This was the same shinobi, who looked no different from an ant in it's eyes, that had beaten it so thoroughly it couldn't even fight back.
"Bee, are you alright?"
The Fourth Raikage hurried forward, his face filled with concern.
"I... I'm fine."
Killer Bee's voice was weak, barely audible.
Though he was severely weakened, he was indeed alive.
The Fourth Raikage let out a sigh of relief.
"It's your turn, Yugito."
Shinho turned to look at Yugito Nii.
"…"
She froze in place, her heart filled with unwillingness and deep reluctance to part with Matatabi.
But she knew she could no longer change her fate, or Matatabi's.
Letting out a long sigh, Yugito Nii stepped forward.
The Sealing Corps repeated their procedure, and soon, Matatabi was extracted.
Like Gyūki, Matatabi had suffered Shinho's overwhelming might before and had learned its lesson well.
It remained obedient and did not resist.
"Mabui, I'll leave the rest to you."
Shinho took a few steps forward before adding, "Samui, come with me."
Samui immediately followed without hesitation.
Mabui watched their backs as they left, a thoughtful expression in her eyes.
She had a feeling something had transpired between them.
But now was not the time to dwell on such thoughts.
She quickly arranged for Killer Bee and Yugito Nii to be sent to Konoha's hospital for treatment.
The two Tailed Beasts were also swiftly taken into custody.
As promised, Shinho had arranged for Gyūki to be used as an energy source for the future City of Lightning.
The forces stationed there for security and governance would be Uchiha Mikoto's army.
If nothing unexpected happened, the Uchiha Clan would relocate to City of Lightning.
It was a bit far, but transportation was well-developing.
Even without airships or trains, the use of Hole Earth Gu would allow for instant travel in a matter of seconds.
As for Matatabi, Shinho ultimately assigned it to City of Fire, the future metropolitan capital of the Land of Fire.
Originally, the plan was for Isobu, the Three-Tails, to be used as an energy source there.
But since Isobu was an aquatic Tailed Beast, it made more sense to send it to Water City instead.
This decision also served as a small token of kindness toward Yugito.
After all, she would be stationed in City of Fire along with Samui and Mabui.
City of Fire's security and military presence would be under Hyūga's ninja army.
"You should notify the Sealing Corps and Kakashi. The remaining seven Tailed Beasts should be distributed within the next two days."
Shinho paused before adding, "Only extract half of the Nine-Tails."
Due to the Sage of Six Paths' favoritism, the Nine-Tails' chakra far surpassed that of the other eight Tailed Beasts.
Even with just half of it, the energy would be more than sufficient.
Given Naruto's status and position, receiving special treatment was only natural.
Besides, extracting only half would not weaken his strength significantly.
"One more thing."
Speaking of Naruto, Shinho suddenly recalled something.
"Arrange for Naruto to visit Turtle Island."
Samui blinked in surprise but quickly understood.
This was clearly to help Naruto become a perfect Jinchūriki.
"Understood."
Samui had no reason to refuse, and wouldn't dare to even if she wanted to.
After all, no foreign shinobi had ever been allowed into Turtle Island before.
"You were quite honest earlier."
Shinho suddenly smiled, giving her a rare bit of praise.
"It's only my duty."
Samui knew he was referring to her direct response regarding Gyūki's survival method.
"As Hokage, I must ensure that rewards and punishments are clearly defined."
Shinho looked at her and asked, "What do you want as a reward?"
Samui was momentarily stunned.
A reward?
But what she truly wanted, she was certain Shinho would never grant.
"I don't need anything."
Samui replied calmly. "It was merely my duty as the Hokage's secretary."
"Is that so?"
Shinho rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "How about I give you a massage?"
"…?"
Samui's face involuntarily showed confusion.
A massage?
What kind of reward was that?
Wasn't this just an excuse to take advantage of her?
She couldn't help but feel dumbfounded.
"Come here."
Shinho stood up and gestured for her to sit.
Samui hesitated for a few seconds before stepping forward and sitting in the Hokage's chair.
Shinho felt quite satisfied with his secretary at this moment.
So obedient.
He walked around behind her.
From this angle, he had a perfect view of the towering snow peaks before him.
Shinho reached out and began to gently massage her temples.
A faint, pleasant fragrance filled the air.
Combined with the strong visual impact, he let out a slow breath.
It was a rather enjoyable experience for both parties.
Of course, he preferred giving Tsunade full-body massages.
Gradually, Samui's body relaxed.
She had initially assumed Shinho was just using this as an excuse to take advantage of her.
But she quickly realized he was genuinely giving her a proper massage.
And surprisingly, he was quite skilled at it.
The absurdity of the situation!
Shinho was, without a doubt, the most powerful individual in the shinobi world.
Yet, here he was, giving her a massage.
In a way, this was quite an honor.
Shinho's hands moved downward, cupping her face as his fingers lightly kneaded her cheeks.
Samui's heart tensed.
She feared he might continue downward.
But to her surprise, even after the massage ended, he had never once touched anywhere below her neck.
"That's enough for now."
Shinho released her soft cheeks.
"Thank you, Lord Hokage."
Samui said, her voice unusually emotional.
"You earned it."
Shinho tousled her golden hair gently.
"Is there anything else, Lord Hokage?"
Samui's face showed a faint trace of unease.
This was the first time in her life someone had tousled her hair.
Of course, it was also the first time she had ever received a massage.
"No, you may leave."
Shinho withdrew his hand.
"Yes."
Samui stood up and exited the office.
Once outside, she reached up and lightly patted her flushed cheeks.
If he wasn't an enemy…
She might have actually developed a crush him.
Because he was indeed outstanding.
Powerful, knowledgeable, and even good-looking.
Practically a perfect man.
...
With a wave of his hand, Shinho set up a barrier.
As his Primeval Essence surged, the serpent-shaped tattoo on his arm immediately reacted.
"Master!"
Ichikishima-hime's figure, dressed in a maid outfit appeared.
She took a few steps forward and immediately pounced into his embrace.
"Hmm."
Shinho extended his hand, gently lifting her up and settling her onto his lap.
Ichikishima-hime's body stiffened, her long, slender legs tensing instinctively.
Under the sunlight, the sheer white stockings she wore perfectly accentuated the smooth, elegant curves of her legs.
Especially considering that, as a Snake Princess, her skin was naturally even paler than most.
Shinho let out a long sigh.
Truly an exceptional girl.
The agitation that had lingered in his heart because of Samui gradually dissipated.
He gently caressed Ichikishima-hime's delicate face.
Such smooth, warm skin.
He chuckled, "You're still the same as ever."
Ichikishima-hime ignored his teasing.
Her face was flushed, her breath uneven, as though she were feverish.
But that wasn't an issue.
Shinho was a medical ninja. He could heal her anytime. He could invigorate her anytime.
…
At the same time, the Sealing Corps continued their work.
By the time the sun set, they had successfully released all nine Tailed Beasts.
Thanks to advance notice from the ANBU, the event didn't cause excessive panic.
Only a few curious villagers and shinobi came to watch.
After all, witnessing all nine Tailed Beasts gathered together was a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.
…
Konoha Forest;
From the shadows cast by the massive Tailed Beasts, a strange figure suddenly emerged.
A being with a head encased in a pitcher plant, Zetsu.
"This is a complete waste!"
Black Zetsu ground his teeth in frustration.
The nine Tailed Beasts and the Rinnegan, the things he had spent millennia scheming for, were all in Konoha now.
And all he could do was sit back and watch.
It was a fate worse than death in a sense.
"What should we do now?"
White Zetsu asked. "We can't just keep watching forever without taking action, can we?"
"…"
Black Zetsu hesitated for a few seconds before saying,
"We should attempt to make contact with this era's reincarnation of Indra's chakra."
Before, with Shinho stationed in Konoha, they wouldn't dare approach.
After all, the Hokage's strength was simply too overwhelming.
If they were captured, everything would be over, and Kaguya Ōtsutsuki would lose all chance of resurrection.
But now that Shinho was focused on constructing the nine cities, this created a small window of opportunity.
Of course, they could only make contact in secret.
Why only approach Indra's reincarnation?
Because chakra influenced personality.
The reincarnations of Asura's chakra were usually optimistic, big-hearted individuals, not suited for subtle manipulation or guidance.
"Do you already know who Indra's reincarnation is?"
White Zetsu asked curiously.
"It's most likely Uchiha Sasuke."
Black Zetsu explained. "He has already awakened the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan. His talent rivals even that of Madara."
"That makes sense."
White Zetsu nodded in agreement.
"Once Sasuke leaves the village, we can send a clone to test him."
Black Zetsu instructed after a moment's thought.
"You're always so cautious."
White Zetsu couldn't help but sigh.
…
Hokage's Office;
Shinho raised an eyebrow slightly.
Two lines of text had appeared in his vision.
Had he just triggered an achievement?
He had patted Ichikishima-hime's head as she leaned against him though.
The two had now entered Stage Two.
Ichikishima-hime was still as weak as ever.
But at least she had one specialty, her celestial tongue.
..
[Achievement Unlocked: "In the Forest, I Can Hear the Cries of Many Tailed Beasts." Reward: Dark Arrow Immortal Gu]
[Dark Arrow Immortal Gu: A Rank-Six Immortal Gu. Fires three Dark Arrow Immortal Gus that automatically seek enemies. Extremely fast, highly penetrative, stops upon hitting the target.]
..
Shinho twitched his lips at the name of the achievement.
It was a bit abstract, leaving many room for interpretation.
But the reward was excellent.
A perfect weapon for ambushes and pursuit.
And best of all, it never lost track of its target.
Just as he was pondering its use, his body trembled slightly.
Ichikishima-hime, who was kneeling on the ground slipped on her stockings, taking it deeper than she ever had.
Her eyes nearly rolled back to her skull, her throat bulging with pain as she gasped.
The veins on her neck pulsed, her throat moving as she swallowed everything.
For a while, gasps and coughs rang out in the room, but it subsided far too quickly.
"Are you fine?!" Shinho asked, returning to earth form the nine heavens.
Ichikishima-hime gulped down two mouthfuls of water before responding.
"I'm fine, you don't have to worry."
She wasn't human, but a Snake Princess.
Her body was highly flexible and resilient, so there was no real harm done.
After she finished drinking, Shinho patted her head. She leaned into his palm, looking expectly at the lounge behind the bookshelf.
Ichikishima-hime licked her lips. She wanted initiate stage three.
Shinho knew that look well enough. He picked her up, walking toward the newly attached bathroom.
Shinho liked clean things, no matter if it was the snake princess who's body transcended physical needs.
Unfortunately, Ichikishima-hime didn't get to rest on the lounge for Stage three.
Once cleaning was done, Shinho got straight to the point.
Ichikishima-hime never touched the ground that day.
Halfway through, two more princesses joined them.
In a way, Shinho was preparing for his seclusion.
…
The Next Day;
With the exception of the Nine-Tails, the remaining eight Tailed Beasts and their respective shinobi armies set out across the shinobi world.
Accompanying them were members of the Commerce and Transportation Departments.
Oddly enough, the greatest burden fell on the shinobi of Iwagakure.
Their expertise in Earth Release made them the best candidates for city and road construction.
The final ninja army was, of course, assigned to oversee the Land of Fire's new metropolis.
With everything progressing smoothly, Shinho decided it was time for his seclusion.
Konoha's affairs were entrusted to Konan, Shizune, and Shikaku.
As for his training location, he chose to cultivate at home.
Once he neared a breakthrough, he would head to Ryūchi Cave.
The only uncertainty in this whole process was Heavenly Tribulation and Earthly Calamity.
Ordinarily, ascending to the rank of an immortal would trigger these tribulations.
This was due to the influence of fate itself.
But the shinobi world had no such concept.
If it did, then Kaguya Ōtsutsuki's act of planting the God Tree wouldn't have gone so smoothly.
Either way, he would find out soon enough.
With a flick of his hand, White Cloud Cushion Gu appeared.
As the name implied, it was a meditation cushion.
Shinho stepped forward and sat down cross-legged upon it.
Activating his Primeval Essence, he triggered Third Watch Gu .
A silver triangular mark appeared over his chest.
This signified that Third Watch Gu had fully taken effect.
His personal time now flowed at three times the normal speed.
Without wasting another moment, Shinho immersed himself in cultivation.
After all, every second wasted was three seconds of life lost.
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