Naruto: The Otsutsuki Naruto

For nearly three months now, Naruto's Wood Clone, disguised as Tsunade, had been acting as the interim Hokage in Konoha.

As evening descended, the busy day drew to a close. The clone sat in the Hokage's office, propping its chin on one hand while gazing absentmindedly at the sunset outside the window, lost in thought.

"Learning senjutsu shouldn't take this long... Granny Tsunade, why aren't you back yet?"

A Wood Clone had the advantage of adjustable chakra distribution compared to a standard Shadow Clone, which splits chakra equally. This particular clone carried only one-tenth of Naruto's total chakra reserve.

Normally, this division of chakra wouldn't pose a problem. However, the time limit on the Amegakure lockdown was nearing its end, signaling the approach of Naruto's final showdown with Obito.

This was becoming a serious concern.

"If Granny Tsunade isn't back by then," Naruto thought, "I'll have no choice but to reveal the truth to Shizune and leave her to manage the situation here."

Shizune was tidying up the desk nearby.

Naruto glanced at her back and couldn't help but worry. "If she finds out it was me attending the kunoichi hot spring gatherings... will she kill me?"

But then, a mischievous thought crossed his mind. "Well, if death is inevitable, I might as well die with no regrets."

"Shizune."

"Yes, Lady Tsunade?"

Naruto turned his chair around, propping his chin on his hands with a serious expression. "It's been a while. How about we go to the hot springs tonight?"

Tap.

Shizune paused in her movements.

Naruto tilted his head. "What's wrong?"

Still facing away from him, Shizune tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and replied in a neutral tone, "Oh, nothing. It's just rare for you to suggest going to the hot springs together."

Then, she turned around, her expression unreadable. "But tonight's not possible. Kurenai is about to give birth, and I'll be assisting with the delivery."

Bang!

Naruto slammed his hands on the desk and stood up abruptly. "What?! The baby is coming?! This is huge news!"

Shizune's tone turned oddly suggestive. "Actually, Asuma, who's been reanimated with Edo Tensei, specifically requested that you assist Kurenai with the delivery. But I figured such a task shouldn't trouble the Hokage, so I took it upon myself. Since you seem so enthusiastic, why not step in and help her yourself?"

Realizing his overreaction, Naruto quickly sat back down and took a sip of tea to calm himself. "No need. Something as minor as delivering a baby is well within the capabilities of my trusted disciple."

Shizune raised an eyebrow, her tone laced with subtle amusement. "Oh? But you do want to go, don't you?"

Naruto choked on his tea, a sense of foreboding creeping over him. He quickly adjusted his demeanor, slipping back into his "Tsunade" persona. "Shizune, enough with the sarcastic tone. Speak to your master with respect!"

"My apologies, Lady Tsunade. That was inappropriate of me."

Shizune resumed tidying the desk.

Naruto's gaze flickered. "Shizune... be honest. Are you upset with me because of your uncle?"

Shizune's voice remained calm. "What are you talking about? My uncle was already deceased. The Edo Tensei merely allowed him to return to where he belonged. Why would I hold that against you?"

Her eyes glimmered as she changed the subject. "Besides, I must admit something—though it feels wrong to say this about my uncle—I actually sided with Jiraiya-sama."

Naruto's clone blinked. "Eh? You're on Pervy Sage's side?"

Shizune smiled faintly. "Yes. We all wanted to see Jiraiya-sama and Lady Tsunade together, don't you agree, Naruto?"

"Hahaha! Who would've thought—we're kindred spirits!" Naruto laughed heartily, only for his smile to freeze mid-laugh.

"Wait... what did I just say?"

Click!

The sound of the door locking sent a chill down Naruto's spine. Shizune silently walked past him, drawing the curtains shut before turning to face him.

"You finally admitted it, Naruto."

"I... I..." Naruto stammered, backing away.

Shizune stepped closer, her tone calm but firm. "That night by the lake, I thought I misheard. But after observing you closely, I confirmed my suspicions. Then I consulted Shikaku, and he told me everything."

"I... I..." Naruto's clone found himself cornered, his back against the wall. He tried to explain, his voice filled with guilt. "I didn't mean to hide it from you. That night, when you suddenly suggested going to the hot springs, I couldn't refuse. After that, I didn't dare say anything. Shizune, I admit I was wrong—"

"Sigh." Shizune cut him off with a soft sigh. "It's just a body. It's not that big of a deal."

"Huh?" Naruto was stunned.

Shizune lowered her gaze. "Besides, my figure isn't anything special... though I can't say the same for others, can I?"

Naruto, feeling guilty, didn't know how to respond.

Shizune leaned in closer, her expression unreadable. "Naruto, I can keep this secret for you. But in return, you'll owe me a favor."

Naruto hesitated. "What kind of favor?"

Shizune tapped her lips with a finger. "I haven't decided yet. When I do, you won't have the right to refuse."

"You're not planning anything excessive, are you?" Naruto asked nervously.

Shizune smirked. "No matter how excessive it is, it won't be worse than you abducting someone in the middle of the night to 'force them to work.'"

Naruto tried to defend himself. "That was my main body, not this clone! And 'work' refers to healing people—that's a doctor's duty!"

"Alright, alright," Shizune waved dismissively. "Just remember—you owe me."

Naruto sighed in defeat. "Fine. I get it."

She figured it out long ago, and now I'm wrapped around her finger. How did I end up being played like this?

Moments later, Naruto's composure returned. The sly fox within him, honed over a century of wisdom, was back.

Shizune's voice broke the silence, her tone teasing. "So... still want to go to the hot springs together?"

Under normal circumstances, the old Naruto would've blushed and stammered his way out of the situation.

But this Naruto was no longer a bashful boy. Recognizing her jest, he decided to turn the tables.

Poof!

With a puff of smoke, the Transformation Jutsu dispelled, revealing Naruto's original form and voice. He leaned forward, a mischievous grin on his face. "Sure, let's go. Just the two of us. No one else."

"E-Eh?!" Shizune's face turned bright red. "Y-You! What are you saying out of the blue?! I-I have work to do! Stop joking around and change back into Lady Tsunade before someone sees you!"

Flustered, Shizune practically fled the room.

Bang!

The door slammed shut behind her.

Naruto, now back in Tsunade's form, leaned back in his chair with a smirk. "In most situations, as long as you're not embarrassed, the one who ends up embarrassed is the other person."

Shikkotsu Forest, Slug Sage Pool.

Tsunade emerged from the glowing waters, her body bare, her skin bathed in a soft, ethereal blue light.

"This state of mind... it's incredible."

Her gaze was calm and piercing, sharper than ever before.

The Slug Sage chuckled softly. "To think you mastered it in just three months. It seems that when you set your mind to something, you truly achieve it. I was prepared to guide you for three or five years if necessary."

Tsunade Senju had mastered the Silent Sage Mode of Shikkotsu Forest!

~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~

Welcome to visit my Patreon, read the early chapters, and enjoy your reading!

 patreon.com/DarkGolds