NARUTO- CH-102. Natural energy for insects?

Uchiha Itachi hesitated to speak.

Because Hatake Kakashi had already disappeared.

---

Shiki wiped the sweat from his forehead as he dispersed the true energy in his hand.

After performing the Palm Immortal Technique five times in a row, he felt deeply tired.

"What's next? What's next?"

The slug, still full of energy, eagerly urged him to continue the story.

"That's all for today," Shiki smiled, shaking his head. "It's your turn to tell me about the teacher's past."

"All right," the slug sighed with an unsatisfied expression and asked, "When do you want to hear about her?"

"The Second Shinobi World War," Shiki replied after glancing outside the door to ensure Tsunade wasn't eavesdropping.

"It's a long story," the slug said, imitating a cough before beginning, "It is said that in the Hidden Rain Village, there is a special summoning beast called a salamander…"

Shiki listened with great interest.

There were very few events related to the Second Ninja World War mentioned in the original work. The details were vague, and the slug was truly knowledgeable, especially about the battle between Konoha's three sannin and the demigod Hanzo.

When Shizune walked into the kitchen, Shiki quickly winked at the slug, and it fell silent.

"What are you two talking about?" Shizune asked as she tied her apron.

"Just bonding," Shiki answered casually.

"What do you want for dinner?" he asked, changing the subject.

"Tempura," Shiki replied without hesitation.

"You really like that dish," Shizune chuckled. "But children shouldn't eat such greasy food."

Shiki didn't actually love tempura; he just had a weakness for fried food. In his previous life, it had been a weekly indulgence.

"I won't disturb you anymore, Sister Shizune," He said, picking up the slug and heading back to his room.

---

"Shiki, is there something else you need?" The slug asked curiously as it landed on the table.

"Slug-sama," Shiki hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Can you keep a secret? Please don't tell anyone, including the teacher."

"Eh?" The slug blinked, clearly surprised. It was the first time anyone had made such a request.

"Don't worry, I would never harm my teacher," Shiki reassured.

"Very well," the slug said after a moment of thought.

"Is there a way to better absorb natural energy?" Shiki asked directly.

"Natural energy?" The slug's tone was laced with surprise. "You're not ready to practice Sage Mode."

"It's not for me," Shiki clarified. "It's for my parasites."

He extended his hand, revealing a small parasite standing in his palm.

"This is an unusual practice," The slug remarked with interest. "But it does seem safer to use parasitic bugs."

"Is there a method?" Shiki pressed.

The slug pondered for a moment before nodding. "Yes. Wait here. I'll return shortly."

With a bang, the slug dispelled its summoning.

Ten minutes later, Shiki resummoned it. In front of him was a small jar of a translucent white liquid.

"What is this?" Shiki asked, inspecting it curiously.

"Apply it to your body. It will help absorb natural energy," The slug replied vaguely, clearly guarding the secret of the Wet Bone Forest.

Shiki nodded in thanks. "Thank you, Slug-sama."

"In exchange, I want another story tomorrow," The slug demanded.

"No problem," Shiki agreed readily. Relationships like this required cultivation. This liquid wouldn't last forever, so he would need the slug's help again eventually.

---

After dinner, Shiki returned to the Aburame clan's compound.

He brought Shino to the training ground behind their house. The deep pit from their last experiment had been filled in.

"Here," Shiki handed the jar of liquid to Shino. "It can enhance the absorption of natural energy."

"Really? Where did you get this?" Shino asked, surprised. He knew the value of natural energy after their numerous Senjutsu experiments.

"Don't ask too many questions," Shiki said with a smirk. "Just try it."

"All right," Shino said eagerly, taking out a mutated parasite.

The parasite rolled in the liquid before absorbing natural energy according to their usual steps. Shiki carefully controlled the input of chakra.

Moments later, there was a loud bang. A deep crater formed in the ground.

"The absorption speed is three times faster, and the explosion power has tripled!" Shino exclaimed in astonishment.

Shiki smirked in satisfaction.

---

After leaving several of the enhanced parasites with Shino, Shiki returned to the Senju compound.

"Shiki," Shizune greeted, waving at him. "I've already prepared some hot water. Go take a bath."

"Thank you, Sister Shizune."

Shiki walked into the bathroom.

He was about to undress, but when he looked up, he saw Shizune still standing in the doorway.

"…?"

Shiki looked puzzled.

What's this? A night raid?

"Lady Tsunade told me that we are going to the Land of Lightning for training," Shizune said with a light cough. "I'll return to Konoha Hospital tomorrow and leave the day after."

"Okay," Shiki nodded. "Sister Shizune, please close the door."

He needed some time to relax in peace.

"Do you need your sister to help you wash?" Shizune asked confidently. "I guarantee it'll be very clean."

"No need," Shiki flatly refused.

He wasn't about to invite unnecessary torture for himself.

Shizune reluctantly withdrew her gaze and closed the door.

After she left, Shiki enjoyed a peaceful bath.

---

A new day dawned.

Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the room.

Shiki rubbed his eyes and got up to get dressed.

Since it was a holiday, Shizune had allowed him to sleep in.

It was a rare indulgence, though he hadn't overdone it—it was just half past seven.

"Teacher."

Shiki knocked firmly on Tsunade's door.

"I heard you, kid!"

A groggy yet irritable voice called back.

Satisfied, Shiki headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

Moments later, Tsunade emerged, her eyes still heavy with sleep.

She wore a loose, ill-fitting kimono nightgown, her bare feet padding softly on the carpet.

Shiki noticed something. The kimono didn't fit well because of how it hung loosely in the middle, leaving noticeable gaps.

"Teacher," Shiki pointed out, "Your hair."

Tsunade glanced at the mirror.

Her long golden hair spilled over her shoulders, except for a strand sticking straight up on top of her head.

She tried pressing it down with her hand.

It was stubborn.

"Use water," Shiki advised.

"I know," Tsunade muttered, tapping his head. "It's not like I'm clueless."

Turning on the faucet, she scooped water into her hands, smoothing it over the offending strand before stroking it into submission.

"Go get my hair ties," Tsunade instructed as she squeezed toothpaste onto her brush.

Shiki walked to her room.

Her usual outfit—a green jacket, sleeveless top, black sash, and dark blue trousers—lay neatly on the bed.

For a brief moment, he was reminded of a classic scene.

The only thing missing was a beauty sitting on the bed, completely unguarded.

Shiki shook his head and focused, quickly spotting her two hair ties on the dresser. He grabbed them and returned to the bathroom.

By then, Tsunade had finished washing up.

She reached back, gathering her long golden hair with her hands, revealing the delicate curve of her neck.

"Hand them to me," Tsunade said, holding part of her hair with one hand while extending the other toward Shiki.

He placed a tie in her palm.

With practiced ease, Tsunade tied her hair into a ponytail.

Grabbing the second tie, she worked for a moment before turning toward the mirror.

"How do I look?" she asked, inspecting herself.

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, letting her bangs frame her face and the diamond-shaped mark on her forehead stand out.

"Beautiful," Shiki said sincerely. "You're the most stunning woman in Konoha."

Tsunade smirked at his compliment. "Why didn't I notice how sweet you were before? No wonder so many girls like you."

"…"

Shiki's mouth twitched. Was that a compliment or a jab?

"I want ramen for breakfast," Tsunade declared, snapping her fingers as she headed out. "I'm counting on you."

"You're welcome," Shiki muttered under his breath.

"Not happy?" Tsunade turned to look at him, her white fist clenched.

"Of course, I'm happy," Shiki quickly replied. "For my teacher, I'd sacrifice anything."

"Good."

Pleased, Tsunade left, her confident stride drawing Shiki's attention to her graceful figure.

_________

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