Pure Land;
The Sage of Six Paths sat deep in thought.
Who exactly was this Shinho Aburame a descendant of?
In the shinobi world, nearly all clans had ties to the Ōtsutsuki Clan.
For instance, the Senju Clan and Uzumaki Clan were the descendants of his son, Asura Ōtsutsuki.
Among them, the most outstanding individuals were often Asura's chakra reincarnations.
On the other hand, the Uchiha Clan were the descendants of his other son, Indra Ōtsutsuki.
"This is truly unexpected."
The Sage of Six Paths couldn't help but marvel.
For over a thousand years, the reincarnations of Asura and Indra had constantly clashed, defining every major era of the shinobi world.
They were simply too powerful, like Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha.
But now, the situation had changed.
This generation's Asura reincarnation and Indra reincarnation were being completely overshadowed.
Even more unsettling was how unusually peaceful they were toward each other.
The Sage of Six Paths had already identified Naruto and Sasuke as his two sons' chakra reincarnations.
He had expected them to change the shinobi world, perhaps even prevent the return of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki.
Yet…
"Shinho's strength keeps growing. Could he actually reach my level?"
The Sage of Six Paths let out a long breath.
This situation left him uncertain about what to do.
For now, Shinho seemed to have a good temperament.
But who could say for sure about the future?
Perhaps it was time to reach out to Naruto and Sasuke in advance.
…
Konoha Fortress;
Shinho listened to Shikaku's full report on the war.
There was no doubt about it now, the greatest contributors to the war in the kirigakure front were the Aburame Unit.
Sage Mode, Explosive Insects, and evolved Kikaichu bugs, they were simply overwhelming against ordinary shinobi.
A complete one-sided massacre.
Shinho rubbed his chin.
Normally, after a war, there would be rewards and promotions.
That was going to be a headache.
After thinking for a moment, he decided to leave it to his three secretaries once they returned to Konoha.
Then there was the Konoha Summit in one month.
So many issues needed to be addressed.
Just thinking about it made Shinho want to retire on the spot.
As he walked through the corridor, he thought of someone and changed direction.
Knocking on the door, he waited.
The door opened.
"Shinho-kun?"
Hinata 's heart skipped a beat, her face lighting up with surprise.
She had wanted to find Shinho earlier but held back, worried about interrupting his work.
Yet now, he had come to her.
"You did exceptionally well today."
Shinho smiled.
"It's all thanks to you, Shinho-kun…"
Hinata lowered her head, a little embarrassed.
"Don't belittle yourself."
Shinho reached out and gently pinched her cheek. "You were excellent."
Hinata's heart tightened, then soared with excitement.
Feeling the warmth of his hand, her cheeks blushed a deep red.
"Don't you want a reward for doing so well?"
Shinho asked, looking at her soft, pink-tinted face.
"Reward…?"
Hinata blinked, confused.
Shinho suddenly reached out, pulled her into an embrace, and then leaned down to kiss her forehead.
Hinata's eyes widened.
A deep blush rapidly spread from her cheeks to her ears.
"You've improved, Hinata."
Shinho smirked, feeling her soft warmth in his arms.
Hinata's mind went completely blank, she had no idea what he meant.
"Come here."
Shinho took her hand and led her inside.
Hinata followed him instinctively, like a docile kitten.
"You're at the age where you can be appointed as the clan leader the next day, what are you still being so shy for?"
Shinho sat on the sofa, looking at Hinata standing before him with her head lowered. He couldn't help but laugh.
In the original series, by the time of the final battle, Naruto and his generation were around seventeen.
However, due to his butterfly effect, the Fourth Shinobi War had been delayed, making them even older now.
"I… I…"
Hinata instinctively clenched her hands, nervously fidgeting with her fingers.
She didn't even understand why she always felt so flustered around Shinho.
"It's alright, I'll help you."
Shinho pulled her closer, taking her small hands into his, gently rubbing them with this thumb.
Hinata exerted immense willpower just to keep herself from fainting.
Seeing her dazed and bewildered expression, Shinho couldn't help but find her adorable and irresistible.
After thinking for a moment, he suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist and placed her on his lap.
"Eek!"
Hinata gasped in shock, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Don't worry."
Shinho's tone carried a hint of teasing. "I won't let you fall."
Hinata, her face flushed crimson, nodded shyly.
She rested her head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat, a dreamy look appearing in her eyes.
Shinho gently stroked her hair, feeling completely at peace.
For once, he didn't tease or provoke her further, he simply held her close.
Soft and warm, just like he had imagined.
With that thought, Shinho closed his eyes.
…
Nightfall;
A knock at the door jolted Hinata awake.
She had fallen asleep in Shinho's embrace because it was too comfortable.
"I… I'll get the door," Hinata stammered. "You… you…"
"Go ahead."
Shinho chuckled. "They won't notice me."
Hinata blinked in surprise but went to answer the door.
When she opened it, she saw her teammates, Kiba and Shino Aburame.
"Hinata, it's time to go. We've arrived," Kiba reminded her, Akamaru resting in his arms.
"I'll pack up and be right there."
Hinata quickly responded and shut the door, ignoring the confused looks from her teammates.
Turning around, she nearly jumped in fright, as Shinho had silently appeared right behind her.
They were so close that she could feel his breath against her skin.
Her heart skipped a beat, her body frozen in place like she had been caught in a paralysis.
"Let's go."
Shinho's gaze lowered, landing on her soft, pink lips.
She wasn't wearing lipstick, but they had a natural rosy hue.
"Mm…"
Hinata lowered her head, her voice barely above a whisper.
Shinho ruffled her hair before walking out.
…
To his surprise, a massive crowd had gathered outside the Konoha Fortress.
"Lord Hokage!"
Everyone waved and cheered for him.
Their faces were filled with excitement and admiration.
News of Konoha's victory over Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Kirigakure had already spread.
So when the Konoha Fortress appeared, the villagers rushed out to welcome their heroes properly.
Shinho smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.
Just then, the crowd parted, making way for Shizune and a group of Konoha shinobi.
Seeing Shinho safe and unharmed, she let out a deep sigh of relief.
These past few days in Konoha had been nerve-wracking for her.
Even though she knew he was incredibly strong, she couldn't stop worrying.
From the moment she heard about Konoha's victory, she had waited anxiously for his return.
Now that he was finally here, she felt an overwhelming urge to cling to him.
Shinho continued walking toward Konoha, the villagers lining both sides, cheering non-stop.
Kiba, Ino, and the others were thrilled.
It was the first time they had experienced such a grand welcome, they felt like they had reached the pinnacle of their lives.
Even the usually reserved Hinata felt a little excited.
But her excitement was different from the others.
She was happy because she could stand beside Shinho, sharing this moment with him.
In stark contrast, the Kirigakure shinobi walked with humiliation in their hearts.
Especially Terumi Mei.
As someone who had always been proud and undefeated, she had never experienced such a shameful situation.
"Has my teacher returned yet?"
Shinho asked.
"No."
Shizune shook her head. "Their pace is a bit slower, they'll probably arrive tomorrow morning."
"How has the village been these past few days?"
Shinho shifted the topic.
"Look around, everyone is so happy. Do you think there could have been any problems?"
Shizune, feeling infected by the village's joyous atmosphere, smiled brightly.
"True."
Shinho chuckled before adding, "But you'll all be busy soon."
He was referring to the post-war administrative work.
"That can wait until tomorrow!"
Shizune rolled her eyes. "Stop ruining the mood."
"But I always thought you loved work."
Shinho teased.
"Who loves work?!"
Shizune huffed, clearly offended by the mere idea.
As they walked into the village, the crowds grew even larger.
Shinho stopped chatting with Shizune as the cheering was simply too loud.
It wasn't until they finally reached the Hokage's office that things quieted down.
"You'll be staying in Konoha for now."
Shinho said casually, glancing at Terumi Mei.
"What do you want us to do?"
She hesitated for a few seconds before asking.
"Didn't I already give you a scroll?"
Shinho reminded her.
Terumi Mei let out a silent sigh of relief.
Despite their defeat, the Kirigakure shinobi had not been subjected to cruel treatment, nor had they been thrown into prison.
Was it because this Hokage was merciful, or did he simply not care?
But when she thought about all the fallen Kirigakure shinobi, Terumi Mei knew, Shinho Aburame was not merciful.
So… did he truly not care?
For someone as proud as Terumi Mei, that thought was deeply unsettling.
This was the first time since becoming Mizukage that she had been completely ignored.
"I have only one request,"
Shinho's tone was calm.
"Do not cause trouble."
"I understand."
Terumi Mei answered without hesitation.
Causing trouble in this situation would be suicidal.
"Antelope."
Shinho called.
A masked ANBU shinobi appeared at the door.
"Take them to their quarters."
Terumi Mei bowed slightly before turning to leave.
"I've never seen another Kage behave so obediently before."
Jiraiya chuckled.
"Uncle Jiraiya, do you have something you want to talk to me about?"
Shinho knew Jiraiya's personality well.
If he had just returned to Konoha, his first instinct would have been to slip away. The fact that he was still here meant he had a question.
"Yeah, I'm curious about something."
Jiraiya cleared his throat.
"How did you convince Ryūchi Cave to help in the war?"
"I offered them benefits."
Shinho narrowed his eyes slightly as he spoke.
Jiraiya frowned.
Ryūchi Cave's greatest demand had always been live sacrifices.
Then again, war always meant an abundance of bodies.
Still, Jiraiya didn't like that idea.
"I see."
Jiraiya didn't press further. Having received his answer, he turned and left.
"Why does Jiraiya-sama care so much about this?"
Shizune asked, puzzled.
"Because of Mount Myōboku."
Shinho replied casually.
Ryūchi Cave had fought against Iwagakure in this war.
Jiraiya had handled the battle with Kirigakure.
Logically, he shouldn't have had any reason to know about Ryūchi Cave's involvement.
The most likely explanation was Mount Myōboku.
Most likely, the Great Toad Sage had sensed Ryūchi Cave's unusual movements, prompting Jiraiya's inquiry.
Shizune understood immediately but didn't know what to say.
Ryūchi Cave's assistance had helped Konoha defeat Iwagakure, which was undeniably a good thing.
But Jiraiya investigating it for Mount Myōboku's sake felt… a bit inappropriate considering the war just ended.
"Don't worry about it."
Shinho took her hand and said,
"I have something for you to do."
"What is it?"
Shizune stepped closer, pressing up against him.
Her black-stocking-clad legs brushed against his as she moved in.
"In one month, we will hold the Konoha Summit."
Shinho paused for a moment before continuing.
"All shinobi villages must attend."
"All?"
Shizune's expression turned to one of shock.
Although Konoha had defeated Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Kirigakure, several other smaller villages had not participated in the war.
For example, Sunagakure and Takigakure.
"Yes, all of them."
Shinho squeezed her thigh through the stockings and said,
"They have no other choice."
Shizune shivered, partly from his touch, but mostly from his bold words.
"Are you really going to unify the shinobi world?"
Shizune took a deep breath and asked.
"Hmm."
Shinho's hand slid upward, only to be blocked by her leg.
"Stop messing around!"
Shizune yelped and took a step back.
Shinho chuckled, "Alright, I'll leave the preparation to you Shizune-nee."
"Mhmm" Shizune nodded. After a bit of hesitation, she added;
"Tonight… you can do whatever you want."
Blushing furiously, Shizune turned and fled.
Shinho watched her go before shifting his attention.
After spending so much time together, Shizune was already completely under his control.
Casually, he picked up a document from the desk.
"They found it?"
Shinho raised an eyebrow.
It was the underground valley leading to the Moon.
Shinho pondered for a moment, but there was no rush.
He'd wait until the Konoha Summit was over.
Or better yet, he'd advance to a Rank Six Gu Immortal before going.
After all, the Tenseigan still posed a real threat.
As Shinho reviewed the document, a flock of messenger hawks soared through the sky, carrying messages to every major shinobi village.
In reality, news of the Anti-Konoha Alliance's defeat had already spread across the shinobi world.
This war had changed the future of the shinobi world, and every village was watching closely.
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