Hokage's Office.
Shinho raised the cup of water in his hand and took a couple of sips. Placing it back on the desk, he noticed the pitiful appearance of Ichikishima-hime.
She crouched partially on the floor, her legs taut, with her white stockings slightly stretched and fine threads shimmering. Her toes curled delicately, her gemstone-like toenails pressed against the ground.
Resting her head on Shinho's thigh, she tilted her face upwards to gaze at him with a cat-like expression of helplessness.
"Here, drink this," Shinho said, extending the water cup towards her.
Ichikishima-hime immediately opened her mouth and began licking the water from the cup.
"Why are you drinking like a cat?" Shinho asked curiously, "Is this how snake princesses usually drink water?"
Ichikishima tilted her head thoughtfully, then lazily meowed, "Meow…?"
"That's… infuriating!" Shinho exhaled sharply.
Ichikishima froze.
She hadn't anticipated angering him, but an idea to make amends struck her. She knelt on both knees and quickly began apologize with her mouth.
Shinho sighed and pulled out his Hidden Scale Gu from his pouch. The snake-like figure of Ichikishima disappeared instantly, leaving only faint traces of her breathing as proof oh her existence.
It suddenly felt a bit colder. Waving his hand, Shinho drew a ceremonial cloak from a rack nearby and draped it over his lap. A sense of warmth enveloped him immediately.
Shinho shook his head. Though Ichikishima mimicked a cat, she was still a snake at heart–especially with her forked tongue.
Returning his attention to the desk, Shinho picked up two reports from Sunagakure. One was written by Shikamaru, and the other by Shino Aburame.
Shinho decided to read Shikamaru's first. True to form, it was concise. A month's worth of activity summarized in a mere sentence: "Everything went smoothly; no issues."
Shino's report, by contrast, was far more detailed.
The first section recounted how Sunagakure had treated them with utmost hospitality, like VIPs, particularly due to the relationship between Temari and Shikamaru.
According to Shino, their relationship had progressed so well that they could practically get married on the spot. From Sunagakure's perspective, such a union held no downsides.
Shinho, being a friend of Shikamaru, had no intention of interfering as long as Sunagakure remained cooperative.
The middle section of Shino's report detailed Yura's situation. Similar to Baki, Yura was a high-ranking official of Sunagakure. After Rasa's death, he supported Gaara in becoming the Fifth Kazekage.
However, unbeknownst to most, Yura had been turned into a sleeper agent by Sasori.
In the original timeline, Yura had facilitated Sasori and Deidara's entry into Sunagakure.
While Shinho didn't know Akatsuki's exact schedule, keeping a close watch on Yura provided an opportunity to preempt their actions.
Lastly, the report mentioned Shino's own training. In unfamiliar Sunagakure, aside from monitoring Yura, Shino had little else to do, so he delved deeper into his techniques.
Previously, his most powerful jutsu had been Kikaichu Bugs: Explosion. After a month of refinement and combining it with his summoning techniques, he developed Summoning: Explosive Swarm—calling forth a giant insect covered with destructive bugs to launch devastating aerial assaults.
Shino also hinted at other techniques he was still conceptualizing.
"Impressive effort," Shinho muttered aloud.
A faint sucking sound came from nearby.
"I wasn't talking about you," Shinho said, patting Ichikishima's head. She rolled her eyes in dissatisfaction, but refrained from arguing, only coughing lightly in protest.
Ignoring her, Shinho leaned back in his chair, letting his thoughts drift to Tsunade.
Recently, Tsunade had taken to sneak attacks using her Yin Seal, attempting to dissuade him from marriage.
Shinho, of course, had resisted vehemently, but this could not continue indefinitely.
Unifying the shinobi world needed to be prioritized. Not that it could be achieved overnight, but the process had to start–beginning with the Land of Fire.
Controlling the Damiyo was easy; any average Uchiha ninja could handle it. The so-called Twelve Guardian Ninja protecting the Dsmiyo were barely on par with regular jōnin.
However, simply controlling the Daimyo was not Shinho's goal. He wanted to become the lord himself–openly and legitimately.
This presented complications, as Tsunade and the others would never approve under normal circumstances due to their rigid thinking.
"Retract your fangs," Shinho muttered as Ichikishima's forked tongue flickered irritably.
Begrudgingly, she complied.
Taking a deep breath, Shinho resumed his thoughts. Without any blood ties to the feudal family, becoming a Damiyo through formal means seemed unlikely. But brute strength offered alternatives.
The shinobi world's rules could be bent easily.
Shinho only needed a plausible excuse for Tsunade and the others to accept, such as leading the village's forces in a heroic defense of the throne during a crisis, with the feudal family tragically perishing.
Following such a scenario, Shinho could assume the role of acting feudal lord in order to avoid further internal conflict. Temporarily, of course.
But before that, Konoha's internal loyalty needed strengthening. Policies to increase cohesion were necessary.
With Orochimaru captured and his reputation at its peak, it was the perfect time to implement new reforms. However, he could garner even greater respect if he could take advantage of Sunagakure's upcoming crisis.
His thoughts wandered here and there as he planned further.
What could Sunagakure possibly offer in return? They were notoriously poor. Even Rasa had to work as a gold miner to make ends meet.
In addition to the environmental issue making the village relatively poor, the Daimyo of the Land of Wind was refusing to aid them.
But at that moment, an idea struck Shinho: gold trade.
He could purchase Sunagakure's gold, establish a jewelry company, and have the Hyuga or Uchiha clans refine it into high-quality pieces for the nobility.
Their dojutsu made them perfect for precision work.
In the ninja world, jewelry was crafted by civilians using basic tools. A little innovation would go a long way in dominating the market.
"Master," Ichikishima's voice interrupted his wandering thoughts. Her face was flushed, and her skin was covered with beads of sweat.
"Greedy little minx."
Shinho shook his head, "Go wash up,"
"Yes, Master," she replied, slipping on her shoes and heading out silently. She was using the hidden scale gu, so there was little concern of her being discovered.
Standing by the window, Shinho gazed at the overcast September sky. A cooling wind brushed past.
"Yugao-nee," he called out.
The door creaked open, and Uzuki Yugao stepped inside.
"Yugao-nee," Shinho began, "how would you feel about providing the Anbu with a fixed salary?"
Yugao froze in surprise.
Ninja's usually made money through missions. And ANBU was no exception.
Everything ordered by the Hokage was compiled into tasks according to their difficulty and the money was distributed to them according to the success or failure of the mission, relative to the contribution.
There was never a fixed salary.
But it was a good thing for people like her, who was usually by Shinho's side and did little in terms of regular missions.
The amount she usually received would be adequate for her. But compared to other anbu who was usually always out doing missions, it was but a small amount.
If a fixed salary was implemented, she would much more satisfied. The only question was; how much!
"To be precise, it's fixed salary plus your usuall mission remuneration. Any ninja who works in the hokage building would ge the fixed salary," Shinho added.
Yugao's eyes lit up.
Who would say no to extra money?
"Everything is subject to Lord Hokage's arrangements."
Such a universally applicable statement clearly meant she had no objections.
Shinho smiled, unsurprised by Yugao Uzuki's reaction.
Setting aside the Will of Fire, the essence of a shinobi's work is money. Naturally, Yugao was happy with the idea.
Implementing a salary system was one of Shinho's strategies to strengthen loyalty within Konoha.
If working at the Hokage's office guaranteed an extra income, it would entice other shinobi to aspire for similar positions.
This would later allow Shinho to expand the institution by creating more roles. For now, he decided to start with Hokage assistants and the Anbu.
Money wasn't an issue for Shinho at the moment. Later, ventures like the gold jewelry business could further supplement the funds.
"You may leave now," Shinho said with a wave.
"Yes, sir!" Yugao's tone carried a trace of excitement as she bowed and exited.
After she left, Ichikishima-hime's figure materialized. She had been there for a while, silently observing.
"Master, here you go."
Ichikishima-hime extended her hand, revealing the Hidden Scale Gu in her palm.
Shinho gave a slight nod and took the Gu, ruffling her hair gently in appreciation.
Returning to his desk, Shinho began outlining the salary structure.
For example, the Hokage's assistants. He planned a monthly salary of 300,000 ryō. For most jōnin, excluding a select few, this amount was substantial.
Take Kurenai Yuhi, for instance. Official records showed she had completed only 14 S-rank missions, with the rest being of lower ranks.
According to shinobi regulations, an S-rank mission pays around a million ryō, but completing one required immense effort and posed life-threatening risks for ordinary jōnin.
…
Time passed.
"It's time to clock out, Shinho," came a reminder as Shizune pushed open the door.
"I'm almost done," Shinho replied, placing his pen back into the holder.
Taking advantage of the moment, Ichikishima-hime zipped to his side, clinging to his sleeve.
"Thank you for your hard work, Shizune-nee," Shinho said as he approached her, wrapping an arm around her waist.
Shizune rolled her eyes at him but didn't resist.
"Let's go," Shinho said, patting her pencil skirt.
The two left the Hokage's office together.
…
The streets were bustling.
It was the end of the workday, and without modern distractions like smartphones, people took the chance to stroll around.
"How's Moegi doing?" Shinho asked casually, scanning nearby shops.
"Nothing unusual to report so far," Shizune replied.
Shinho suddenly paused. Not far away, a poster caught his eye.
It advertised Fujikaze Yukie's new film, The Adventures of Princess Gale, which was currently in production and slated for release soon.
If Shinho remembered correctly, the storyline involving Fujikaze Yukie—also known as Princess Koyuki—began during the filming of this very movie.
At that point, her manager, Sandayū Asama, would contact Kakashi.
The reason Kakashi was specifically requested was due to his prior Anbu mission in the Land of Snow.
Shinho thought over the opportunity. There was no need to rush; it would come to him naturally.
The Land of Snow had many interesting aspects, particularly its advanced technology, especially airships and trains.
He could already envision the business potential.
"Fujikaze Yukie, a famous actress," Shizune said, then hesitated before asking, "Shinho, have you seen any of her films?"
"I've watched one," Shinho said, recalling a long-ago outing to the cinema with Hinata.
"Do you… think she's beautiful?" Shizune asked cautiously.
Shinho glanced at her, puzzled.
"I… I'm just curious!" Shizune stammered, meeting his gaze for a moment before looking away.
"You're much cuter, Shizune-nee," Shinho said with a grin.
Shizune blinked in surprise, her heart leaping with joy. However, she kept a straight face and said, "Just as Lady Tsunade said, you're a smooth talker."
"If Sensei approves, why can't you?" Shinho's tone turned dangerous as he spoke, "I'll make sure to punish you properly when we get home."
Shizune shivered slightly, but she answered in an irritated tone, "Did I say something wrong?"
"I'm the Hokage," Shinho said, as if it answered everything.
"..." Shizune clenched her teeth in frustration.
Being Hokage makes you think you're untouchable!
…
At the Senju residence.
The sound of the door opening drew Tsunade's attention.
Noticing Shizune's presence, her posture relaxed. Shinho returning home alone was one thing; bringing Shizune along was another.
Naturally, Tsunade preferred the former, as it gave her the chance to have Shinho immediately.
They had only been officially together for less than two months, as such, they were still in the stage of being a passionate couple.
Shizune kicked off her heels, casting a glance at Tsunade as she recalled Shinho's earlier comment about punishment.
"I'll goning to the kitchen," Shizune said as e walked with a little hurry on her steps.
Once she left, Shinho threw himself into Tsunade's arms, nuzzling against her face.
"Urg, you're filthy!" Tsunade exclaimed, feigning disgust as she lifted her leg and pushed him away with her foot.
Quick as lightning, Shinho grabbed her jade-like foot, his hand tracing over her rounded toes and the tender arch of her sole.
Tsunade froze, her expression stiffening as an ominous feeling washed over her.
Sure enough, Shinho gently tickled the sensitive center of her foot.
"Let go!" Tsunade demanded, suppressing the ticklish sensation with some annoyance.
"Agree to one condition," Shinho said with a smile, "Join me for a bath tonight."
"What nonsense are you talking about?" Tsunade snapped. "Aren't you worried about being caught?"
"It'll be fine if you keep your voice down," Shinho said with a wink.
Tsunade was rendered speechless, a strange mix of embarrassment and thrill overtaking her.
Coupled with the persistent tickling, she hesitated for a few seconds before reluctantly nodding.
Satisfied, Shinho released her foot.
"You think you're clever, don't you?" Tsunade said darkly, her tone promising something threatening.
"I would never," Shinho replied innocently.
Tsunade smirked, already planning her revenge for later that night.
…
After dinner, Shizune cleaned up, Tsunade settled on the couch to watch TV, and Shinho retreated to his room to train.
Time passed.
A soft knock sounded at his door–just once, then silence.
Opening it, Shinho found no one outside.
He immediately understood.
Hidden Scale Gu!
His body faded from view. Closing the door quietly behind him, Shinho made his way to the bathroom.
Passing through the living room, he noted Shizune watching TV, likely waiting her turn to bathe.
At the bathroom door, Shinho gripped the handle, turned it silently, and slipped inside.
Dismissing the Hidden Scale Gu, he locked the door behind him and turned toward Tsunade.
Steam filled the room, the warm mist rendering everything hazy. But it didn't obscure Shinho's sight.
There, in the water, was Tsunade.
Her golden hair cascaded like a waterfall, floating atop the water's surface.
Her flawless face glowed with a faint blush, beads of water sliding down her fair skin, from her neck, across her collarbone, to her submerged, graceful figure.
Ripples danced on the milky water around her.
"Come here," Tsunade beckoned softly, extending a glistening arm.
Without hesitation, Shinho stepped forward, her gaze meeting his as she tilted her head slightly.
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