Check out my patreon to read 90+ advance chapters.
Patreon: patreon.com/HAREMLOVER
__________
"Three weeks ago."
Hinata answered subconsciously.
She paused for a moment, remembering what Shiki had told her before: only when you are full can you have strength.
"...?"
Hiashi was speechless.
Three weeks ago marked the start of school.
Logically speaking, that was when Hinata and Shiki met for the first time.
This guy has been planning this for a long time.
---
Shiki let out a breath and sat down on the ground.
The surroundings were riddled with potholes, resembling the surface of the moon.
He glanced at the sky—it was almost dusk.
Another day of monotonous training.
Shiki wiped the sweat from his forehead and focused inward.
In the corner of his mind, two parasitic insects lay dormant. Both were the same type—parasitic bugs.
Suddenly, his eyebrows rose.
The insects had completely mutated, barely resembling their original forms.
This was truly a mutated parasite.
What set them apart from their predecessors?
Shiki's interest piqued.
The secret techniques of the Aburame clan revolved around parasitic insects. Not only did they serve many purposes, but they also reproduced quickly.
As long as there was enough chakra, one could practically have an endless supply of parasitic bugs.
Shiki stretched out his hand, and two parasites appeared in his palm.
He channeled his true energy and slowly infused it.
After receiving the command, the two parasites merged tightly together.
It's born! It's born! It's a girl—or rather, a female insect.
[Achievement Unlocked: "Watching Insect Movies in the Ninja World." Reward: Second-born Gu.]
[Second-born Gu: A second-generation Gu worm capable of producing twins. Only for use with pregnant women.]
Shiki twitched the corner of his mouth.
This system never failed to surprise him.
If he remembered correctly, there were third-, fourth-, and fifth-borns in the lineup.
It really went with the saying, "Let her give birth, let her give birth, let her give birth!"
Shiki inspected the newly born parasite.
It looked identical to its parents, carrying a small trace of true energy.
His theory was correct.
After transformation, the offspring were also new variants of parasites.
He wasn't sure how much their offensive and defensive abilities had increased.
Shiki pocketed the parasite.
He planned to test it tomorrow with Shino.
"Shiki, there's no more wine!"
Tsunade's voice rang out.
Shiki turned and saw her standing at the door, shaking an empty wine jug.
Her pretty face was redder than usual—clearly from drinking.
"Teacher, don't drink during the day," Shiki said as he walked forward helplessly.
The main issue was that even the Wine Bag Flower Gu couldn't keep up with her drinking habits.
Gu needed time to rest and recover its power.
"How dare you! Who do you think is the teacher here?"
Tsunade glared at him, "And you think you can control me?"
Shiki raised a finger, "For now, you'll only get one pot of wine per day."
Once he advanced to a second-level Gu Master, he could extract more Wine Bag Flower Gu, increasing the supply.
And it would be even better if future achievements awarded him a Drunken Flower Gu.
"What?"
Tsunade froze, her fists clenching, "No way!"
"I have the final say."
Shiki responded without fear.
"You little brat!"
Tsunade laughed angrily, but then sighed, "Do you even know what happens when you talk back to me?"
I'd like to know.
Shiki looked at her calmly.
"There's really nothing I can do with you," Tsunade grumbled, eventually relenting.
If she were to hit Shiki, she'd lose everything, including her precious wine.
In retaliation, she reached out and ruffled his hair.
"…"
Shiki could only sigh, "I'll get the wine."
"Hurry up," Tsunade replied, her eyes brightening.
Shiki fixed his hair before leaving the Senju compound.
As he approached the wooden house, he froze.
In addition to Sasuke, Might Guy and Naruto were there as well.
When did they all get mixed up together?
"Shiki!"
Naruto greeted him from his perch on the horizontal bar.
Sasuke shot him a cold look before resuming his training, clearly eager to surpass Shiki.
Shiki entered the yard.
After grabbing two bottles of nectar wine, he turned to leave, not wanting to disturb the others' training.
"Give it to me now!"
Tsunade rushed toward him the moment he returned.
"Here you go," Shiki handed her the wine.
"Good."
Tsunade took a sip and smiled, "You're a good student."
"I liked you better before. Please go back to that."
After the brief interruption, Shiki returned to his room to resume his training.
Night passed, and the sun rose.
A new week began.
"Good... morning, Shiki-kun."
Hinata stood timidly at the door, greeting him.
Shiki blinked, then closed the door again.
'What the—?'
"Did I just see Hinata here?"
"I must have opened the wrong door."
He opened the door again.
Hinata was still standing there, her head tilted, a confused expression on her face.
Shiki couldn't help himself. He pinched her cheeks twice.
Two red blushes bloomed across her face at a speed visible to the naked eye.
"Seems like it's real. I'm not dreaming."
Shiki coughed lightly, "Hinata, why are you here?"
"I...I...came...with my father..."
Hinata stammered, her words a jumbled mess.
As an expert in Hinata's language, Shiki understood her meaning.
Of course, under normal circumstances, she wouldn't be here alone.
She had come with Hiashi.
Hiashi had left her behind with a gift, leaving her to wait for Shiki to accompany her to school.
"So much?"
Shiki glanced at the gifts Hiashi had left behind.
The coffee table was stacked full—from fruits to ninja tools, there was everything.
"Awake?"