Konoha: Gu Master

Dusk.

After spending the entire afternoon studying the Snow Fairy Gu with Hinata, Shinho returned to the Senju family residence.

He glanced around. The living room was empty.

Tsunade and Shizune were likely still at the Hokage's office.

Shinho opened the refrigerator and took out a glass of lemonade.

Taking a sip, he slipped into contemplation.

The Snow fairy Gu was a Rank 3 Gu worm. Once Hinata transformed using it, her human body would convert into an ice-based form.

This Ice Body not only provided formidable defense, comparable to ordinary steel, but also significantly boosted her Gentle Fist power by about one-third due to the enhanced strength of her hardened fists.

Hinata's control over ice was another advantage, placing her abilities close to Haku's level.

And that was just from a single Gu worm. If he could acquire more ice-type Gu in the future, her strength would skyrocket.

Just then, the sound of the front door opening pulled Shinho from his thoughts.

He looked up to see Tsunade entering.

She took off her tea-green coat, her pale, delicate feet stepping across the floor as she approached him slowly.

Her toned calves led up to her thighs, where dark blue pants hugged her perfect curves.

"What are you staring at?"

Noticing his gaze, Tsunade arched an eyebrow.

"Welcome home, Sensei," Shinho replied with an earnest expression.

"Ugh, stop pretending," Tsunade scoffed, tossing her green coat at him.

Shinho instinctively caught it.

The coat was still warm, carrying a faint, subtle scent.

"Put that in my room," she said, settling down across from him and stretching her legs up onto the table.

Shinho paused slightly, sensing something different about Tsunade's demeanor.

Was it because of the Lifespan Gu he'd gifted her?

Pushing the thought aside, Shinho walked to her room with the coat.

"This brat really is a teenager," Tsunade muttered, crossing her arms.

Shinho's glances had been getting more obvious lately. Today wasn't the first time he lingered on her legs, either. As a seasoned kunoichi, she was more than aware of it.

In the past, she hadn't thought much of it. Now… even she couldn't quite tell what she felt.

'A transaction,' she thought to herself.

After all, she'd promised Shinho earlier today that she'd always protect him. With the extra lifespan he'd gifted her, she might even live as long as he would.

So, she decided to overlook this small impropriety.

With her reasoning in place, Tsunade felt a lot lighter, no longer plagued by her previous thoughts .

"Where's Shizune-nee?" Shinho asked as he returned.

"She's out on a mission," Tsunade replied casually.

"Have the final matchups been drawn yet?" Shinho's eyes strayed to her bare feet, swaying lightly in the air.

"No, the pairings will be drawn on the spot," she said, pulling her feet back and crossing her legs.

For some reason, being watched by Shinho made her feel oddly ticklish.

"Drawing lots keeps it fair," Tsunade continued. "But if you'd rather avoid a tough opponent, I can help arrange that."

Is she suggesting I take a shortcut? Since when did you start bending the rules?

Shinho raised an eyebrow, half-jokingly. "But as Hokage, shouldn't that kind of thing be out of bounds?"

"The Hokage's power is limitless." Tsunade smirked. "I do as I like."

"No need for that," Shinho waved his hand. "It's all the same to me, no matter the opponent."

"Fair enough," Tsunade agreed.

"By the way, what about my reward?" Shinho asked, his eyes twinkling.

"…"

Tsunade's smile froze as she glared at him. "Win first, then we'll talk."

"Looking forward to it, then," Shinho replied evasively.

Tsunade rolled her eyes.

Most likely, she'd have to give him something—but what, exactly? for a moment, she felt a little lost.

….

Late at night, Shinho woke up.

He opened his door and walked out to the living room.

The moonlight tonight was especially clear, illuminating the room without any need for lamps.

There, sprawled casually on the couch, lay Shizune, her long, pale legs stretched out on either side.

She pressed her hand to her forehead, eyes closed, looking utterly exhausted.

"Shizune-nee," Shinho whispered, crouching beside her.

"Shinho?" Shizune opened her eyes, meeting his gaze.

They were so close that her heart skipped a beat.

"Why...why aren't you asleep yet?" Shizune's eyes darted away nervously.

"I heard some noise, so I woke up," Shinho explained.

"Sorry for disturbing you," she said, embarrassed.

"No worries," he said, standing up. "I'll make you a bowl of ramen."

As he walked away, Shizune found herself watching him, a touch entranced.

She absently tucked her hair behind her ear, her heart racing.

Soon, a steaming bowl of ramen was set in front of her.

"Thank you," she said, taking the bowl. "You should get back to sleep."

"Goodnight," he replied, waving, then returned to his room.

It was only after the door closed that Shizune looked away, glancing down at the aromatic ramen in her hands.

He's definitely growing up, she thought.

In the past, she'd always been the one taking care of Shinho. Now, it was the other way around.

But...it wasn't a bad feeling.

….

Time flew by.

The day of the Chūnin Exams arrived quickly.

For the past month, Team 7 hadn't left Konoha, training hard within the village.

Shinho trained independently.

Sasuke and Karin, however, were pushed to their limits by Kakashi Hatake.

From dawn to dusk, they had no breaks.

Sasuke even trained extra hours to upgrade to the three-tomoe Sharingan.

When Karin couldn't take it anymore, she'd often escape to find Shinho. But after a little pep talk, she'd reluctantly return to her training.

….

At the Chūnin Exam arena.

The stands were already packed.

Just like last time, villagers from Konoha filled the seats, along with many shinobi.

Kakashi, Might Guy, Kurenai, and others were in attendance.

Shinho was the last to arrive.

He had been at the Hokage's office with Tsunade.

"Shinho-kun!" Ino Yamanaka waved at him from a distance.

Hinata looked up, watching him approach.

Suddenly, both of their expressions changed, eyes widening with a hint of surprise.

Without hesitation, Karin had ran up and grabbed Shinho's arm.

"Such nerve," Shino muttered cryptically, adjusting his glasses.

"Utterly pointless."

Sasuke spoke with a calm expression.

"If Sakura would look at me the way they look at Shinho, my youth would be so much brighter," muttered Lee, watching as Shinho found himself surrounded. 

The sight brought back memories of that day, when he'd been rejected by Sakura Haruno.

The setting sun was a fitting backdrop to his fading youth.

Neji Hyūga frowned slightly.

If he had to choose, he would side with Hinata. But competition was fierce, and he knew he couldn't interfere in matters like this.

"Stand still," Shinho said firmly, pulling his arm free from Karin's grasp and giving her a stern look.

Karin only grinned back, completely unfazed, though she refrained from grabbing him again.

Shinho shook his head, glancing around.

Everyone who had qualified for the finals was here. From Sunagakure, there were Shira, Sen and Yome.

The rest of the participants were from Konoha: Sasuke Uchiha, Hinata Hyūga, Rock Lee, Neji Hyūga, Ino Yamanaka, Torune Aburame, Yakumo Kurama, and Shino Aburame.

And then there was Karin, who had been included thanks to Shinho's influence.

By rights, she shouldn't have qualified, having not participated in both the first and second rounds. But given Shira, Sen and Yome's admission, Tsunade had permitted her to participate as well.

Unlike the last Chūnin Exams, the opening address was delivered by Gaara, the new Kazekage.

Compared to Tsunade's usual concise style, Gaara's speech was much longer—nearly fifteen minutes long—focused heavily on themes of love and peace.

"Is that really Gaara?" Ino asked, completely baffled.

Everyone else was equally astonished, including Sasuke and Neji. They felt as if this Gaara had been replaced by an imposter, some stand-in pretending to be him.

"Was he always like this?" Karin asked, curious.

"People can change," Shira coughed, clearing his throat. "The Gaara of today isn't the same person he once was."

"What could have changed him so much?" Ino asked, looking at him skeptically.

"It's the duty of a Kage," Shira replied earnestly.

"Everyone," Genma Shiranui cut into their conversation, "let's move on to the rules. This round will use a lottery system."

He signaled to Kotetsu and Izumo, who brought over a lottery box.

Genma gave the box a good shake, then reached in and pulled out a slip.

He held it up, unfolding it slowly to reveal the first name: Hinata Hyūga.

Genma reached in for the second name.

Hinata tensed, clasping her hands together, silently praying, Please, not Shinho-kun!

The slip was drawn. It read: Yome from Sunagakure.

Hinata exhaled in relief.

"Oh no! This is terrible!" Yome groaned in dismay.

Yome was a sensory ninja, not skilled in direct combat. In the original series, she possessed a unique vision that allowed her to see things from kilometers away. But in the face of Hinata's Byakugan, her talent had little use.

Their match lasted barely three minutes before Yome was defeated.

But Yome wasn't too disappointed; she was mainly there to fill out the numbers. Sunagakure's real hope lay with Shira.

"Shinho Aburame," Genma announced as he read the next slip.

"It's Shinho-kun," Ino's heart skipped a beat.

"Wonder who the lucky one is," Shino mused with a shake of his head.

"It must be me!" Lee's face lit up, practically vibrating with excitement.

He longed for a strong opponent, especially one who was considered a genius. Only such a challenge could make his youth shine brighter.

Sasuke glanced at Lee but remained silent, gripping his Lightning-fire sword. He knew his final opponent would likely be Shinho.

After a month of intensive training, his swordsmanship had improved significantly. And at last, he had unlocked the three-tomoe Sharingan.

Yet even with these achievements, he still didn't have complete confidence in his chances against Shinho.

"Quite the spirit," Shira commented approvingly.

Shinho had defeated Gaara, and it wasn't an exaggeration to say that none of the current competitors could stand up to him.

"You're Rock Lee, right?" Shira observed, giving him a thoughtful look.

"Yes, that's me." Lee responded, a bit taken aback. When did I become this famous? Even shinobi from other villages know my name.

"I'm Shira, a taijutsu specialist," Shira said, extending his hand. "I hope we get the chance to spar someday."

"So you're a taijutsu user too!" Lee's eyes sparkled as he grasped Shira's hand excitedly. "Then let's have a blazing showdown of youth!"

In that instant, he forgot all about Shinho and Neji. Taijutsu was his true passion.

"Torune Aburame," Genma soon announced Shinho's opponent.

Everyone turned their gaze to Torune.

Most of them didn't have high hopes for him. And in truth, Torune himself didn't think he could win against Shinho either.

After a moment's thought, he raised his hand and said, "I forfeit."

Genma gave a small nod. He understood Torune's reasoning well enough, and forfeiting was within the rules.

"The third match: Sasuke Uchiha vs. Yakumo Kurama," Genma announced, raising his voice, "Would both competitors step forward?"

"This time, I'll defeat you with my genjutsu," Sasuke stated, his tone calm.

Team 7's first high-level mission had been to help seal away Idō, a creature that had unleashed powerful genjutsu upon them all. Sasuke had been completely outmatched back then.

But things were different now.

Yakumo's expression turned grave. She had seen Sasuke's recent battle with Naruto Uzumaki. Aside from her genjutsu, she had no advantage over him.

"Begin!" Genma announced.

Sasuke's eyes snapped open, revealing the three-tomoe Sharingan.

Shinho, watching from the sidelines, finally understood where Sasuke's new confidence came from.

But Yakumo's genjutsu-based kekkei genkai was no ordinary technique.

"What are they doing?" Lee asked, looking puzzled.

Since Genma had signaled the start, the two had been standing motionless for fifteen minutes.

"This is how genjutsu users fight," Ino explained. "They're engaged in a mental battle, so we can't see what's happening."

"Taijutsu is so much more straightforward," Lee shivered. 

He hated dealing with genjutsu users the most.

Just then, Sasuke made his move. With a flash of white, his Lightning-fire Blade appeared at Yakumo's throat.

In the genjutsu exchange, Yakumo had held a slight edge. While Sasuke's three-tomoe Sharingan couldn't completely break her illusion, it kept him from being fully ensnared.

Seizing an opportunity, he used his swordsmanship to secure the win.

But there was no joy in Sasuke's expression. His grand challenge to a genjutsu duel had ended with him relying on his blade.

Not exactly a victory he could brag about.

Still, he couldn't afford to lose to Yakumo; his sights were set on Shinho.

"The fourth match: Karin vs. Ino Yamanaka," Genma announced Sasuke's victory, pulling two more slips from the box.

Shinho's lips twitched.

As he noticed the looks both Karin and Ino shot his way, he couldn't help but wonder if someone had set this up just to mess with him.

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