Konoha: Gu master

"Tsunade-sama?!"

As Shinho and Tsunade entered the shop, a middle-aged man approached them, smiling broadly, his face full of surprise and joy.

Although Tsunade had a fiery temper, was a drunkard, and squandered all her wealth by gambling, she was still one of the three legendary sannin of Konoha, and the world’s greatest medical ninja. She was very popular in Konoha.

"Yamamoto, it's been years. Your shop has grown quite a bit in the meantime," Tsunade said with a faint smile as she looked around.

"It's all thanks to the wise leadership of the Hokage," Yamamoto replied sincerely.

"This is my student, Shinho Aburame," Tsunade looked down and introduced.

"Uncle Yamamoto," Shinho greeted promptly.

"What a fine young man," Yamamoto gave him a once-over and praised, pleased with Shinho’s polite attitude.

"What kind of ninja tools does Tsunade-sama want to buy?" Yamamoto waved his hand generously. "I'll give you a 50% discount!"

"I'm not here for shopping; I want to forge a pair of gauntlets," Tsunade took out a piece of chakra metal. "Using this."

"Chakra metal!" Yamamoto's eyes lit up. He took the chakra metal and couldn't put it down.

"Make them for him," Tsunade added.

"No problem," Yamamoto exclaimed. "You're quite good to your student."

Yamamoto thought Tsunade was building a weapon for her apprentice. After all, Chakra metal can easily cost up to tens of millions. No way the Aburame clan would use such an amount on a child.

Tsunade was about to explain the misunderstanding, but Shinho interjected, "Can they be reforged later?"

He's only six years old; his body hasn't fully developed yet. With time, his body would grow, so using such a precious metal to forge a weapon that can’t be altered would be a waste.

"Reforged?" Yamamoto thought for a moment. "Yes, but you'll need to add more materials."

Shinho nodded, he could try his luck finding more materials over the years.

"Thank you, Uncle Yamamoto," Shinho said politely.

"Then I'll trouble you, Yamamoto," Tsunade paused. "We'll come to pick them up next Sunday. Will they be ready by then?"

"Rest assured, since it's Tsunade-sama's request, I'll work overtime to make them," Yamamoto patted his chest confidently.

Tsunade and Shinho left Yamamoto the Sage's Ninja Tool Shop.

They didn't pay or leave a deposit.

Tsunade's name was a guarantee enough.

And vice versa.

She wasn't worried that Yamamoto would run off with the chakra metal.

In the Hidden Leaf Village, doing such a thing would be bringing disaster onto oneself and their family.

After walking a few steps, Tsunade noticed Shinho slowing down again. She turned to see him sweating profusely.

Frowning, Tsunade grabbed his wrist and infused chakra to check his condition. His body was fine; he was simply exhausted from excessive chakra use.

"I should've let you rest at home," Tsunade pouted. Seeing his calm expression, she couldn't help but flick his forehead.

"I'm okay," Shinho felt he was fine... just a little tired.

His aperture was rapidly restoring primeval essence; it wouldn't take that long to recover.

Tsunade’s face froze as a surge of memory flooded her mind.

"Nawaki, your body can't hold up anymore. You need to rest and train later."

"I'm fine; I still have backup hidden energy."

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

"It's my unwavering will to become Hokage!"

Tsunade only paused for a brief second. She squatted down, stretched out her arms, and said, "Come here."

Shinho was momentarily stunned.

So assertive—it was a bit intimidating.

Seeing he didn't move, Tsunade thought his pride was getting in the way. She simply picked him up, not minding the resistance.

A faint fragrance enveloped Shinho as his vision blurred; all he could see now was the snow-white crevice and the easily overlooked necklace.

"Get some sleep," Tsunade said, gently pressing his head against her shoulder.

Shinho felt his face against the softest fabric—warm and comforting. He closed his eyes but couldn't fall asleep.

His body wanted rest, but his mind wouldn't allow it.

Until he heard a commotion.

Instinctively, Shinho lifted his head, resting it on Tsunade's shoulder as he looked out.

He was surprised—the noise was coming from the Ninja Academy.

At the school gate, there was a row of bulletin boards.

Usually, they featured the "Will of Fire" or speeches by Hiruzen Sarutobi, but today the content was different.

It was a bit far, so Shinho couldn't see clearly.

"Oh, it's the Chunin Exams," Tsunade glanced over. "You're too young to participate."

Shinho pondered.

He was most familiar with the joint Chunin Exams from the original series, where Naruto Uzumaki, Gaara, and others participated.

But such large-scale exams are time-consuming and can't be held every time. Every year, some meet the criteria; the best way is to hold a small-scale Chunin Exam.

"If you're interested, you can go watch," Tsunade said casually. "I’ll have Shizune take you."

In her view, Genin battles were like watching amateurs fumble. She'd rather spend the time gambling, or drinking.

"We'll see," Shinho looked away.

He definitely wouldn't participate; he was just curious if any acquaintances were involved.

With that thought, Shinho nestled back into her embrace. She certainly wouldn't let a child go hungry. Her greatness needed no words.

Unfortunately, good times don't last.

After returning home, Tsunade set him down on the bed.

An uneventful Saturday passed smoothly.

Sunday arrived.

After breakfast, Shinho went to the marketplace.

"Shinho-kun!"

A familiar voice called from behind. Shinho turned to see Ino Yamanaka.

Behind her stood a beautiful woman who resembled her closely, exuding a mature charm.

Noticing his gaze, she offered a gentle smile. But for some reason, Shinho felt she was assessing him.

"Shinho-kun, why are you out buying groceries alone? Want to come to my house for lunch?" Ino proactively extended her hand, helping him carry a plastic bag.

"You're a bit late; I'm about to go to Naruto's house to teach him how to cook," Shinho explained.

Ino's eyes lit up but soon showed hesitation.

"Shinho-kun, wait for me a moment."

She turned and ran to the woman. "Mom, I want to have lunch with my classmates today."

"You don't need your mom anymore now that you’ve grown up?" Mrs. Yamanaka covered her mouth, chuckling softly.

"Don't say that!" Ino stomped her foot.

"Alright, alright, I won't," Mrs. Yamanaka reached out, tidying the golden bangs on her forehead. "Go ahead."

"Thank you, Mom!" Ino beamed with joy as she bounced back to Shinho.

"Shinho-kun, I want to learn how to cook too," Ino said without pretense. "Can you teach me too?"

Shinho tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"I'll pay for the groceries," Ino added.

Although the Yamanaka clan isn't as prominent as the Hyuga clan, they're still a notable ninja family.

As the Yamanaka clan's princess, she naturally had plenty of money.

First Hinata Hyuga, now Ino Yamanaka.

Can I just sit back and earn money? Shinho thought.

"Teaching one or teaching two, it's all the same," Shinho nodded slightly. "You're just in time; let's go to Naruto's house together."

He didn't care about money at the moment; he was more interested in deepening friendships with his classmates.