Konoha: Gu Master

The sound of rushing wind filled the air.

Satori swooped downward, its black wings blotting out the sun.

Before Shinho, its massive talons descended like a 40-meter blade, slashing fiercely.

"What a fool."

Shinho extended his hand and effortlessly grasped one of its central talons.

The clanging sound of metal rang out as his Golden Silk Armor Gu activated, providing unparalleled defense.

Satori had become stronger after revealing its true form, but not enough to surpass Shinho's limits.

This meant it could not break through his defenses.

Satori was conscious, though not entirely rational. It assumed its earlier failure against Shinho was due to Uchiha Sasuke's interference.

In truth, Sasuke's Mangekyo Sharingan had been its only hope.

Shinho clenched Satori's talon and smiled faintly.

With strength far surpassing the satori, he lifted it high into the air and then slammed it down to the ground.

Satori roared in rage, raising its other talon high.

A shadow loomed over Shinho as the razor-sharp claws descended again.

He shook his head, grabbing the second claw mid-swing.

Standing his ground, Shinho flexed his arms. The phantom of Dragon-Elephant materialized around him.

Satori's massive body was treated like a ragdoll, swung left and right violently.

The Valley of the End trembled. The ground cracked, the river stopped flowing, and the statues of Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara wavered ominously.

"What… what kind of strength is this?"

Kakashi swallowed nervously. He had anticipated a battle of monstrous proportions, but instead, it had become a one-sided display by Shinho.

How had Shinho gone toe-to-toe with Sasuke earlier?

At that moment, Kakashi realised: Shinho must have held back against Sasuke to avoid killing him accidentally.

"So powerful!"

Karin clasped her hands to her flushed cheeks, her eyes sparkling with admiration for Shinho.

"Is this… even human?"

Ryūzetsu's voice trembled, and her legs felt like jelly.

"…"

Mui stared at Satori, now writhing on the ground, questioning the legend of the Box of Ultimate Bliss. He now understood that the promises of granting any wish was just a scam.

How could this creature, who was now being thrashed around like a toy, have ever almost conquered the ninja world?

"No wonder he's the Hokage!"

The four members of the Sealing Squad maintained their formation while marvelling at Shinho.

They had not initially felt much connection to Shinho as Hokage, but now they understood why he was chosen.

This kind of power left no room for doubt.

"Karin," Shinho called out as he swung Satori's massive body once more, slamming it into the ground with another earth-shaking thud. 

Satori's struggles grew weaker.

"Aunt Chisori," he added, clapping his hands.

Karin and her mother snapped out of their stupor and began weaving hand seals.

Adamantine Sealing Chains!

Dozens of golden chains shot out, wrapping tightly around Satori.

"ROAR!"

Satori roared in fury, its chakra flaring violently.

The golden chains wavered under the pressure but remained intact.

These were the Adamantine Sealing Chains—the same ones that could hold even the Nine-Tails. Satori, with only its undying trait to boast, was far weaker in comparison to the nine tailed beast.

"Sealing Squad," Shinho ordered, pointing to Sasuke. "Seal Satori inside him."

Naruto has the Nine-Tails.

Kakashi has the Dragon Vein.

Now, Sasuke will have Satori.

The Seventh Team, aside from Shinho, now all housed extraordinary sources of chakra and power within their bellies.

Should I get one too?

The thought crossed Shinho's mind briefly before he dismissed it. 

He had no desire to host something so chaotic inside himself.

[Achievement unlocked: Uchiha Sasuke—"Humans Have Limits"

Reward: Fire Pupil Gu.]

[Fire Pupil Gu : A Rank 4 Gu. When activated by a Gu Master, the Fire Pupil Gu allows the user to conjure flames wherever their gaze lands, incinerating enemies.]

Amaterasu?

Shinho was stunned for a moment. The Fire Pupil Gu's effects were undoubtedly similar to Amaterasu. Yet, it was different.

Amaterasu was an ocular technique of the Mangekyo Sharingan and required vast reserves of ocular power. It couldn't be activated without opening the eye.

While the Fire Pupil Gu might lack Amaterasu's destructive potential, it was less taxing and far harder to defend against.

And most importantly—it was stylish!

"Lord Hokage."

The Sealing Squad approached and reported, "Satori has been successfully sealed."

"Well done," Shinho nodded slightly.

"It's only our duty!" they replied excitedly.

Shinho turned his gaze to Sasuke, who lay unconscious, his shirt undone to reveal a newly formed black sealing mark etched on his abdomen. 

It resembled Naruto's, though less complex.

[Achievement unlocked: Satori—"Obedient at Last, Please Spare Me"

Reward: Earth Overlord Gu.]

[Earth Overlord Gu: A Rank 5 Gu worm of the Strength Path. It draws invisible power from the earth, continuously enhancing the user's strength.]

A notification appeared before Shinho's eyes, leaving him pleasantly surprised.

A Rank 5 Gu!

This was his third Rank 5 Gu, alongside Rejuvenation Gu and Slave Gu.

The Earth Overlord Gu's effects did not disappoint. It not only boosted his strength but also enhanced endurance, in fact, it was perfect for him.

Shinho briefly considered giving the Hundred-years Wood Charm Gu to Tsunade. Combined with other plant-based Gu, it could serve as a substitute for Wood Release.

As his own strength grew, certain Gu became less useful to Shinho. 

He realized he could pass them to trusted allies to increase their abilities. While they might not reach Madara's level, they would surpass most Jonin.

Walking to Sasuke, Shinho placed his hands over him, and a soft green glow enveloped Sasuke's body.

"He's just exhausted," Shinho said. "Kakashi-sensei, please take Sasuke back to the Uchiha compound." 

Sasuke was poised by Satori and was seriously injured, although he has recovered to some extent, the mental and bodily exhaustion he suffered couldn't be easily recovered.

In short, he'd have to rest for a few days.

"Understood." Kakashi sighed in relief and carried Sasuke away.

"Mui," Shinho turned to the Mui depressed figure, "Do you now understand the true nature of the Box of Ultimate Bliss?"

"…"

Mui lifted his head, tears streaming down his face. "It's all my fault… I harmed Muku…"

Ryūzetsu stood in silence, unsure how to react. Seeing Mui's remorse made it difficult to hold onto her anger.

"Mui," Shinho said, "Konoha will help you become the leader of Kusagakure."

"..."

"Do you understand what I mean?"

Mui remained silent, he was so lost in grief that he couldn't help himself to answer.

"Yugao-nee," Shinho called softly.

The wind shifted, and Uzuki Yugao appeared before him.

"Yes, Lord Hokage?" she replied with respect. 

She had witnessed his incredible strength just now. Although she knew he was a genius before, she hadn't expected his strength to be so terrifying.

Now, her loyalty was truely cemented.

"Take them back to Konoha," Shinho waved dismissively. "If they come around, let them return to Kusagakure. If not, you know what to do—find someone else to support."

His goal was simple: to covertly control Kusagakure. Whether or not Mui served as the figurehead wasn't particularly important. Still, Mui was the ideal candidate.

Firstly, his strength was commendable.

Secondly, he commanded considerable respect within Kusagakure. Installing him as leader would raise no suspicions.

"Yes!" Yugao responded crisply.

Shinho raised an eyebrow at her enthusiasm. He quickly understood the reason though, power commanded respect no matter where you were.

"Shinho-niisan!"

Once Yugao and the others left, Karin couldn't hold back anymore and dashed toward him.

"You did well today," Shinho praised, reaching out to pat her head.

Her soft red hair felt silky beneath his hand.

Karin reveled in his affectionate gesture, clasping his large hand with both of hers.

"What about me?"

Chiori stood behind Karin, her tone gentle as she posed the question.

Shinho hesitated, looking at her.

Do you want a head pat too?

Chiori met his gaze and playfully winked. Her heart was lighter now that her long-standing grudge had been settled.

"You did great well, Aunt Chiori," Shinho said with a smile.

"Let's go home!" Karin said, swinging his arm back and forth with excitement.

"Alright."

Shinho glanced around at the chaos left in the wake of their battle. 

 He would have to send the Anbu to oversee repairs. This was a site commemorating Senju Hashirama, after all.

Taking Karin's hand in his, Shinho began the journey back to Konoha. Chiori stepped up to Karin's other side and took her left hand.

"This feels like we're a family of three," Chiori said, enjoying the warmth of the moment.

Karin froze briefly before breaking into a wide grin.

A family of three. One day, she was sure she'd marry Shinho-niisan.

…

As they entered Konoha, the streets bustled with life.

"I want that!" Karin's eyes sparkled as she pointed at a nearby shop selling dango skewers.

"I'll get it," Chiori offered, letting go of Karin's hand and heading into the store.

Moments later, she returned with three skewers of colorful dango.

"Careful, or you'll get fat," Shinho teased with a smile.

Karin, midway through her first bite, froze at his words.

"Then… I'll eat less," she muttered hesitantly, clearly conflicted.

Chiori chuckled, covering her mouth. One skewer of dango couldn't possibly make her fat, but Karin cared too much about Shinho's opinion.

Realizing something was off, Karin looked between them and noticed both were stifling laughter.

"You tricked me!" She puffed out her cheeks in mock anger, her hands on her hips.

"Here." Shinho held the skewer up to her mouth.

Karin took a big bite, glaring at him as if to protest while she ate with gusto.

Chiori's gentle smile grew as she watched the exchange, her maternal warmth shining through.

"Shinho-nii, are you heading to the Hokage Office now?" Karin asked, her lips still sticky with the sugar glaze from the dango.

"I'll drop you off first," Shinho replied, lightly tapping her lips. "You've got sugar on you."

Karin quickly licked her lips clean and resumed eating. Soon, the dango skewers were gone.

"Shinho-nii!"

Suddenly, Karin ran up to him, leapt, and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her long legs, encased in black thigh-high stockings, locked around his waist.

"Carry me!" she demanded, clinging to him tightly.

Shinho instinctively placed his hands under her to support her weight.

"Karin!" Chiori exclaimed, startled. "Get down here this instant!"

"It's fine," Shinho said nonchalantly.

Karin turned her head, flashing Chiori a smug smile. Chiori could only sigh in exasperation and glare at her.

Unbothered, Karin shifted gleefully on Shinho's back, making herself comfortable.

Shinho couldn't help but twitch his mouth. Although she wasn't as curvaceous as Tsunade, her figure still made her presence noticeable. It was mildly torturous.

Thankfully, they soon arrived at the old Senju residence.

"See you tomorrow," Shinho said, setting Karin down gently. "You've been studying sealing techniques for three days straight. Take a break."

"Shinho, come by for dinner sometime," Chiori said with a warm smile.

"I will," Shinho replied as they closed the door behind them.

As Shinho turned, he froze. 

Tsunade was standing nearby.

Her expression was unreadable, and he immediately knew where she had just come from—the gambling den.

Why now of all times?

Tsunade glanced at him briefly before heading toward the house.

"Sensei," Shinho called out hurriedly, stepping in front of her. "Let me help you with your shoes."

Before Tsunade could respond, he was already crouched down.

"…"

Tsunade stared at him, tempted to step on him in frustration.

Shinho unfastened the straps of her high-heeled sandals and slipped them off with practiced ease.

Tsunade raised her foot, hesitated, then set it back down. Her bare feet, painted nails glistening, pressed against the ground as she walked into the living room.

"What was that all about?" Tsunade asked, leaning back against the sofa with her arms crossed.

"Just went out on a mission," Shinho explained casually.

"Oh?" Tsunade's tone turned sharp. "The Hokage is so considerate of his teammates that he carries them home now?"

"Sensei, just say the word, and I'll become your steed," Shinho replied, placing a hand on her thigh.

"What nonsense are you spouting?" Tsunade smacked his hand away, glaring at him.

"Shall we have a drink?" Shinho coughed lightly and pulled out two bottles of honey wine, quite hoping to change the subject.

Tsunade's mood shifted instantly as she grabbed the bottles. "I'm in. I want roast chicken, too."

"Coming right up," Shinho said, relieved.

"Is everything okay over at the Hokage Office?" Tsunade asked as the thought struck her.

"Shizune-nee got it under control," Shinho replied with a grin.

"Good. Now go cook."

"Alright." Shinho rose and headed to the kitchen.

As she set down the wine bottles, Tsunade clicked her tongue.

This brat really can't keep himself out of women!

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