Konoha: Gu master

After bathing, Shinho retired to his room to rest. He wasn’t picky about where he slept, so he slept soundly.

The next morning, a knock at the door woke him. Shinho dressed quickly and opened the door.

"Shinho, your toiletries are ready in the bathroom," Shizune reminded him. "Once you're done, come to the living room for breakfast."

"Thanks, Shizune-nee-san," Shinho replied, heading to the bathroom.

As he descended the stairs, he bumped into Tsunade, who was adjusting her black obi as she walked.

Shinho caught a brief glimpse of her curves before she noticed him.

"Kid, what are you doing here?" Tsunade asked, tugging on her obi, which accentuated her slim waist and full figure.

"I stayed the night," Shinho explained.

"Got it," Tsunade yawned and didn’t press further.

Shinho entered the bathroom, where Shizune had laid out two toothbrushes and cups, clearly prepared for him. He began brushing his teeth next to Tsunade, who seemed lost in thought while washing up. For a moment, she had a fleeting memory of her younger brother, Nawaki, brushing his teeth beside her.

"I’m ready, sensei," Shinho said, snapping Tsunade out of her reverie as he finished washing his face.

She watched him leave without a word.

At the breakfast table, Shizune was already seated, and Shinho sat beside her, leaving the head seat for Tsunade.

"Milk prices have gone up since I last visited the village," Shizune remarked, pouring a glass for Shinho.

The milk was mainly for him; Tsunade and Shizune didn’t need it, but they figured it would help Shinho as he was still growing.

Prices haven't changed at all in years, Shinho thought, momentarily recalling the misleading propaganda he’d seen in his previous life. He had almost internalized those phrases back then.

"It’s Friday today," Shizune said hopefully, turning to Shinho. "Do you have any plans for the weekend?"

"Studying medical ninjutsu," Shinho answered before adding, "But I’m going fishing Sunday afternoon."

He referred to his fishing contest with Naruto—a matter of pride that couldn’t be ignored.

"Alright," Shizune smiled warmly. "I’ll make sure to treat you well over the weekend."

Treat? Shinho thought, a bit suspicious. Before he could respond, Tsunade entered the room, and Shinho noticed something felt different about her.

"Let’s eat," Tsunade said flatly, picking up her chopsticks.

Shizune glanced at Tsunade, sensing something was off, but didn’t dare ask.After breakfast, Shinho grabbed his backpack and headed to the ninja academy.

The morning lessons were as dull as ever, filled with theoretical lectures. But the afternoon held the promise of excitement: sparring practice.

After Iruka finished his lesson, it was time for the duel sessions.

Sasuke raised his hand, but Naruto beat him to the punch.

"Sensei!" Naruto shouted enthusiastically. "I challenge Shinho Aburame!"

"???"

Sasuke’s face immediately contorted with confusion. He almost lost his composure.

Is he serious?

Sasuke had observed all his classmates closely, and Naruto’s fundamentals were the weakest by far.

His punches were weak, his form was sloppy, and his reaction time was slow. In short, none of his moves were refined.

And now he wanted to spar with Shinho? It was absurd.

Iruka felt similarly puzzled. He didn’t know whether to agree to the match or not.

Naruto turned to Shinho, eyes filled with hope. His intent was simple—he just wanted to spar with his friend.

"I’ll spar with Naruto first," Shinho said as he stood up, whispering to Sasuke as he passed, "I haven’t forgotten about our match."

Sasuke felt slightly reassured and nodded coldly, watching to see if Naruto could force Shinho to reveal any new techniques. Although, he doubted that would happen.

"Watch out, Shinho!" Naruto yelled, rushing at him with a wild punch.

Naruto’s movements were sloppy and full of openings. Shinho calmly raised his elbow to block the punch.

Decent strength, Shinho thought, mildly surprised before realizing it was expected. Naruto was, after all, an Uzumaki and housed the Nine-Tails, making his physical endurance exceptional.

Shinho didn’t use any of his Gu abilities, and even the passive boosts from the White and Black Boar Gu were carefully restrained.

"Let’s go again!" Naruto yelled, spinning around and kicking out at Shinho.

Shinho responded with a kick of his own, but with more precision, striking Naruto’s ankle and sending him tumbling to the ground.

Naruto quickly got back up, charging at Shinho with renewed determination, the two engaging in a back-and-forth exchange.

Iruka shook his head. It was clear that Shinho was holding back as he was letting Naruto flail at him.

He was humoring the boy, not really fighting.

Sasuke smirked confidently from the sidelines. Shinho wasn’t as strong as he had thought. Maybe ninja from smaller clans weren’t so intimidating after all.

Naruto fell again, and this time Shinho extended a hand to help him up.

"Let’s call it a draw today," Shinho said with a kind smile. "We’ll spar again another time."

Naruto blinked, stunned. He knew full well he hadn’t been able to land a single hit, but hearing Shinho call it a draw made his chest tighten with emotion.

I must’ve hit too hard, he reasoned, wiping his eyes.

"Alright! I’ll let you off easy this time!" Naruto grinned widely, grabbing Shinho’s hand and pulling himself up, limping slightly as he walked away.

Shinho watched Naruto’s retreating form, feeling slightly puzzled. No achievement?

Just then, Sasuke approached, his face cold and determined.

"You’re going to lose!" Sasuke declared, brimming with certainty.

Shinho glanced up at the sky. It was, indeed, a clear, sunny day.

He wasn’t planning to hold back against Sasuke. If he wanted to unlock his achievements, he’d have to take this fight seriously.

The two squared off, forming hand signs in preparation.

The other students whispered excitedly among themselves. Both Sasuke and Shinho were the most admired students in the class—not only for their skills but also for their good looks.

"Go, Sasuke-kun! You can do it!" Sakura cheered, fists pumping as she played the role of cheerleader.

"Shinho-kun! You’ve got this!" Ino, not wanting to be outdone, stood with her hands on her hips, tossing her blonde ponytail as she glared at Sakura. Sparks flew between the two girls.

"Girls are scary," Shikamaru muttered, lying on the ground, giving an exaggerated shiver.

Hinata clutched the hem of her jacket nervously. She wanted to cheer for Shinho like Ino did, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it, instead watching enviously from the sidelines.

"Who do you think will win, Shikamaru?" Kiba asked eagerly.

"I don’t know," Shikamaru replied lazily.

"Of course… ugh… Shinho will win!" Naruto grimaced, still aching from their sparring match.

Kiba turned to Shino. "Hey, Shino, do you think your brother can beat him? That’s Sasuke, the unbeatable Uchiha!"

The Uchiha clan had a fearsome reputation for being undefeated in one-on-one battles.