like this. Today, she seemed shy and flustered.

Tsunade shook her head, dismissing her thoughts as paranoia.

After breakfast, the three of them headed to the Hokage's office.

Just like before, Shinho served the half-day acting as the Hokage.

Seated in the Hokage's chair, he started working through the usual paperwork.

Since the Chūnin Exams had just ended, the majority of the documents were related to the event.

Most were feedback reports from various villages on the outcome of the exams.

One document that caught his attention was a congratulatory letter from the Hidden Cloud Village.

The black-skinned secretary Mabui had written him a personal note, congratulating him on securing first-place.

Shinho was surprised she still remembered him.

After all, they'd only met once, and that had been a while ago.

But then he remembered that he'd squeezed out the Heavenly Transfer Jutsu, the Explosive Bugs, and thirty-five million ryo from her. Of course she'd remember.

Her letter was short, simply congratulating him on his achievement.

Around noon, Shinho bid Tsunade farewell and left the Hokage building.

After a few steps, he paused, an eyebrow lifting.

Someone was following him.

He released some parasitic insects.

Moments later, they returned with their answer.

"Shizune-nee," Shinho said, turning around. "Come on out—I know you're there."

Shizune stepped forward hesitantly, her head lowered. "Let's go back home, and… I'll wear the maid outfit for you."

"So, you didn't want Tsunade-sensei to find out?" Shinho said, a knowing smile on his face.

"I…"

Shizune's face turned a deep red.

That was exactly what she had been worried about.

"Alright, let's go back," Shinho said, his tone filled with anticipation. "And it's perfect timing—I haven't eaten yet."

Shizune trailed behind him, visibly nervous.

Once they reached the Senju residence, she took a deep breath and went to her room.

Shinho settled onto the couch to wait.

After about ten minutes, his eyes lit up as she entered.

Shizune's dark hair was loosely curled, gathered at the back of her head.

She wore a white maid's dress with a black-and-white collar at her neck, and her hands were covered in long white sleeves.

The dress hugged her waist tightly, the skirt ending just at her thighs.

Though she was barefoot, black stockings stretched from her toes all the way up, disappearing under the edge of her maid outfit.

Around each thigh was a matching black-and-white lace garter that coordinated with the choker around her neck

[tl/n: smh

Have a great day/night!]

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