Konoha: Gu Master

Shinho paid no mind to the group of onlookers, including Yamato and the others.

He was the Hokage now. Anything mysterious he produced required no explanation to anyone. His authority was simply unquestionable.

The main thing was confidence.

"Ice Blade Gu," Shinho said as he looked at Hinata. Clasping his hands together, a sudden chill emanated from him.

He slightly separated his palms, and the icy mist rapidly coalesced into a 1.7-meter-long blade of ice. The blade was semi-transparent, glimmering like a crystalline shard.

In its ultimate form, Ice Blade Storm, the blade could spin rapidly, forming a destructive tornado in front of the user. However, without the Gale Gu, that technique was currently out of reach.

[tl/n: Yep, it's not the whirlwind gu, it's an entirely different gu.]

"Is this Ice Release?" Kiba Inuzuka exclaimed, his eyes wide.

"Hinata's use of Ice Release must be thanks to my brother," Shino Aburame commented, pushing his glasses up in a show of insight.

Yamato couldn't hide his astonishment either.

So Shinho taught her? But how did he learn it himself?

The creation of any Kekkei Genkai was incredibly complex, representing complete mastery of elemental nature transformations. Such abilities were nearly impossible to teach through conventional means.

In most cases, they were inherited through bloodline. However, Shinho and Hinata shared no such connection.

The only explanation was that both of them were prodigies in Ice Release.

"The ice blade can be used as a regular weapon or thrown like a projectile," Shinho demonstrated by slashing the ground with the ice blade, leaving a clean cut behind.

Next, he casually threw the blade, and it lodged itself into the earth, trembling slightly.

"Your turn," he said, handing the Ice Blade Gu to Hinata.

Following his lead, Hinata quickly managed to create her own ice blade, though it was slightly smaller.

"Revolving Gu," Shinho continued. "I won't demonstrate this one. You'll understand its effects when you use it during your Rotation technique."

Hinata nodded and took a deep breath, assuming her stance.

She released a large amount of chakra, forming a protective chakra shield around her body. Then, she began spinning rapidly like a top.

Shinho clenched his fist and punched toward her.

Before his fist even landed, he felt a strong gust of wind. The next moment, an immense rebound force knocked him backward.

"Shinho-kun?" Hinata asked anxiously, her face filled with worry.

Although she knew Shinho wouldn't be hurt, she couldn't help but feel concerned.

"Use the Revolving gu," Shinho reminded her.

Hinata refocused and infused chakra into the Revolving gu.

With a startled gasp, she felt her spinning speed increase dramatically.

A sharp whooshing sound filled the air.

The ground trembled, and clouds of dust were swept up into the air.

"So fast!" Yamato immediately noticed the difference.

"Is that still Rotation? How can it speed up like this?" Kiba muttered, feeling his understanding of taijutsu and ninjutsu shatter.

Rotation was considered one of the Hyūga Clan's ultimate techniques. Over the years, it had been perfected to its limits, leaving no room for improvement—or so they thought.

Comparing the original to this enhanced version, Shinho seemed almost absurdly overpowered.

"I… I feel a bit dizzy," Hinata murmured, shaking her head to stay conscious.

Seeing this, Shinho punched again with the same strength. This time, the rebound force was 30% stronger, pushing him back three steps.

"You can stop, Hinata," Shinho called out quickly. He'd confirmed that the Revolving gu significantly enhanced Rotation, so there was no need for further testing.

As the chakra dissipated, Hinata staggered like a drunkard, leaning to her left.

Shinho stepped forward and caught her.

"Sh-Shinho-kun…" Hinata murmured, instinctively clutching his arm.

"You're not used to the speed from the Revolving gu," Shinho explained gently. "You'll adapt with time."

Hinata took a deep breath, feeling the dizziness gradually subside.

As her senses returned, she realized she was leaning entirely into Shinho's arms, surrounded by his warmth and scent.

Her cheeks flushed bright red, and her body softened even more.

Shinho, noticing her state, bent down and lifted her into his arms.

Hinata felt her world spin again before fainting from embarrassment.

"Ahem."

Kiba turned away and covered Akamaru's eyes with his hand.

"So this is the feeling of love?" Yamato mused, watching the scene thoughtfully.

As someone who grew up in Root, Yamato had been brainwashed to suppress his emotions. 

It was only after leaving Root and meeting people like Kakashi that he began to understand the concept of companionship. But love was still a distant concept for him.

Shino, on the other hand, was analyzing the supposed Ice Release.

As an Aburame and Shinho's brother, he could detect the truth—it wasn't Ice Release, but insects.

A few minutes later, Hinata woke up.

She felt herself in a warm place. Instinctively, she opened her eyes and saw Shinho's profile.

Memories of what had happened flooded back, and her pale face turned crimson.

Turning her head, she pressed against Shinho's chest, her white eyes misty with emotion.

Though it had been an accident, she was happy.

Then she noticed her teammates training nearby.

Her blush deepened, and she gripped Shinho's clothing tightly, trembling slightly as her embarrassment overwhelmed her.

[Achievement Unlocked: Hinata Hyūga's "Mind Is Spinning." Reward: Gale Gu.]

[Gale Gu: A Rank 2 Gu worm that releases fierce winds. Can combine with the Revolving gu and Ice Blade Gu to form Ice Blade Storm.]

Shinho blinked in surprise.

This works too?

He glanced at Hinata.

She now resembled a steaming teapot, her skin pink and almost glowing.

"Hinata," Shinho called softly.

After a long pause, she responded in an almost inaudible voice, like a newborn kitten.

"Let's continue training," Shinho said after a moment. "I have another Gu for you."

Hinata struggled to stand. Leaving Shinho's warm embrace, she finally regained some clarity.

"Thank you… Shinho-kun," she murmured, loosening her grip but feeling an inexplicable sense of loss.

"These three Gu worms work together to create a composite jutsu: Ice Blade Storm," Shinho explained, taking a step back. "You can integrate it with Rotation for even greater effects."

He recalled Hinata's two Gu worms and began his demonstration.

An ice blade materialized in his hand.

In the next instant, he began spinning rapidly.

The ice blade revolved around him, creating streaks of light resembling blades.

The sound of wind grew louder and fiercer until a full-blown gale erupted.

Centered around Shinho, a five-meter-tall tornado formed out of nowhere.

Hinata gasped.

This was far more ferocious than Rotation.

Rotation could only deflect physical attacks, but Ice Blade Storm didn't require deflection. Any attack that approached would be shredded to pieces.

Hinata recalled Shinho's earlier suggestion about combining Rotation with Ice Blade Storm. Her eyes lit up with determination.

Without a doubt, this combination would significantly enhance her strength, bringing her closer to Shinho's level.

The commotion naturally drew Yamato and the others' attention.

"What kind of jutsu is this?" Kiba muttered. "At this rate, I'll really be the weakest."

You already are the weakest, Shino thought, glancing at Kiba. 

But he chose to remain silent—he didn't want to be bitten by a dog.

"Ice Release combined with Wind Release?"

Yamato scratched his head uncertainly.

"My brother's creations aren't something you can judge with common sense," Shino Aburame remarked casually.

"Shinho!"

Kiba Inuzuka ran over as Shinho finished his demonstration. "Can I learn this too?"

"Woof! Woof!" Akamaru barked, wrapping his paws around Kiba's leg.

"When the right jutsu comes along, I'll teach you," Shinho replied. He did recall a few animal-specific Gu worms that could be useful for Akamaru, but he didn't have them right now. 

He would need to wait for an opportunity.

"Thanks, Shinho!" Kiba exclaimed, his face lighting up with excitement. 

He had only asked casually and didn't expect a positive answer. A promise from the Hokage himself was as good as gold.

"You should call him Hokage-sama," Yamato corrected.

"It's fine," Shinho said with a dismissive wave.

Yamato backed off, respecting Shinho's leniency.

"I heard Team 8 took on the Bikōchū mission," Shinho said, changing the subject. "I'll join you for this one."

Yamato blinked in surprise before nodding. "Understood."

As someone used to following orders from the Hokage, Yamato never questioned the reasons behind his instructions.

"This is awesome!" Kiba exclaimed. "It's my first time on a mission with the Hokage!"

Shino adjusted his glasses thoughtfully. The Bikōchū mission must not be as simple as it seemed.

"I won't interrupt your training any longer. See you in three days," Shinho said, leaving the training ground and returning to the Hokage's office.

…

"Lord Hokage, Kusagakure's situation has been brought under control," Yūgao Uzuki reported the moment Shinho stepped inside.

She had clearly been waiting.

"Maintain the status quo for now," Shinho replied, nodding with satisfaction. The Anbu's efficiency was commendable.

"Yes," Yūgao acknowledged with a bow before leaving.

…

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

To the north of the Forest of Death lay a massive valley, known as the Valley of the End. 

At the heart of the valley, a waterfall split into two sides, flanked by towering statues of Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha.

Normally silent and desolate, the Valley of the End was bustling today.

"This will do," Shinho said, extending his hand and summoning the Box of Ultimate Bliss.

As the box hit the ground, the earth quaked slightly beneath its weight.

"The Box of Ultimate Bliss!" Mui's eyes gleamed with desire.

Years ago, he had attempted to open the box but failed due to insufficient chakra, leading to the death of his son, Muku, who was absorbed by the box. 

That failure haunted Mui, and he had sought to revive his son ever since.

Ryūzetsu, standing nearby, glared at Mui with hatred. She blamed him for Muku's death and had even tried to assassinate him in the original story.

"What do we do now?" Sasuke Uchiha asked impatiently.

"Shinho," Kakashi Hatake interjected with a frown. "Are you sure about this?"

"There's nothing to worry about," Shinho said calmly, pointing to Chisori and Karin. "If things go wrong, we'll seal it."

In the original story, the Box of Ultimate Bliss released Satori, a creature with power comparable to a tailed beast—but not stronger. 

Even the Nine-Tails couldn't withstand the Adamantine Sealing Chains, let alone Satori.

As an additional precaution, Shinho had summoned a sealing team alongside Chisori and Karin.

"Alright," Kakashi relented, trusting Shinho's judgment. 

After all, Shinho's methods had always been extraordinary. Besides, as Hokage, his decisions were final.

"Sealing team, prepare the Four-Corner Sealing Barrier," Shinho commanded.

The four members of the sealing team took their positions around the box, forming a square.

They raised their hands and pressed their fingers together, ready to activate the sealing jutsu at a moment's notice.

The Four-Corner Sealing Barrier was a special jutsu that combined barriers and sealing techniques. In the original story, it had been used to seal the Three-Tails.

"Kakashi-sensei," Shinho continued, "Please, infuse the box with chakra."

"Understood." Kakashi stepped forward and extended his hand.

The power of the Dragon Vein surged from his body.

The sheer volume of chakra created a powerful gust of wind, leaving Mui breathless.

Is this even human? Mui thought. No wonder Konoha is called the greatest ninja village.

Mui had spent years as the warden of Hōzuki Castle, stealing chakra from prisoners, yet he had been unable to open the box. 

Now, Konoha was using a single ninja to do what he couldn't in years. The disparity filled him with despair.

The Box of Ultimate Bliss began to glow.

The faces carved on its four sides emitted black smoke.

Joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness.

The four plumes of smoke converged at the top of the box.

"Born of Satori, moved by Satori, ended by Satori."

The box's ominous voice echoed in everyone's minds, carrying an irresistible allure that brought about one's desires.

No explanation was needed, as everyone understood that the box could grant any wish.

"I want to make a wish!" Mui shouted, his face lighting up with joy.

But he was too late.

"I wish to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan," Sasuke declared solemnly.

"No!" Mui collapsed to his knees, reaching out in despair.

"As you wish."

The faces on the box opened their mouths, and the black smoke gathered above it dispersed.

The smoke split into two streams, both of which surged into Sasuke's eyes.

"Aaaah!" Sasuke screamed in pain.

An overwhelming flood of emotions coursed through his mind. He laughed, cried, brooded, and wept all at once.

"Shinho," Kakashi said, his unease growing. "What's happening to him?"

"It's normal," Shinho replied calmly.

Kakashi hesitated, then froze in shock as a familiar and oppressive energy washed over them.

"The Mangekyō Sharingan?" Kakashi asked, his voice trembling. "It really grants wishes?"

"It's mine! It should have been mine!" Mui roared, his voice filled with frustration and disbelief.

"Watch closely, Mui," Shinho said indifferently. "The wishes you think it grants are nothing more than illusions."

Mui looked up at him, stunned and confused.

…

"Hahaha! Power! I can feel it coursing through me!" Sasuke's crazed laughter echoed through the valley.

His Sharingan spun, the three tomoe merging into a singular pattern.

"I am invincible now!" Sasuke's laughter turned into cold, murderous intent. His voice dropped to a chilling tone. "Shinho! I'll use your blood to bathe in Uchiha glory!"

[tl/n: Second coming of that phase ig]

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