Chapter 107: A Special Wedding Gift!

At the border of the Land of Fire.

When Shūichi woke up, the sky was already bright.

He took over the watch from Shinnosuke and Chihiro, remaining on alert himself, while his shadow clone went to search for food.

By mid-morning, a spread of fragrant roasted rabbit and fish soup was laid out in front of Shinnosuke and Chihiro.

Chihiro couldn't help but laugh, "This must be the happiest moment!"

Shinnosuke nodded in agreement.

With the roasted meat and fish soup in their stomachs, their exhaustion vanished.

"By the way, Shūichi, your Fire and Wind release techniques have reached such a level—are you planning to explore the fusion of the two chakra natures next?" Chihiro asked.

Shūichi nodded. "That's what I have in mind."

"If I can master Scorch Release, it'll make controlling the Scorch Release Chakra Mode easier, and its power will be even greater."

"Of course, that's just one specialized path. I'll be developing in other directions too."

Shinnosuke chuckled, "There are seven chakra nature transformations in total, and you've already mastered them all, haven't you?"

Chihiro was surprised. She hadn't noticed this before.

Shūichi admitted with a nod, "Yes, in terms of chakra nature transformation, I've already mastered all of them."

Chihiro exclaimed, "What… mastering all seven chakra natures at the age of 10?"

"I remember you were born with two affinities, Shūichi. You're truly in a league of your own."

Shūichi smiled and replied, "But Captain, you've mastered six yourself!"

He had never seen Shinnosuke use any Yang Release techniques.

Moreover, counting from when he started training at age five, it had already been four years by last year.

Nagato had mastered six transformations in just three years.

Indeed, only prodigies can be compared to other prodigies.

Shinnosuke, hearing Shūichi's words, smiled wryly and shook his head. "Shūichi, at your age, I wasn't nearly this impressive."

Chihiro added, "I don't think anyone your age could compare to you, Shūichi."

Shinnosuke nodded in deep agreement.

Even Namikaze Minato, hailed as a genius, while impressive at that age—having rescued Uzumaki Kushina from the hands of the Cloud ninja—still hadn't reached Shūichi's level.

After some idle chatter, the three of them set off. By the time they returned to Konoha, it was already around 2 p.m.

Shūichi and Chihiro headed to the changing room, while Shinnosuke went to the Hokage's office to report on the mission to Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Particularly regarding the final battle, Shinnosuke gave a detailed report.

Sarutobi Hiruzen listened attentively, smoking more and more quickly as his surprise and joy grew.

When Shinnosuke finished, Hiruzen couldn't help but remark, "To have reached this level so quickly?"

"An astonishing talent, truly surpassing even Minato!"

Shinnosuke nodded and said, "Based on this battle's evaluation, I believe Shūichi's strength is now comparable to the Sannin or even elite Jonin like Sakumo-senpai."

"And given his age, along with his self-discipline, hard work, and talent, it's clear he has immense potential for future growth."

"Moreover, Shūichi has mastered all seven chakra nature transformations. When he asked me for advice on Earth, Water, and Lightning Release, his ability to comprehend them was exceptional. I think it's only a matter of time before he becomes a true all-rounder."

"Not only that, he's also been learning sealing techniques from Minato and Kushina, and he's said to be highly talented in that area as well..."

"I believe that in the future, Shūichi will become someone just like you, Father!"

That was high praise indeed.

Yet Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded in agreement. He even thought of something Shinnosuke hadn't mentioned.

That was Shūichi's sharp political instincts.

Looking at it this way, Shūichi was shaping up to be a perfectly suitable candidate to inherit the title of Hokage.

However, given Shūichi's age, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt that such considerations were matters for the next generation of Hokage.

...

Root Headquarters

While Sarutobi Hiruzen listened to Shinnosuke's report, Danzo was also reviewing intelligence sent back from the Land of Rain.

Twelve Iwa-nin, including two full Jonin squads, were all dead.

"Fire Release, Wind Release... could it be Shūichi Hoshita?" Danzo's eyes gleamed.

He was well aware of Shinnosuke's abilities—nearly a replica of a young Sarutobi Hiruzen.

But based on the battlefield report, the style didn't match Shinnosuke's.

"The growth is astonishing, just like Namikaze Minato in his prime…" Danzo felt a twinge of concern.

He realized that he couldn't easily control this cunning youngster.

"If that's the case, I'll have to form an alliance with him, like I did with Orochimaru, through mutual interests."

Danzo made his decision.

If Shūichi were willing to join his side, not only would he have access to various forbidden techniques from the Scroll of Seals, but Danzo would even be willing to share some of the current results from the Wood Release research.

However, if the boy insisted on opposing him and threatened Konoha's stability, Danzo wouldn't hesitate to destroy him.

---

Iwagakure, Tsuchikage's Office

Ōnoki looked at the intelligence report before him, his expression grim.

Twelve elite ninja, including two Jonin squads, were wiped out.

And it was done by only three opponents!

"Are we sure it's the same Konoha ninja who attacked Rōshi last time?" Ōnoki asked, lifting his head.

Kitsuchi nodded. "We can confirm it. Chakra sensing is more reliable than facial recognition, unless the enemy can alter their chakra signature."

Ōnoki snorted softly. "Fire Release, Wind Release... and seemingly young."

"Activate our spies in Konoha. Find this guy, and then..."

"Post a bounty. Ten million… no, thirty million!"

Kitsuchi nodded immediately and left to make the arrangements.

---

Kumogakure, Raikage's Office

After swiftly reading through the intelligence, the Third Raikage turned to Dodai. "Are we sure it's the same brat who forced the AB Duo to retreat in embarrassment?"

Dodai nodded. "According to the reports from the Land of Rain, it's almost certain."

"In Konoha, there's only one person with such Fire Release skills who also belongs to the ANBU. It can't be anyone else."

The Third Raikage smirked. "Ōnoki really took a hard hit this time, but..."

He glanced at the intelligence on his desk. "Someone this young must already have a reputation as a genius in Konoha, right?"

"Can we confirm his identity?"

Dodai replied, "Based on our analysis, he's most likely Konoha's youngest Chunin, Shūichi Hoshita."

"He graduated at six and became a Chunin that same year. He was a subordinate of Konoha's Yellow Flash, Namikaze Minato."

"But current intelligence suggests that Minato's team consists of three other individuals, so it's likely that Shūichi has been moved to Konoha's ANBU."

"Given Konoha's traditions, this is entirely reasonable."

The Third Raikage slammed his desk and roared, "In that case, let's mobilize our forces and eliminate this brat!"

Dodai quickly interjected, "Raikage-sama, with all due respect."

"Judging by the strength Shūichi has displayed, unless we mount a large-scale assault, only you personally could guarantee his death."

"We need to treat him the same way we treated Konoha's White Fang; otherwise, we'll end up like Iwagakure, wasting resources and manpower for nothing."

The Third Raikage snorted. "You give him too much credit!"

Despite his words, he heeded Dodai's advice and asked, "So what's your suggestion?"

Dodai responded immediately, "Sell this intelligence to Iwa-nin. I'm sure they'll be eager for revenge."

Although the Third Raikage disliked such indirect approaches, he nodded. "Fine, let's do that!"

...

In Konoha, Shūichi Hoshita, having just left the ANBU headquarters, had no idea that he was already being discussed by both the Tsuchikage and Raikage.

After heading home to freshen up, he went to the Akimichi family's noodle shop for a bowl of udon, then made his way to Konoha Hospital to visit Shizune and the others.

He hadn't seen them for over half a month and missed them quite a bit.

However, when he arrived at the hospital, he saw Rin Nohara and Shizune together with Nonō Yakushi.

After exchanging greetings, he couldn't help but ask, "Rin, are you on a break?"

Rin nodded with a smile, "Minato Sensei and Kushina-san are preparing for their wedding. They said they're waiting for you to come back to finalize the date!"

Shūichi was pleasantly surprised, "Looks like I came back just in time."

"Well, I won't bother you all. I'll head over to Minato Sensei's place."

Waving goodbye, Shūichi left Konoha Hospital and made his way to Minato's house.

It was Kushina Uzumaki who opened the door, and she was overjoyed to see him. "We were just talking about you! Haha, you've come back right on cue. Come in!"

Inside, Shūichi found Minato busy decorating the house, so he quickly went over to help.

Not long after, Kakashi and Obito Uchiha also showed up, carrying supplies.

It turned out that Kushina had sent them out to buy things for the wedding.

Under Kushina's hands-on direction, the four of them spent the whole afternoon setting up the house, giving it a proper wedding atmosphere.

After inspecting the place, Kushina nodded in satisfaction, "This will do!"

Then, turning to Minato, she said, "Since Shūichi and Jiraiya-sensei are both back in the village, let's set the date for the day after tomorrow!"

Minato smiled and nodded, "No problem. The day after tomorrow it is!"

On April 24th, in the 43rd year of Konoha, this would be the wedding day of Namikaze Minato and Uzumaki Kushina.

Shūichi and the others immediately offered their congratulations.

Kushina grinned and added, "Make sure you don't forget to bring us a wedding gift, or else…"

She raised her fist in a playful threat.

Obito couldn't help but complain, "Who asks for gifts so directly?"

In the next instant, he received a punch from Kushina. "You're not allowed to talk back to your future sensei's wife!"

Obito clutched his head, wailing in pain, while Kakashi shot him a disdainful look.

Shūichi chuckled at the scene, then turned to Minato and asked, "Sensei, are you expecting a lot of people at the wedding?"

Minato smiled, "Not too many."

"Kushina and I don't have many relatives, so apart from you all, it'll just be a few close friends."

"Oh, and we've invited the Third Hokage to be our officiant."

Shūichi was a bit surprised at first, but then realized it made sense.

Though Minato's reputation as the Yellow Flash was already spreading throughout the ninja world, he wasn't yet the future Fourth Hokage who would turn the tides of war.

But whether there were many guests or not didn't matter—happiness wouldn't be diminished by the size of the crowd.

So after hearing this, Shūichi smiled and said, "Looks like it won't be too exhausting for me, then!"

Kushina immediately grabbed Shūichi by the neck, laughing, "What, Shūichi, are you planning to slack off?"

…

After having dinner at Minato's house, it was already dusk when Shūichi said goodbye to Kakashi and Obito and made his way to Orochimaru's lab.

On the way, he found himself pondering what to give as a wedding gift.

"Choosing a gift is really a headache!"

Shūichi scratched his head.

He couldn't just give something like kunai or other fancy ninja tools like Tenka had gifted him before—that would be too inauspicious!

After much thought, with no conclusion, he found himself arriving at Orochimaru's lab.

Seeing Shūichi, Orochimaru smiled, "Shūichi-kun, your recent mission caused quite a stir!"

Shūichi paused for a moment, then realized that Root had collected intel from the battlefield. He smiled back, "We had already retreated, but the Iwa-nin chased after us. Orochimaru-sama, I had no choice."

Orochimaru chuckled softly and said, "Danzō seems to have some concerns about you."

Shūichi laughed lightly, "If I don't cooperate with him, he might try to eliminate me?"

Orochimaru neither confirmed nor denied, saying instead, "In fact, the chaos in the Land of Rain aligns with our interests, doesn't it?"

Shūichi, while working, replied, "That's not up to me; it depends on what the Third Hokage thinks."

"The will of the Hokage is our will."

Orochimaru immediately understood.

Shūichi suddenly asked, "Orochimaru-sama, did you know that Minato Sensei is getting married?"

"What do you think I should give as a wedding gift?"

Orochimaru, reminiscing, said, "Minato... no wonder that fool Jiraiya is in the village."

"As for a wedding gift..."

After thinking for a moment, Orochimaru gave a meaningful smile, "Shūichi-kun, I think your idea regarding the Jinchūriki of the tailed beasts would be quite fitting."

Shūichi was momentarily stunned.

...

After finishing his work in the lab, Shūichi returned home, washed up, and lay on his bed, contemplating Orochimaru's suggestion.

Perhaps Orochimaru knew that he knew Kushina Uzumaki was the Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails.

Or maybe Orochimaru was subtly reminding him of it.

Shūichi leaned toward the latter.

In fact, it had to be the latter.

"It's actually a good suggestion, but it's still just a theory—it hasn't been tested."

"Unless I test it myself right now..."

Shūichi frowned.

If he could help Kushina tame the Nine-Tails' power, it would indeed be a great feat.

Even if she couldn't become a perfect Jinchūriki, if she could control the Nine-Tails' power and form the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, it would be astounding.

Moreover, when it came to sealing techniques, Minato-sensei hadn't taught him much. Most of what he learned had come from Kushina Uzumaki.

The Five Elements Seal, the Evil Sealing Method, Contract Seals, and even their joint research into the Reaper Death Seal...

"There are some things I can't change no matter what, but there are others I can..."

Having made up his mind, Shūichi couldn't help but think of Orochimaru, feeling a bit impressed: "As expected of Snake bastard, he truly understands people's hearts!"

Now, Shūichi was sure that Orochimaru didn't know he knew about Kushina being the Jinchūriki; the earlier conversation was purely a reminder.

One of Orochimaru's goals was likely to push him into conducting human experiments.

Sitting up, Shūichi dressed, tidied himself up, left a shadow clone behind, and carefully opened the window before leaping out.

He returned to Orochimaru's lab, where he retrieved a large piece of preserved flesh from the Four-Tails, sealed it into a scroll, and took it with him.

After he left, Orochimaru appeared from the shadows, chuckling softly, "I knew I wasn't wrong about him!"

"Now, it's just a matter of waiting... how exciting!"

...

On the other side, after leaving Orochimaru's lab, Shūichi arrived at a area near the Forest of Death.

There, he found an open space and took out sealing tags, attaching them to kunai and embedding them into the ground.

With a thought, a faint purple chakra glow erupted from the tags, forming a dome-like barrier that enveloped the entire clearing.

Shūichi, now well-versed in sealing techniques and curse marks, effortlessly set up the barrier.

Once it was ready, Shūichi opened the scroll and unsealed the piece of flesh that had fallen from the Four-Tails' tail.

Holding the head-sized chunk of meat in his hands, Shūichi frowned, "Should I sprinkle some cumin on this?"

"Grilling it might ruin the effects, right?"

"But the Tag System didn't say it has to be eaten raw..."

If not for the system, Shūichi would've preferred to cultivate the Four-Tails' cells, like Orochimaru, and grow a tail of the Four-Tails to seal inside himself, using it as a chakra battery.

Gritting his teeth, Shūichi closed his eyes and bit into the flesh.

No risks taken, no rewards gained!

No craziness lived, no craziness attained!

No perversion dared, no perversion achieved!

(End of Chapter)

T/N: The Next Chapter Gonna Be Awesome! Believe it!

And why the fuck is the Chinese authors Writes Orochimaru as 'she' and 'Auntie Snake'??? Just WHYYYY.. I preferred Orochimaru as 'He' so I changed it.

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