Hokage's Office.
Shinho yawned.
Although his body wasn't tired, his mind was weary.
So, this is what it feels like to work a desk job...
Even as the Hokage, he couldn't avoid such responsibilities.
At this moment, Shinho could empathize with Tsunade.
He casually set down the document in his hand and looked over at Ichikishima Hime not far away.
She was sitting on the sofa, her kimono's hem rolled up, revealing her long, slender legs wrapped in white silk stockings.
Her fair, delicate feet were slightly raised as she focused on painting her nails.
The reason was simple.
She was bored.
Since Shinho wouldn't let her act as a sentry spirit, she could only pass the time herself.
Putting on makeup was one of her favorite things.
In the original lore, her makeup was always heavy, especially the crimson eyeshadow that extended down to her nose wings.
"Master!"
Ichikishima Hime noticed his gaze and immediately perked up with excitement.
Could it be… was he going to tie her up again?
"Just continue painting your nails."
Shinho shook his head.
These days, he was already kept busy every night by Tsunade and Shizune.
Ichikishima Hime was, at most, a dessert after the main meal.
He wasn't in any rush.
Ichikishima Hime's expression froze for a moment, disappointment flashing across her face. She looked like a little white cat that had failed to catch its fish.
Shinho couldn't help but chuckle.
She really was like a white cat.
Other than her striking blue hair, there wasn't a single spot of color on her body.
Just then, two lines of text suddenly floated before his eyes.
[Achievement unlocked: "Scarlet Banquet" – Reward: Blood Curtain Skyflower Gu.]
[Blood Curtain Skyflower Gu: Rank-5 Gu insect, an upgraded version of the Water Curtain Gu, boasting an even stronger defense.]
Shinho blinked in surprise.
Where did this achievement come from?
He hadn't attended any banquets in the last few days, especially not any involving the word "scarlet."
The word "scarlet" indicated that the banquet had resulted in bloodshed.
Shinho suddenly thought of the Red Wedding in Game of Thrones.
Could it be related to last night's banquet celebrating Enju Madoka's birthday?
That was the only possibility.
However, no news had come from the Land of Fire capital yet.
Shinho turned his attention to the Blood Curtain Skyflower Gu.
The Water Curtain skyflower Gu was a rank 4 Gu insect that, when used, formed a massive circular water barrier.
Its drawback was that it couldn't move and only allowed the user to enter or exit freely.
The Blood Curtain Skyflower Gu, as a five-Rank 5 Gu, compensated for that weakness.
With the user's permission, anyone could enter or leave freely.
The inability to move wasn't much of an issue.
After all, this Gu was meant for defending strongholds.
Shinho was quite satisfied.
The Water Curtain Gu, a Rank 4 Gu, could withstand the attack of a Rank 5 Gu Master.
And the Blood Curtain Skyflower Gu had an even stronger defense.
A rank 6 Gu Immortal might break through it, but anyone below that level would struggle.
He mused to himself—if Pain were to invade Konoha again and unleash a Shinra Tensei , it might not even crack the defense.
The thought was rather amusing.
…
Half an hour later, there was a knock on the door.
Ichikishima Hime quickly returned to Shinho's tattoo.
"Hokage-sama."
Uzuki Yugao stepped forward and gave a slight bow.
"Is it news from the Land of Fire's capital?"
Shinho asked casually.
"Yes."
Yugao nodded.
"Last night, Enju Madoka and the others were all killed during the chaos."
"What's the current situation?"
Shinho asked again, "Has a civil war broken out?"
"Not yet."
Yugao answered, "With no heir, the Land of Fire has split into three factions led by the three great generals."
"It seems they won't hold back for long."
Shinho chuckled.
In such circumstances, those with military power were the key players.
After all, in the history of Japan, there had been an era when the Shogun ruled.
These three generals would inevitably clash.
"What about the other four nations and the four hidden villages?"
Shinho pondered for a moment and asked.
"There's been no movement from them."
Yugao shook her head.
Shinho fell into contemplation.
In the shinobi world, hidden villages represented a nation's military strength.
Apart from Konoha and Sunagakure, the other three hidden villages were busy dealing with the Akatsuki, trying to recover their Jinchuriki.
Moreover, interfering in the Land of Fire's affairs would undoubtedly offend Konoha, and there was no need for that.
"Continue monitoring the Land of Fire capital."
Shinho thought for a moment and said, "Also, notify Aunt Mikoto to ensure that the Uchiha clan's Jonin refrain from leaving the village for the time being."
Seizing control of the Land of Fire was a troublesome endeavor.
The sheer size of the nation and the countless people involved made things complex.
However, with the Uchiha clan's Sharingan, it would make things much easier.
"Yes."
Yugao nodded.
"Has that valley been found yet?"
Shinho suddenly remembered and asked.
"Not yet."
Yugao replied with slight regret.
"It's fine."
Shinho waved his hand and said, "Just do your best to search."
If it really couldn't be found, he would wait for Ōtsutsuki Toneri to come down on his own.
But that would take some time.
According to the original storyline, there were still two years to go.
Shortly after Uzuki Yugao left, there was another knock on the door.
"Come in."
Shinho looked up.
"Hokage-sama."
Iruka Umino walked in with a cheerful smile.
Although he had been exhausted lately, he couldn't hide his joy.
Overnight, he had become one of Konoha's top officials.
His colleagues and former superiors who used to look down on him now treated him with the utmost respect.
His life outside the Ninja Academy had changed significantly as well.
Many parents had sent him congratulatory gifts, including some from prominent Jonin of major clans.
"Iruka-sensei."
Shinho smiled and asked, "What brings you here?"
"Hokage-sama."
Iruka held out a stack of documents with both hands and said, "These are reports on the students from all six grades of the Ninja Academy."
Shinho instinctively glanced at the top file.
The first document was about Hinata Hanabi.
Her chakra attributes were fire and lightning?
Shinho was a little surprised.
But as a member of the Hyuga clan, chakra attributes weren't particularly important.
They only trained in the Byakugan and Gentle Fist techniques.
"Starting today, we'll be expanding the Ninja Academy."
Shinho looked at Iruka and said, "More accurately, we'll be doubling its size."
"Double?"
Iruka's heart skipped a beat.
"Is there a problem?"
Shinho asked with a smile.
"But... there aren't enough students."
Iruka hesitated.
"Don't worry. There will be soon enough."
Shinho was referring to students from outside the village.
"Yes!"
Iruka responded with enthusiasm.
As the principal of the Ninja Academy, he naturally hoped the school would grow larger.
"Divide the Ninja Academy into two sections."
Shinho added.
"A new and an old campus?"
Iruka blinked, slightly confused.
"That works too."
Shinho nodded.
His plan was to split the academy into Scholarly Academy and Martial Academy sections.
Those who didn't wish to become combatants or who had average talent in ninjutsu could attend the Liberal Studies section to learn knowledge and civilian skills.
The rest would continue their traditional ninja education.
After all, even in an era of peace, military strength couldn't be completely abandoned.
"Is there anything else?"
Shinho asked.
"No, Hokage-sama."
Iruka bowed slightly and said, "I'll make the arrangements right away."
"Wait."
Shinho called out to him and said, "For the academy expansion, coordinate with the Special Operations Division and have them assist."
The Special Operations Division cluded the sealing team, barrier team, and medical ninja corps.
Additionally, there were the engineering ninja units.
These were ninja proficient in Earth Release and Wood Release.
With their help, construction projects could save a lot of money.
Especially Earth Release users, who could manipulate the terrain as needed.
Although Iruka was curious, he didn't ask questions and immediately agreed.
The Hokage's office door closed again.
A flash of blue light appeared.
Ichikishima Hime's petite form floated before him.
With a slight upward glance, Shinho could see past her white silk stockings and into the depths hidden beneath her kimono.
He suddenly thought of Ryūchi Cave.
As one of the Three Great Sacred Lands of the Summoning Beasts, its creatures were formidable even without Sage Mode.
Take Manda, and Aoda, for example.
If an ordinary ninja could summon them, their strength would skyrocket.
The problem was that these serpents were brutal by nature.
Even Orochimaru had to offer sacrifices to summon them.
What's more, they wouldn't accept just any ninja as a summoner.
Unless Shinho defeated them and made them submit.
Could I defeat the White Snake Sage?
Shinho pondered this while staring at the pinkish-white scenery before him.
Ichikishima Hime noticed his gaze and became even more excited.
Unfortunately, without Shinho's command, she couldn't act on her own—otherwise, she would have stripped bare by now.
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