A new day dawned.
Shinho strolled unhurriedly into the Hokage's office.
Last night, he'd spent a long time comforting a rattled Tsunade, so he'd barely slept at all.
But as a Rank Six Gu Immortal, going without sleep for a day was no big deal, he could fight for several days and nights if needed.
Samui heard the door open and set aside the paperwork in her hands.
A thought occurred to her, and she reached up to undo the topmost button of her white blouse, revealing a swath of fair skin.
"Good morning, Lord Hokage," Samui said, turning to bow deeply.
Her generous curves strained against her blouse, making Shinho's eyelids twitch slightly.
Ever since she had became a proper adult, Samui had grown bolder in front of him.
Naturally, he welcomed such behavior.
"Has the wasteland been restored?" Shinho asked, raising a hand to support the weight of her ample figure.
"It's already back to normal," Samui said, glancing down and trying to steady the odd stirring inside her.
"Good. That's all I needed to hear," Shinho replied, enjoying the soft feel beneath his hand and nodding.
Although that wasteland wasn't inhabited, there were several roads running through it. If it didn't get repaired quickly, it would affect train travel and the like.
"Pour me a glass of water," Shinho said, sniffing his fingertips, which still bore a faint, delicate scent.
"Yes," Samui answered, heart fluttering as she walked over to the small table.
Shinho's gaze followed her graceful figure.
At the table, Samui bent over. Her backside faced him directly, the tight pencil skirt hugging her curves in a smooth arc.
Her legs, clad in black stockings, remained straight, radiating a certain fullness.
Shinho licked his lips. That peach was looking riper by the day.
Samui noticed his gaze and curled her lips in a small smile, giving her hips a little sway.
With that motion, her backside moved enticingly; the outline beneath her skirt became even more pronounced.
Shinho narrowed his eyes, thinking it was a shame, if only that skirt were somewhat sheer, the sunlight might have made it all the more alluring. The mere thought sent his blood surging.
"Lord Hokage."
Samui reached up, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, a delicate hint of seduction flowing from the gesture.
She wore a faint smile as she handed him the cup of water.
"Thank you."
Shinho took a sip of water but didn't swallow.
Bending forward slightly, he caught Samui's lips and shared the liquid with her in a slow exchange.
"Mmph…"
Samui instinctively wrapped her arms around him, her ample figure pressing against his body.
Though she wore a slim-fitting blazer, he could still feel the softness and fullness beneath.
Shinho let out a soft hmm, feeling the tingling in his tongue and asked with a smile, "Where did you learn that from?"
Samui swallowed, cheeks flushed. "You don't like it?" she asked in return.
"I do," Shinho said, his gaze settling on her lips, which glistened slightly.
"I… bought a book," Samui admitted somewhat shyly.
"Looks like it had some good ideas," Shinho remarked, sliding his hands down to rest on her firm derriere. "You should teach Mabui when you have time."
"Mm."
Samui blinked, then asked, "Lord Hokage, would you like me to help you out?"
She could sense Shinho's heated stare quite clearly by now.
"How exactly are you going to help?"
Shinho asked with interest.
Samui glanced around, then walked over and sat down in the Hokage's chair.
She looked at Shinho, took off her high heels, and slowly lifted her leg in its black stocking. She moved deliberately, giving him a full view beneath her skirt. She was wearing black tights underneath.
Samui set one stocking-clad foot against the edge of the chair, sitting with her legs slightly splayed.
Shinho swallowed hard on reflex.
"L-Lord Hokage," Samui said softly, hugging her knees with both arms, looking shy. "Will this do?"
"Almost," Shinho replied, moving closer.
With a tearing sound, her black tights ripped.
Pale skin peeked out, contrasting sharply with the surrounding fabric. But even more enticing was that glimpse of gold among the dark cloth.
Shinho ran his fingertips along the torn tights, then finally took hold of her wrist. With a thought, he raised the Hokage's chair to a suitable height.
That, he felt, was the right way to use Immortal Essense.
Stepping forward, Shinho chuckled and praised her. "You really are a wonderful secretary."
Samui bit her lip and said nothing. After a few seconds, she relaxed and murmured, "I'm just doing my duty."
"We really ought to call Mabui in to see this," Shinho teased.
Samui pursed her lips. "If Lord Hokage wishes, you can summon her."
"Oh?" Shinho grasped her chin. "Are you sure about that?"
"Whatever is your wish," Samui's tone was submissive.
"All right," Shinho said, raising an eyebrow. If Samui was openly agreeing, he certainly wasn't going to say no.
…
In the Hokage Secretary's Office:
Mabui was reading documents when she suddenly heard Shinho's voice inside her mind. She froze in surprise.
Wasn't Samui supposed to be with him? Why would he be calling her?
She didn't overthink it. Rising from her seat, she left the secretary's office and headed straight for the Hokage's office doors. She pushed them open and immediately gaped at the scene inside.
Fortunately, this wasn't her first time dealing with something like this. She closed the door and approached hesitantly. Once she was near, she noticed Samui's situation up close and couldn't help a flicker of admiration.
Samui sensed her gaze and quickly shifted her eyes away.
Though she had indeed agreed to this, it was only to please Shinho. Personally, she would have preferred not to be seen like this by Mabui.
"Come here," Shinho said after a moment's thought. "I'm feeling a bit tired."
Mabui paused. Was he really telling her to do that? But she didn't dare question him aloud, so she walked beside Shinho.
"You've been working hard, Mabui," Shinho said, almost offhandedly.
"It's only my duty," Mabui answered, echoing Samui's earlier words.
No one could say how much time passed, but eventually the office quieted down.
Mabui exhaled in relief. Yet in the next second, Shinho turned around to look at her. Mabui froze, completely flustered.
Shinho winked at her. Mabui stood stiffly in place for several seconds, then finally nodded.
"By the way," Shinho said suddenly, seemingly clear-headed in his thoughts, "Karin's birthday is in a couple of days. Any ideas on what kind of present to give her?"
Mabui was taken aback, but she kept silent.
"What does Karin like?" Samui asked. She slowly lowered her tingling legs and stayed seated in the Hokage's chair.
"She likes quite a few things," Shinho replied, eyeing Mabui, who was still a bit dazed. He stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"Generally speaking," Samui said, cheeks still flushed, "girls like anything along the lines of cosmetics or perfumes. But honestly, she'd be happy with anything you give her."
Though Samui didn't know Karin personally, she was certain of one thing: they were all quite fond of Shinho, Karin perhaps even more so.
At least Samui herself admitted her affections came with some practical considerations, but she suspected Karin's feelings for Shinho were even more intense, unconditionally so.
"That's true," Shinho said. He reached out to gently pat Mabui's head. He wasn't clueless, he understood how Karin felt. Even so, it wouldn't do to be too casual when giving a present.
Mabui unconsciously ground her teeth. She wasn't used to this sort of work environment.
"What do you think?" Shinho asked, lowering his gaze to her.
Mabui, stockings crinkled and body tense, head tilted back uncomfortably, just shook her head.
She knew little about Karin, let alone what gifts she might prefer. Obviously, Shinho wasn't satisfied with her non-answer.
"Lord Hokage." Samui noticed Mabui's discomfort and spoke up to bail her out. "Why not consider giving her perfume or lipstick? Most girls wouldn't say no to that."
"Right, she does like collecting perfume." Shinho, reminded of Karin's hobby, released Mabui's head.
"I'll go shopping for it today," Samui said, still sitting in the Hokage's chair as she pulled on a fresh pair of black stockings.
The previous pair was beyond saving.
"Buy a few extra," Shinho said, watching her graceful motion.
"Understood." Samui rose to her feet, but her legs wobbled, and she sank right back into the chair.
After a few seconds of recovery, she managed to stand again.
"Lord Hokage," Samui turned toward Mabui, pity flashing in her eyes.
Shinho caught her words. Leaning back in his chair, he waved a hand as if to say "go ahead."
He wasn't a demon.
"How are you doing?" Samui asked gently, squatting down next to Mabui.
"I'm fine," Mabui breathed out.
"That's good," Samui said, nodding.
Mabui hesitated for a moment, then made up her mind. At this point, pretense was pointless; she decided to share Samui's burdens.
Shinho closed his eyes. "Did you two have lunch in the cafeteria?" he asked.
"Yes," Mabui replied in the lull that followed.
"Why not go home for lunch?" Shinho asked in a slightly disapproving tone. "I remember your places aren't far."
"It's because we worry you might have last-minute assignments," Mabui explained.
"From now on, you can go home for lunch if you want," Shinho said generously.
In the current shinobi world, there weren't many urgent matters that needed his immediate attention. Besides, with Territory Immortal Gu, he could contact them at any time if something came up.
"Thank you, Shinho," Mabui said, pausing in surprise before giving him a grateful look.
Eating at home and eating at work simply weren't the same. She definitely preferred meals at home.
"Thank you," Samui echoed, lifting her head.
Meanwhile, Mabui naturally moved to take her place.
"Don't mention it," Shinho said with a small laugh. Then, he added, "By the way, don't forget to buy the perfume for Karin."
"Yes," Samui nodded.
Before they knew it, noon arrived.
Shinho jerked awake with a start. He'd dozed off without realizing it, partly because it had gone on for quite a while and his body was too relaxed.
"Go ahead and grab some lunch," he told them with a wave of his hand.
"Yes," Samui managed, swallowing hard.
Mabui hesitated, but seeing Samui like that, she simply took a few sips of water. Then the two of them left, and Shinho stretched leisurely.
I really shouldn't be this lazy, he thought to himself. But he couldn't deny that he felt refreshed.
He picked up a stack of documents on the desk and began to work.
…
Time flew by, and soon it was Karin's birthday.
Ever since the shinobi world had united, there were few things Shinho truly needed to worry about. The past few days had been notably calm.
Naruto and Sasuke were also spending their time peacefully, receiving training from the Sage of Six Paths.
In some ways, they were growing even stronger than their original story counterparts, who hadn't had that kind of formal guidance and had been forced to learn on the fly.
Come dusk, Shinho left the Hokage's office.
Samui had already purchased a box of perfume for him, neatly wrapped in a beautiful gift box. Taking the perfume in hand, he made his way to Karin's house.
After moving to the City of Fire from konoha, Chisori and Karin were no longer living under the same roof as Shinho.
Since he stayed at the back palace, an important place with special significance, they'd chosen a home close to the palace, near the Hyuga clan's residence.
From the palace, it was only a few minutes' walk.
Even from a distance, Shinho noticed Karin waiting at the door, and his eyes lit up at once.
Karin's outfit today was quite different from her usual style. She wore a long-sleeved, snug-fitting top that ended at her slim waist, paired with a black pleated skirt. Her long legs were sheathed in black over-the-knee socks.
Her red hair was tied into twin tails. Altogether, she radiated a vibe like that of a heroine from a Japanese anime.
"Shinho!" Karin called out cheerfully as she came up to him.
"Here's your gift." Shinho handed over the box of perfume.
"Thank you!" Karin opened it for a look, clearly thrilled.
"It's nothing." Shinho reached out and patted her on the head. "I'm glad you like it."
"I love it!" Karin responded, eyes shining. She stood on tiptoe and kissed him lightly on the cheek. "That's my thank-you gift!"
A sweet fragrance wafted up into Shinho's nose, stirring something within him. He ran his tongue briefly over his lips. "Well, I got the better end of the deal," he teased.
Karin giggled, a girlishness in her manner shifting into something a touch more adoring and obsessive.
"Karin!"
The door opened and Chisori, dressed in a traditional kimono, peeked out. "Invite Shinho inside already."
"Yessss!!"
Karin grabbed Shinho's arm and led him in.
Chisori smiled at the sight, pleased. She truly wanted to see Karin together with Shinho. The gratitude she felt toward him was immeasurable; she could never fully repay him for all he'd done.
"I'll let you two talk. I'll go make dinner," Chisori said gently.
"Sorry to trouble you, Aunt Chisori," Shinho said with a small nod.
"It's no trouble at all," Chisori replied, shaking her head. "We're the ones who are honored to have you here."
She turned toward the kitchen, but then quickly remembered she hadn't served Shinho any tea.
Returning to the living room, she stopped abruptly, stunned by what she saw.
Karin was seated on Shinho's lap, definitely not in a "ladylike" posture.
Chisori quickly shifted her gaze away, pretending she hadn't seen anything.
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