For the first time, Shinho realized that cooking was a physically and mentally demanding task.
But who could blame him? He was practically carrying extra weight.
And not just any weight, it was like hauling a terrifying millstone meat grinder.
"Shizune-nee."
Shinho exhaled deeply and said, "Could you help me carry the dishes out?"
It took Shizune several seconds to snap back to reality.
Maybe the kitchen was too hot, making her break out in sweat.
A faint, dewy sheen glistened on her fair skin.
She took a couple of steps, but her legs gave out, and she nearly collapsed.
Luckily, Shinho was quick enough to catch her.
"I... I'm fine," Shizune took a couple of deep breaths before picking up the dishes and heading to the living room.
"You're definitely too heavy," Shinho chuckled, giving Tsunade a playful pat on her hip.
"Do you have a death wish, brat?"
Tsunade shot him a glare with those moist, glistening eyes before closing them again.
She didn't have the strength to argue with Shinho any further.
Her voluptuous body had finally calmed, the glistening skin rising and falling with each breath.
She clung to Shinho lazily, like a fully-bloomed rose showing off its beauty to the one she loved.
"Sensei," Shinho couldn't help but call out as he looked at her.
"Go find Shizune," Tsunade's body trembled slightly, but she refused without a hint of hesitation.
"Alright then."
Shinho helped her out of the kitchen.
Shizune sat at the dining table.
Her head was lowered, legs pressed together, lightly biting her lower lip, her cheeks still flushed.
Even though she was only helping, it felt like she had somehow shared a connection with Tsunade, her body unconsciously reacting.
Hearing footsteps, Shizune's pupils lost focus for a moment, and a tinge of resentment welled up in her heart.
It's been so long, and Lady Tsunade still won't give in?
Just then, a pair of snow-white feet entered her line of sight.
Following them upwards, her gaze met Tsunade's eyes.
Huh?
Is it over?
A flicker of confusion passed through Shizune's eyes.
"I'm starving. Let's eat first, then bathe," Tsunade glanced at the table and plopped down unceremoniously.
Morning and afternoon combined, it had been several hours.
If not for the Yin Seal, she would've collapsed long ago.
"Lady Tsunade, you..."
Shizune's eyes widened in shock.
She's not even going to put on some clothes?
"Is there a problem?" Tsunade asked casually.
That was just her personality, never one to fuss over small things.
Of course, the main reason was that they'd been living so candidly for so long, she was already used to it.
"..."
Shizune opened her mouth but stopped herself.
Her thoughts were more traditional, so this was a bit hard to accept.
"Shizune-nee," Shinho said sincerely, "thanks for your help earlier."
"It... it was nothing," Shizune stammered, but the reminder brought back vivid images, making her body feel weak all over again.
"That won't do."
Shinho shook his head and said, "As Hokage, I must be fair with rewards and punishments."
"...?"
Shizune instinctively looked up, her face puzzled.
What does he mean by fair rewards and punishments?
Shinho walked toward her with a smile.
Shizune quickly averted her gaze.
Like Tsunade, he wasn't wearing a thing.
From this angle, things felt... complicated.
The aura was too overwhelming.
Shinho reached out, lifting Shizune and placing her on his lap.
Shizune snapped back to her senses, immediately flustered and unsure of what to do.
In the next second, her blazer slid to the floor.
Instinctively, she glanced at Tsunade.
But Tsunade didn't seem to care, leisurely continuing to eat her meal.
Shizune was left in a daze.
When did this household become so outrageous?
Suddenly, Shizune let out a startled gasp, wrapping her arms tightly around Shinho's neck.
Her legs, clad in black stockings, tensed up, and her toes curled involuntarily.
"Shizune-nee," Shinho chuckled after a brief pause, "looks like you're prepared."
"Bastard!"
Shizune caught the meaning in his words, rolling her eyes in annoyance as she snapped at him.
But Shinho wasn't bothered by her reaction.
After a moment of thought, he decided to delay on dinner.
After all, Shizune wasn't Tsunade; her strength was average, he'd be done before long.
Shinho wrapped his arms around her waist.
Shizune's eyes began to glaze over.
Tsunade shook her head helplessly.
The almost earthquake-like tremors were disturbing her meal.
But she wasn't angry.
As a ninja, this level of distraction was nothing to her.
"I'm full!"
Tsunade set down her chopsticks, rubbing her slightly rising belly.
She had definitely eaten a bit too much today.
If it weren't for the control from her Yin Seal, she might've already been pregnant.
Glancing at Shinho, who was still going strong, Tsunade suddenly felt a bit dazed.
She never imagined she'd find herself considering pregnancy.
For some reason, the thought made her heart race.
After pondering for a moment, Tsunade decided to stop thinking about it for now.
According to Shinho and her own perception, they had long lifespans ahead, so there was no need to rush.
Tsunade stood up and went to the bathroom.
After showering and changing into her pajamas, she returned to the living room.
Shizune had quieted down, accepting Shinho's attentions with barely a sound, like an exhausted cat curling up in its owner's arms after playing too hard.
Tsunade couldn't help but smile.
She didn't say much, turning around and leaving the room.
After eating and showering, Shinho and Shizune also returned to their room, quickly drifting into sleep.
…
A New Day;
Konoha was as bustling as ever.
The outcome of the recent war had been astonishing.
Both the villagers and the ninjas were buzzing with excitement, and this energy would last for several days.
Shinho parted ways with Shizune in the corridor and headed to his Hokage office.
Casually pushing the door open, he saw a graceful figure inside suddenly stiffen.
It was Mabui.
She was standing at his desk, slightly bent over, organizing some documents.
Her pencil skirt was pulled tight, accentuating a soft curve.
"Did I startle you?"
Shinho raised an eyebrow slightly as he asked.
"N-no," Mabui turned around quickly, shaking her head.
"Why aren't you wearing stockings?"
Shinho's gaze drifted downward, settling on her fair, bare legs.
"I'm not used to wearing them," Mabui's heart tightened as she answered.
His comment reminded Shinho of something.
In the original series, although Mabui wore a secretary outfit, she indeed didn't wear stockings, her legs were bare.
"If… if the Hokage-sama prefers, I can buy a couple of pairs after work," Mabui said after hesitating for a few seconds.
"Do as you like,"
A smile appeared on Shinho's face as he responded.
Mabui's body trembled slightly.
Even though his face was handsome, she couldn't help but recall his ruthless, murderous nature. In the end, all she felt was fear.
Moreover, the lives of everyone from Kumogakure were in his hands.
Mabui sighed inwardly.
Konoha was different from Kumogakure.
Though she held the position of a secretary, she was ultimately still an outsider here.
"Hokage-sama,"
Mabui stepped forward and said, "I have something to report."
"What is it?"
Shinho leaned back in the Hokage chair, watching her.
Under the light, her dark skin had a faint, glossy sheen, appearing soft and supple.
Shinho found himself a bit curious.
He had heard that darker skin tended to have better texture, though he wasn't sure if it was true.
Mabui felt his gaze on her, and her body seemed to soften under its weight.
Still, she maintained her composure and began reporting on the situation with Hoshigakure.
"Hoshigakure, huh?"
Shinho wasn't particularly surprised.
In the original story, Akahoshi had been a classic villain archetype.
Like many other movie villains, he tried to harness the power of a meteor to defeat the Five Great Villages and unify the shinobi world.
"Should we send someone over?"
Mabui offered the suggestion herself.
Kumogakure had a history of stealing secret techniques from smaller shinobi villages.
And with Konoha's prestige currently at its peak, it made sense for her to propose this.
"For when is the Ninja Academy graduation exam scheduled?"
Shinho pondered for a moment before asking.
"Huh?"
Mabui froze for a second.
When she processed what he was asking, her expression turned panicked.
"I apologize, Hokage-sama,"
Mabui gave a deep bow. "I'll find out immediately."
She had only been in Konoha for two days, so she wasn't familiar with the academy's schedule.
"It's nothing,"
Shinho waved it off casually. "I'm pretty easygoing. No need to be so tense."
Easygoing?
The image of him as a ruthless demon flashed through Mabui's mind immediately.
She turned and left the office.
Less than a minute later, she returned.
"March 15th, it's two weeks from now,"
Mabui stopped and reported.
"Time really flies huh,"
Shinho sighed with a bit of sentiment.
Mabui remained silent.
"Forget about Hoshigakure for now,"
Shinho waved dismissively. "After the graduation, I'll handle it myself."
Mabui was stunned.
Is Hoshigakure really that formidable?
From what she remembered, or more accurately, what she didn't remember, there wasn't much to say about the village at all.
Then, another realization hit her.
Ninja Academy graduation?
Is he planning to become a squad leader?
"Anything else?"
Shinho casually picked up the cup on his desk and took a sip.
This was more of a spur-of-the-moment decision, prompted by thoughts of Hinata Hyuga.
I'll take my sister-in-law out on a mission this time.
Hmm, should he bring Hinata along too?
After a brief consideration, Shinho felt it was a good idea.
Currently, Shino had taken over as the head of the Aburame Unit.
In reality, Team 8 had essentially disbanded.
But this was perfectly normal.
According to Konoha's regulations, once a ninja reached jōnin rank, they could take on missions independently.
At that point, it wasn't about having teammates but about leading a team as a squad leader.
Both Shino and Hinata were undoubtedly at the jōnin level.
Only Kiba Inuzuka lagged slightly behind, still at chūnin level.
"The celebration banquet tonight starts at seven,"
Mabui asked hesitantly, "Do the ninjas from the other villages need to attend?"
"No,"
Shinho looked at her. "But you and Samui can come over if you're free."
"..."
Mabui opened her mouth, then said, "We'll consider it."
If they attended, it would undoubtedly stir discontent among the shinobi of Kumogakure.
But at least it seemed Shinho wouldn't force them.
Saying they'd consider was just a polite way to decline.
"You can go now,"
Shinho suddenly remembered something. "And call Kakashi-sensei in."
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