When Shigeo Aburame stopped, nine light blue diamond-shaped marks appeared on his forehead.
These marks signified that he had created nine chakra storage seals within his body.
"What kind of joke is this?!"
Seeing this, Tsunade snapped out of her stupor and couldn't help but curse aloud.
"Even a single **Yin Seal** drains over half of your chakra. Yet you've created **nine** Yin Seals? Are you trying to kill yourself?"
As she reprimanded him, Tsunade hurried to Shigeo's side and placed her palm on his forehead, preparing to take emergency measures.
Feeling her concern, Shigeo chuckled. "Heh, don't worry, Lady Tsunade. I'm fine!"
"Stop with the nonsense!"
Tsunade ignored his words entirely and pressed her hand against his forehead. However, a surprised expression quickly crossed her face.
"Huh? What's going on? Although a large amount of chakra is continuously flowing into the Yin Seals, your overall chakra hasn't decreased significantly. How is this possible?"
"Perhaps I'm just a little… special."
Shigeo smiled and gently moved Tsunade's hand away.
"Lady Tsunade, thank you for teaching me the Yin Seal technique. I'm deeply grateful. Please take care of yourself; I'll be taking my leave now."
With that, he bowed respectfully and exited the Hokage's office.
After he left, Tsunade stood still for a moment, her face showing deep contemplation.
"This kid's chakra regeneration rate is unbelievable—almost like my grandfather back in the day. Also… he seems younger. Is that just my imagination?"
At this moment, Shizune, holding her pet pig, Tonton, couldn't help but chime in.
"Lady Tsunade, the Yin Seal is an S-rank sealing technique passed down from your grandmother. Was it really okay to teach it to Lord Shigeo?"
"Hm?"
Hearing Shizune's question, Tsunade snapped out of her thoughts and then burst into laughter.
"Hahaha, don't worry about it! That guy is different from others. Rather than waiting for him to offer me some condition I can't refuse, it's better to hand it over directly. The chance to make him owe me a favor doesn't come often."
"Uh…" Shizune was stunned by Tsunade's words and stared at her wide-eyed. "Lord Shigeo is that important to you?"
"Of course!"
Leaning back in her chair, Tsunade propped her chin on one hand, a faint smile on her face.
"I met him thirty years ago. Back then, he was just a timid kid who only knew how to hide. Who would have thought he'd grow this much?"
As she spoke, Tsunade's expression became serious.
"On the surface, he's Konoha's Security Forces Commander, one of the Hokage's advisors, and even a noble personally recognized by the Daimyō. But in secret, he played a key role in the Amegakure coup and even has ties to the rogue-ninja group, Akatsuki."
"That…" Shizune frowned. "Doesn't that make him dangerous?"
"Tch… nothing of the sort!"
Tsunade dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand.
"There's no need to worry. I know him well. Besides, he's still Jiraiya's student and has done a lot for Konoha. He's trustworthy."
"I see."
Shizune nodded and glanced out the window at the setting sun before urging Tsunade.
"Lady Tsunade, it's getting late. Let's finish up and head home for dinner. If we delay any longer, it'll turn into a midnight snack!"
"Is that so?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Personally, I think a midnight snack sounds great, especially if it includes some sake!"
"No alcohol, Lady Tsunade!"
"Alright, alright… Let's head back before it gets too late. Can't have the bars closing on us!"
"Lady Tsunade!"
---
While Tsunade and Shizune were heading out for dinner, Shigeo Aburame had also returned home.
Konan had prepared a table full of food, and upon seeing him, she and their daughter, Chion Aburame, quickly set the dishes on the table.
After dinner, Konan went to the kitchen to wash the dishes, while Shigeo sat in the living room sipping tea.
Normally, Chion would use this time before sunset to train outside. However, this time she stayed behind and approached her father.
"Father, I want to participate in this year's Chūnin Exams held in Konoha."
"Hm?" Shigeo set down his teacup, a trace of curiosity flashing in his eyes. "Why the sudden interest? Also, the second stage of the exams will be held in Sunagakure, which is quite far away."
"I know!"
Chion nodded firmly, determination written all over her face.
"I want to join your Security Forces. But I don't want people saying I got in because of favoritism. So, I'll become a Chūnin first and earn my place in the forces. Someday, I'll become the Security Forces Commander, just like you!"
"Well said! That's my daughter!"
Shigeo smiled and patted Chion's head.
"I support your decision to take the Chūnin Exams in Sunagakure, and I believe you'll succeed. But one thing—be sure to stay safe!"
"Got it! I'm off to train now!"
With that, Chion ran outside. It seemed she wouldn't return until nightfall.
Around this time, Konan finished washing the dishes and entered the living room.
She removed her apron, her face tinged with worry, and spoke to Shigeo.
"Chion wants to go to Sunagakure for the Chūnin Exams. I'm a bit uneasy about it. Maybe we should reconsider."
"Haha, it's not that serious."
Shigeo chuckled, waving his hand dismissively.
"Don't worry. The Fifth Kazekage, Gaara, even came to Konoha for the Chūnin Exams a couple of years ago. This time, he's organizing the exams in Sunagakure. There shouldn't be any major issues."
"Still, I can't help but worry." Konan frowned. "I have a bad feeling about this."
Shigeo: "…"
Her intuition was spot-on!
Knowing the events of the story, Shigeo was well aware that this Chūnin Exam in Sunagakure would be anything but peaceful.
Gaara, still new to his role as Fifth Kazekage, had yet to fully consolidate his position. Many in the village resented him.
Taking advantage of the Chūnin Exams, these detractors would plot to eliminate Gaara—and they would act on it.
Although their plans ultimately failed, the disruption caused enough chaos to cancel the third stage of the exams.
Moreover, the exam served a dual purpose: it was also a scheme to lure out enemies from hiding.
With all these complications, the Sunagakure Chūnin Exams would indeed be troublesome—though slightly less so than Konoha's past exams.
Of course, Shigeo wouldn't share any of this with Konan to avoid alarming her further.
Nor would he stop Chion from participating; she couldn't grow if sheltered like a flower in a greenhouse.
After some thought, Shigeo made a decision.
"I'll go to Sunagakure myself."
"You'll go personally?" Konan looked at him in surprise. "Is it to protect Chion?"
"That's one reason."
Shigeo adjusted his sunglasses, a faint smile on his lips.
"Another reason is that two old friends have a gift for me. I need to go pick it up."
"…"
(End of Chapter)