Chapter 95: Worth Two Asuma Heads

"Let's sit and talk," Shinho Aburame suggested, tilting his head upward to look at Mabui. His neck was getting tired from staring up, though he couldn't help but notice how well-proportioned her figure was.

From this angle, her impressive physique was quite evident, though it wasn't as extreme as her colleague Samui. Shinho couldn't help feeling a bit envious. The Fourth Raikage's secretary was not only beautiful but also smart and calm under pressure.

Shinho made a mental note: if he ever became Hokage, he'd make sure to have two capable female secretaries by his side.

Mabui took a step closer and sat next to him. Her pencil skirt tightened as she sat down, emphasizing her curves. The hemline rode up slightly, revealing her toned, dark legs.

"How did Lady Tsunade learn about the Nokizaru Group?" Mabui asked, leaning forward slightly to better speak with Shinho, given how young he was.

Her body angled toward him, and as she leaned, her neckline opened a little, revealing a hint of her dark skin beneath the mesh beneath her top.

"The bounty posted by Sugi Village," Shinho explained, not missing a beat. "The major Shinhobi villages all received the intel. it involves the famous Fourth Raikage, after all."

Mabui's doubts about Shinho's credibility vanished at that moment. She assessed the boy, now trying to figure out how best to gain his cooperation.

As Tsunade's student, their relationship was likely close. With a student this adorable, surely a simple plea from him could sway Tsunade to agree.

"The Nokizaru Group has a unique insect, the Exploding Bug," Shinho continued, getting straight to the point. "The fact that you're here to see my teacher means someone in Kumogakure has been infected by it."

Mabui was taken aback, her composure slipping for a moment. How could he know so much?

This child wouldn't be as easy to manipulate as she had initially thought. Or maybe Tsunade had predicted their visit and briefed her student ahead of time.

The more she thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. You couldn't underestimate one of the legendary Sannin.

Given the situation, it was clear they'd have to pay a hefty price.

"You're right," Mabui admitted after a pause. "We would like Lady Tsunade's help."

Since her intentions were already uncovered, there was no point in pretending.

"Seventy million ryō and the Lightning Release Chakra Mode," Shinho stated boldly.

"Seventy million ryō is acceptable, but the Lightning Release Chakra Mode is out of the question," Mabui replied, her tone steady, not even flinching for a moment. "Besides, seventy million ryō for saving a jōnin is already a steep price."

"What if we add the Fourth Raikage to the mix?" Shinho asked, a small smile playing on his lips.

"What do you mean by that?" Mabui's calm demeanor faltered for the first time.

"The Exploding Bug is silent and invisible. The Fourth Raikage has already been infected," Shinho explained. "The only reason he's still fine is because of his strong body, which is delaying the effects."

Mabui's brows furrowed in concern. This was not something she had anticipated.

"How can you be so sure?" Mabui asked, her gaze narrowing as she studied the boy.

"I'm not, check it yourself," Shinho said calmly.

Mabui was silent, but she was already inclined to believe him.

"The Lightning Release Chakra Mode is a crucial technique for Kumogakure's survival. We cannot trade it," Mabui responded firmly. "However, we can offer other Lightning Release techniques."

Shinho thought to himself that this response was expected. The Lightning Release Chakra Mode was to Kumogakure what the Flying Thunder God Technique was to Konoha.

In the original timeline, both Karai and the Fourth Raikage were infected with the Exploding Bug. While Karai's life was on the line, the Fourth Raikage remained unaffected due to his strength.

Kumogakure might be willing to sacrifice Karai to protect their village's secret technique, especially since the Fourth Raikage could survive long enough to find an alternative solution—either by capturing the Nokizaru Group or finding another medical ninja.

But other Lightning Release techniques held little value for Shinho. He needed something more useful—something like Mabui's Heavenly Transfer Technique.

The Heavenly Transfer Technique was an S-rank space-time ninjutsu that allowed high-speed transportation of objects to a specified location. The drawback was that the technique's speed caused objects to disintegrate upon arrival, meaning it couldn't be used to transport living things—except for the Fourth Raikage and Tsunade, who had survived due to their strength and healing abilities.

Shinho didn't plan to learn it himself, but members of his future organization, Heaven's Will, could definitely benefit from it.

"Seventy million ryō and the Heavenly Transfer Technique," Shinho proposed, his eyes glinting with interest.

Mabui considered this carefully. She had publicly used the Heavenly Transfer Technique before, so it wasn't surprising that Konoha would know about it.

Compared to the Lightning Release Chakra Mode, the Heavenly Transfer Technique was much less valuable, given its limitations and high chakra consumption.

"One half of the money, since you're asking for the Heavenly Transfer Technique," Mabui negotiated. "If that's acceptable, I'll go discuss it with the Raikage."

Shinho thought it over and nodded. "Deal. You can find us at the inn next door."

"Good," Mabui said with a faint smile.

"How rude of me, I never introduced myself, I'm Maubi!" Maubi said with a relaxed smile as she held out her hand.

Though their conversation had been brief, Shinho left a strong impression on her. He was young, intelligent, and had a connection to Tsunade—certainly someone to keep an eye on.

Konoha's future will likely see him as a significant figure, Mabui thought to herself.

"I'm Shinho Aburame, nice to meet you," he replied plainly, shaking her hand.

There was no reason to hide it—Konoha was bound to disclose the information anyway. Within a day, the Raikage would likely have his entire profile on hand.

"An Aburame?" Mabui raised her eyebrows, clearly surprised. A medical genius emerging from the Aburame clan was... unexpected.

"Well then, Shinho," she said as she stood up. "Until next time."

After she left, Tsunade suddenly appeared, her expression frustrated. She had clearly just lost all of the two hundred thousand ryō and was likely coming to ask for more money.

"Who was that?" Tsunade asked, noticing Mabui as she left. She felt like she had seen the woman somewhere before.

"A Kumogakure ninja, Mabui," Shinho explained. "She came to ask for your help."

"Not interested," Tsunade said immediately, brushing off the thought. She had no desire to help Shinhobi from other villages.

"They're offering thirty-five million ryō and the Heavenly Transfer Technique," Shinho added.

The sum wasn't arbitrary—Shinho had based it on the value of Asuma Sarutobi, the son of the Third Hokage and a Konoha jōnin, whose bounty in the black market was also thirty-five million ryō.

Karai alone wasn't worth that much, but adding in the Fourth Raikage's life pushed the value up significantly. Even then, the final price had been halved, factoring in the Heavenly Transfer Technique.

"That much?" Tsunade's eyes lit up at the mention of the money. She had been worried about her lack of funds, and now this opportunity had just fallen into her lap.

"Yes," Shinho inwardly celebrated, feeling that he'd successfully secured the deal.

"Let Shizune handle the negotiations," Tsunade said with a sly grin creeping onto her face. With this much money, she figured she could gamble for a whole month.

[Achievement unlocked: Tsunade's 'Great Judge of Character'.]

[Reward: the Moonwhril Gu, a second-rank Gu worm that shoots out a green crescent blade in a curved trajectory, making it difficult for enemies to defend against.]

Shinho was quite pleased. It was an unexpected windfall. Similar to the Moonlight Gu that sent blades out in straight lines, the Moonwhirl Gu sent out blades in curves. Both were useful tools at his disposal.

"How did you know about the Heavenly Transfer Technique?" Tsunade asked suddenly, suspicion creeping into her tone.

"My dad told me," Shinho replied without missing a beat, his face completely calm. "He saw it during the last war."

"The Heavenly Transfer Technique can be very useful in certain situations. It has strategic value," Tsunade remarked as she ruffled his hair affectionately. "You did well this time."

Even Tsunade acknowledged that, at only six years old, Shinho had managed negotiations exceptionally well. If she were in his position, the most she would have secured was the same offer Mabui gave.

Considering his age, it showed just how promising his future could be. Perhaps, she mused, this kid really did have the makings of a future Hokage.

"Now give me more money," Tsunade abruptly shifted the conversation, holding out her hand expectantly.

Shinho looked up and met her gaze. But just like her generous curves, Tsunade's thick skin was unyielding.

"Shouldn't we eat first?" Shinho asked.

"If you're hungry, you should go find Shizune," Tsunade replied, determination flashing in her eyes. "I won't eat until I win it all back!"

Shinho sighed inwardly. You'll starve to death at this rate.

Still, he reluctantly handed her another 200,000 ryō. With that, Tsunade eagerly dove back into gambling, confident as if she was just moments away from a huge win.

Shinho glanced at the disguised Shizune, who had transformed into a different woman in a kimono, and sighed. Without me, this family would fall apart, he thought.

Leaving the casino, Shinho returned to the inn and asked the innkeeper to prepare two bento boxes. Since Tsunade had already declared him her "son," no one at the casino stopped him from re-entering.

"Here," Shinho handed her one of the bento boxes.

"Huh?" The originally impatient Tsunade blinked in surprise when she saw the meal and quickly softened her demeanor.

She felt a twinge of guilt. This kid is too thoughtful, which only makes me look worse in comparison, she thought.

But the feeling didn't last long, and she quickly pushed it aside, happily chewing on her rice ball while continuing to bet.

Shinho then found Shizune and handed her the second bento box.

Shizune was deeply touched and expressed her gratitude by vigorously rubbing his head.

Shinho quickly escaped her grasp and mentally noted her act of "repaying kindness with mischief" in his little notebook. He'd make sure to repay her in the future.

...

Knock, knock.

"How did it go?" The Fourth Raikage immediately opened the door, his large frame looming in the entrance.

"Not so fast," Mabui said, shaking her head. "C, come over and inspect Raikage-sama's body."

"Inspect my body?" The Raikage thumped his chest, scoffing. "I don't need any inspection."

C, the Raikage's trusted medic-nin, looked just as confused. After all, the Raikage was as strong as an ox—he didn't appear sick at all.

"The Nokizaru Group's Exploding Bugs are silent and invisible. I suspect Raikage-sama has been infected as well," Mabui stated firmly. "C, check him thoroughly. The bugs may not have activated yet."

The Fourth Raikage frowned. To be honest, he found it hard to believe. After all, he was one of the fastest men alive, rivalling even the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze.

Once he activated his Lightning Release Chakra Mode, even the Flying Thunder God Technique couldn't outpace him.

However, he eventually relented and allowed the examination.

"All right." C's face grew solemn as he stretched out his hands, knowing full well that Raikage-sama's safety was crucial for the future of Kumogakure.

Mabui watched on, her usually calm demeanor slipping slightly into nervousness. She hoped the Raikage was fine—if he was unaffected, the deal with Konoha would cost them much less.

"It's true," Cee exclaimed, his face pale with shock. "There's a small Exploding Bug lodged in Raikage-sama's chest, and it's just starting to grow."

"Those bugs are more dangerous than I thought," the Raikage muttered, his expression shifting from skepticism to concern.

Mabui's mind raced. How did Shinho Aburame know? Was it just a guess? Or did Tsunade have a hand in this as well?

"C," Mabui steadied herself, asking, "can you remove it before it matures?"

"I need time," Cee answered after a pause. "At least a month. But during that time, Raikage-sama can't use his chakra."

"That's not happening," the Raikage immediately rejected. "Asking me not to use chakra for a month? You might as well kill me."

"Then we'll have to make a deal with Tsunade," Mabui nodded. "Thirty-five million ryō and the Heavenly Transfer Technique."

"The Heavenly Transfer Technique?" the Raikage grumbled, displeased. "She's asking for a lot."

Space-time ninjutsu like the Heavenly Transfer Technique were invaluable, their worth far exceeding any monetary amount.

"It's not just for healing Karai," Mabui pointed out calmly. "We're talking about your life as well, Raikage-sama. Plus, they might not even be able to master the technique."

The Raikage thought it over. The Heavenly Transfer Technique was only mastered by Mabui herself, and few in Konoha would have the talent to use it effectively. In the grand scheme, the risk wasn't too great... maybe.

"All right," he agreed. "But I want to add one more condition: they need to help us eliminate the Nokizaru Group"

The Nokizaru Group had killed his guards, and he wasn't about to let that slide. But he also didn't want to risk more of his men falling victim to the Exploding Bugs. The best solution was to bring Tsunade along.

"I'll go and negotiate," Mabui said, turning to leave.

She first headed to the inn but found it empty, so she returned to the casino.

Just as before, she found Tsunade engrossed in her gambling, while Shinho sat nearby with his eyes closed, seemingly meditating.

"We meet again, little one," Mabui greeted with a warm smile.

Shinho opened his eyes, and his gaze landed on her tightly fitted pencil skirt. The hem stopped just above her knees, revealing her dark, toned calves.

"Raikage-sama has agreed to your terms," Mabui said directly, "but with one additional condition: you need to help us take down the Nokizaru Group."

"I want the Exploding Bugs," Shinho replied, his tone calm. "As a member of the Aburame clan, it's only natural I ask for them."

Mabui's heart skipped a beat. If Shinho Aburame gained control of such a deadly weapon, it could spell major trouble down the line.

But there was no choice; she was cornered. And who knows if this kid would even grow strong enough to be a real threat?

"Fine," Mabui agreed reluctantly. "You can have the Exploding Bugs."

[tl/n: Hell, I'm confused, am I misremembering something? I think I'm, misremembering something! do I have to watch naruto once more to get to the bottom of this?

ps. I did try looking up the wiki, but it's even more confusing.]

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