Konoha: Gu Master

Nara Shikamaru raised his hand and knocked on the door.

"Come on in," came Tsunade's voice.

Shikamaru entered the Hokage's office, and was immediately met with a puzzling sight: Neji Hyuga, Shino Aburame, Sasuke Uchiha, and a red-haired girl he didn't recognize.

Moments earlier, an Anbu had suddenly appeared and summoned him to the Hokage's office, citing an urgent mission. But where were his usual teammates, Choji Akimichi and Ino Yamanaka?

What was going on? Even the traditional Ino-Shika-Cho formation had been broken up?

"Alright, everyone's here," Tsunade said sternly. "Effective immediately, you five are forming a temporary squad, with Shikamaru as the team leader. Your mission is to pursue a target."

"Who's the target?" Shikamaru asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Shinho Aburame."

Tsunade's tone was grim. "He's been taken by Sound Village ninja."

"What?" Shikamaru's usually sharp mind drew a blank.

He understood each word individually, but together they made no sense.

"Impossible!" Sasuke declared without hesitation. "Those four Sound Village ninja couldn't take Shinho down, even combined."

He paused, a realization forming in his mind. Could this be… a defection?

But why would Shinho defect? It didn't add up.

Shino's reaction was not shock, but a resigned sigh. Big brother's up to something again.

He glanced at Tsunade, noting that her expression, though serious, lacked any real urgency. Wasn't that strange?

Neji remained unfazed. As a member of the Heaven's Will, he was certain Shinho would never betray them.

Karin, however, felt her heart stop, panic briefly surfacing. But she quickly calmed herself. Shinho would never abandon her and her mother—she was sure of it.

"He's just acting," she said with unwavering confidence.

Shikamaru and Sasuke exchanged glances, realizing she was probably right. This did seem like something Shinho would pull off.

Tsunade raised an eyebrow at Karin. It's only been a few days, and she trusts that kid completely? Is she that blinded by love? How much charisma could he possibly have?

"Don't ask questions," Tsunade said, her lips twitching slightly. "Just bring Shinho back—immediately."

"Yes, ma'am!" Shikamaru and the others replied in unison, bowing slightly before leaving the office.

"I'm Karin," she introduced herself cheerfully as they headed out. "The new member of Team 7, and I specialize in sealing techniques."

"Sealing techniques?" Shikamaru was a little surprised. "That's rare."

Sealing ninjutsu was even more uncommon than medical ninjutsu. He'd never encountered a ninja specialised in sealing techniques before.

"Shino," Shikamaru said as they ran, "you're in charge of tracking."

Shino extended his arms, releasing a swarm of kikaichū insects.

"Sasuke, have you encountered those Sound Village ninja before?" Shikamaru asked, recalling Sasuke's earlier comment.

"Yes." Sasuke nodded as he remembered. "They aren't particularly strong, but once they activate their Cursed Seals, they reach jōnin-level strength."

"If they're jōnin-level threats, why would they send us Genin after them?" Shikamaru muttered, rubbing his temples.

After a moment's complaint, he paused, realizing something was off.

"This feels like there might be jōnin following us as backup," he concluded with a sigh. "But why make it so complicated?"

"I'm pretty sure this was my brother's idea," Shino replied, adjusting his glasses.

"When this mission is over, he owes us a meal, including Choji and Hinata," Shikamaru said, rolling his eyes in annoyance.

"Shinho-kun must have a good reason for doing this!" Karin said defensively.

Shikamaru blinked, feeling a strange familiarity in her tone. She sounded just like Ino when she spoke about Shinho.

Oh no. Another rival for Ino.

"So, how long have you known Shinho?" Shikamaru asked, trying to make small talk.

"Not long," Karin replied, shaking her head. "Only about four days."

Shikamaru couldn't help but be amazed. You're totally just attracted to his looks.

Women are scary, he thought, initially intending to gather intel for Ino but immediately dismissing the idea. Involving himself in this mess was only asking for trouble.

….

Two hours later, Shino's insects picked up on a trace.

"I've found the target," he announced.

"How far?" Shikamaru asked immediately.

"About three thousand meters," Shino replied.

"Lady Tsunade and Shinho must have some reason for staging this elaborate act," Shikamaru mused. "Let's proceed as though it's real and stick to the plan."

The other four nodded in agreement. With Shikamaru designated as captain by Tsunade, they would follow his orders.

The five of them leapt through the trees, the wind rushing past as they picked up speed.

….

"Someone's following us," Kidomaru said, frowning. "Konoha ninja."

"How could they have found us so quickly?" Tayuya shot a suspicious glance at Shinho.

"If I really intended to kill you, none of you would have left Konoha alive," Shinho replied calmly.

"What was that?" Tayuya retorted, clearly irritated.

"He's not wrong," Kidomaru chuckled. "There are five pursuers, and they're all just Genin."

"Looks like you're not as highly valued in Konoha as you thought," Tayuya said with a sneer.

Shinho glanced at her. He remembered that Tayuya had a sharp tongue and often argued with her teammates. In modern terms, she was the very definition of a "tsundere brat."

"I'll handle them," Jirōbō said, his build like that of Choji's, his tone serious.

"Crush them!" Tayuya snapped.

Nodding, Jirōbō came to a stop, forming hand seals before slamming his hands onto the ground.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

With a loud rumble, a massive mud golem rose behind him.

"Be careful," Neji warned, activating his Byakugan. "That's a summoning creature, and it's filled with chakra."

"Leave it to me," Shino said, adjusting his glasses. The mention of chakra piqued his interest.

"Are you sure you can handle it?" Shikamaru asked, doubtful.

"I may not be as strong as my brother, but I have two special insects," Shino replied casually.

That calm confidence left Shikamaru uncertain. He wracked his brain, but couldn't recall ever seeing Shino's techniques in action.

After a brief hesitation, he said, "Alright, Shino, you stay behind and take care of it. The rest of us will continue."

If Shino couldn't handle it, the jōnin backup would surely intervene.

….

Not long after they left, an earth-shattering explosion echoed behind them.

Shino's strategy was simple: explosive bugs. Jirōbō had no chance, and even after activating his Cursed Seal, he was drained of his chakra by the explosive bugs and blown up like fireworks.

"What just happened?" Tayuya cried, alarmed.

"Jirōbō… exploded," Kidomaru said, his face grim.

"Exploded?" Sakon and Ukon exchanged glances. "Anyone who can take down Jirōbō that quickly isn't an ordinary Genin."

"This is getting a bit troublesome," Kidomaru muttered, glancing at Shinho, who remained perfectly calm. "But no matter what, we must complete Lord Orochimaru's mission."

As for Jirōbō's death, none of them seemed particularly bothered by it.

"Wait!" Kidomaru suddenly stiffened, his eyes widening in surprise. "It's his presence!"

"Who?" Sakon and Ukon asked, confused.

"Kimimaro," Kidomaru said, his spirits lifting as his earlier worries vanished. "Lord Orochimaru hasn't forgotten us after all!"

"Kimimaro's here?" Tayuya turned her head to see a white-haired figure with two red marks on his forehead approaching in the distance.

"Kimimaro, why did you come?" Tayuya asked, puzzled.

"Your pace was too slow," Kimimaro said coldly. "Lord Orochimaru has already transferred into his temporary vessel."

"What?!" Tayuya and the others exchanged looks of shock and guilt.

"You three handle the pursuers. I'll take him to Lord Orochimaru," Kimimaro ordered, turning to lead Shinho away.

"Damn it!" Kidomaru growled, activating the second stage of his Curse Mark, his face contorting with fury. "I'll kill them all!"

Among the Sound Five, Kimimaro was by far the strongest. As the last member of the Kaguya Clan from the Mist Village, he possessed the kekkei genkai of Shikotsumyaku, or the Dead Bone Pulse. 

But despite being Orochimaru's most loyal and skilled fighter, he suffered from a hereditary disease that affected his clan.

The "Bloodline Disease" also plagued other ninja, such as Itachi Uchiha. In short, the more a person used their kekkei genkai, the faster it hastened their demise.

….

Meanwhile, Shino, who had regrouped with the team, alerted them. "Another Sound Village ninja has arrived. He's taken Shinho with him. The remaining three are heading toward us."

"Three of them, huh?" Shikamaru muttered, his tone serious. "We'll have to take them down as fast as we can. No time for evasive maneuvers."

"Right you are," came a voice from ahead.

In the blink of an eye, the three bizarre-looking Sound ninja appeared before them.

Kidomaru, with his six arms wielding a bow.

Sakon and Ukon, sporting two heads with monstrous features and a single horn.

Tayuya, her skin darkened, red hair and multiple white horns sprouting from her head.

Shadow Possession Jutsu!

Shikamaru crouched down, his shadow extending swiftly to connect with the three Sound ninja, linking their shadows to his own.

He felt a moment of relief, but his expression quickly darkened.

"Do you really think you can control the three of us?" Sakon sneered, walking forward without hesitation.

"How about this, then?" Karin asked, a confident smile on her lips.

Five thick golden chains shot out from her abdomen, wrapping around the Sound trio in an instant.

"Those are… Adamantine Sealing Chains?" Shikamaru asked, stunned. "You're from the Uzumaki Clan?"

"That's right." Karin grinned proudly.

"You could've mentioned this earlier," Shikamaru grumbled, though he couldn't hide his relief.

Sasuke, meanwhile, watched the struggling Sound ninja with a bit of respect for Karin. 

The binding strength of her chains was formidable. No wonder these sealing techniques were said to be effective against even tailed beasts.

In that moment, Sasuke began to acknowledge Karin's value as a teammate. With her support, battles would become significantly easier in the future.

"Capture them alive," said a familiar voice as Kakashi appeared before them.

….

Meanwhile, Shinho stopped, gazing at the grasslands ahead.

Before him, two lines of text appeared—signifying an achievement he'd just unlocked.

[Achievement Unlocked: 'Why Are They Chasing Me?']

[Reward: Black Python Coiling Strength Gu]

[Description: A Rank Three strength-type Gu that manifests the Phantom of a giant black python, enhancing physical power.]

Similar to his White Elephant and Galloping Horse Gu's, this new Gu was a powerful addition to his beast strength-based arsenal.

Shinho was pleased. The trip had been worthwhile after all. Now, only one goal remained—capturing Kimimaro.

"Why did you stop?" Kimimaro asked, his gaze hardening as his voice took on a dangerous edge.

"I just realized that Konoha suits me better," Shinho replied with a grin.

"That's not your choice to make." Kimimaro didn't hesitate, activating the first stage of his Cursed Seal, dark markings spreading across his body.

Dance of the Camellia!

Kimimaro drew a bone blade from his left arm and lunged at Shinho, aiming for non-lethal strikes since Orochimaru had ordered him brought back alive.

Clang!

Kimimaro's eyes narrowed in shock as three spinning bone shields appeared around Shinho, deflecting his attack.

"Are you… from the Kaguya Clan?" Kimimaro took a step back, suspicion flickering in his eyes.

"If you surrender, I might tell you," Shinho replied, clenching his fist.

"That's impossible." Kimimaro's expression darkened.

He charged forward again, summoning a second bone blade from his right arm. This time, he unleashed a rapid flurry of strikes, each faster than the last.

Crack!

The bone shields shattered under Kimimaro's assault, and Shinho responded with a powerful punch.

Taijutsu? Kimimaro snorted, unbothered.

With the durability of his bones, Kimimaro's Shikotsumyaku made him the bane of any close-combat specialist. Even the chakra-infused blades of the Land of Iron's samurai couldn't cut through his bones.

Kimimaro brought his blade down without hesitation, meeting Shinho's punch head-on. The force of their clash sent shockwaves rippling outward.

To Kimimaro's astonishment, he was hurled backward, his right arm numb from the impact, causing his bone blade to drop to the ground.

Getting to his feet, Kimimaro studied Shinho's unscathed fist in disbelief. He understood having strong bones, but how could skin be so resilient?

Resolving to end things quickly, Kimimaro activated the second stage of his Cursed Seal. His skin turned black, his back swelled, and a tail grew out.

Dance of the Larch!

Bones began protruding from his skin like spikes, forming both a defensive shield and an offensive barrier, designed to counter physical attacks with bone spikes upon impact.

Kimimaro was serious now. He rushed forward, closing the gap in an instant.

Ghost Cry Gu!

Calmly, Shinho clenched his fist as Kimimaro's figure materialized before him. The piercing screech of the Ghost Cry Gu filled the air, and Kimimaro's face went pale as the sound hit him.

Black Python Coliling Strength Gu!

A massive black python's Phantom appeared as Shinho's fist shot forward, binding Kimimaro tightly with overwhelming force.

Since the python was a Beast Phantom, Kimimaro's bone spikes failed to counter it. Immobilized, Kimimaro was forced to confront Shinho's immense strength.

Now, Kimimaro understood why Orochimaru was so interested in Shinho. His potential was indeed extraordinary.

If that is the case… A look of determination flashed in Kimimaro's eyes.

But Shinho gave him no chance. 

He was well aware of Kimimaro's suicidal ultimate move, Dance of the Seedling Fern, which could summon a massive forest of bones, similar to the Wood Style: Nativity of a World of Trees.

Shinho's counter was simple.

White Elephant Gu!

Leaping high into the air, Shinho came down with a crushing punch, a massive phantom of a white elephant forming above him.

Boom!

The ground caved in under the impact, forming a deep crater. When the dust settled, Kimimaro lay unconscious at the bottom.

Even with bones as strong as his, Kimimaro couldn't withstand two consecutive punches empowered by beast phantoms.

[Achievement Unlocked: Kimimaro's 'I'm a Tough Nut to Crack']

[Reward: Immortal Herb Gu]

[Description: A Rank Three consumable Gu that sustains life, preserving a thread of vital energy and extending survival.]

Shinho's eyes widened in surprise.

This is a treasure! It's like having an extra life.

[tl/n: I couldn't find any similar gu in the wiki, please let me know if you know the gu mentioned here!]

join my patreon for 110+ advanced chapters: patreon.com/HyppoTL