The plaza in front of the Hokage Tower;
All the seats were filled.
"Hokage-sama!"
The moment Shinho appeared, he was greeted with enthusiastic cheers.
"This brat!"
Tsunade, sitting at the main table, let out a soft huff of dissatisfaction.
Standing on either side of Shinho were Shizune and Konan, both dressed in formal secretary attire.
On top of that, she'd heard that Samui and Mabui from the Kumogakure had also been appointed as his secretaries.
Surrounded by four beautiful women all day long.
Tsunade, embodying the demeanor of the official wife, had shown remarkable restraint in not beating him to death.
"And you're still not satisfied with such a good student?"
Jiraiya chuckled. "How about you hand him over to me instead?"
Though he said it in jest, there was a hint of sincerity in his words.
If Shinho were his student, it would perfectly align with the Great Toad Sage's prophecy.
But thinking of the prophecy, Jiraiya's smile faded.
Lately, the pressure from Mount Myoboku had been intense, urging him to quickly identify the Child of Prophecy.
The only comfort was that, thanks to Shinho's efforts, theoretically, all the ninja now belonged to Konoha.
In other words, the Child of Prophecy was most likely among them.
Jiraiya now had two plans.
One was to wait for Samui's roster of ninjas to see who had potential.
The other was to observe the actions of Nagato and Naruto.
Jiraiya had already started forming an idea.
If Shinho wasn't the Child of Prophecy, then the child of prophesy was likely the one destined to succeed him.
After all, only someone in that position could influence peace in the ninja world.
From that perspective, Naruto still had a strong possibility of being the Child of Prophecy.
"No way!"
Tsunade refused without hesitation. "Whether he's good or bad in my eyes, he's my student!"
Jiraiya was momentarily taken aback.
It was the first time he'd seen Tsunade so firm.
And he'd only been joking.
Just then, the plaza quieted down.
"I don't have much to say. As long as everyone enjoys the meal, that's enough."
Shinho said with a smile.
"That's definitely your style," Jiraiya couldn't help but comment.
"He is my student, after all," Tsunade's lips curled slightly in pride.
Though she was often teased by this brat, deep down, he had long since filled her heart.
"Sensei."
Shinho walked over.
While the plaza didn't have a strict seating order, this table was undoubtedly the main one.
Tsunade, Jiraiya, Mikoto, Shikaku, and Shibi Aburame were all seated here, representing Konoha's top brass.
"Let's eat."
Tsunade nodded.
Shinho took the seat of honor.
Shizune and Konan casually found seats nearby.
Once Shinho picked up his chopsticks, the others began to eat as well.
Tsunade followed suit, following proper etiquete.
At home, it didn't matter, but out here, she had to give this brat some face.
The celebratory banquet had a lively atmosphere.
With Tsunade at Shinho's table, and her becoming more animated after a few drinks, the mood was light.
At the other tables, especially among the younger and teenage ninjas, laughter and chatter filled the air.
Many boasted about their heroic feats during the war.
Of course, there were also discussions about Shinho's terrifying strength, likened to that of a demon god descending upon the battlefield.
"Brother-in-law sure is popular," Hyuga Hanabi remarked from afar, gazing at Shinho.
"It's only natural. Konoha's development is all thanks to Hokage-sama," Amaru responded matter-of-factly. "And he's the strongest ninja in the entire shinobi world. It's only normal he's this popular."
Due to Shinho's arrangements, Amaru and Hanabi had become classmates and friends. Soon, they would even be teammates.
Given this relationship, Amaru was practically considered a member of the Hyuga clan, and thus shared a table with Hanabi.
Besides Amaru, there was also Fū, the Jinchūriki of the Seven-Tails, enjoying the same treatment.
Previously, the leader of Takigakure, Shibuki, had sent people to Konoha trying to bring her back.
But Shinho had refused, citing her unfinished studies.
Later, after Konoha's overwhelming victory in the Fourth Great Ninja War, Takigakure never brought it up again.
Hanabi drifted into thought.
Indeed.
There was probably no ninja in the shinobi world more outstanding than her brother-in-law.
Her sister was truly enviable.
If only she could have a boyfriend like him, how wonderful that would be.
"Hanabi?"
Hinata called out softly.
"Ah?"
Hanabi snapped out of her thoughts, realizing Hinata was staring at her. She blushed slightly and asked, "W-What is it?"
"Your favorite chicken drumstick."
Hinata said gently.
"Oh, oh."
Only then did Hanabi notice the drumstick in her bowl.
She pressed her lips together.
Her sister was so wonderful; how could she let her mind wander like that?
"Thank you, Sis."
Hanabi smiled.
Hiashi Hyuga watched the interaction between his daughters, a pleased smile appearing on his face.
At least they hadn't ended up like him and Hizashi, with a rift between brothers.
Thinking of this, Hiashi glanced at Neji Hyuga.
Now a Jonin, Neji had proven himself capable and independent.
Perhaps it was time to hand him Hizashi's letter.
Hiashi sank into contemplation.
Time passed.
After several rounds of drinks, everyone was full and satisfied.
But since Shinho hadn't left, no one else did either. They continued chatting.
After all, a celebratory banquet like this was unprecedented in history.
"Sensei."
Shinho reached out, grabbing Tsunade's wrist. "How about we call it a night."
As he spoke, his other hand smoothly took away the cup of sake from her hand.
"Brat!"
Tsunade's face was flushed from the alcohol, and her tone was full of annoyance as she shouted.
Jiraiya couldn't help but show a gloating expression.
Knowing Tsunade, there's no way this would end so easily.
Even if Shinho was the Hokage, he probably wouldn't escape a thorough scolding.
Honestly, Jiraiya was looking forward to seeing Shinho get put in his place.
Every time he saw the kid, he had that calm, unbothered look. It was infuriating.
"Sensei."
Shinho met her gaze fearlessly.
"...Forget it, we'll talk when we get home."
Tsunade paused for two seconds, then pouted slightly and spoke.
"...?"
Jiraiya was completely dumbfounded.
Was this really the Tsunade he knew?
"Shizune-nee, can you take sensei home?"
Shinho turned to Shizune.
She stepped forward, supporting Tsunade as they prepared to leave.
"Brat, get home early!"
Tsunade waved her hand dismissively as she and Shizune walked off.
Jiraiya was consumed by envy and jealousy.
That tone. this wasn't how a teacher talked to a student. It sounded more like a wife talking to her husband.
"It's getting late. Everyone should head home and rest."
Shinho stood up, his voice calm. "In a month, there will be the Konoha Summit. Don't forget to attend."
"Yes!"
The crowd responded in unison before dispersing in groups of twos and threes.
"Shinho."
Once everyone had left, Shibi Aburame finally stepped forward. "It seems the Aburame clan has been under some surveillance these past two days."
"Surveillance?"
Shinho's eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you sure?"
"Not entirely."
Shibi shook his head. "We've sensed it once or twice, but we can't pinpoint who it is."
Even Sage Mode couldn't detect it?
Could it be White Zetsu and Black Zetsu?
That was certainly a possibility.
Black Zetsu would never give up on rescuing Kaguya Otsutsuki.
But given the current situation, it could only observe from the shadows, waiting for the right opportunity.
After a moment of thought, Shinho said, "I understand. Do your best to identify them."
"Alright."
Shibi didn't linger and turned to leave.
He had spotted Hinata and Hanabi approaching.
"Brother-in-law!"
Hanabi called out with a bright smile as she ran toward him.
Hinata followed behind at a more leisurely pace, her demeanor elegant and composed.
Shinho's eyes lit up slightly.
Both sisters were wearing matching kimonos.
But the colors were different.
Hanabi's was a pale yellow, while Hinata's was pure white.
Standing together, they indeed bore a striking resemblance.
Shinho reached out and ruffled Hanabi's hair.
"Brother-in-law!"
Hanabi pouted. "I'm not a little kid anymore!"
Having graduated from the Ninja Academy this year, she had indeed stepped into adolescence.
But despite her words, she made no effort to dodge his hand.
"Is that so?"
Shinho's eyes gleamed mischievously, and he pinched her cheek twice.
Soft. Smooth.
"I'm really going to get mad!"
Hanabi placed her hands on her hips, glaring in anger.
Hinata covered her mouth, giggling softly.
Their interaction seemed amusing to her.
And truthfully, she enjoyed seeing it.
"It's getting late. Don't you two want to get back home?"
Shinho changed the subject, not wanting to push his luck with his sister-in-law.
"I've got something to ask you!"
Hanabi huffed, puffing out her chest with confidence. "Are you going to be my squad leader or not?!"
"Since it's my dear sister-in-law's request, how could I refuse?"
Shinho chuckled.
"Really?"
Hanabi's eyes lit up, the annoyance on her face vanishing instantly, replaced by excitement.
'Sister-in-law?'
Hinata heard those words and instinctively looked away.
Hanabi calling him brother-in-law was just her being willful.
But Shinho calling her sister-in-law? That was a different story.
It implied he truly had intentions of marrying her.
For a moment, Hinata felt her head spinning, and her cheeks visibly reddened.
"Why would I lie to you?"
Shinho noticed Hinata's reaction and was momentarily stunned.
Had he said something to trigger this?
Why was she blushing again?
Looks like more training is needed.
"Alright!"
Hanabi said cheerfully. "It's settled then!"
"I've already picked our squad's first mission. Let's see how you perform."
A smile crept onto Shinho's face.
"That soon?"
Hanabi blinked in surprise, then patted her chest confidently. "No problem! I'll complete it perfectly!"
Shinho glanced at her.
She was still a kid after all.
He lifted his gaze to Hinata and said, "If you're free, come along on the mission."
"Eh?"
Hinata tilted her head, staring at him blankly, as if she hadn't processed his words.
Cute.
Shinho's eyes drifted to her lips, which looked soft and slightly glossy.
He reached out, gently tapping her forehead. "Don't you want to?"
"I do!"
Hinata blurted out instinctively.
Realizing what she said, she let out a shy laugh.
"... "
Hanabi glanced between them, suddenly feeling like a third wheel.
Her eyes stung slightly. So this is how it is!
"I'll come to the Academy on your graduation day."
Shinho withdrew his hand. "Let's call it a night for today."