"What silly thing are you saying?"
Shinho said with a smile. "I should be thanking you."
Hearing that, Ino gave a small, bashful smile. The Hokage's office fell quiet again.
During that time, Samui came by briefly. When she saw the two eating, she left without disturbing them. She had originally intended to ask Shinho what he wanted for lunch.
Half an hour later, both lunch boxes were empty.
"I'll treat you next time,"
Shinho said, closing the bento box.
"Then…I want it to be your cooking!"
Ino put away the box, her smile bright and cheerful, returning to her usual self.
"No problem."
Shinho nodded and then asked, "Do you want to train now?"
"Sure."
Ino glanced around. "Right here? Won't that interrupt your work?"
"Let's go upstairs,"
Shinho suggested after a moment's thought. Doing it in the Hokage's office wasn't ideal if someone happened to see.
Ino's eyes lit up.
She walked lightly up to the second floor, curiosity piqued as she looked around. It looked more or less how she imagined, matching Shinho's style. In reality, Samui had been the one cleaning and arranging it all along.
"Have a seat,"
Shinho said, pointing to the sofa.
"Mm."
Ino took off her shoes, revealing her fair feet, and then sat cross-legged. Suddenly, she remembered something and instinctively glanced at her abdomen. Is it going to be the same as last time?
Holding back her embarrassment, she produced the scroll she used to seal the Moryo fragment.
"I'm ready, Shinho."
Ino took a deep breath.
"Alright."
Shinho walked in front of her and extended his hand. Cleanse Soul Immortal Gu fluttered out.
Ino was momentarily stunned, so it wasn't necessary for him to press his hand against her stomach after all? Then… was last time just Shinho taking advantage of her?
"There's one more step to the process,"
Shinho said, perfectly serious, placing his hand on her abdomen.
Smooth, tender warmth traveled through his palm. He had noticed Ino's fleeting look, so he went along with what she was thinking. Besides, he was quite honest, he simply wanted to feel her waist again.
A slight pang of guilt crept into Ino's heart. She'd obviously misunderstood him a moment ago. She cleared her mind of further thoughts, closed her eyes, and began training.
After waiting a bit, Shinho withdrew his hand. With Cleanse Soul Immortal Gu, he didn't need to keep watch the entire time. Seeing nothing amiss, he headed back downstairs.
Just as Shinho picked up a file, two lines of text materialized before his eyes:
…
[Achievement; "Farewell, Cage" Reward: Reverse Misfortune Gu.]
[Reverse Misfortune Gu: A rank-seven Immortal Gu of the luck path. It can transform misfortune and bad luck into good luck and good fortune.]
..
"Rank seven?"
Shinho thought it over.
The only thing that could have triggered this was Orochimaru's success in deciphering the Caged Bird seal, and that he had sent word to Neji earlier in the morning. Clearly, it was linked to Caged Bird.
Luck is intangible but very important.
Reverse Misfortune Gu paired with Connect Luck Gu would allow him to maintain long stretches of good fortune.
Shinho normally didn't rely much on luck, but in the future, if he were to fight someone like Kaguya, it could be very useful.
A few minutes later, a knock came at the door.
"Shinho!"
Neji stepped inside. His usual calm demeanour was replaced by excitement.
"Congratulations,"
Shinho said, glancing at Neji's forehead. The Caged Bird mark was gone without a trace.
"It's all thanks to you,"
Neji said gratefully. Long ago, he'd been persuaded to join Heaven's Will, supposedly working together to crack the Caged Bird seal. In truth, he hadn't contributed much.
"Don't worry about it,"
Shinho said with a smile. "You'll be in charge of notifying the rest of the Hyuga branch."
"Right!"
Neji could hardly wait to leave. He was effectively the clan head of the Hyuga branch family now. Of course, with the seal undone, there was no longer a distinction between main and branch. Whoever became clan head in the future would depend on their individual ability.
After Neji left, Shinho turned his attention back to his work. He'd racked up quite a bit of accomplishment with the Caged Bird and the Hyuga clan. This was definitely a solid gain.
Time passed gradually. Ino opened her eyes to find no one in front of her. She paused, suspicion about Shinho returning to mind.
Was that hand on my waist just his way of teasing me again?
Ino unconsciously placed her hand on her waist, pondering for a few seconds. Instead of feeling angry, she was pleased, at least it meant she had some appeal. With a slight smile on her lips, she headed downstairs.
"How was it?"
Shinho asked, waving his hand to recall Cleanse Soul Immortal Gu.
"It went smoothly, like last time."
Ino smiled. "Thank you, Shinho."
"No problem."
Shinho nodded. "Come by tomorrow if you have time."
"Mm."
Ino took two steps, stopped suddenly, then dashed toward Shinho. She stood on tiptoe, gave him a quick peck, and bolted for the door.
"Adorable,"
Shinho chuckled once the surprise wore off. It gave him the feeling of being in a young romance.
Still, the highlight of the evening would be Samui.
Glancing at the time, Shinho realized it was the end of the workday. After waiting a short while, the door opened, and Samui walked in with her head slightly bowed, obedient as ever.
"Have Konan and Mabui already left?"
Shinho asked, lifting her chin gently. Her delicate face was pale with a faint blush.
"Yes."
Samui answered in a quiet voice.
"Alright, let's go."
Shinho leaned down and placed a light kiss on her forehead, then headed out the door. Samui quickly followed.
They first stopped by the market to buy groceries before heading home. Samui's place was near the palace, an area designated for jonin, where most buildings were two-story homes.
"Is your brother home?"
Shinho asked, as if something had just occurred to him.
"No,"
Samui said, shaking her head. "Atsui usually stays in the barracks most of the week and only comes back once."
"Are Mabui and Yugito living next door?"
Shinho asked, glancing around.
"Mm."
Samui walked up to open the door. "After you."
"No need."
Shinho declined. Samui didn't insist. She bent forward to remove her heels, the tight skirt accentuating her curves. Shinho watched openly.
Realizing why he had just declined, Samui's cheeks flushed. Placing her heels aside, she set her black-stockinged feet on the carpet and knelt down.
"Thank you."
Shinho raised an eyebrow and lifted his foot. Samui helped him remove his shoes.
"I'll head to the kitchen,"
Shinho said, taking a quick look around before making his way inside.
Samui automatically followed, but she stopped at the entrance.
After watching him for a bit, her eyes widened in surprise, he moved around the kitchen with practiced ease, clearly used to cooking. But how could that be?
This was a feudal-era ninja world, where the traditional concept of a "good wife" was still ingrained.
Naturally, she'd assumed Shinho wouldn't do housework, especially since he was both Hokage and Emperor. It simply didn't fit his status. He really is different.
Maybe her choice was correct. Samui bit her lip.
After half an hour, two dishes were ready: Twice-Cooked Pork and Stir-Fried Peppers with Pork.
"Have a taste,"
Shinho said, handing her a pair of chopsticks.
"Thank you."
Samui was a bit overwhelmed by his thoughtful gesture. She looked at the unfamiliar dishes, picked up a slice of meat, and popped it into her mouth.
"There's a rather unique flavor,"
Samui said after swallowing, "but it tastes really good."
"As long as you can get used to it,"
Shinho said with a smile. "You'll have plenty more chances to eat this in the future."
Samui paused slightly, not entirely sure what he meant. However, she didn't ask further and quietly finished her meal.
When dinner was over, Samui could feel her heart pounding. She was about to experience one of the most significant moments of her life.
"I—I'm going to shower,"
she said, rising to her feet, voice trembling slightly.
"After that, wait for me in your room."
Shinho licked his lips lightly as he spoke.
"Okay."
A flush rose on Samui's cheeks.
An hour later, Shinho finished washing the dishes, took a shower himself, and headed to her room. He pushed the door open and was momentarily taken aback.
Samui was still wearing her business suit.
"Why haven't you changed clothes?"
he asked, curious.
"I thought the Hokage-sama would like this outfit,"
Samui said, lowering her gaze.
"I do indeed like it."
Shinho stepped up to her and reached out.
One by one, the buttons came undone. Bit by bit, her fair skin was laid bare before him. Like Tsunade, Samui's figure was voluptuous and mature, exuding a sensual charm.
"You're truly gorgeous,"
Shinho said openly, taking her in.
Samui's cheeks turned crimson, and her arms reflexively wrapped around her chest. Rather than detracting from the view, that gesture only made her more alluring.
Leaning down, Shinho pressed his lips to her full, inviting mouth. Samui's breath caught; she raised her head, responding proactively. Shinho moved forward, and they both tumbled onto the bed.
The soft fullness of her body absorbed all the impact.
Samui's face felt scalding.
Inside, she was caught in a swirl of embarrassment and anticipation.
When she saw her tight skirt slip to the floor, she let out a muffled groan, her eyes welling with moisture. Her black-stockinged legs tensed, like the arms of an octopus, and she clung to Shinho with both arms.
"How are you feeling? Need me to use Medical Ninjutsu?"
Shinho gently stroked her golden hair.
"N-no,"
Samui said, brow furrowed, shaking her head. She was actually quite traditional when it came to moments like these and didn't want to rely on Medical Ninjutsu.
Seeing her reaction, Shinho didn't press any further.
Moonlight filtered through the sheer curtains, falling on their overlapping forms. As a rank-six Gu Immortal, Shinho had superb control.
After a while, Samui adapted to the pace, biting her lip. Sweat beaded on her fair skin, flushing it with a delicate pink, her entire expression taking on a sultry hue.
Suddenly, Shinho sensed someone approaching.
It was Mabui. But he paid no attention. They were in the heat of the moment. Pulling Samui closer, Shinho lifted her in his arms.
"H-Hokage-sama…"
Samui's consciousness was hazy.
Her golden hair was tousled, her face bright red, entirely different from her usual cool demeanor. Occasionally she uttered incoherent words.
…
Ten Minutes Earlier
Mabui opened her eyes. She hadn't been able to fall asleep, still unsettled by her daytime conversation with Samui.
She didn't know how to handle her feelings about Shinho.
"I'll go find Samui and talk it out,"
Mabui sighed, got dressed, and headed next door.
She raised her hand to knock but found that the door wasn't locked.
"That's strange,"
she mumbled, stepping inside.
Almost immediately, she froze in her tracks. A familiar voice reached her ears.
It was samui's voice, but it was uncharacteristically disordered.
Who could she be with? Could it be… Shinho?
The shocking suspicion made Mabui's mind reel. Dizzy for a few seconds, she slowly moved toward Samui's bedroom.
That door, too, was slightly ajar.
Through the gap, Mabui caught sight of Samui's long, black-stockinged legs swinging gently in the air, tracing arcs. Her usually enviable, voluptuous figure was now curled in someone's arms, dishevelled and at that person's mercy.
Even from the back, Mabui recognized him instantly: Shinho.
She stood rooted to the spot, as if struck by lightning, unable to snap out of it.
At last, she understood how Samui had known about her tail, she and Shinho were clearly close in every way. She also realized why Samui had tried persuading her earlier. Samui had already betrayed Kumogakure, in both body and heart.
Right then, a sharp cry from Samui snapped Mabui out of her trance.
But she remained undetected. Samui had merely changed positions, turning around. In doing so, she now faced away from Mabui, while Shinho found himself looking straight toward the door, directly at Mabui.
For a split second, their eyes met.
Mabui's heart nearly stopped. Without thinking, she turned and fled.
Shinho didn't bother going after her; after all, Samui held far more allure for him at that moment. He was letting Mabui see was exactly what he wanted, to accelerate her acceptance. The thought made Shinho's pulse race.
Samui let out a soft groan, her body growing heavier with exhaustion. At some point, she finally drifted off to sleep.
"Samui, welcome to Konoha."
Shinho brushed her cheek and spoke softly. Half-conscious, she offered a small, fuzzy smile that was all the more seductive in her dreamy state.
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