Konoha: Gu Master

At the entrance to the kitchen, Tsunade leaned against the doorframe with her arms crossed, watching Shinho intently. Her expression was unusually serious.

"Lady Hokage, Have I done something wrong?" Shinho asked with a sidelong glance, half-joking.

"No," Tsunade replied, shaking her head.

"Then go relax in the living room. You watching me like this is kinda... creepy," he added, rinsing vegetables in the sink.

"Creepy?" Tsunade's brows knitted together. "What's that supposed to mean, you little runt?"

"I mean, you're staring like you're about to eat me," Shinho quipped, walking closer to her.

"What are you up to?" Tsunade asked warily, stepping back. "Don't tell me you're going back on your promise."

"It's just a few bottles of wine," Shinho scoffed. "Can you have a little more self-control?"

"Jerk!" Tsunade lifted a hand to flick his forehead, standing on tiptoe.

"You're barefoot in the kitchen, you'll get your feet dirty," Shinho said, flicking some water from his hand toward her foot.

The cold water startled her, making her step back with a slight shiver. She glared at him, tapping her foot in irritation.

"Stop distracting me; I'm cooking here," Shinho said, turning back to the stove.

Tsunade bit her lip, letting out a huff as she exited the kitchen. 

She settled onto the couch, crossing her legs and absently wiping the droplets from her foot.

What's gotten into that brat? she wondered. He's definitely gotten bolder.

"Lady Tsunade." Shizune set a glass of water down beside her. "Are you interested in learning how to cook?"

"Why would you ask that?" Tsunade replied, snapping out of her thoughts.

"Well, you were in the kitchen for quite a while," Shizune observed, puzzled.

"It's nothing like that." Tsunade took a tactical sip of her water to avoid further questioning. 

A Hokage shouldn't be hanging around the kitchen just for a few bottles of honey wine. It really is undignified. Although Shizune wasn't an outsider, she couldn't just say it out loud. 

"Are you sure?" Shizune raised a suspicious eyebrow. 

Lately, Tsunade seemed different, though she couldn't quite pinpoint how.

"If you have time to gossip, you have time to help in the kitchen," Tsunade said, looking up with a composed expression.

Shizune sighed, meeting her gaze for a moment before heading into the kitchen. 

Rolling up her sleeves, she revealed two pale forearms. "Shinho, is there anything you need me to do?"

"Could you slice the meat over there?" Shinho asked, gesturing toward the cutting board.

"Sure." Shizune smiled, taking her place at the counter.

Thanks to their combined efforts, they soon had a hearty meal prepared. As they set the food on the table, Shinho brought out a bottle of honey wine.

"One bottle won't be enough," Tsunade muttered, eyeing the bottle.

Shizune blinked in surprise. Tsunade hadn't haggled over honey wine in ages. Is Shinho really going to give in?

Just as she thought he might refuse, Shinho surprised her by setting out two more bottles.

Shizune suddenly felt left out. Without thinking, she blurted, "I want some too!"

Tsunade and Shinho both turned to her in surprise.

"What? Can't I drink?" Shizune asked, doubling down.

"Sure, here you go," Shinho agreed, pouring her a glass.

"Can you handle it though?" Tsunade asked, amused. 

Shizune rarely drank, so her sudden interest seemed a bit odd.

"It's just alcohol!" Shizune replied, sounding more confident than she felt. "I'm not any worse than you in this aspect, Lady Tsunade!"

"Oh, really?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow, suddenly interested. "Drinking is better with some company, anyway."

Shinho poured everyone a glass, but Shizune hesitated as she looked at the full glass before her.

"No need to push yourself if you're not up for it," Tsunade teased, downing her glass with ease.

"I can drink!" Shizune exclaimed, taking her own glass and gulping it down in one go—only to break into a fit of coughing afterward, her face turning red.

"Shizune-nee," Shinho said gently, handing her a glass of milk.

Shizune gratefully drank half of it, the milk soothing her throat. Tsunade chuckled at her friend's blushing face.

[tl/n: Milk with wine?!]

"Why don't you focus on eating more, Shizune-nee?" Shinho suggested, seeing her already tipsy.

"I'll keep drinking!" Shizune insisted, feeling a sudden urge to prove herself. She raised her glass to toast Tsunade, downing it all again.

A dizzy wave washed over her.

She blinked, trying to steady herself as she saw three Shinho standing before her. With a small, slurred murmur, she tipped backward.

Quickly, Shinho caught her, steadying her against his shoulder.

"I...want...more..." Shizune mumbled as she relaxed into his arms, clearly intoxicated.

Shinho shook his head, smiling.

"Take her to her room," Tsunade said with a laugh.

Nodding, Shinho lifted Shizune into his arms and carried her to her room, laying her gently on the bed.

"Shizune-nee," he whispered, patting her hand, but she clung to him, refusing to let go.

Sigh, Shinho thought, prying her fingers loose and tucking her under the blanket.

When he returned to the living room, Tsunade had already finished a bottle, her cheeks flushed as she demanded, "Bring me three more bottles!"

"Aren't you going to eat anything?" Shinho asked, sitting across from her.

"Food...can wait. But this wine...isn't going to drink itself." She swayed slightly, waving a finger in his face.

"Your tolerance isn't as high as you think it is," Shinho said with a chuckle.

"Who says?" Tsunade glared at him. "Tonight, I'll drink ten bottles of honey wine!"

"Ten bottles?" Shinho smirked, realizing her plan. "So that's it—you want to lose our bet and just drink as much as you can, don't you?"

"Nonsense! I'm not that kind of person!" Tsunade replied, though her face betrayed her embarrassment.

The truth is, she'd already accepted her loss in the Chunin Exams, knowing Shinho was a shoo-in for first place. 

She wasn't sure why he was being so generous tonight, but she wasn't about to pass up the opportunity.

"Sensei, you're still the Hokage..." Shinho began, only for her to slap a hand over his mouth, pulling him closer.

"Quiet!" she hissed. "Less talk, more wine!"

The rich scent of her perfume mixed with the faint aroma of wine, and for a moment, Shinho felt his pulse quicken. 

Realizing this, Tsunade quickly released him, taking a sip from her glass and watching him with a warm, slightly unfocused gaze that soon filled with renewed resolve.

"Come on!" she challenged, raising her glass. "Let's see if you can keep up with me!"

Shinho grinned, pouring himself another drink. Guess we'll see.

Actually, she looked quite adorable.

"How many fingers am I holding up?" Shinho held up one finger.

"You... you brat! I'm not... not some kid!" Tsunade muttered, looking displeased. "You think I can't even tell the difference between 'three' and 'one'?"

"Let me show you a magic trick," Shinho said, bringing his hands closer to her. Resting in his palm was a small, gleaming Ten-Year Longevity Gu.

"Wow, that's beautiful!" Tsunade's eyes widened as she tried to get a closer look.

"Hold my hand," Shinho suggested with a smile. "I can make it disappear right in your hand."

"I don't believe you!" Tsunade set down her cup and fumbled around, trying to grab the insect. 

She kept blaming Shinho, saying, "Stop moving!"

With a sigh, Shinho finally let her grasp his hand tightly, ensuring there was no space between their palms.

Seeing her proud expression, Shinho could only smile to himself, feeling the softness and warmth of her grip. 

With a subtle shift of energy, he activated the Ten-Year Longevity Gu. In an instant, the Gu vanished, releasing its effects.

The Gu's ability was random, bestowing anywhere from ten to ninety extra years of life. But Tsunade's luck was notoriously terrible.

I hope she doesn't just get ten years...

Just then, a line of text appeared before Shinho's eyes:

[Ten-Year Longevity Gu used successfully. Sixty-six years added.]

"For once, your luck came through, sensei" he said with a relieved smile.

"My luck has always been great!" Tsunade insisted, still a bit huffy.

"How do you feel now?" Shinho asked with a calm smile.

"A little... dizzy," Tsunade admitted, tilting her head.

With a shake of his head, Shinho stood up. "Let me help you to bed."

"I don't need you!" Tsunade waved him off, but as she staggered toward her room, she suddenly swayed and bumped right into the wall, letting out a small yelp.

Rubbing her forehead in confusion, she muttered, "Brat... where... where's the door?"

Shinho couldn't help but chuckle. He had never seen her like this before; normally, she didn't drink to the point of complete intoxication. Tonight, however, was different. She seemed clumsier than ever.

"Over here." Shinho opened her bedroom door and gently guided her in.

Once she was safely under the covers, he left the room and returned to the living room to tidy up. After cleaning the table, he headed for a quick shower before finally going to bed.

….

The Next Morning

Shinho was the first to wake up. Remembering the previous night, he walked over to Shizune's room and knocked lightly.

"Shizune-nee," he called.

Moments later, the door opened, and Shizune greeted him, looking slightly embarrassed. "Good morning, Shinho."

She still felt self-conscious about her two-drink limit from last night. She had no idea why she had felt so bold. Clearly, wine wasn't for her.

"Sensei might not be waking up anytime soon," Shinho informed her with a slight smile. "How about you stay here to look after her, and I'll go to the Hokage's office?"

"Alright." Shizune nodded in agreement.

"Oh, and Shizune-nee, remember to freshen up and change," Shinho added, noticing she had slept in her clothes.

"Thank you," she said, realizing her oversight. Watching Shinho leave, Shizune couldn't help but reflect on his behavior. He's really a gentleman; he didn't take advantage of me at all.

Given her state last night, even if he had helped her change, she wouldn't have been able to say anything about it. 

Wait, what am I even thinking? Blushing furiously, Shizune held her face in her hands.

….

At the Hokage Office

As Shinho made his way toward the office, a familiar figure appeared in a flash before him.

"Lord Shinho," said Yugao Uzuki with a slight bow. "Kakashi-senpai is waiting for you in the Hokage's office."

As one of Tsunade's personal Anbu guards, Yugao knew well the level of respect Shinho now commanded. 

About two weeks prior, she had adjusted her address for him out of respect for his role.

"Thanks, Yugao-nee," Shinho replied with a smile.

"It's my duty," she answered, guiding him down the hallway. 

Her dark, violet hair swung slightly as she walked, reminding Shinho of Hinata's softer shade. I wonder what Hinata is up to these days?

Clearing his mind, Shinho entered the Hokage's office.

"Shinho," Kakashi greeted, glancing over his shoulder. "Any idea when the Hokage will be in?"

"Kakashi-sensei," Shinho replied, sitting down comfortably in the Hokage's chair. "You're here to borrow the Sealing Unit, aren't you?"

Kakashi raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Right on."

Turning to Yugao, Shinho instructed, "Yugao-nee could you lead Kakashi-sensei to the Sealing Unit?"

"Yes," she replied with a nod.

Kakashi blinked, surprised at how effortlessly Shinho was now commanding Anbu assistance. It seemed like he was well on his way to becoming Hokage himself.

With a grateful nod, Kakashi followed Yugao out, eager to finally secure the dragon vein within himself.

About an hour later, Yugao returned with an update. "The sealing is complete and it's a complete success."

"That's good," Shinho said, picking up a document. 

He gave a small, curious hum as he read over it. It was a list of new entries from the Sand Village for the upcoming Chunin Exams: Shira, Sen, and Yome.

While the latter two names didn't hold any particular significance, Shira was another story.

In the original story, Shira had garnered some attention. 

A Taijutsu specialist, he had faced considerable prejudice in the Sand Village for his unique fighting style until Gaara became Kazekage and allowed him to join the ninja ranks. 

Shira developed a technique called "Seven Heaven's Breathing Method," a method for enhancing one's vitality through rapid nutrient absorption. 

It bore some similarity to the Eight Gates but lacked the same explosive power. In the original, he lost to Rock Lee, who had unlocked the Fifth Gate. 

Still, the "Seven Heaven's Breathing Method" was considered a formidable Taijutsu technique.

….

Back at Tsunade's House

"Ugh... my head," Tsunade muttered, sitting up with a groan. 

She rubbed her temples, trying to recall the events of the previous night. Shinho's sudden generosity had led her to drink ten whole bottles of honey wine.

Her memory was blank after that.

Absently, she glanced under the blanket to check her clothes, relieved to find everything in place.

"That little brat..." she murmured, feeling something different in her body. 

Despite her mastery of the Yin Seal, she was well aware of its limitations. 

It maintained her vitality, but it wasn't a cure-all—it drew on her chakra and life force, acting more as a stopgap measure than a true solution.

Yet now, her body felt lighter, almost as if she were eighteen again.

This sensation was far from normal. As a medical ninja, Tsunade knew better than anyone that such a miraculous transformation was impossible without reason.

What did that brat do to me? she wondered, her mind churning through the possibilities.

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