Chapter 37: The So-Called Treatment, The So-Called Punishment

After parting ways with Pakura, Shishou used the Flying Thunder God to return directly to the priestess' palace in the Land of Demons.

In the following days, after helping the priestess resolve the mess left by the followers of the Yellow Springs Cult, Shishou returned to the Land of Fire with Uchiha Izumi.

Although he did not achieve his set goal this time, he did gain the priestess' promise, strengthening their bond.

So overall, it wasn't a bad outcome.

Moreover, Shishou transferred his Red Centipede to the priestess' care using the Flying Thunder God. This served two purposes: protecting the priestess and allowing him to contact her anytime.

Besides, Kakashi and the others had already seen the Red Centipede. Keeping it in the Forest of Death might draw their attention and lead them to suspect Shishou's identity.

...

Fire Source City residence, Uzumaki Eri's courtyard.

Knock, knock, knock!

Hearing the knock, Uzumaki Eri got up to open the door. Seeing Shishou, she quickly welcomed him inside.

"Lord, is there something you need?"

Uzumaki Eri sat nervously beside Shishou, speaking softly.

At this time, Karin was already getting along well with the Uchiha children and often went out to play, not returning home until dark.

Shishou sat in his seat, quietly looking at Uzumaki Eri.

After rescuing her, Shishou had left for the Land of Demons and now, half a month later, was visiting her for the first time.

Uzumaki Eri had recovered a lot, her face showing a bit more color and looking much prettier than before.

Especially with her naturally timid nature, it seemed she was always on the verge of tears, giving her a uniquely pitiful charm.

Seeing her made one want to ravage her thoroughly.

Uzumaki Eri, being from a remote branch of the Uzumaki clan, didn't know any sealing techniques, which was how she survived the clan's annihilation.

Karin was the same.

In the original story, Karin learned Kagura's Mind Eye and the Eight Trigrams Sealing through Orochimaru's help.

In other words, until Shishou obtained the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques, Uzumaki Eri and Karin wouldn't be of much use.

To obtain the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques,

he could either break into Konoha and forcibly acquire them,

seek them from Uzumaki Mito's granddaughter, Tsunade,

or find Orochimaru.

The first two options were impossible, so it seemed he only had the choice of seeking out Orochimaru.

Damn Orochimaru.

That guy's presence in the ninja world was just too significant.

He was unavoidable.

"Lord?"

Seeing Shishou staring at her without speaking, Uzumaki Eri asked fearfully.

"Since you don't know the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques, I was wondering what use you and your daughter could have in the future."

"I don't support idle people."

Looking at the tearful, pitiful Uzumaki Eri, Shishou spoke thoughtfully.

As he had said before, although he saved her out of goodwill,

it didn't mean he didn't expect something in return.

"Lord..."

"I-I can be useful."

"I can heal you..."

Hearing Shishou say he didn't support idle people, Uzumaki Eri quickly rolled up her sleeve, showing her arm to demonstrate her usefulness.

In the past ten days, she had not only had a fine house to live in, but also servants to attend to her. Even the lady of the house was kind to her, and everyone respected her.

Karin also had playmates now.

These were things she never dared to dream of before.

And it was all thanks to the man in front of her.

So hearing him say he didn't support idle people, she became anxious and uneasy.

Glancing at the bite marks on her arm, Shishou frowned.

After so long, the marks were still so clear. Her body must have been quite depleted before.

It seemed he needed to replenish her energy.

Seeing Shishou's disdainful look at her arm, Uzumaki Eri felt a chill, quickly covering the bite marks with her sleeve.

She then remembered that the man before her was also skilled in "medical techniques," making her feel very comfortable during treatment...

And the lady of the house was also proficient in medical techniques.

This made Uzumaki Eri feel a bit hopeless, as she couldn't think of any other way to be useful.

Shishou gently caressed Uzumaki Eri's beautiful face, pushing her down and disarming her.

"Lord..."

Uzumaki Eri thought of something but dared not resist, letting him remove her clothing piece by piece.

"Don't overthink it; I'm treating you."

"You need to heal well to be more useful."

Shishou muttered, placing his hand on her body, channeling the energy absorbed by the Chakra Bugs back into her.

"Hmm..."

Uzumaki Eri shuddered, her pale face turning a deep red that spread to her ears.

Is this really how you treat someone...

...

An hour later.

"Take good care of yourself. Once you're better, I'll arrange for someone to teach you sealing techniques."

"For now, rest. I'll come to help with your treatment when I have time."

Shishou looked at the blushing, timid Uzumaki Eri and spoke calmly.

Such a beauty!

Seeing her in this endearing state, Shishou marveled inwardly.

"Yes, my lord."

Uzumaki Eri knelt before Shishou, submissive like a pet.

What a temptress!

Seeing Uzumaki Eri's perfect curves, Shishou held his breath, quickly using the Flying Thunder God to leave, fearing that if he stayed longer, he might act on normal male impulses.

...

Arriving at Uchiha Mikoto's place, Shishou quickly found her diligently studying ninjutsu in her room.

To improve her strength as quickly as possible, Mikoto spent most of her time studying ninjutsu, except for a weekly briefing from Takeko.

Although the Uchiha clan's strength significantly increased upon awakening the Mangekyo Sharingan, Mikoto didn't neglect other ninjutsu studies.

Seeing Mikoto studying seriously, Shishou felt a bit helpless.

Mikoto's genjutsu talent was mediocre, her swordsmanship talent was lacking, and her only notable skills were Water Release ninjutsu and medical techniques.

But even those were just passable.

This left Shishou with no other options to strengthen her except finding a way to awaken her Mangekyo Sharingan.

"When did you get here?"

Mikoto, after finishing the scroll in her hand, noticed Shishou standing beside her and asked.

"Just now. Here, I brought you something."

Shishou took out a box from a scroll and handed it to Uchiha Mikoto.

"Something to wear?"

"What kind of clothing?"

Uchiha Mikoto put down the scroll, curiously looking at what Shishou handed her.

"See for yourself."

Shishou smiled.

Mikoto opened the box, glanced inside, then quickly closed it, her face turning bright red.

It was something she had never worn before.

Seeing Mikoto's reaction, Shishou chuckled, leaning close to her ear and whispering:

"This is your punishment for failing the mission in the Land of Grass."

Mikoto: "..."