Konoha: Gu Master

"Shinho, what's the mission about?"

After Sasuke Uchiha and Karin left, Shizune asked.

As per standard procedure, a mission led by the Hokage would require her to record the details and issue a mission statement. Upon completion, the mission report would be filed in the ninja records of the participants.

"No records are required; this is an unofficial mission," Shinho replied, shaking his head.

Shizune was momentarily startled but refrained from questioning further.

An unofficial mission implied secrecy and danger, causing her to feel a twinge of unease.

"Shizune-nee, I need a favor," Shinho said after a moment of thought. "Don't let my teacher know about this mission."

As the Hokage of Konoha, his decision to seize the Box of Ultimate Bliss was like provoking a war.

Given Tsunade's personality, she likely wouldn't approve. Besides, she had already retired and deserved some peace of mind.

"Why not?" Shizune couldn't help but ask.

Shinho didn't respond. Instead, he reached out, pulling her into his arms.

It was so sudden that Shizune couldn't react.

She found herself seated on Shinho's lap, her pencil skirt pressing against her, emphasizing her curves.

Instinctively, Shizune tried to rise, but Shinho's arms around her waist prevented her.

"It's our little secret," Shinho whispered into her ear.

Shizune's body went limp, a wave of heat spreading through her as her cheeks burned red.

Shinho raised a brow.

Not resisting at all?

His right hand slid downward, resting against her stocking-clad thigh. The warmth and softness were discernible even through the fabric.

Realizing his movement, Shizune instinctively clamped her legs together. She grasped Shinho's wrist, turning to look at him with misty eyes, her expression a blend of embarrassment and pleading.

"Shizune-nee, do you agree?" Shinho's lips curled into a faint smile as he asked.

Subconsciously, Shizune nodded.

"Thank you, Shizune-nee," Shinho said, patting her lightly on the back of her skirt.

Shizune shivered and hastily retreated, putting distance between them. Standing stiffly, she avoided meeting his gaze.

"You're adorable," Shinho said after a few moments of silence.

"…"

Shizune bit her lip, choosing not to reply.

"Shizune-nee," Shinho said, his tone amused, "what do you think about replacing the Hokage Guard Platoon with Hokage Assistants?"

"Hokage Assistants?" Shizune looked up, her face still tinged with a faint blush.

"I feel the Hokage Guard Platoon has outlived its usefulness," Shinho explained. "I want to make some adjustments."

"Will it have the same authority as Danzo's former position as Hokage Advisor?"

Shizune hesitated, her mind racing.

"Good point. Mentioning Hokage Assistants might bring Danzo to mind," Shinho mused. "Let's call it Hokage Aides instead. They'll function more like the Hokage Secretary team, with less status and authority."

"I see."

Shizune's expression shifted to one of understanding.

Hearing the term "Hokage Assistants" had initially worried her about the creation of another position like Danzo's, which might destabilize Shinho's control.

Shizune wanted no such thing to happen. After all, beyond Tsunade, her loyalty lay entirely with Shinho.

"Do you have any candidates in mind?" Shizune asked curiously.

"Currently, you, Shikaku-san, and Mikoto-san," Shinho replied. "We'll recruit two more as needed."

Shizune's expression turned to surprise.

What astonished her wasn't the selections but the exclusion of Yamato, Asuma Sarutobi, and Kakashi Hatake.

While the decision had its justifications, given their significant standing, they were typically expected to at least hold honorary roles.

"The Sarutobi clan might be displeased," Shizune noted hesitantly.

"They will be," Shinho replied with a smile.

"You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?"

Shizune's heart skipped a beat.

The Sarutobi clan was deeply tied to the Third Hokage. Provoking them could carry consequences.

"Shizune-nee, if you have time, please help me shortlist a few candidates," Shinho said, deftly steering the conversation away as he casually picked up a document.

"Understood."

Shizune nodded quietly.

This guy truly never stayed out of trouble—just like when he had cornered her earlier.

The thought brought another blush to her cheeks as she turned her head away.

…

The Next Day

At Training Ground 1 in Konoha, Sasuke Uchiha arrived on time.

Seeing Karin's mother, Chisori, he raised an eyebrow in confusion.

Why was she here?

Wasn't this supposed to involve Kakashi-sensei?

Sasuke greeted her briefly before standing aside to wait.

Karin, accustomed to Sasuke's demeanor, paid him no mind.

Instead, she stood before Chisori, staring expectantly toward Konoha.

Clearly, she was waiting for Shinho.

Chisori's gaze lingered on Karin.

Her feelings were complicated.

Never did she think she'd have the chance to exact revenge after all these years.

Once, the very mention of Kusagakure had filled her with fear.

But not anymore.

Now, she felt an eager anticipation.

The pain she endured then would be returned in kind.

Soon, Shinho's figure appeared in the distance.

Chisori's expression softened into a gentle smile.

"Shinho-kun!"

Karin rushed forward eagerly.

She had changed into her usual outfit for missions, leaving behind the knit sweater and pleated skirt she had worn during the New Year celebrations.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting, Karin."

Shinho reached out, gently running his fingers through her vibrant red hair.

Karin closed her eyes contentedly, like a cat basking in affection.

Sasuke glanced at them briefly before looking away.

Romantic entanglements had nothing to do with him.

He only hoped this mission would be worth his time.

Chisori's smile deepened.

Watching them, she felt a deep sense of happiness.

Once her revenge was complete, she'd live the rest of her days solely for Karin and Shinho.

"This mission won't be conducted under Konoha's name," Shinho announced, steering the conversation back to business.

Sasuke furrowed his brow slightly.

This was his first time participating in such a mission.

"Our objective is the Box of Ultimate Bliss," Shinho explained, addressing questions in Sasuke's mind. "It will help you awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan."

"What?!"

Sasuke's composure broke, his surprise evident.

But that surprise soon gave way to anticipation.

Two and a half years ago, Shinho had mentioned this possibility, and Sasuke had clung to the hope ever since.

Over time, doubts crept in, and he wondered if it had been a lie.

But now the moment had arrived.

Shinho briefly outlined the Box of Ultimate Bliss.

His plan was simple: open the box, make a trivial wish, and let Sasuke absorb the intense emotions stored within it.

Whether the Mangekyō awakened would depend on Sasuke's fate.

But Shinho believed the odds were favorable.

In the original timeline, Sasuke had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan in the same year.

The foundations were in place; all that remained was an emotional trigger.

"To save time, I'll transport us there," Shinho said with a smile.

Though the Land of Grass bordered the Land of Fire, traveling from Konoha to Kusagakure would typically take a day or two.

That was far too slow.

While he had considered reverse summoning, the Shikkotsu Forest rarely accepted new contractors.

Instead, Shinho would rely on the simplest and most direct method: using his Golden Aroura Gu to accelerate their movement while sharing Moonlit Veil's defensive effects with his teammates.

The Rainbow Light Gu allowed for faster travel by transforming into light itself.

However, it lacked directional control.

Shinho worried about potential mishaps, so he opted for the more reliable Golden Aroura Gu.

"Sasuke, you're up first."

Shinho placed a hand on Sasuke's shoulder.

Moonlit Veil Gu!

A faint white glow enveloped the two of them.

Lightning Wings Gu!

With a burst of speed, Shinho took off into the air.

Golden Auroura Gu!

A golden flash later, they vanished from sight.

…

Coastline of the Land of Grass

A golden light materialized, and Sasuke Uchiha tumbled onto the ground.

He was pale, visibly shaken by the unnerving sensation of traveling at such high speeds.

Thankfully, the Moonlit Veil's protective aura had minimized his discomfort.

"Stay safe," Shinho advised before vanishing in another flash of light.

"Shinho-nii!"

Without others around, Karin reverted to her usual affectionate tone.

"Who's next?" Shinho asked, nodding slightly toward her.

Karin didn't hesitate, wrapping her arms around him.

She nuzzled into his chest with a radiant smile and asked, "Does this work?"

Shinho cast her a glare but still encircled her waist with his arm.

Watching from nearby, Chisori blushed faintly.

Though she had taught Karin such behavior, she hadn't expected her to act this boldly with others present.

After a brief trip, Shinho reappeared and approached Chisori.

"Use chakra to mitigate the effects," Shinho advised before taking her into the air.

…

Coastline of the Land of Grass

Both Sasuke and Karin sat pale-faced on the ground, still recovering.

When Shinho and Chisori arrived, they merely gave a weak glance in greeting.

"Let's rest on the boat," Shinho said, summoning a vessel using the Sky Vault Gu.

As the small boat emerged, he gestured, and swarms of parasitic insects attached themselves to the stern. Their propulsion moved the boat steadily toward the open sea.

"Shi-Shinho-kun..."

Karin extended a small hand, her voice tinged with exhaustion.

Seeing her pitiful expression, Shinho sat beside her.

Karin immediately seized his hand and rested her head on his shoulder, a faint smile forming on her pale face.

Her discomfort seemed to dissipate with his presence.

Shinho gently squeezed her soft hand, explaining their next objective:

Their targets were five individuals: Mui of Hozuki Castle and the four high-ranking officials of Kusagakure.

In the original timeline, these five were instrumental in activating the sealing technique for the Box of Ultimate Bliss.

[Achievement Unlocked: "Ready for Takeoff!" Reward: Revolving Gu]

[Revolving Gu: A Rank 2 Gu that enhances turning speed. Can combine with Ice Blade Gu and Whirlwind Gu to form an icy tornado.]

Shinho paused, momentarily surprised.

The Revolving Gu seemed unimpressive at first glance.

However, its synergy with Ice Blade Gu for executing advanced techniques added significant value—potentially an excellent gift for Hinata Hyuga.

He suddenly raised an eyebrow.

On second thought, the Revolving Gu could enhance Hinata's Rotation technique.

Since the effectiveness of Rotation hinged on spinning speed, the Gu might substantially boost its power.

Of course, after marriage... Well, he might have trouble keeping up.

Cough.

Shinho dismissed the stray thought.

The boat sailed in silence for a while.

About ten minutes later, an island appeared on the horizon.

"How are you feeling?" Shinho asked, turning to his companions.

"I'm fine," Sasuke replied, standing and ready to move.

"Me too!" Karin quickly echoed.

Chisori nodded in agreement.

"Alright, let's get moving then," Shinho said, guiding the parasitic insects to bring the boat ashore.

…

Hozuki Castle

The island prison was heavily guarded, with sentries patrolling all sides.

As soon as their boat approached, they were spotted.

The sentries were few in number, only four in total.

Shinho's gaze shifted to the surrounding foliage.

The island was covered with a type of berry plant called Hozuki, which lent its name to the prison.

Convenient.

Grass Puppet Gu!

Nearby plants extended and coiled around the guards, binding them tightly.

"What's going on?!"

The guards were stunned, struggling futilely against their restraints.

Shinho swiftly plucked several Hozuki berries, using them to gag the sentries and silence any outbursts.

"Wood Release?!" Sasuke exclaimed, looking at Shinho in disbelief.

When had he learned that?

Could it even be learned?

"Amazing!" Karin exclaimed cheerfully.

For her, it was natural for Shinho to be proficient in anything. All she had to do was shower him with praise.

"Sasuke, use your Sharingan to locate Mui," Shinho instructed as he stepped ashore.

Sasuke activated his three-tomoe Sharingan, scanning his surroundings. Within moments, he had an answer and took the lead to guide them.

…

Inside Hozuki Castle

The density of patrolling guards increased significantly.

However, the group navigated effortlessly. Guards they could avoid were bypassed; those they couldn't were swiftly incapacitated.

"Mui is inside that room," Sasuke said, pointing toward a nearby building.

"Wait here," Shinho instructed. "If things get loud, you know what to do."

"Understood," Sasuke replied, gripping his Lightning-fire Sword.

Both Chisori and Karin activated their sensory abilities, remaining vigilant.

Shinho approached the door and pushed it open.

"Who are you?"

Mui rose from his chair, his expression calm and composed. His lack of panic suggested immense confidence in his abilities.

Shinho clenched his fist and swung.

The sharp sound of the air being split reached Mui, and his expression changed.

A feeling of danger washed over him, sending chills down his spine.

Body Flicker Technique!

Mui's form blurred as he accelerated, narrowly avoiding Shinho's attack.

Fire Style: Infernal Chains!

Mui's hands formed seals, summoning chains of crimson flame. The surrounding temperature surged as the fiery chains snaked toward Shinho.

Shinho swung again.

Mui's eyes gleamed with expectation.

His technique was infused with a sealing effect. If it made contact and embedded itself within the target's chakra network, it would completely suppress their chakra flow.

The fiery chains coiled around Shinho's arm but were instantly repelled by a golden aura.

"What?!" Mui's astonishment was cut short as Shinho's fist connected with him.

A resounding crack accompanied his scream of pain as his body was sent hurtling across the room, crashing to the ground and rolling for several meters before coming to a stop.

"What's going on?!"

"Lord Mui?!"

"This can't be happening!"

The commotion drew the attention of nearby guards, who quickly surrounded Shinho and his group.

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