Chapter 14: Surrounded by Four Shizunes

"I'll take you upstairs," Shizune volunteered eagerly.

"Thank you, Sister Shizune," Shinho responded politely.

"It's no trouble," Shizune beamed, her smile even brighter after hearing him call her "sister." She set down her pink pig, Tonton, and took Shinho's hand without hesitation, not bothered by any formalities since he was just a child.

"I forgot to introduce you," Shizune said, realizing her mistake. "This is Tonton."

Shinho nodded. Tonton wasn't just a pet; she was a ninja pig with an acute sense of smell, and both Tsunade and Shizune could understand her perfectly. Shinho thought, Fluent in pig language. Impressive.

They made their way upstairs, where there were three rooms. Shinho randomly picked one and opened the door, only to cough as a thick layer of dust greeted him.

"Wait here," Shizune rolled up her sleeves, revealing her pale skin. "I'll clean it up for you."

She formed a series of hand seals, and with a puff of smoke, three identical Shizunes appeared beside her. It was the Shadow Clone Jutsu.

Shinho's mind suddenly wandered to an idea. I wonder if using the Shadow Clone Jutsu would help with a Gu Master's training...

The four Shizunes worked quickly, and within ten minutes, the room was spotless.

"Thank you, Sister Shizune," Shinho said, looking up at her.

"Aw!" The two Shizunes on either side of him practically swooned, their expressions softening in a dreamy haze. Before he knew it, they were surrounding him, pinching his cheeks and ruffling his hair.

Though each Shadow Clone had its own consciousness, they were still a reflection of the original. Shizune was restrained, but her clones? They weren't holding back at all.

Shizune quickly dispelled the jutsu, her face flushing in embarrassment. "My clones were... acting a bit off."

When she absorbed the clones' memories, she couldn't help but admit to herself—the kid had a surprisingly good feel to him.

[Achievement unlocked: "Surrounded by Beauties." Reward: Rice Sack Grass Gu.]

[Rice Sack Grass Gu: A Rank 1 Gu that, when cultivated with true essence, grows a sack filled with rice.]

Shinho, still a bit shaken by the encounter, let out a breath. That was... intense. If Shizune had waited any longer to dispel her clones, he wasn't sure his small frame could've survived. But he did get a new Gu out of it, so in the end, it was worth it.

"Shinho," Shizune cleared her throat, her voice still a little embarrassed. "You stay here and study. I'll go make dinner and call you when it's ready."

Despite the awkwardness, Shinho knew that the clones' behavior reflected Shizune's true feelings—at least in part. That made things a bit more awkward.

"Tsunade-sama is actually very kind," Shizune added as she was about to leave the room. "Even if you don't complete the bet, she won't do anything harsh to you."

"I understand," Shinho replied.

Once Shizune left, Shinho pulled out the scroll that Tsunade had given him. He channeled his true essence into it, and with a poof, a stack of books appeared.

Fifteen books, all on medical ninjutsu and human anatomy. For any normal person, reading these would take months, if not more.

Shinho summoned the Bookworm Gu. It looked like a spindle, pure white and smooth, with the texture of fine porcelain.

Gu worms are always beautiful, Shinho thought.

He injected some true essence into the Bookworm, and it flew over to the books, immediately starting to eat through them.

As the first book disappeared into the Gu, Shinho felt a rush of information flood his mind.

[Achievement unlocked: "Overwhelmed by Knowledge." Reward: Strawman Gu.]

[Strawman Gu: A Rank 1 Gu that creates a straw dummy with mild self-repair abilities, perfect for training.]

Within ten minutes, Shinho had fully absorbed the contents of all fifteen books. He exhaled, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. That was refreshing. This effortless mastery of information—he could get used to it.

Since he still had some time, Shinho decided to sit down and meditate until Shizune called for dinner.

"Shinho, time to eat," came Shizune's voice from outside the room.

Shinho followed her downstairs, and as soon as he entered the dining room, his eyes widened. Tsunade had taken off her green cloak, revealing the sleeveless kimono-style top underneath. The neckline plunged, offering a generous view of her flawless skin, which glowed like milk in the soft light.

"Sit down," Tsunade said, holding a sake cup. "Want a drink?"

"Lady Tsunade!" Shizune quickly interjected. "He's just a child!"

"Right," Tsunade chuckled, downing the cup in one gulp. Her cheeks flushed slightly from the alcohol.

"Shinho, try some," Shizune said, turning her attention back to him with a smile. "I hope it's to your liking."

Shinho took a bite of fried shrimp and nodded. "It's delicious."

Shizune sighed in relief. At least the food was a hit.

Halfway through the meal, Tsunade was already slightly tipsy. She leaned back, her head tilting slightly as she watched Shinho.

"Kid, did you actually understand those books?" Tsunade asked casually.

Is that... a chandelier? Shinho wondered, his attention momentarily drawn to Tsunade's radiant presence. So blinding...

"I understood them," Shinho replied, snapping back to the conversation.

"Good," Tsunade muttered, taking another sip of sake. "If you have questions, just ask."

"I will," Shinho answered, reflecting on how, beneath her tough exterior, Tsunade had a surprisingly warm heart.

Even the coldest person has warmth inside, he thought. Tsunade wasn't truly cold—just broken by her past. If he could break through her defenses, she would return to the person she once was.

Tsunade fell silent after that. The meal finished, and Shizune helped her back to her room.

"Shinho, are you staying here tonight, or going home?" Shizune asked after returning.

"I'll go home," Shinho decided. "I didn't tell my dad."

"Alright," Shizune smiled. "See you tomorrow."

Shinho left the Senju estate and returned to the Aburame compound, where Shino and their father were waiting.

"Congratulations, Shinho," Shino's father said proudly. "Now that you're Tsunade's student, our whole clan will benefit."

Shino, meanwhile, had a different thought. Maybe now... my brother won't get himself into trouble.

"Just luck," Shinho said modestly.

Shino rolled his eyes. My fist is itching to hit him!

"Hey, what are you thinking about?" Shinho asked, sensing his brother's growing frustration.

"Nothing," Shino sighed. Despite Shinho's occasional annoying attitude, he had always treated him well. He couldn't actually hit him. Not yet, anyway.

Meanwhile, back at the Hyuga Clan...

"Father," Hinata said softly from the doorway.

With permission, she entered the room, kneeling at the table where her father, Hiashi, and her younger sister, Hanabi, were already seated.

"Hinata," Hiashi began as they started their dinner. "What do you think of Shinho Aburame?"

He had already heard about Hinata's lunch outings with Shinho. As the clan head, Hiashi couldn't help but be cautious. In his view, the Aburame Clan was... lacking in status. Having Shinho as a classmate was one thing, but anything beyond that? ...