Chapter 213: Rising Fame in the Shinobi World

Land of Earth, Iwagakure.

"Ouch, my back!"

Ōnoki, the elderly Tsuchikage, suddenly let out a wail of pain.

He had strained his back again.

Kurotsuchi, dressed in her signature red outfit, sighed as she approached him.

With a sharp motion, she realigned his spine.

"You really are my excellent granddaughter," Ōnoki gritted out through the pain, his face contorted.

"All done."

Kurotsuchi withdrew her hands and said, "You're not young anymore, Grandpa. You should take better care of yourself."

"It's not that simple," Ōnoki replied with a heavy sigh. "None of you let me rest easy."

"I'm always well-behaved," Kurotsuchi snorted, crossing her fair legs. "The one who's a handful is Deidara."

"That brat! Who knows where he's run off to now!"

The mention of Deidara brought an annoyed expression to Ōnoki's face.

"Take it easy," Kurotsuchi said nonchalantly. "With his strength, nothing will happen to him. He'll come back eventually."

"I hope so!"

Ōnoki muttered in discontent. "That scoundrel has been gone for years without a single word."

"Maybe he wouldn't have left If you scolded him less often," Kurotsuchi said, pausing briefly before adding, "But he's also to blame. Blowing things up in the village all the time made life unbearable for everyone."

Before their conversation could turn into a full-blown tirade against Deidara, there was a knock at the door.

Kurotsuchi stood and opened it, revealing Kitsuchi.

"You're back? Was the mission successful?"

She greeted him with a smile.

"It was successful," Kitsuchi said gravely, "but there was an unexpected development."

He proceeded to recount the events surrounding Moryo's sealing.

"The Sixth Hokage is that powerful?"

Kurotsuchi's eyes narrowed as she questioned.

"Moryo's strength rivals a tailed beast. While it's not the strongest among them, it's far beyond most shinobi," Kitsuchi replied.

"Could he match Grandpa?"

Kurotsuchi asked, her tone shifting.

"No," Kitsuchi replied after a moment's thought. "Dust Release is a Kekkei Tōta."

Kekkei Tōta was an advanced jutsu that surpassed Kekkei Genkai.

Kekkei Genkai combined two chakra natures, while Kekkei Tōta required three.

In the original series, Ōnoki had once used Dust Release to obliterate several of Madara's Wood Clones equipped with Susano'o in a single attack.

Its sheer power made it notoriously difficult to master, and no one else in Iwagakure had ever succeeded in inheriting it.

"Of course!"

Ōnoki straightened his back proudly. "As of now, there isn't a single shinobi in the world who can defeat me!"

Kitsuchi and Kurotsuchi didn't argue, they both shared the same belief.

Ōnoki's Dust Release was practically invincible, with his only defeats coming at the hands of Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha.

And there was no shame in that, given the legendary status of those two who had ended the Warring States Period and established the shinobi village system.

But now, the legends were all dead.

"But defeating Moryo at such a young age…Shinho is bound to become a major threat to Iwagakure in the future," Kitsuchi said gravely.

"Why does Konoha have so many geniuses?"

Kurotsuchi pouted.

Ōnoki's years were numbered, and likely he wouldn't outlive Shinho.

By then, she would likely have to face him herself, and the thought gave her a headache.

…

Land of Lightning, Kumogakure.

"Welcome back."

Mabui greeted the returning shinobi with her characteristic smile.

She wore her usual dark uniform and pencil skirt, holding a stack of documents. Her looks screamed 'secretary'.

"You almost didn't see me again, Mabui."

Samui stepped forward, stopping before her.

The stark difference between their heights was noticeable as they stood together.

"What do you mean?"

Mabui asked, puzzled.

"Let's go meet Lord Raikage," Samui said solemnly. "You'll understand when you hear the full story."

"Alright," Mabui replied, pushing down her curiosity. She glanced at C before turning toward the Raikage's office.

"Come in," the Fourth Raikage said as they approached, raising his head. "Was the mission completed?"

"It was," C said, taking a deep breath. "But we encountered shinobi from Iwagakure and Konoha."

"Is there a problem?"

Mabui asked, confused.

They had already known from the outset that Shion had requested assistance from the Five Great Nations.

The reward was so generous that collaboration was justified.

"The team from Konoha was led by the Sixth Hokage, Shinho Aburame," C said. "His strength far exceeded our expectations."

Mabui blinked, recalling the charming young boy from years ago.

"He's Tsunade's apprentice. No matter how impressive, he's just a medical-nin," the Fourth Raikage said disapprovingly.

"Well, here's what happened…"

C recounted the events.

"Oh?"

The Raikage's interest was piqued.

Unfamiliar with the Gu system, he assumed Shinho's techniques were a mix of ninjutsu and taijutsu.

Kumogakure was known for its combination of Lightning Release, taijutsu and kenjutsu.

Each Raikage trained their body with Lightning Chakra, enhancing their physical abilities to superhuman levels.

"Truly, he had become a significant threat," Mabui said grimly.

"We should've killed him back then," C lamented with regret.

"With Tsunade around, we couldn't," Mabui replied, shaking her head.

"No matter."

The Fourth Raikage waved it off. "It's just Moryo—a tailed beast-level threat, nothing more."

"Indeed," C agreed, relaxing slightly.

Tailed beasts varied in power.

The strongest, like the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails, were leagues ahead.

And every Raikage had suppressed the Eight-Tails at some point.

"But Samui should be cautious," C added. "The Hokage seemed unusually interested in her."

"Young men often lose their composure around Samui. It's only natural," Mabui said with a smirk. "It's a good thing. It means he has a weakness."

…

Land of Rain, Amegakure.

On a tall tower, Pain's Deva Path stood expressionless, watching the endless rain fall.

Footsteps approached.

Turning, he saw Konan in her Akatsuki cloak.

"Word just came from White Zetsu," Konan said, stopping nearby. "Moryo has been defeated and sealed by the Sixth Hokage, Shinho Aburame."

Pain didn't react.

"Shinho's strength is significant, equivalent to a tailed beast," Konan continued.

"In the face of a god, no power matters," Pain replied. "When will the Three-Tails revive?"

"Three months," Konan estimated.

"Will we have enough funds by then?"

"Nearly," Konan nodded. "Kakuzu and the others have been working day and night on missions and bounties."

…

Land of Fire, Konoha.

Shizune sat at the Hokage's desk, unrolling a scroll.

It was an urgent report delivered by ANBU.

The report had come from the Land of Demons.

Shizune scanned the contents eagerly and couldn't help but look surprised.

Has this troublemaker really grown this powerful?

Effortlessly defeating Moryo, a monstrous being that nearly destroyed the Land of Demons a decade ago, was no small feat.

Shizune rolled up the scroll, her lips pressed together as she thought about its implications.

If nothing unexpected happened, Shinho Aburame would return to Konoha in the next couple of days.

And she had promised him a reward before he left.

The thought made Shizune shiver slightly, her face flushing bright red.

She covered her face with her hands, her throat tightening. She was nervous, but inexplicably, her heart swelled with expectation.

Even though it was embarrassing…

Last time, it had left her voice almost hoarse.

…

Land of Demons, Priestess' Shrine.

"Lord Hokage, are you sure you can't stay a few more days?"

Shion, dressed in her formal priestess attire, asked reluctantly.

"I'm the Hokage. I can't be away from Konoha for too long," Shinho replied, shaking his head. "I'll send someone to finalize the alliance agreement with you soon."

"If you have time, come and visit me," Shion said, her gaze fixed intently on him.

Her expression was unguarded, openly displaying her emotions.

"Shinho-nii, let's go!"

Karin couldn't bear it any longer. She grabbed Shinho's arm and began dragging him away.

Shion instinctively took a step forward, watching their retreating figures, a deep sense of melancholy washing over her.

The reality of their statuses and positions made it clear that meeting frequently was unlikely.

But that didn't matter. She would hold onto the promise he had made.

When she grew older, she would seek him out again.

"Shinho-nii, you really are too charming!"

Karin held Shinho's arm, her voice showing a bit of frustration and pride.

Sasuke, mindful of the situation, slowed his pace and let them walk ahead.

To Sasuke, things like affection were nothing but distractions, mere hindrances to his pursuit of power.

Shinho glanced down at Karin.

Under the sunlight, her bright red hair shimmered, appearing incredibly soft and smooth.

"What reward do you want?" Shinho asked, remembering the promise he had made to her earlier.

"Reward!"

Karin's excitement surged, her breathing quickening.

"Think carefully!"

Shinho raised his hand and flicked her forehead lightly, snapping her out of her thoughts.

Karin rubbed her forehead, glaring at him, but the sight of his handsome face made it impossible for her to stay angry.

She mulled over her options as they walked, various thoughts flitting through her mind.

"Let's go to a hot spring!"

Karin said, her face lighting up with anticipation.

"A hot spring?"

Shinho chuckled. "Alright."

"Mixed bathing!"

Karin's cheeks flushed as she spoke, her excitement growing.

"No," Shinho refused firmly.

If it were Tsunade making such a suggestion, he might have agreed eagerly.

But Karin wasn't ready yet.

Actually, maybe I'll ask Tsunade next time…

"Eh?!"

Karin's enthusiasm deflated instantly.

Shinho ignored her pouty expression.

Karin tried to hold a grudge and tried to ignore him but it lasted less than a minute before she clung to his arm again, her spirits lifted.

…

The next morning, the three finally returned to Konoha.

Shinho instructed Sasuke and Karin to head home and rest while he made his way to the Hokage Tower.

"Lord Hokage!"

Shinobi passing by greeted him with noticeable respect.

Shinho immediately sensed the change in their tone.

Could it be the mission in the Land of Demons?

Without a doubt, this was Shizune's doing.

Shinho pushed open the door to the Hokage's office.

"Shinho?"

Shizune stood up immediately, her long legs clad in black stockings carrying her swiftly toward him.

"Did anything major happen while I was away?"

Shinho casually closed the door behind him.

The ANBU were stationed outside, leaving the two of them alone in the office.

No longer concerned about appearances, Shinho pulled Shizune into his arms.

Her soft body pressed against his, carrying a faint fragrance.

Shizune stiffened in surprise, instinctively about to push him away, but stopped herself.

She was used to this by now.

"Nothing significant," Shizune replied, her expression calm.

"Did you spread the news about me defeating Moryo?"

Shinho's left arm wrapped around her waist, while his right hand began to slide downward.

"Mm… Ah!"

Shizune gasped instinctively.

Shinho's hand rested on her pencil skirt, and she could feel the warmth of his palm against the fabric.

"Y-You shouldn't…"

Shizune pushed him back, taking two steps away. "It's broad daylight!"

"So it's fine at night?" Shinho teased with a grin.

Shizune's heart raced, her face turning a deep red. Her mind went blank from the sudden question.

"Even though you've experienced it before, you're still this shy, Shizune-nee," Shinho said, stepping forward and embracing her again. "Don't worry, I won't do anything."

Shizune hesitated but didn't push him away this time.

She glanced up at Shinho, resting her face against his chest, her heartbeat gradually calming.

This quiet intimacy felt more romantic than anything physical.

"Have the ANBU send a team to the Land of Rice Fields," Shinho said, taking in the scent of her hair.

"The Land of Rice Fields?"

Shizune blinked in confusion.

"Have them locate the exact position of Otogakure," Shinho instructed. "No need for deeper investigation."

"Are you planning to target Orochimaru?"

Shizune asked, surprise evident on her face.

"Orochimaru is a rogue ninja from Konoha. He killed the Third Hokage and caused chaos during the Chūnin Exams," Shinho replied. "An evil figure like him should've been brought to justice long ago."

"Orochimaru is dangerous…"

Shizune hesitated.

Beyond Orochimaru himself, there was also the threat of Edo Tensei.

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had fallen under the combined assault of reanimated versions of the First and Second Hokage during the Chūnin Exams.

If Orochimaru repeated that strategy, Konoha would undoubtedly suffer again.

"It's true that it's risky, but we can prepare in advance," Shinho said with a smile. "We already know his trump card."

"I'll make the arrangements," Shizune said after a few moments of hesitation, ultimately agreeing.

"How's Teacher doing lately?"

Shinho asked, running a hand gently through Shizune's hair.

With his height advantage, it looked as though he were her older brother.

"She's the same as always, losing money every day," Shizune replied with a small smile.

Now that the casinos were under Konoha's control, her losses no longer felt painful.

"Alright, let go of me," Shizune said, tilting her head upward. "I need to get back to work, Lord Hokage."

Her tone was a little reluctant, as she had quite enjoyed the quiet embrace.

"Very well."

Shinho smirked, a glint in his eye. "But I'm taking an advance on tonight's reward."

Before Shizune could react, her lips were sealed with his.

She froze for a moment, then softened, letting herself get lost in the kiss.

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