Konoha: Gu master

Sasuke Uchiha watched as Mikoto Uchiha and Shinho Aburame walked into a room. He turned back and realized that only he and Tsunade were left in the living room. For a moment, the air grew silent. He didn't know what to talk about.

Fortunately, Tsunade didn't pay him any attention and turned on the TV. The sound filled the room, easing the atmosphere. Tsunade wasn't interested in Sasuke—or rather, she didn't want any interaction with Konoha's ninjas at the moment. If it weren't for Shinho, she would probably be in some casino right now. She was known as “The Legendary Sucker” for a reason.

As for Mikoto Uchiha, having come twice in a row, Tsunade could guess her intentions. Besides helping her own son, she also wanted to strengthen their relationship. But the Uchiha clan was entangled in troubles. Tsunade couldn't resolve them. After all, she wasn't the Hokage; her teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was.

Inside Shinho's room, Mikoto casually closed the door.

"Aunt Mikoto," Shinho looked up at her and asked, "You're here because of Sasuke, right?"

"You’re a smart child," Mikoto crouched down, showing a gentle smile. "Auntie hopes you can help him with his studies."

"Sasuke's grades are good though," Shinho paused and asked, "Do you mean ninjutsu and taijutsu, Aunt Mikoto?"

"Exactly," Mikoto praised him. "Auntie just witnessed your abilities; you can definitely help Sasuke."

"Doesn't his brother teach him?" Shinho was a bit puzzled. Itachi Uchiha cared deeply about the Hidden Leaf Village and Sasuke. He had no reason not to teach him.

"It's not that he doesn't want to; he's just too busy," Mikoto sighed but then showed a hint of pride. "He's now a member of the Anbu."

The Anbu, short for "Assassination Tactics Special Forces," are directly commanded by the Hokage. Members are carefully selected and are exceptionally skilled ninjas. Itachi Uchiha was granted special permission to join the Anbu at the age of eleven—a true genius among geniuses. However, Mikoto didn't know that ominous events were looming.

"I see," Shinho nodded. "I can guide Sasuke when I have time."

Sasuke's new achievements hadn't been triggered yet. He wanted to see if he could influence them intentionally. If his actions could affect Sasuke's achievements, then there was much to explore.

"Thank you," Mikoto reached out and gently ruffled his hair.

Another head pat! Shinho's mouth twitched slightly.

"Shinho, since you've helped Auntie so much, I can't let you help me again for free," Mikoto withdrew her hand and searched around her waist, taking out a scroll.

Came prepared, huh. Shinho felt a bit intrigued.

Mikoto opened the storage scroll. She infused chakra into it. A small piece of dark metal, about the size of a fingernail, appeared on the scroll.

"Chakra metal," Mikoto explained. "Incorporating it into ninja tools can enhance chakra conductivity and increase their power."

No wonder it's so small. In the original work, Asuma Sarutobi's two chakra blades were worth up to ten million ryō. One word could describe the metal: expensive. Of course, the price wasn't the issue. Chakra metal blades were worth their cost—practically indestructible.

Shinho frowned slightly. Is this a bribe? Testing my integrity with this?

"Take it, Shinho," Mikoto smiled warmly. "No matter how precious it is, it's not as precious as Sasuke."

"Thank you, Aunt Mikoto," Shinho thought for a moment. He might as well accept it. At worst, during the Uchiha massacre, he'd have to save Mikoto.

The two of them left the room. Sasuke instinctively looked up. Seeing his mother looking pleased, he breathed a sigh of relief. She settled the matters so quickly. As expected of Mom.

"Lady Tsunade, sorry for disturbing you. We'll visit again another time," Mikoto walked over to Sasuke, took his hand, and looked at Tsunade. Since her goal was achieved, continuing to chat would seem forced.

Tsunade nodded. Mikoto knew her boundaries well.

After they left, Shinho took out the chakra metal. Tsunade glanced at it and immediately understood what had happened. Given the rarity of chakra metal, only a great ninja clan like the Uchiha could give it away.

"Do you want to entrust it to your teacher for safekeeping?" Tsunade smiled and asked.

"No," Shinho shook his head. "I'm worried you'd sell it to gamble."

"You little brat!" Tsunade's hair seemed to stand on end. Her golden locks floated slightly under her strong aura. But Shinho had already figured out her personality and wasn't afraid.

He said calmly, "I want to make a pair of gauntlets."

He couldn't use traditional ninja tools like kunai, shuriken, or swords. As a Gu Master, his weapons were Gu insects. After thinking it over, gauntlets were the most suitable, especially to complement his Super Strength. When enemies got close, he'd give them a "surprise."

"Give it to me," Tsunade regained her composure, narrowed her eyes slightly, and extended her hand.

Shinho didn't suspect anything and stepped forward. But he quickly realized he'd been tricked. Tsunade suddenly reached out and grabbed him, preventing him from dodging. She playfully messed up his hair, making it look like a bird's nest.

Gaaaah! Shinho hurriedly tried to break free. But the next second, his wrist was firmly grasped.

Three minutes later, Tsunade looked at the frustrated Shinho and showed a satisfied smile. After spending so much time together, she had figured out his personality and knew how to tease him. This was her way of getting back at him. Feeling pleased, Tsunade released Shinho. She picked up the chakra metal and asked, "Do you want to rest at home or come with me?"

"I'll come along," Shinho adjusted his hair back to normal in a few moments.

"There are only a few craftsmen in the Hidden Leaf Village who can forge chakra-infused ninja tools," Tsunade said with a faint smile. "Consider yourself lucky to have me as your teacher; otherwise, you wouldn't have anywhere to use that chakra metal."

"Teacher, you're amazing," Shinho said casually.

"tch, tch, tch—no sincerity at all,” Tsunade glanced at him, then suddenly frowned. Shinho was walking unsteadily, looking like he might stumble at any moment. It was because he hadn't fully recovered from using Super Strength multiple times earlier. He was pushing his limits.

Tsunade thought of her younger brother, Nawaki. No matter when, he never gave up.

"Come on, let's go," Tsunade took his small hand. But she slowed her pace considerably. Shinho felt her soft, warm hand. He blinked but said nothing.

Soon, the two arrived at a ninja tool shop on the street. The sign read "Yamamoto's Ninja Tool Shop."

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