*Konoha Underground Base.*
Shisui, clad in a white hospital gown, floated inside a cultivation tank. Above him, a dark purple orb hovered and spun incessantly.
That was the Hōgyoku.
Currently, Shisui was undergoing the second stage of evolution—the bony protrusions on his cheeks had receded even further.
"Almost at the limit. Did you record the data?" Yuto glanced at Mikoto.
"Mhm." Uchiha Mikoto nodded, then looked down at her notes. "Whether it's physical strength, spiritual pressure density, or cell division, everything is at least four times higher than during the initial Arrancar transformation."
"This is what a true Shinobi Hollowfication should look like," Yuto said with a faint smirk. "Not just a shinobi, not just an Arrancar—but a Shinobi-Arrancar hybrid."
"Is there some deeper principle behind this?" Kushina, who had been observing, piped up curiously.
"Shinobi possess chakra, which means their soul density is far higher than that of ordinary people," Yuto explained, casually retrieving the Hōgyoku from above the tank. "Our earlier crude Hollowfication merely forced chakra and Hollow spiritual particles to coexist. Though both existed within the shinobi's body, they remained distinctly separate. But now, by using tailed beast chakra as a neutralizer, we've finally broken that boundary."
"So… you could mass-produce gods now?" Kushina gasped, eyes wide with exaggerated shock. "Just capture all the other tailed beasts for their chakra, and world domination is within reach!"
"It's not that easy," Yuto replied, looking equal parts amused and exasperated. "This depends on innate talent. Shisui just happens to be gifted enough. And we only need one type of tailed beast chakra—more wouldn't help. It's not cumulative; it just serves as a neutralizer."
"Still depends on talent, huh…" Mikoto frowned slightly. "Then I might not make the cut. I was never that talented as a shinobi."
"Relax, your talent surpasses everyone else's in this world," Yuto said confidently, lips curling. "After being nourished by the Soul Nurturing Pearl for so long, no one in the shinobi world has a soul as pure as both of you."
"So, does that make us Espada too?" Kushina arched an eyebrow.
"…Huh?"
"You've already created Arrancar. Might as well form the Ten Espada, no? I don't care—I'm calling dibs on Primera!"
"..."
"No?"
"…Fine. If it makes you happy."
"Good boy! Here's a little buff for you~"
She hooked her arms around Yuto's neck and planted a firm kiss on his lips.
*Mwah.*
A long moment later, they finally parted.
"Let's skip cooking tonight. How about we try the tofu at the izakaya on South Street?" Kushina suggested, cupping Yuto's face. "Trust me, you won't regret it!"
"Their tofu is pretty good," Mikoto agreed.
"Alright!"
With both ladies in agreement, Yuto wasn't about to ruin the mood.
As night draped over Konoha, South Street buzzed with vibrant lights.
"After seeing what the Land of Waves looks like now, Konoha's prosperity feels kinda… meh," Kushina mused from within the spirit Pearl. "Even a commercial district like this feels like it's missing something."
"It's too outdated," Mikoto observed after a moment. "Wave's business district is all brand-new, full of vitality. Konoha just feels… stale."
"Further proof that we are the future of the shinobi world!" Kushina struck a triumphant pose, hands on hips.
"Except you contributed nothing. It was all Yuto and the people of Waves who did the work," Mikoto shot back, side-eyeing her.
"His achievements are my achievements!"
"Oh? 'Couple solidarity,' is it? You're not even married yet."
"Yuto! Let's dump this woman right now! She's got a sharp tongue—keeping her around would be nothing but trouble!"
"Not even married yet and already whispering in his ear? Now that's the makings of a real troublemaker!"
Listening to their banter, Yuto wisely kept his mouth shut. No matter how much they bickered about "first wife" this or "second wife" that, he knew exactly who held the least power in this dynamic.
"Hm? Is that…?"
Yuto's gaze landed on a familiar figure outside the izakaya. He blinked. "Tsunade-sensei?"
He quickened his pace and tapped her shoulder.
"Hmph!"
In an instant, Tsunade whirled around and drove a fist straight toward his chest.
Yuto's right arm snapped up, deflecting the blow. His other hand shot out, locking onto her wrist to prevent a follow-up. "Sensei, are you trying to kill me?"
"Oh, it's you, brat." Tsunade seemed to finally recognize him, her cheeks flushed with alcohol. "Thought it was some punk trying to cop a feel."
"Ah. My mistake."
"Damn right it was! You think I'd hold a grudge or something?"
'Well, that's open to interpretation.'
Yuto smiled faintly but didn't argue. "In that case, this disciple will—"
Before he could finish, Tsunade slung an arm over his shoulder. "Take me home."
Yuto paused, then nodded. "Sure."
"Carry me." Tsunade slumped against him, eyelids drooping. "Too tired to walk."
"..."
After a long silence, Yuto finally bent down and hoisted her onto his back.
The moment she settled against him, the distinct sensation of two soft, oppressive weights pressed into his back. For anyone else, this might've been a stroke of luck—for him, it was pure torture.
"How's it feel, brat?" Tsunade's lips brushed against his ear, her breath warm. "Not too heavy, am I?"
"Please try to avoid skin contact, sensei," Yuto said through gritted teeth. "Trust me, it's for your sake."
"Tch. What's the worst that could happen?" Tsunade scoffed. "You're just a kid—you think you can handle me?" To emphasize her point, she lightly nipped at his earlobe.
"This woman—how dare she push her luck like this?!" Mikoto was practically steaming with rage.
"Calm down, Mikoto-chan," Kushina said, eyes gleaming as she watched the scene unfold.
When no reaction triggered, Yuto exhaled in relief and warned sternly, "Sensei, I'm serious. If you want to have a pleasant night, you'd better—"
Before he could finish, warmth enveloped his earlobe again.
'Oh no.'
This time, luck wasn't on his side.
"Mmm…"
Tsunade shuddered violently, her arms tightening around his neck like a vice. Her eyes rolled back slightly.
Yuto, meanwhile, felt something damp seeping into his back—but he couldn't just drop her now.
Agony.
This was true agony.
Eventually, the tremors subsided.
Yuto turned his head stiffly. "Sensei, I did warn you—"
"Shut up. I can still go!" Tsunade cut him off, sealing his lips with her own before he could protest.
_____
_______
Show your support with Power Stones guys!
For every 10 Power Stones I'll drop 1 Bonus Chapter as Thank-You
Every 10 Power Stones =1 Bonus Chapter
[email protected]/Raven_scroll (30+ Advance Chapters)