Chapter 113: Uzuki Yugao

"Here, try this sword," Shishou said, handing the combined Peacock Swords to Yugao. He led her to a forest outside the Craftsmen Country's capital.

"Whoa!" Yugao exclaimed, taking the sword and giving it a casual swing. A strong wind blew through the trees. She frowned and swung again, sending numerous wind blades slicing through a distant tree, leaving it bare.

"While it does enhance Wind Release, it's not practical for me," Yugao said, planting the sword in the ground. "I don't like it."

"Why not?" Shishou asked, curious.

"Although this sword increases the power and range of Wind Release, it disperses the chakra focused on the blade," Yugao explained. "Swordsmanship is about concentrating power in a straight line. This sword just complicates things."

"I see. Then let's wait for the new weapon Master Tetsusuke is forging," Shishou said, storing the Peacock Swords and the Dragon Eyes Extendable Sword into a scroll, preparing to head back to the Craftsmen Country's capital.

"Did you go out just to get that sword?" Yugao asked, thinking it over.

"Yes. I thought it would suit you better, so I went to the Craftsmen Village and took it," Shishou replied nonchalantly.

"You went and took it?" Yugao was stunned, her face showing disbelief.

Shishou nodded, as if it were no big deal. Yugao had mixed feelings; she didn't like Shishou's strong-arm tactics, but knowing he did it for her made her feel a bit touched.

"Don't do that again," Yugao said, her lips pressing together. "It's not right."

"I just used genjutsu to control them, no one was hurt," Shishou explained.

"Let's head back," Yugao said, taking Shishou's hand and smiling.

"Alright," Shishou agreed, teleporting them back to the Craftsmen Country's capital.

At a local inn, Shishou requested two rooms since they would be staying for a couple of days until Tetsusuke finished forging the weapons.

"Sorry, we only have one room available," the innkeeper said apologetically.

"Let's find another place," Shishou suggested, leading Yugao away. However, the next two inns were also full, leaving them no choice but to return to the first inn.

"One room will do," Yugao said finally, her face flushing at the thought of sharing a room with Shishou. She took the room key, and they headed upstairs.

The room was spacious, with enough space for two people to move around comfortably despite having only one bed. Once inside, Yugao felt nervous and avoided staying too close to Shishou.

Shishou, finding her behavior amusing, pulled out a box from his storage scroll. "Here, Yugao, this is for you," he said.

Yugao suspiciously opened the box, relieved to find it contained a set of beautiful female armor instead of something inappropriate. "You don't expect me to change into this now, do you?" she asked, blushing.

Shishou nodded with a grin.

"Pervert!" Yugao muttered. "Fine, just this once." She took the armor and went into the bathroom.

A few minutes later, she emerged, her face red but looking striking in the intricately designed armor. "How do I look?" she asked shyly.

"Stunning!" Shishou exclaimed, giving her a thumbs-up. "You look amazing."

"Pervert!" Yugao repeated, though she seemed pleased with his reaction. Shishou then had her pose with a sword and shield, capturing various angles.

Two days later, Tetsusuke finished forging the new weapon. Yugao tested the sword, finding its Wind Release capabilities greatly enhanced. "This is incredible," she said, clearly impressed.

Shishou smiled, satisfied with Tetsusuke's work. He also held a similar sword intended for Izumi.

Afterward, Shishou returned to the Land of Iron with Yugao. Over the next few days, he used the Phosphorescent Parasites to help Yugao and Izumi master the Cursed Seal transformation. With his control over the flow of senjutsu chakra, they adapted quickly to the changes.

During this time, Shishou couldn't resist the opportunity to have them wear slightly revealing outfits, thoroughly enjoying the view. Once they fully mastered the transformation, he kissed each of them on the forehead and then teleported to Kirigakure.

"I'm off to train," Yugao said, her face red as she avoided Izumi's teasing glance and ran off.

In the Land of Water, Kirigakure, in the Mizukage's office, Mei Terumi smiled brightly when Shishou walked in.

"What brings you here today?" Mei asked, pinching Shishou's cheek.

"I came to see you," Shishou replied with a grin.

"Hmph, I don't believe you," Mei said, rolling her eyes.

"What do I need to do to make you believe me?" Shishou teased, his hand wandering.

"Not here, this is the Mizukage's office," Mei scolded, her face reddening.

"Doesn't that make it more exciting?" Shishou countered.

"Get lost!" Mei retorted, pushing him away playfully.

After a bit of playful banter, Shishou took Mei out for a day off in the Water Country's capital. They enjoyed their time together and returned to Kirigakure by nightfall.

While Mei was scolded by her advisor, Ao, for slacking off, Shishou was taken to meet the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura.

"Thank you," Yagura said solemnly, bowing to Shishou. If not for Shishou's intervention, he might have caused irreparable damage to Kirigakure.

"No need to thank me. I'm here to ask for your help," Shishou replied.

"Anything I can do, just say the word," Yagura agreed readily.

Shishou leaned in and whispered his request. Yagura's brows furrowed. "Are you sure you can handle this?"

"Absolutely," Shishou nodded confidently.

"Very well, I agree," Yagura said, his body soon enveloped in a red and black chakra as he partially transformed into his tailed beast form.

Alarmed, Ao prepared to intervene but was stopped by Shishou. Shishou placed a hand on Yagura, using the Phosphorescent Parasites to absorb the excess tailed beast chakra and propagate the parasites quickly.

After several minutes, Yagura collapsed, unconscious but unharmed. Shishou handed him over to Ao. "Take care of him," he said before disappearing.

That night, Shishou returned to his underground lab in Konoha. After absorbing Yagura's chakra and making a brief stop at Ryuchi Cave to consume two more giant snakes, he returned home.

"Phosphorescent Parasites, epic breed, evolved nine times. Ready for the next stage," read the system prompt. "Evolution is irreversible. Proceed with caution."

Shishou took a deep breath, contemplating his next move.