Chapter 92: Your Regret, My Fire, Boom!

The morning light streamed in through the windows.

Shizune was busy packing things in the living room while Shinho Aburame peeked a glance at her preparations: kunai, shuriken, bandages, sleeping bags, and tents—everything they might need for a camping trip, it seemed.

Shizune lifted her leg, resting her bare foot on the edge of the coffee table, and raised the hem of her outfit, revealing her pale, slender thigh.

She carefully attached a concealed weapon—a senbon launcher—strapping it tightly to her leg with five black bands.

The tight bands left visible imprints on her thigh.

"Won't that affect your walking?" Shinho asked openly, his gaze lingering. As a ninja, Shizune had long, toned legs, free of any excess fat. They looked flawless.

Of course, he personally preferred Tsunade's more substantial figure.

"I'm a ninja," Shizune replied with a smile. "A ninja must endure things that others can't. This is nothing."

She lowered her leg and rolled up her sleeve, revealing another hidden weapon.

"Let me help you with that," Shinho offered, picking up the senbon launcher from the table.

"Be careful," Shizune quickly warned. "Don't touch the trigger—it's loaded, and the senbons are coated with poison."

The senbon were small, needle-like projectiles used by skilled ninja in combat.

"Got it," Shinho replied cautiously, fastening the launcher onto her arm with the black straps.

"Would you like one?" Shizune asked playfully, lowering her sleeve again. "I can make you one."

"No thanks," Shinho shook his head. For him, it was unnecessary and more of a burden than a benefit. His insect-based techniques were more than sufficient in combat.

Shizune needed hidden weapons because her taijutsu was average, and she hadn't mastered Tsunade's super strength or Yin Seal techniques.

"If you ever change your mind, just let me know," Shizune said, flashing a smile as she opened her mouth to reveal a hidden senbon between her teeth.

"…?" Shinho looked on in surprise.

"Don't worry," Shizune said proudly, showing off her technique. "This is a retractable weapon—my special invention."

Shinho remained silent, his thoughts racing. Just how many more places could she hide weapons? It was getting dangerous—what if she accidentally triggered one while they were sparring?

"Alright, now I'll teach you about essential tools for traveling," Shizune said, ruffling his hair playfully. "Tsunade-sama instructed me to make sure you're prepared."

Did Tsunade really tell you to mess up my hair? Shinho thought to himself as he watched Shizune explain the essentials.

She went over everything in detail, genuinely intending to teach him. After the explanation, she even demonstrated how to use the tools.

"This is a soldier pill," Shizune said, holding up a dark, round pill. "It restores a portion of chakra and can be crucial in certain situations."

"Isn't it really bad-tasting?" Shinho recalled how, in the original series, even Naruto and his friends had a hard time swallowing soldier pills made by Sakura Haruno.

And later on, soldier pills became practically useless because the amount of chakra they restored was negligible compared to what high-level shinobi needed.

"The taste isn't great," Shizune admitted with a serious tone, "but as a ninja, you can't afford to be picky. Remember what I said earlier about endurance."

"Yes," Shinho responded, taking the soldier pill from her, though he had no intention of ever using it. He figured that the pill might restore chakra, but it wouldn't help him with his own energy, which was based on his unique cultivation techniques.

"Are you done teaching?" a familiar voice called out as Tsunade emerged from her room, fully dressed.

She stretched lazily, her impressive figure drawing the eye even more as her clothing struggled to contain her movements.

"All finished, Tsunade-sama," Shizune said, carefully sealing all the items into storage scrolls.

Tsunade, one of the Legendary Sannin, didn't need to carry bulky bags or packs like regular shinobi. Using sealing scrolls was far more practical and didn't hinder her movement.

"Let's go see the old man," Tsunade said, referring to the Hokage.

"As per Konoha's regulations, we'll need Hokage-sama's approval before leaving the village," Shizune explained to Shinho as they headed out.

"What happens if you leave without permission?" Shinho asked, following behind Tsunade.

"In theory, it's not allowed," Tsunade said with a huff, bending down to slip on her shoes. "But if I wanted to leave, who's going to stop me?"

Now that's some serious confidence. Shinho thought as he glanced at Tsunade's imposing figure. And on top of that, she's… well, very generously proportioned.

"Don't try to imitate her," Shizune scolded, casting a disapproving look at Tsunade. "Tsunade-sama, don't teach Shinho bad habits."

"…" Tsunade rolled her eyes.

Shizune had always kept her in check, but ever since Shinho came into the picture, she seemed even more insistent on keeping her in line.

"Would there be any consequences for leaving without permission?" Shinho asked, genuinely curious.

"Not really," Shizune replied, cradling the piglet Tonton in her arms. "As long as you don't miss a mission or tarnish Konoha's reputation, no one's going to care too much."

Shinho nodded. That made sense. After all, anyone capable of slipping past the Hokage and ANBU was either a skilled jounin or had a high enough status to avoid trouble.

Besides, people like Shinho or Neji, who had significant status, wouldn't face serious punishment for such actions.

When they arrived at the Hokage Tower, Shinho noticed how popular Tsunade was with everyone around. As she walked by, it was almost like she was holding a fan meeting.

Ninjas in the world of shinobi were a bit like celebrities. For example, there were even famous movie stars in their world, like Koyuki Kazahana, who went by the stage name Fujikaze Yukie.

"Tsunade-sama," a cold voice called out.

A tall, silver-haired ninja with a mask over his face appeared in front of them.

His distinctive appearance made it obvious—Hatake Kakashi.

Shinho had never met Kakashi in person, but he instantly recognized him. Kakashi's look was too unique to miss.

For a moment, Shinho thought about Might Guy—Kakashi's eternal rival, who had been rejected by both the ANBU and ROOT organizations. Quite the genius in his own way.

"Identify yourself!" Shinho joked internally, imagining Guy's dramatic entrance. "I won't reveal my identity! Leaf Hurricane!"

Shinho quickly shook off the ridiculous thought before he accidentally laughed out loud and made things awkward.

"Kakashi, you're still the same as always," Tsunade said, sizing him up with some surprise. "Have you left the ANBU?"

"I'm on temporary leave," Kakashi replied, his tone flat. "Hokage-sama asked me to train Sasuke."

Tsunade frowned slightly but didn't dwell on it. She quickly gave up on thinking too much about the Uchiha situation—it was too much trouble.

"I'll be going on ahead," Kakashi said, glancing at the time. "I've arranged to meet with Sasuke."

Shinho couldn't help but feel surprised. Could Kakashi actually be on time?

Maybe he'd get distracted by a new volume of Icha Icha Paradise on the way.

Hatake Kakashi's infamous tardiness and poor physical health weren't without reason.

Suddenly, Shinho realized he had yet to check out the infamous Icha Icha Paradise series for himself. Maybe he'd do that later.

Tsunade simply nodded, and Kakashi swiftly departed.

"This is the mission hall," Shizune explained as they entered the building. "Ninjas come here to receive their assignments. Once the mission is completed, they file a report for approval."

"The Hokage must be really busy," Shinho thought to himself, shaking his head at how inefficient the system seemed.

No wonder Tsunade would slack off when she became Hokage later on. And Naruto, when he became Hokage, seemed to always be running around non-stop, dealing with who knows what.

"So, do you still want to become Hokage?" Tsunade asked, casting a sidelong glance at him.

Correction: I don't actually want to be Hokage, it's your misunderstanding...But

Shinho Aburame, with complete conviction, said, "Of course! It's my dream!"

In truth, he was already thinking about assembling an all-female Hokage secretary team. Then, if there was work, the secretaries would handle it while he enjoyed a leisurely life.

Tsunade raised an eyebrow at his enthusiasm. She really didn't understand what made being Hokage so appealing. To her, it was a title she would never take in her lifetime.

"Old man!" Tsunade barked as they reached the Hokage's office. Without any hesitation, she kicked the door open with a loud bang.

"I just fixed that door!" Sarutobi Hiruzen muttered, his mouth twitching in annoyance.

"Oh?" Tsunade's interest piqued as she asked, "Besides me, who else kicks your door?"

"Danzo," Hiruzen sighed, exasperated.

Tsunade's eyes narrowed at the mention of Danzo. She couldn't stand the man. Tsunade had always harbored a deep disdain for Shimura Danzo.

In fact, most of the shinobi in the village maintained a respectful distance from him. His ruthless reputation as the 'Root' of the village was well-known, and few trusted him.

"So, what brings you here?" Hiruzen smiled warmly, though his expression quickly turned suspicious when he noticed Tsunade had brought her students along. "Wait... you're leaving Konoha again?"

His smile faded. Last time, she had spirited Shizune away from the village without much notice. He had let it slide because of Shizune's status, but now she wanted to take Shinho Aburame with her?

This time, Hiruzen wasn't so willing. He had been closely reviewing Shinho's exam papers for the past couple of days, and the more he saw, the more impressed he became.

On top of that, Shinho's astonishing talents made it clear that such a valuable asset should remain in the village.

If Tsunade hadn't already claimed him as a student, Hiruzen might have considered taking him as his own apprentice.

"This kid's on break, so I'm taking him out for some field training," Tsunade said casually, waving off Hiruzen's concerns.

"Really?" Hiruzen was still doubtful, considering her track record.

"Why are there so many questions?" Tsunade's forehead creased, and she snapped impatiently, "Just give me the travel authorization already."

Hiruzen hesitated for a moment. Tsunade had never asked for permission before when leaving the village—she always just left whenever she wanted. So, the fact that she was formally requesting authorization today lent her claim some credibility.

Maybe Shinho's presence had actually changed Tsunade for the better. Hiruzen allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. If Shinho could continue to have this effect, perhaps Tsunade could finally move on from her past.

"Field training is fine, but don't cause any trouble," Hiruzen warned sternly. "Especially with the tensions between the other ninja villages."

"You've really gotten old, old man," Tsunade remarked with a shake of her head. "Don't forget, Konoha is still the strongest village."

"Don't twist my words," Hiruzen retorted, exasperated. He just wanted her to behave herself, and not start trouble.

"You should think about choosing the Fifth Hokage soon," Tsunade suggested as she waved the travel permit at him. "Just don't pick me."

Hiruzen couldn't help but sigh. He was indeed getting on in years and didn't have the energy he once did. But if not Tsunade, who else could take on the mantle?

Jiraiya? That fool was busy chasing after some 'Child of Prophecy' nonsense he heard from the Toad Sage. He wasn't even around enough to be considered for the position, let alone competent enough to handle it.

As for Danzo? Absolutely not. Hiruzen knew his old friend too well. If Danzo became Hokage, the first thing he'd do would likely be to declare war on every neighboring country.

He'd start by invading the Land of Lightning, then the Land of Wind, followed by the Land of Earth, and then the Land of Water...

Hiruzen's thoughts wandered for a moment to Uchiha Itachi. Such a shame he was born into the Uchiha clan—he could have been an excellent candidate.

"So, where are you planning to go?" Hiruzen asked, snapping out of his reverie.

"The Land of Lightning," Tsunade answered as she casually handed the travel permit to Shinho.

Shinho scanned the document. It was simple—permission to leave the village, complete with Hiruzen's signature and the Hokage's official seal.

"The Land of Lightning?" Hiruzen frowned deeply.

"It's not that far," Tsunade scoffed. "Old man, you should get out more!"

In Tsunade's view, Hiruzen had spent almost his entire career sitting in the Hokage's office, rarely venturing beyond the village gates.

"You should be careful around the Fourth Raikage," Hiruzen warned, his tone serious. "The village of Sugi recently issued a bounty, accusing him of stealing their secret techniques."

"Typical behavior for the Hidden Cloud," Tsunade muttered, recalling the incidents where the Cloud Village had tried to kidnap both Kushina Uzumaki and Hinata Hyuga.

She cast a quick glance at Shinho. Though he didn't have a kekkei genkai, his talent was exceptional. If the Hidden Cloud found out about him, they might attempt another kidnapping.

...

At the gates of Konoha:

"This is so boring," Kotetsu Hagane complained with a long sigh.

"I miss the good old days when the Fourth Hokage was around. Things were way more exciting," Izumo Kamizuki agreed, leaning lazily against the guard post.

"Any promising new talents in Konoha lately?" Kotetsu asked as he gazed absentmindedly at the sky. As Konoha's gatekeepers, their daily tasks mostly involved recording the comings and goings of ninjas.

Apart from that, their lives were pretty uneventful, so they took an interest in keeping track of the village's rising stars.

"Oh, you bet there are," Izumo replied with a mischievous grin. "There's one newcomer that will blow your mind."

"Really? Who?" Kotetsu asked, intrigued.

"Don't underestimate my information network!" Izumo proudly pounded his chest. "There's a new genius who stood out during the ninja academy's exams yesterday."

"Wait, you're not talking about Neji Hyuga, are you?" Kotetsu rolled his eyes.

"Nope, times are changing, Kotetsu," Izumo said, his tone serious. "Didn't you hear? Neji was knocked out cold with one punch!"

"You'vw got to be kidding!" Kotetsu shot up from his seat in surprise.

"Nope, it's true," Izumo said with a smug smile. "The one who defeated him is Shinho Aburame, Tsunade-sama's student."

"The next Chunin Exams are going to be wild," Kotetsu muttered, still processing the news.

"Do you think the Hokage would approve if we applied to be proctors for the Chunin Exams?" Izumo mused, stroking his chin.

"That's probably a long shot," Kotetsu replied with a shake of his head.

"Come on, what's the harm in trying? Worst-case scenario, we still get to watch!" Izumo said, a nostalgic smile forming on his face. "We could even call the Genma Squad."

The Genma Squad—made up of Genma Shiranui, Raido Namiashi, and Iwashi Tatami—had once been the personal guards of the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze. Together, they could perform the Flying Thunder Formation technique.

Nowadays, they were just as idle as Kotetsu and Izumo.

"Wait, hold on. Someone's coming—could that be Tsunade-sama?" Kotetsu said, quickly straightening up.

Izumo did the same, standing at attention as Tsunade approached with her students.

"We're leaving the village," Shizune said, handing Kotetsu the travel permit. "Tsunade, Shizune, and Shinho Aburame."

Kotetsu glanced at Izumo, and the two exchanged a look of understanding.

This kid—this is the Shinho.

[tl/n: the plot will be picking up pace after this experience trip! and there's a timeskip...]

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