Konoha: Gu Master

"Let's stop by the Hokage Building," Tsunade said, shifting her gaze from the sunrise to the distant Hokage Building.

Shinho Aburame and Shizune, of course, had no objections.

Despite it being the first day of the New Year, the Hokage Building remained staffed. Ninjas, after all, worked around the clock with no real holidays.

"Hokage-sama," Uzuki Yugao greeted as she appeared suddenly. "Happy New Year."

"Same to you," Tsunade replied with a smile, clearly in high spirits. She was, after all, on the verge of retirement.

Inside the Hokage's office, Shizune promptly approached the desk to review the day's files.

There were only a few documents to process, and she quickly finished reading through them.

"Nothing major," Shizune reported.

"Good," Tsunade said, stretching lazily. "Finally, a day to relax."

Standing behind her, Shinho's gaze couldn't help but follow the movements of her curvaceous figure, particularly her full hips.

Tsunade suddenly turned around, catching him off guard.

Just as Shinho began to feel a twinge of unease, she declared, "I'm going to the casino."

"Hokage-sama!" Shizune interjected before Shinho could respond. "How can you go gambling on the first day of the New Year?"

"What do you think, kid?" Tsunade asked, directing a threatening look at Shinho. Her eyes seemed to say; I caught you staring—agree with me, or else.

"One million ryō at most," Shinho replied with a smile, meeting her gaze without fear.

Getting "punched" by Tsunade wasn't really a punishment, to him, it felt more like a massage. He wasn't intimidated by her threats, not anymore.

"Shinho!" Shizune looked at him incredulously, but as his eyes met hers, her body tensed, and she found herself unable to argue further.

She lowered her head in silent resignation.

"One million ryō isn't much," Tsunade commented, observing his expression. 

Realizing he wouldn't budge, she quickly changed her tune. "Fine, let's go."

She worried that if she continued to push, even the million might be off the table.

…

Tsunade led the way to a nearby casino, which was bustling despite the holiday—or perhaps because of it.

Shinho was reminded of past New Year celebrations in his previous life, where playing mahjong was the favored entertainment.

Tsunade eagerly joined a table, placing her bets with excitement.

"I'll bet against her," Shizune said, taking a step forward.

Before she could take two steps, Shinho grabbed her hand.

"No need," he said with a shake of his head. "Let her enjoy losing."

Shizune stiffened at his touch and instinctively tried to pull away, but his grip tightened.

She glanced nervously at Tsunade, who was deeply engrossed in gambling. "She might see us," she whispered.

"She's too caught up to notice," Shinho replied casually.

Shizune bit her lip, her heart pounding as her mind filled with the sound of her own racing pulse.

Though she and Shinho had held hands before, this moment felt different. Tsunade could look up at any time and catch them.

"You're so cute, Shizune-nee," Shinho said with a laugh, noticing how flushed her face had become.

"L-Let go…" Shizune murmured weakly.

Instead of releasing her, Shinho playfully traced his fingers along her palm. Shizune trembled, barely able to keep herself upright by gripping the edge of the table.

"P-Please…" Shizune stammered as she felt the gentle kneading of her palm.

Glancing at Shinho, she found his expression calm, as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening.

"What are you planning to gift me, Shizune-nee?" Shinho asked.

"It's a gift, no?… if I tell you n-now, it'll ruin the surprise," Shizune replied, her voice trembling.

"Fair enough," Shinho said with a nod. Truthfully, he had no particular expectations for the gift—Shizune had already given him just about everything over the years.

"Shizune-nee, may I make a request?" Shinho asked, tilting his head slightly.

"What… what kind of request?" Shizune swallowed nervously, feeling a mix of anxiety and anticipation.

"When you give me the gift, could you wear a maid outfit?" Shinho leaned down and whispered softly.

"W-What?!" Shizune's face turned crimson again.

"Is that not okay?" Shinho asked, feigning disappointment.

Caught off guard by his expression, Shizune found herself inexplicably agreeing. "O-Okay…"

"Thank you, Shizune-nee," Shinho said, smiling warmly.

Realizing she had been tricked again, Shizune felt a pang of regret. 

She always fell for the same ploy, unable to say no.

But Shinho's birthday would be celebrated at a grand banquet.

Would she have to wear a maid outfit in front of so many people?

No way!

She'd rather die.

The only solution was to give the gift early.

…

"Lost everything, huh?" Shinho said, noting Tsunade's annoyed expression. 

He finally released Shizune's hand.

"Give me another million ryō!" Tsunade demanded, running over with her hand outstretched.

"We agreed on a million; no more," Shinho reminded her with a shake of his head. "Sensei, as Hokage, you must keep your word."

"I won't be Hokage much longer!" Tsunade snapped, glaring at him. "Stop using that excuse!"

"But you are Hokage right now," Shinho countered calmly.

Fuming, Tsunade clenched her fists, but she knew her usual intimidation tactics wouldn't work on him anymore.

"Shizune, why is your face so red?" Tsunade suddenly asked, noticing her unusual quietness.

"I-It's a little warm," Shizune stammered awkwardly.

"Warm? In winter? Are you feeling unwell?" Tsunade asked, her concern growing.

"No!" Shizune shook her head quickly.

"Sensei," Shinho interrupted, steering the conversation away. "Where are we going next?"

"Home, to write invitations," Tsunade replied, dropping her concern for Shizune. "We need to send them out and prepare for the banquet the day after tomorrow."

"Sounds like a large-scale event," Shinho raised an eyebrow, he had expected it to be grand, but this was turning out to be a bigger even than he had initially thought.

"Of course," Tsunade said with a proud smile. "I am the Hokage, after all."

Her goal was simple: the livelier the banquet, the more respected Shinho would appear. Guests would also hesitate to oppose him out of regard for her.

Additionally, she felt it was high time the Senju clan hosted a grand event, something they hadn't done in years.

"What do I need to do?" Shinho asked as they left the casino.

"Nothing. Just show up in new clothes," Tsunade replied with a wave of her hand.

Back at the Senju estate, Tsunade and Shizune headed to the study to draft invitations, which would be distributed by the Anbu.

…

That afternoon, Shinho realized he had underestimated Tsunade's dedication.

The entire Senju estate was abuzz with activity. She had hired numerous people to redecorate, revamping everything from top to bottom.

Festive New Year's decorations—kadomatsu, shimenawa, and kagami mochi—were placed everywhere, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

Finding nothing he could contribute to the preparations, Shinho shook his head and walked to the neighboring residence.

"Shinho-nii!"

Just as he raised his hand to knock, the door swung open, and Karin threw herself into his arms.

"You're using Kagura's Mind Eye at home?" Shinho asked with a smile, looking down at her vibrant red hair.

"Nope!" Karin replied proudly. "I can sense you without it!"

"Should I say as expected of the uzukmaki clan?" Shinho said, patting her head.

Karin closed her eyes in delight, clearly enjoying the affection.

Suddenly, her eyes lit up with an idea. "Shinho-nii, I just bought a new outfit this morning! I'll go put it on for you!"

Before he could respond, she had darted back into the house.

Shinho chuckled, stepping into the living room and closing the door behind him.

"Shinho-nii!"

Karin reappeared, her red hair tied into a high ponytail.

A long-sleeved knitted sweater hugged Karin's frame, exposing her fair, slender arms.

Her legs, clad in black over-the-knee stockings, were slightly pressed together, creating an alluring "absolute territory" between the hem of her pleated skirt and the top of her stockings. 

The elastic band of the stockings indented her thighs slightly, creating a subtle ring of exposed flesh.

"How do I look?" Karin asked, twirling in front of Shinho, her black stocking-clad feet tapping lightly against the floor.

"You look amazing!" Shinho said, genuinely impressed.

The scene radiated a youthful charm that was pleasing to the eye.

"I knew you'd like it!" Karin beamed as she sat beside him, lifting her legs to rest her feet on his thigh.

"What's this about?" Shinho asked, surprised by her sudden gesture.

"The shopkeeper said this fabric is of the highest quality and incredibly expensive," Karin said, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Feel it and see if it's worth it."

An opportunity? Ahem. .

Was the shopkeeper trying to scam her? Shinho Quickly switched his thoughts

With a serious expression, Shinho placed his hand on her calf. Karin's years of training left her legs firm and smooth, without an ounce of excess fat.

"How's the material?" Karin asked, her lips curving into a slight smile.

"Quite impressive," Shinho said, sliding his hand down and gripping her ankle.

At that moment, the door opened.

Karin froze for a second before hurriedly lowering her legs.

"I'm back!" Chisori called out as she entered the living room.

Seeing Karin and Shinho sitting close together, and noticing Karin's attire, she couldn't help but smile knowingly.

"Shinho, when did you arrive?" Chisori asked as she began unpacking groceries and storing them in the fridge.

"Just a few minutes ago," Shinho replied, glancing at her briefly before giving Karin's thigh a light slap.

Caught inching closer to him, Karin pouted but obediently straightened her posture.

"Have you eaten?" Chisori asked, pulling out a large pitcher of lemon water and setting two glasses on the coffee table.

"Thank you, Aunt Chisori," Shinho said, taking a sip. "I've already had lunch."

"Are you redecorating?" Chisori asked, sitting across from him. "I saw a lot of people working when I got back."

"It's not redecorating," Shinho explained. "It's for my birthday in two days. Sensei wants to make it a grand affair."

"I see," Chisori said with a wistful smile. "That's fitting, you're an adult now."

Both Chisori and Karin were aware of Shinho's additional three years from the Ryumyaku. 

What Chisori reflected on, however, was how long it had been since they left Kusagakure for Konoha—a span so long she could barely remember.

"Aunt Chisori," Shinho began thoughtfully, "do you want revenge?"

"Revenge?" Chisori looked at him, puzzled.

"I plan to visit Kusagakure soon," Shinho said casually. "If those ninjas are still alive, I can help them meet the Sage of Six Paths a little earlier."

Chisori froze, utterly unprepared for this sudden topic.

Did she hate them? Absolutely.

Back in Kusagakure, she had often dreamed of surviving long enough to kill them herself. 

But after Shinho saved her and Karin, her focus shifted to learning sealing techniques to repay that debt, relegating revenge to a secondary concern.

"Shinho, you don't need to take such risks for us," Chisori said after a moment's hesitation.

Though she knew Shinho was strong, he would be up against an entire village. If anything happened to him, she'd never forgive herself.

"It's not much of a risk," Shinho reassured her with a smile. "And I have another goal: the Box of Ultimate Bliss."

"The Box of Ultimate Bliss?" Chisori repeated, her brows furrowed. "I've heard of it in Kusagakure, but I don't know the specifics."

"In Kusagakure, the Box of Ultimate Bliss is treated like a tailed beast, meaning its existence is a closely guarded secret," Shinho explained. "Taking it will definitely offend Kusagakure, so I might as well go all the way."

"But… what about Konoha?" Chisori asked worriedly.

Actions like these could easily escalate into war. 

Kusagakure might be insignificant, but if the Five Great Nations got involved, things would spiral out of control.

"I'll soon be Hokage, so it won't be that much of an issue," Shinho said nonchalantly. "Besides, I can always act covertly."

His plan was for him and Sasuke Uchiha to infiltrate Kusagakure, using the Sharingan to control key targets and guide them to the Hozuki Castle.

Hokage?

Chisori's heart skipped a beat. After her initial shock came overwhelming joy.

The Hokage was one of the most powerful and respected figures in the ninja world.

Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine the boy who had saved her and Karin would one day ascend to such a position.

This was undoubtedly good news.

With Shinho as Hokage, she and Karin would be even safer, free to live out their lives peacefully in Konoha.

"What do you think, Aunt Chisori?" Shinho asked, looking at her.

"I'll do as you say," Chisori replied without hesitation.

"Good," Shinho said with a nod. "I'll let you know when it's time."

Bringing them along was logical.

In the original story, Satori—the manifestation of the Box of Ultimate Bliss—was a troublesome entity that couldn't be killed and could only be sealed.

Chisori and Karin, both sealing experts, were perfect for the job.

"I'll leave you two to chat," Chisori said, glancing at Karin, who seemed restless. 

With a knowing smile, she excused herself to her room.

…

Karin exhaled in relief as her mother left. She shifted slightly and once again lifted her legs, the black stockings stretching taut under the light, gleaming faintly.

Seeing her expectant expression, Shinho couldn't help but wonder: Am I the pervert here, or is she?

Looking at her ponytail, Shinho tilted his head. "Turn around."

"Huh?" Karin blinked, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks.

"Don't overthink it!" Shinho clarified. "I'm giving you a new hairstyle."

"Oh." Karin obediently lowered her legs, turned around, and sat cross-legged.

Shinho reached for the tie holding her hair and loosened it, letting her red hair cascade down her back.

"Do you have ribbons?" he asked. "Bring me two."

"In my room, on the vanity," Karin said, pointing toward her bedroom.

"I'll get it."

Shinho got up and entered her room, a faint scent of roses greeting him.

Retrieving two black ribbons, he returned to the sofa.

Gathering sections of her hair, he secured each side with a ribbon, fashioning neat twin tails.

"All done," Shinho said, nodding in satisfaction.

"I'm going to check!" Karin exclaimed, hopping off the couch and running to the mirror. Moments later, she returned, grinning.

Shinho studied her for a moment. The idea had struck him earlier, inspired by her pleated skirt and the classic "tsundere twin-tail noblewoman" look from his previous life.

"Do you like this hairstyle, Shinho-nii?" Karin asked, fingering one of the ribbons. "If you do, I'll keep it."

"Nop," Shinho replied, shaking his head. "I prefer your long hair."

"Okay," Karin said, sitting back on the sofa, her feet tucked beneath her. "You can just ask when you want to see it."

She didn't mind being Shinho's doll-like little sister.

After chatting for a while, Shinho left, and soon it was his birthday.

…

The winter morning was cold, the chill seeping through the windows.

As Shinho lingered in sleep, a faint glow appeared before him, accompanied by text:

[Achievement Unlocked: "I'm Grown Up and Feeling Great." Reward: Thousand Years Lifespan Gu.]

[Thousand Years Lifespan Gu: A fourth-transformation Gu worm. Consumable. Grants an additional 1,000 years of life.]

Shinho snapped awake, fully alert.

The system was being unusually generous.

In the entire ninja world, only three Sages from the Great Sanctuaries and possibly Kaguya Otsutsuki were known to have lived that long. 

Even the Sage of Six Paths hadn't lived for a thousand years.

Shinho's thoughts raced. What techniques in the ninja world consumed lifespan?

One came to mind—Chiyo's forbidden technique: Reincarnation Ninjutsu.

In the original story, Chiyo had used it to save Gaara, exchanging her life for his.

"A thousand years... that's like ten lives for a normal ninja," Shinho mused, stroking his chin.

Of course, he had no intention of testing it. If he were to squander it foolishly and meet an untimely end, it would be a tragedy.

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