By dusk, the sky had darkened.
Soon, a light rain began to fall.
Shinho glanced outside but paid no further attention to it.
A knock on the door sounded in the next second.
"Come in."
Shinho looked toward the door.
The door opened, and Jiraiya stepped in.
However, his expression was much more solemn than before, lacking his usual carefree attitude.
"What happened?"
Shinho asked curiously.
"Naruto is a target of the Akatsuki, so I've sent him to Mount Myoboku."
Jiraiya took a deep breath as he spoke.
"Mount Myoboku is indeed safer."
Shinho nodded and said, "This also gives Naruto a chance to learn Sage Mode."
"You're a contract holder of the Shikkotsu Forest. Have you learned Sage Mode?"
Jiraiya suddenly shifted the topic and asked.
"No."
Shinho had intended to learn it at one point, but after reaching the level of a Rank 5 as a Gu Master, he decided to forgo it.
There was no longer any need as his Primeval Essence as a Rank 5 Gu Master was no weaker than Sage Chakra.
"You didn't?"
Jiraiya blinked, puzzled. "Is it because of your clan's unique Sage Mode with the Bugs?"
"It seems Uncle Jiraiya has seen Shino's Sage Mode."
Shinho smiled faintly. "What do you think of it?"
"It's slightly weaker in raw power compared to the orthodox Sage Mode," Jiraiya pondered before replying, "but it's much more sustainable."
In the original timeline, Mount Myoboku's Sage Mode could only last five minutes.
Naruto had to rely on shadow clones to absorb natural energy during battle in the early stages, and later depended on Kurama for support.
"That's true."
Shinho agreed.
"But compared to the Sage Mode training that the Three Great Sage Lands require, the Aburame clan's Sage Mode has a significant advantage—it requires no training."
Jiraiya couldn't help but sigh.
If it weren't for the Great Toad Sage's prophecy, he would be thrilled about this enhancement to Konoha's strength.
A clan with so many members capable of Sage Mode could undoubtedly become a decisive force in the next Shinobi World War.
"Shinho, how did the Aburame Clan's Parasitic Bugs acquire Sage Mode?"
Jiraiya's face was full of curiosity.
This was something that deeply puzzled him.
Before the kikaichu bugs, only the three summoning beast sanctuaries could use natural energy or Sage Chakra.
"Evolution."
Shinho casually said, "Insects are inherently adaptive to their environment."
Jiraiya was dumbfounded.
What kind of explanation was that?
"I threw the kikaichu bugs into an area rich in natural energy. At first, they suffered heavy losses, but those that survived… changed."
A smile appeared on Shinho's face. "In a way, it was simply luck."
"Is that so…"
Jiraiya scratched his head.
This explanation sounded absurd, but upon closer thought, it wasn't entirely implausible.
Insects, after all, were the most numerous creatures in the natural world.
Even Mount Myoboku had plenty of ordinary bugs.
However, those were just normal insects.
In the ninja world, chakra-using insects were rare and largely exclusive to clans like the Aburame and Kamizuru clans, which specialized in insect manipulation.
But none of them had ever come into contact with natural energy or Sage Mode.
This only became possible after Shinho became Tsunade's student.
"Do you think the kikaichu bugs could establish a fourth summoning beast sanctuary?"
Jiraiya asked offhandedly, but his eyes were locked on Shinho, studying his expression.
"It's unlikely."
Shinho shook his head. "The kikaichu bugs aren't summoning beasts."
In the shinobi world, summoning beasts—regardless of their power—could speak and possessed intelligence comparable to humans.
Relying solely on kikaichu bugs, creating a fourth sanctuary would be impossible.
But with Shinho involved?
That was another story entirely.
Once he ascended to Rank 6 Gu Immortal and his aperture evolved into an Immortal Aperture, it would function as a unique spatial realm.
"That makes sense."
Jiraiya muttered thoughtfully.
The current summoning beast sanctuaries were formidable enough to be considered independent factions.
They had strength on par with shinobi villages and intelligence on par with humans.
Parsitc bugs of the Aburame clan didn't possess those qualities.
Besides, why would Shinho want to destroy Mount Myoboku?
Given his connection, Mount Myoboku could be considered one of Konoha's staunchest allies.
Jiraiya couldn't fathom a reason for such destruction.
It seemed he was overthinking things after all.
"Well then, I'll be heading out, Shinho."
Jiraiya's expression lightened with a smile.
Shinho nodded in response.
After Jiraiya left, Shinho sank into deep thought.
What exactly was the Great Toad Sage's prophecy?
Was it about the emergence of a fourth summoning beast sanctuary?
If that were the case, Jiraiya wouldn't be so concerned.
Unless… the prophecy spelled trouble for Mount Myoboku.
Shinho had a vague understanding of what it was.
But it didn't matter.
In this world, strength was everything.
Even with foresight, those without strength could only struggle in vain.
"Time to head home, Shinho."
Shizune knocked lightly on the door, her tone soft.
"Let's go."
Shinho closed the door behind him.
The two of them arrived at the entrance of the Hokage's building.
The sky had dimmed slightly. Fine raindrops filled the air, adding a touch of chill to the already cold winter.
"Did you bring an umbrella? I have a spare."
Shizune opened a black umbrella and asked.
"One is enough."
Shinho took a step to the right, standing close beside her.
Shizune was startled and instinctively looked around.
"Shh."
Shinho whispered, "You're being dramatic. That'll only make people more suspicious."
Shizune gave him a sidelong glance in exasperation.
She quickly composed herself and nodded calmly.
Since the Hokage hadn't brought an umbrella, it was perfectly normal for his secretary to help him by holding one.
Shizune stepped into the rain.
Her black high heels tapped against the wet ground, sending up tiny splashes of water.
"Let me take that."
Shinho suddenly reached out and took the umbrella from her hand.
Due to the height difference, Shizune had to hold the umbrella higher, making it difficult for her.
Shizune blinked in surprise, and then a soft smile appeared on her delicate face.
This scoundrel was being even more considerate than he was earlier that evening.
The closer they got to the Senju residence, the fewer pedestrians there were, until eventually, the streets became completely empty.
Shinho shifted the umbrella to his left hand and wrapped his right arm around Shizune's waist.
Shizune glanced at him before leaning her head against his shoulder.
The two of them looked like a genuinely affectionate couple, completely at ease with one another.
But soon, Shizune felt a sudden pang in her chest, and a faint blush crept up her fair skin.
"W-wait… until we're home…"
Her breathing became shallow and hurried.
"Shizune-nee, your body really is fascinating."
With one hand holding the umbrella and the other occupied, Shinho seemed thoroughly entertained.
"P-pervert!"
Shizune gritted her teeth, trying to scold him.
Shinho completely ignored her protest.
His previously cool right hand was now warm.
Shizune's body grew soft, her gaze unfocused.
When they reached the front door, she suddenly regained her senses and quickly stepped forward to open the door.
Shinho leisurely closed the umbrella and hung it on a hook by the wall on the left side of the entryway.
In front of him, Shizune bent down to take off her high heels.
Her black-stockinged feet moved quickly as she hurried away from Shinho and into the living room.
Her body still felt a bit strange, but at least Tsunade hadn't noticed.
However, she had overlooked one crucial detail.
"Shizune, don't let that brat take advantage of you."
Tsunade raised her head and glanced at Shizune, whose face was still flushed. She warned her sternly, "The more you give in, the more he'll push his luck."
"Huh?"
Shizune froze in place.
When she processed the meaning behind Tsunade's words, her pupils shrank in embarrassment, and she wished she could find a hole to crawl into.
"Sensei, what kind of talk is that?"
Shinho quipped as he stepped into the room.
"What do you think?"
Tsunade snorted and shot him a knowing look.
She knew Shizune well, there was no doubt in her mind that this brat had her completely wrapped around his finger.
"I-I'll go make dinner!"
Unable to bear the awkward atmosphere, Shizune spun around and hurried into the kitchen.
"Sensei."
Shinho walked up to Tsunade and stopped in front of her.
"What is it?"
Tsunade lifted her gaze, meeting his eyes.
Shinho bent down and leaned in closer.
"…"
Tsunade pursed her lips but didn't pull away. Instead, she moved toward him.
To Shinho, it felt like tasting soft, sweet jelly.
After a long moment, their lips parted.
"Sensei, wouldn't this count as spoiling me?"
Shinho licked the corner of his mouth, a smug look on his face.
"You little brat!"
Tsunade huffed and reached out, twisting his side in irritation.
Shinho didn't seem to mind at all.
He took half a step forward and buried his head in her chest.
"Sensei, you smell amazing," Shinho murmured in admiration.
His warm breath brushed against Tsunade's fair skin, causing her body to tremble slightly.
"You scoundrel!"
Tsunade hugged him and clenched her fist, rubbing it against his head until his hair was completely disheveled.
Shinho leaned into her embrace, taking a deep breath and feeling completely at ease.
Tsunade let out a resigned sigh.
Even though she had just advised Shizune not to indulge him, she couldn't help but be lenient with Shinho herself.
"Are you a child?"
Tsunade ruffled his hair and asked with a helpless smile.
"You can think of me that way, Sensei," Shinho said, resting his chin on her soft skin and looking up at her. "But no one else can."
Tsunade didn't know whether to feel touched or exasperated.
At that moment, he brushed his tongue lightly across her lips.
Tsunade shot him a sharp glare.
Her loose-fitting sleepwear, already snug, looked even more distorted and out of shape.
"Did you have something to do with the incident at the Daimyo's birthday banquet?"
Tsunade suddenly recalled the incident and asked, "I heard about the situation in the Land of Fire today while I was at the gambling den."
"It was the work of rogue shinobi," Shinho replied with a smile.
"As if I wouldn't see right through you."
Tsunade flicked his forehead with her finger.
"The Daimyo has been sitting high in the sky for far too long, it was time for him to come down. I merely followed fate's course."
Shinho spoke with a serious expression despite his nonsensical words.
"Alright, alright. It's not like I'm angry," Tsunade said with a chuckle.
"It was me," Shinho admitted with a soft cough.
"Managing the Land of Fire is a completely different challenge compared to managing Konoha," Tsunade's tone turned serious as she warned him. "You need to be mindful of that."
The reason the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, established the one nation, one village system was that he understood that shinobi weren't suited to govern entire countries.
But Tsunade was willing to believe in Shinho.
After all, she had witnessed Konoha's recent changes firsthand.
Ever since the new departments began operating, money had been flowing in, and the living standards of both shinobi and villagers had improved dramatically.
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