Konoha: Gu Master

Chapter 226: Chapter 225.5: Acting Like a True Patriot



Hinata sighed softly after Shinho left.

"Big Sister!"

Just then, a cheerful voice rang out as the door opened.

Hanabi stood there, bright-eyed and lively.

"Have you been training?" Hinata asked, noticing the dust clinging to Hanabi's clothes.

"Yep!" Hanabi said, shaking her fists enthusiastically. "I'm going into my sixth year soon. I'm determined to take the top spot in the academy, just like Brother-in-law!"

"Why are you calling him Brother-in-law again?"

Hinata's face flushed as she quickly glanced at the doorway to ensure no one was listening before letting out a sigh of relief.

"Why not?" Hanabi asked, looking puzzled. "Don't you want to marry him?"

"…"

Hinata's face turned bright red as she stammered, "H-Hanabi, i-it's not certain yet…"

"That won't do!" Hanabi said firmly, crossing her arms, "Big Sister, you have to take the initiative! Brother-in-law is so amazing; you can't let him get away!"

"B-but…" Hinata's voice faltered, her expression flustered.

"Looks like I'll have to step in," Hanabi declared with exaggerated authority, mimicking their father Hiashi Hyuga, "What does Brother-in-law like?"

Hinata froze for a moment, her gaze instinctively dropping to her chest before shifting down to her feet.

"I-I'm going to take a bath!" Hinata stammered before fleeing the room in a panic.

"…?"

Hanabi tilted her head, watching her sister's retreating figure with a question mark in her face.

After a few seconds, she let out a huff.

"If Big Sister won't tell me, I'll just figure it out myself."

Hinata patted her burning cheeks, trying to calm herself.

Looking into the mirror, she hesitated for a moment before removing her clothes.

"Will Shinho-kun like this?" she murmured, instinctively crossing her arms over her chest.

When night fell and the moon hung high in the sky, Shinho quietly slipped into Tsunade's room.

As before, she wasn't asleep. Her pale, snow-like skin was partially covered by the blankets.

Without saying a word, Shinho buried himself into her warm, soft embrace.

"Are you a child?" Tsunade asked with mild irritation.

Shinho didn't respond, his actions speaking louder as he sought comfort.

"…"

Tsunade trembled slightly, her cheeks tinged with red.

With a resigned sigh, she reached out to stroke his hair.

Suddenly, an idea struck her.

She had been planning to use the Yin Seal tonight but hadn't yet found the right excuse.

Initially, she'd thought of bargaining over Shinho's "vital spots," but now she had an even better plan.

Withdrawing her hand, Tsunade formed a series of hand seals.

The surge of chakra made Shinho look up.

Yin Seal? Again?

Before he could voice his thoughts though, something sweet trickled down his throat, catching him off guard.

Shinho blinked in surprise.

The Yin Seal is amazing… truly amazing.

His lips moved involuntarily, the urge to sing his praises bubbling up.

Tsunade took a deep breath, satisfied.

To erase the excessive conditions she'd agreed to last night, she had devised a new application of the Yin Seal.

Since it could regulate the body internally and externally, it was incredibly versatile.

Watching Shinho's excitement, Tsunade let out a cold scoff internally.

You'll pay for this, you little brat.

But soon, her own body began to feel warm and weak, a tingling sensation spreading as his breath brushed against her skin.

Unaware of Tsunade's thoughts, Shinho was utterly fascinated.

This time, he felt like a true patriot, fulfilling his role with gusto.

"Enough!"

Tsunade's hazy eyes suddenly sharpened.

"...?"

Before Shinho could react, she pinned him down decisively.

Her golden hair cascaded around his face, and he quickly realized something.

She still had the Yin Seal activated.

"You're cheating!"

Shinho protested, grabbing her slender waist.

"Do you want to die?" Tsunade shot back without hesitation.

"…"

Shinho grimaced but stayed silent. What else could he say?

"That's more like it. A good student listens to his teacher," Tsunade said smugly, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue.

"Can I use the Yin Seal too?" Shinho asked cautiously, lifting his head slightly.

"No!" Tsunade replied firmly. "You've already tasted its sweetness."

"…"

Shinho finally realized he'd been duped.

But he couldn't just spit it out now, as such, he could only accept it.

Hours later;

Shinho's entire body was stiff, and he finally admitted to himself that he was in deep trouble.

"Well, kid, do you surrender?" Tsunade asked, looking down at him. Sweat dripped from her face, yet she remained spirited.

"I… I surrender," Shinho said reluctantly.

He had no choice, his stamina had run out.

"Good. Let's renegotiate the terms," Tsunade said, holding up a finger.

"…?"

Shinho stared at her in confusion.

So this was her plan all along? She endured all that just to outmaneuver me?

He felt utterly played, like a toy in her hands.

"First, the maid outfit is off the table!" Tsunade declared, swaying her hips triumphantly.

"Fine," Shinho agreed weakly.

"And no more 'Hokage office scenarios!'" she added.

Shinho nodded, completely drained.

One by one, Tsunade erased the conditions from the previous night, ticking them off on her fingers.

"This one's non-negotiable!" Shinho suddenly interjected.

"We're not having a wedding," Tsunade said seriously.

"No!" Shinho responded with equal determination.

Tsunade's heart clenched, but she steeled herself.

Given their positions and status, their private relationship was one thing, but a public wedding would invite endless scrutiny and criticism.

Letting out a deep breath, Tsunade continued her relentless persuasion.

As the sun peeked over from the horizon, Shinho passed out from exhaustion, unable to withstand Tsunade's persistent demands.

Looking at his sleeping face, Tsunade sat silently, her eyes gradually misting over.

"You… you idiot…" she murmured, holding him tightly as if she never wanted to let go.

When Shinho woke up, it was already too late.

For the first time since becoming Hokage, he requested a day off.

It was late in the after when he woke up.

The door slid open.

"Eat."

Tsunade walked in, carrying bowls and chopsticks.

"You made this?"

Shinho glanced at the chicken and grilled fish before him, surprised.

"Yes, I made it."

Tsunade huffed lightly and added, "Don't worry; it won't kill you!"

"Anything made by you must taste great, teacher," Shinho said with a grin.

Tsunade's lips twitched into a smile for a brief moment before she suppressed it.

Shinho picked up a piece of chicken and took a bite. It wasn't gourmet-level, but it was decent.

"Teacher, are you upset?" Shinho asked, noticing her expression.

"What do you think?" Tsunade shot him a glare.

"I know what's on your mind," Shinho said confidently, "Then we'll just have to become so strong that the entire ninja world wouldn't dare oppose us!"

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Tsunade frowned, clearly unimpressed.

"I'm serious," Shinho replied after a pause. "If worst comes to worst, I could just become a daimyo."

Tsunade froze momentarily, then her face darkened.

"You mean you want to learn the daimyo's ways of having three wives and four concubines?" she demanded coldly, pinching his waist firmly.

"Hiss!" Shinho winced. "I didn't mean it like that!"

Seeing his expression of surrender, Tsunade finally let go. Crossing her arms, she sat on the edge of the bed with a scowl.

"Finish eating and get to work!" she said curtly.

Shinho nodded.

After lunch and a quick shower, Shinho headed to the Hokage's office.

"Shinho," Shizune called out, walking over quickly. "Are you feeling better?"

"I'm fine," Shinho waved her concern off.

"That's good."

Shizune handed him a scroll. "Here's the speech draft I prepared for you."

Shinho unrolled it and read through carefully.

Shizune stood by nervously, torn between worry and anticipation. Knowing Shinho's personality, she braced herself for him to tease her, though she couldn't guess how.

"It's well-written," Shinho said with a smile, rolling up the scroll. "No changes are needed."

"Huh?"

Shizune blinked in surprise, caught off guard.

"What's wrong?" Shinho asked, puzzled.

"N-Nothing," Shizune stammered, shaking her head.

Shizune felt a little dissapponied.

Shinho noticed but decided against any teasing. He needed to recover his energy after last night's battle.

About half an hour later, a familiar voice echoed from the hallway.

"Shinho!"

Naruto burst through the door, grinning with excitement.

"Welcome back, Naruto," Shinho greeted him warmly, looking up from his desk.

In the three years they'd been apart, Naruto had grown taller and seemed slightly more mature, though only just.

"Shinho, I've gotten so much stronger! You're definitely not my match now!" Naruto declared proudly.

Having established a connection with Kurama, the Nine-Tails within him, Naruto could now access its power. 

Though their bond wasn't perfect, he could draw upon its strength, even reaching Four-Tails mode.

In fact, he'd even gained the upper hand against Jiraiya during a sparring session, which fueled his confidence.

"Show some respect, Naruto, he's the Hokage," Jiraiya said as he stepped into the office behind Naruto.

"Jiraiya-sensei," Shinho greeted with a nod.

"Shinho, how's the investigation on the Island of Summoning going?" Jiraiya asked without preamble, brushing off Naruto's excitement.

"Here's the information you wanted," Shinho said, tossing him a scroll.

"Thanks!"

Jiraiya glanced at the contents and nodded in satisfaction.

"Take Team 7 with you when you go," Shinho suggested, pointing at Naruto. "Include Sasuke and Karin as well."

Shinho didn't mention Honoka, the Uzumaki clan member on the island, to avoid unnecessary questions. Once they reached the island, Karin would naturally sense their kinship and bring her back.

"Alright," Jiraiya agreed after some thought.

"Mind if I ask something?" Shinho said calmly. "Are you looking for new summoning beasts?"

"No," Jiraiya hesitated for a moment before answering. "To be honest, I'm looking for a strong clan of summoning beasts. It's related to Mount Myoboku."

He didn't elaborate further, leaving Shinho to ponder.

A summoning beast seeking out another summoning beast? Shinho mused. Are they looking to recruit or cooperate?

Given his knowledge of Mount Myoboku, both scenarios seemed unlikely.

"If you come across any relevant information, let me know," Jiraiya said.

"Understood," Shinho nodded.

"Alright, Naruto, let's hit the hot springs," Jiraiya said, reverting to his usual self. "After such a long journey, we deserve some relaxation."

"No way!" Naruto protested immediately. "Shinho, spar with me instead!"

"Maybe later," Shinho said with a shrug. "I am the Hokage, after all."

"Argh!" Naruto groaned in frustration as he reluctantly followed Jiraiya out of the office.

The next day, it was time for the ninja academy's opening ceremony.

"Teacher, are you coming?" Shinho asked, donning his Hokage robes.

"What time?"

Tsunade sat up, yawning.

"Nine o'clock."

Shinho's gaze drifted from her face to her flat stomach.

Last night was anything but peaceful.

"If I have time," Tsunade replied lazily, stretching her body in a way that was both graceful and mesmerizing.

"Alright," Shinho said quickly, leaving before he got too distracted and risked being late.

By the time Shinho arrived at the ninja academy, the grounds were bustling with activity.

Students and parents filled the pathway leading from the gates to the playground.

Normally, parents would leave after dropping off their children, but today was different. The new Hokage was giving a speech, and they all stayed to watch.

After all, as shinobi, showing respect to their leader was only natural.

"It's been a while since I've been here," Tsunade mused as she walked through the crowd.

Since Shinho had graduated from the academy, she hadn't visited again.

Now, everything had changed.

Her relationship with Shinho had grown increasingly complex and intimate.

Tsunade greeted the parents casually as she made her way toward the playground.

Scanning the area, she quickly spotted Shinho standing on the platform alongside Shizune.

There were also other familiar faces in the crowd, including Hiashi Hyuga and Asuma Sarutobi.

Hiashi was there for Hanabi, while Asuma had come for Konohamaru.

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