Sage Mode Acquired

In an external biosphere, Shino slowly released his clenched jaws, allowing Jugo's tall, fragile form to crumple to the ground. Stepping back, he opened his eyes, a fierce glint flashing in them as an intense rage boiling within them. As Shino's once black hair transformed into a fiery orange hue, and his body contorted and shifted, his hand wriggled abnormally and soon morphed into a monstrous, purplish claw!

A deep growl escaped Shino's lips as he felt the twinge of pain coursing through his deforming body. It wasn't long before a grotesque fleshy wing grew out from his back!

As his vision was dyed blood red, muffled screams vaguely reached Shino's ears as he felt the anger overwhelm him, but before he could succumb entirely to the transformation-

[Shino, deactivate it!]

Karina's urgent voice roared in his mind, piercing through his anger and awakening him and jolting him into action.

Shino's eyes gleamed with clarity and determination as he forcibly deactivated his newfound ability.

As his hair gradually reverted to its original black shade and his body returned to its human form, Shino gradually regained control over his physical appearance. Meanwhile, swarms of bugs crawled all over his body, absorbing the lingering remnants of the new energy, solidifying into petrified stone before peeling away from him.

Collapsing to the ground with a relieved sigh, Shino felt the last traces of the energy fade away. "So, that was natural energy," he muttered, assessing the newfound strength coursing through his body.

After the evolution of his body into a true zerg lifeform, his enhanced physique could already compare to normal jonins. Now, combined with the assimilation of Jugo's powerful physique, it was unknown what level of strength he has reached.

"Shino!" Karina's voice filled with concern reached Shino's ears as she circled around him, inspecting him closely. "Are you alright, Shino?! I almost thought- almost thought-"

"No problem, Karina," As he got up, Shino reassured her with a lax tone. "Controlling natural energy is more challenging than expected. But when it's deactivated, it's simly like turning off sage mode. No harm done. Haha," His laughter carried a tinge of humor, an attempt to downplay Karina's worries.

Karina's expression grew frustrated as she poked Shino's chest repetitively, warning him, her voice laced with anger. "Hah?! This isn't the time for jokes, Shino! I've noticed hints of this when you absorbed Yakumo, and now it's confirmed. The more bloodlines you assimilate, the higher the risk of losing control of your emotions and body. We should study these risks before absorbing any more bloodlines."

Wrapping his hand around her waist, Shino pulled Karina close, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Okay, okay. I understand your concern, but I assure you, I'll be fine. And you know I won't be absorbing any more bloodlines anytime soon. After all, with the creation function's passive ability to safely strengthen me for every new gene we accumulate, there's no need to take risks like this. It's just that Jugo was an exceptional case. It was a necessary boost for both my physique and abilities. After all, his powers perfectly complements my zerg mutation from absorbing your Uzumaki bloodline. The power of devouring is a perfect match for a zerg dominator, so the more, the merrier. Don't you agree?"

"Humph," Karina pouted with exasperation as she cast a glance at the unconscious Jugo, his life sustained by the appendages attached to him. "Shino, are you really going to let him live? He poses a risk and may leak some of our secrets."

Stroking Karina's head affectionately, Shino nodded in affirmation. "Indeed, it is a promise I made. Despite being a scummy villain, I won't go back on my word in some things."

Karina giggled mischievously, recalling stories from the system database. "Huh, you promised not to kill him, but are you letting me do it for you instead?"

Playfully knocking Karina on the head, Shino shook his head. "No, Karina. I wasn't joking, and I certainly won't resort to cliche lines like that. From the very beginning, I never intended to take his life, and that remains true now. Perhaps it is my genuine intentions that helped me gain his trust."

Reflecting on the events unfolding in both reality and the original story, Shino continued, "After all, we shouldn't underestimate Jugo. His senses are remarkably sharp, and in the story, he can even detect Sasuke's killing intent. If I harbored ill will towards him, he might have detected it and activated his sage transformation to unleash havoc. Then, things would truly be troublesome, especially with Yakumo causing trouble, almost ruining my plan. Fortunately, despite his gentle nature, Jugo chose to believe in us after confirming the truth of my power to deprive Yakumo of her abilities. Since he placed his trust in me, I won't forsake him."

"So, we're really letting him go?" Karina muttered, her lips curling with dissatisfaction.

"Yes, Karina," Shino responded with determination. However, a sly smile crept across his face. "Of course, we must take necessary precautions. Let's give him an implant. If any information leaks, then we'll consider a more... permanent solution."

Karina giggled and nodded. "As expected of my dear, I knew you couldn't simply let him off so easily. Alright, I'll have one of my clones take care of it. Let's return to the base. And..."

Karina's voice turned sultry as she pressed herself against Shino's arm, whispering into his ear, "On our way back, let Karina perform a thorough inspection of my dear's body."

After another discreet journey on the Overlord to avoid detection, Shino and Karina finally returned to the safety of their own base. Due to his lapse of control over his newfound prowess, Shino had to support the weakened Karina, guiding her towards the plushy sofa in their lounge.

"Karina, it seems you'll need to find a way to upgrade yourself in the future, or else you won't be able to handle it all alone," Shino teased with a sly grin as he playfully squeezed her, letting her lean into his embrace on the couch.

Blushing, Karina licked her lips, her eyes filled with affection. "But I don't need to handle it alone, Shino."

Leaning closer to him, her warm breath tickling his ear, Karina whispered, "With your enhanced strength and stamina, perhaps we can seek a couple more concubines for you. How does that sound, Shino-sama?"

Shino gazed at Karina with deep eyes as he playfully pinched her face. "The jealous little goblin actually wants me to find more?"

"Even if I'm jealous... as long as it's your desire, I am willing to do anything for you, Shino," Karina declared, holding Shino's face gently, "But, I also want to request my dear to agree to a proposal."

"Oh? What proposal do you have in mind?" Shino asked, intrigued.

A mischievous smile graced Karina's face as she glanced toward the lounge door, where Kurenai had just entered. "Perhaps it's better for her to persuade you in person."

Shino's gaze shifted to Kurenai, who walked in with a flushed face. Raising an eyebrow, his eyes wandered to the sake cup she held in her hand. "You know I don't drink wine, Kurenai."

With a calm facade, Kurenai slightly swirled the cup as she replied. "It's not for you, Shino."

Gracefully sitting on the ground and tucking her legs beneath her body, Kurenai chugged the remaining sake, letting a couple droplets trail down her fair neck. After placing the masu gently on the ground, she locked her red gaze onto Shino and began to slowly crawl towards him.

Moments later, Shino detected the faint scent of wine as he found himself gazing down at Kurenai, who was testing his newfound strength in her own unique way. "Oh... Kurenai-sensei, you've been awfully active lately. Why is that?"

Kurenai didn't answer, her tongue deliriously rolling around as if intoxicated by the sake. Soon, she slithered upward before swiftly bringing her head down, testing the limits of her alcohol tolerance.

Shino's eyes narrowed slightly as he glanced at Karina, silently seeking an explanation. Karina giggled and leaned back to watch the spectacle unfold. "My dear, we can discuss everything once you've enjoyed this special service."

So, Shino shifted his gaze back to Kurenai, his curiosity brewing within him. What are these two hiding from him?

After a long lecture, Shino observed his tired teacher as she languidly wrapped her bandages around her legs and secret garden, where his fertilizer overflowed.

His voice filled with contentment due to his newly gained sage mode, Shino playfully remarked, "Ah, as expected of Kurenai-sensei. No wonder you can keep the man from the Sarutobi clan from attracting all sorts of bees and butterflies. So, tell me, what is it that you desire?"

Kurenai paused in her movements, her crimson gaze fixed on Shino in silence. Sensing her hesitation, Shino already had an inkling of what she wanted.

His voice remained calm as he deeply stared into Kurenai's eyes. "Even though it didn't succeed in the end, she still disrupted my plans and the seed of betrayal is already clear. I know what you've been doing, but even if you give your share to Yakumo, without my permission, she can't be a part of us. So, give me a reason why I should tolerate her."

Kurenai bowed her head, her voice steady as she replied, "She can be of use."

"Convince me," Shino asserted firmly, leaning back on the couch and coiling his arm around Karina's waist. He stared down at Kurenai with a playful smile, waiting for her response.

But Kurenai remained silent.

"Why aren't you saying anything?" Shino asked knowingly, a touch of mockery in his tone. "Is it because you also recognize that she doesn't hold much value apart from her trivial tricks? Her bloodline limit has been drained, and her weak resolve doesn't make her suitable to be a ninja. Her talent in genjutsu is redundant when both you and I possess those skills. As for her painting abilities? The AI-generated art from the system is superior and faster, and our bug printing system eliminates the need for traditional painting. So, what other useful talent does she possess?"

Kurenai continued to remain silent, her head bowing even lower. "Please," she pleaded softly.

Shino's eyes narrowed slightly as he stared down at Kurenai, lifting her chin to force her to meet his gaze. "Although I enjoy indulgence, I haven't stooped so low as to think solely with my lower body. Without any practical value, she is not worth being assimilate. So, since she desires freedom, I have decided to release her from her suffering, cleanly. Letting her off so easily was also in consideration of your feelings. Are you not satisfied? Do not test my patience, Kurenai."

Kurenai's body trembled slightly, tears welling up in her eyes as she weakly pleaded, "Please, Shino."

As Kurenai lowered her head submissively, testing his patience with her persuasion skills, a hint of anger surged within Shino, but before he could speak, Karina's gentle hand soothed him, and she chimed in, "My dear, we were already aware of the risks before we took action. There's no need to be angered by such trivial matters."

Suppressing his anger, Shino looked at Karina with a mix of confusion and relief. It was unusual for her not to be on his side. "Are you also siding with the outsider?"

Karina shook her head, playfully twirling her finger on Shino's chest as she replied, "My dear, you know that I always consider your best interests in all my decisions. This time, I simply thought it would be a waste to let her find rest so easily for what she has done. So, I have a proposal, one that can recycle waste and benefit you, my dear."

With a hint of interest, Shino focused his gaze on Karina. "Oh? What grand plan have you cooked up this time, Karina?"