CHAPTER 161: CHAPTER 161

"Of course."

Kitazawa smiled lightly. "As long as it doesn’t interfere with your theoretical studies, I welcome your participation anytime."

"Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei."

Shino raised his gaze, his voice steady as always. "What kind of special training do you want me to undergo?"

"First, you’ll need to better your Chakra control with tree climbing and water walking practice," Kitazawa replied. "After that, we’ll design training specifically tailored for your insects."

Shino blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Special training for insects?"

The Aburame Clan’s bond with their kikaichu was deep-rooted. Their clan techniques, refined over generations, were already centered around these insects. They were perfected long ago—there was no need for further ’training.’ Which is why Shino found Kitazawa’s words unusual.

"I have two ideas," Kitazawa continued, raising one finger. "First, discovering new insects."

Shino’s brows knit behind his dark glasses. "Sensei... The Aburame Clan has searched for new species for centuries. None surpassed Kikaichu. What makes you think—"

"I know of one," Kitazawa interrupted, his voice calm. "An insect that can slip into an enemy’s body through air, drain their Chakra, and eventually detonate."

Shino’s composure cracked. "An insect like that exists?"

The implications struck him instantly. An insect invisible to the eye, capable of infiltrating the body, draining Chakra, and exploding... Such a creature was a living nightmare.

"Even the Fourth Raikage nearly died to them," Kitazawa added with a faint smile.

That silenced Shino completely. His eyes widened in shock. The Fourth Raikage—one of the strongest shinobi alive—nearly killed by an insect? Just that fact alone put these creatures leagues above kikaichu.

"What are they called? Where can I find them?" Shino’s voice betrayed a rare urgency.

"Explosive Bugs," Kitazawa answered.

Shino frowned. He had never heard of them, nor had his clan’s records ever mentioned such a species.

"They originated from a hidden shinobi organization known as the Nokizaru group," Kitazawa explained.

"Nokizaru group?" Shino adjusted his glasses, a glimmer of intrigue in his eyes. With such a lead, the Aburame Clan could easily begin their investigation. If these insects were real, they had to be acquired. Their presence alone could shift the clan’s standing in the shinobi world.

"They dared to move against the Fourth Raikage... are they truly that strong?" Shino asked, his tone sharp.

Kitazawa shook his head. "Their strength is nothing extraordinary. Their threat lies entirely in their explosive bugs. The Raikage’s team was simply caught off guard, lacking intel."

Understanding dawned on Shino. It made sense—against an invisible, unknown threat, even the mightiest could fall.

"Then how do you know about them, Kitazawa-sensei?" he pressed.

"Because Tsunade-sama once removed explosive bugs from the Raikage’s body."

Kitazawa then recounted the tale: years ago, the Hidden Cloud had stolen secret Ninjutsu from the Village of Trees. In retaliation, the village hired the Nokizaru group. The Raikage and his men were struck by Explosive Bugs. One subordinate exploded on the spot, killed by the parasites inside him. At their most desperate moment, the group encountered Tsunade and Shizune, wandering through the world. The Raikage challenged Tsunade to an arm-wrestling match, vowing only to accept treatment if he won.

Shino blinked, taken aback. "That’s... bizarre."

Who would’ve thought the infamous Fourth Raikage nearly perished to a forgotten group like the Nokizaru groups? Or that sheer luck led him to Tsunade, the greatest medical shinobi of all time.

"What do you think of these insects?" Kitazawa asked, watching his expression carefully.

Shino’s voice was firm. "They’re powerful. If the Aburame Clan can acquire Explosive Bugs, you will forever be regarded as an honored guest."

[You are the future Hokage. This is your chance to win the loyalty of the Aburame Clan.]

[Mission Triggered: Help the Aburame Clan obtain Explosive Bugs.]

[Reward: White Zetsu’s Body Substitution Jutsu.]

[Accept Mission?]

Kitazawa’s heart skipped. A mission? From this? He had expected one when dealing with Torune in Root, not here. Yet the reward was tempting—an incredibly rare disguise technique, capable of replicating not just appearance, but even chakra, Taijutsu, and Ninjutsu. Perfect for infiltration... or survival.

Better than any Aburame secret technique, in fact—since insects were the last thing he’d ever let crawl inside him.

"You can notify me once your clan locates the Nokizaru group," Kitazawa said smoothly. "Tsunade-sama taught me how to remove explosive bugs."

Shino’s gratitude was palpable. "Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei."

"It’s nothing," Kitazawa replied casually. "The Nokizaru group has done enough harm. They should have been destroyed long ago."

"Kitazawa-sensei," Shino said, bowing slightly, "this matter is of great importance. Please come to the Aburame compound."

"No rush." Kitazawa waved him off with a faint smile. "We still haven’t discussed my second idea."

Shino straightened, eyes filled with anticipation. If the first suggestion alone could elevate the clan so much, what could the second be?

"Kikaichu mutation," Kitazawa said at last.

Shino’s composure faltered for the second time. "The clan has tried that... but it’s nearly impossible. Too difficult."

"And how do you attempt it?" Kitazawa asked calmly.

"By flooding the kikaichu with Chakra, trying to force evolution," Shino explained.

Kitazawa arched an eyebrow. "That’s all? No control experiments?"

"Control... experiments?"

"You raise two groups. Keep one in a normal environment. Place the other in an extreme one. Compare the results," Kitazawa explained simply.

Shino froze. "You mean... the environment itself could change the outcome?"

"Exactly," Kitazawa said with a nod. "Insects are masters of adaptation. They evolve. That’s why they never go extinct."

A shiver ran down Shino’s spine. Kitazawa’s words stirred ideas that shattered the boundaries of his clan’s old methods.

For the Aburame, kikaichu were not tools, but partners living inside their bodies. Subjecting them to harsh environments had never crossed their minds. Yet... Kitazawa’s reasoning was undeniable.

"You don’t need to tell your clan yet," Kitazawa cautioned. "For now, it’s just an idea. Let’s experiment first—see if it holds merit."

Shino nodded. "Understood."

Whether successful or not, there was no real loss. But if it worked... the Aburame Clan might change forever.

"You’ve carried out so many Kikaichū mutation experiments. Did any of them succeed?"

Kitazawa blinked, curiosity flickering in his eyes as he posed the question.

"...No. At least, I’m not sure if it really counts as a mutation."

Shino Aburame’s usually stoic face revealed a rare trace of hesitation.

"Explain in detail."

Kitazawa leaned forward, inwardly thinking, ’Finally, we’re getting to the heart of it.’

"It concerns a close friend of mine—Torune," Shino said at last. "His Kikaichū mutated into nano-sized poisonous insects."

Kitazawa feigned confusion. "Such unique venomous insects... how have I never heard of them?"

"He joined Root."

Shino’s voice grew quiet, his expression darkening with a mix of helplessness and regret.

"Was that his choice?" Kitazawa pressed.

"...No."

Shino hesitated, then admitted the truth—Torune had joined Root in his stead.

"Hmph. Typical of Root’s tyranny." Kitazawa snorted coldly, then added, "Don’t worry. One day, Lady Tsunade will dismantle Root."

"Really?"

Shino’s eyes widened slightly, disbelief written across his usually unreadable face. Ever since Torune had been swallowed by Root, Shino had resigned himself to never seeing him free again. But now, Kitazawa’s words rekindled a fragile spark of hope.

"Of course," Kitazawa said with a small smile. "No one despises Danzo Shimura and his Root more than Lady Tsunade."

It wasn’t a lie. Tsunade’s disdain for Danzo was well-known, though she rarely acted on it—out of respect for Hiruzen and her own lack of ambition for the Hokage seat.

"Then... what should I do?" Shino asked quietly.

"Have your Clan petition Lady Tsunade directly," Kitazawa suggested.

"Would that really work?" Shino’s tone carried more doubt than confidence. After all, the Aburame had little connection with her.

"Trying costs you nothing." Kitazawa’s easy smile seemed to steady him.

"...I understand. I’ll go speak to Father right away!"

The thought of saving Torune lit a fire beneath Shino. He gave a hurried farewell and bolted.

Kitazawa watched his retreating figure with a faint smirk, thoughts drifting to Tsunade.

’I never mentioned this to her beforehand... will she scold me for dragging her into it?’

But then again, anything that undermined Danzo’s Root was something Tsunade would secretly welcome. Perhaps she had even been itching for such an opportunity.

The risk, however, was political. If Tsunade openly moved against Root, many clans might assume she was angling for the Hokage position. Would she be willing to bear that burden?

Kitazawa stroked his chin thoughtfully. ’If she agrees to retrieve Torune, that alone would prove her stance is shifting. It wouldn’t mean she’ll seize the Hokage seat tomorrow, but it would show she no longer rejects the idea outright.’

He chuckled under his breath. "A plan that kills three birds with one stone."

Even failure carried no real consequence. At worst, the Aburame would remain as they were, and Tsunade would scold him for being reckless. He could live with that. Tsunade’s sharp tongue always hid a kind heart. And besides, he had a reason: protecting his student, Shino.

The Aburame Compound

"Father!"

Shino burst through the gates, chest heaving.

"Back so early?" Shibi Aburame stepped out, brows furrowed. "School isn’t finished yet."

"I have something urgent to tell you!"

Shino’s breathless state surprised him—his son was usually calm, almost detached.

"What’s wrong?"

"...It’s Torune."

The name alone tightened the air. Shino quickly relayed everything Kitazawa had said. In his rush, he didn’t even mention the Kikaichū mutation at first—his mind was wholly on Torune.

"Did Kitazawa truly say this?"

Shibi’s first reaction was disbelief, tempered by a flicker of hope.

"Absolutely! I swear it’s true!" Shino pounded a hand against his chest in guarantee.

Shibi fell silent, pacing in thought. Kitazawa’s close association with Tsunade wasn’t a secret. His daily trips to Konoha Hospital to study under Shizune, his official position there as a medical ninja—any clan with eyes could see it.

Why would Kitazawa choose now to nudge them? Did this mean Tsunade intended to move against Danzo?

Caution was warranted. The Aburame were strong, yes, but insignificant compared to Danzo or Tsunade. Aligning wrongly in a power struggle could cripple the clan.

Still, the logic held: Tsunade had a greater chance of becoming Hokage than Danzo. And Danzo’s seizure of Torune was an outrage. If they let it pass, what future awaited the Aburame?

At last, Shibi made his decision. "...We’ll pay Kitazawa a visit."

"Not Lady Tsunade directly?" Shino asked, puzzled.

"This began with Kitazawa. We’ll show our thanks to him first, and through him confirm Lady Tsunade’s position," Shibi said firmly.

"...I see." Shino nodded, though the deeper politics eluded him.

Then he suddenly remembered. "Father, there’s something else—new Explosive insects."

Shibi froze mid-step, eyes widening. He understood their worth far more keenly than his son did. This was no trivial matter—it could elevate the entire Aburame Clan.

"Why didn’t you mention this earlier?" he demanded.

"...I was only thinking about Torune." Shino lowered his head, embarrassed.

Shibi inhaled deeply. In his mind, it only reinforced that Tsunade must be behind Kitazawa’s words. After all, she alone knew of the Fourth Raikage’s infection with Kikaichū.

"Wait here," Shibi ordered, striding away. He intended to prepare a gift worthy of the opportunity Kitazawa had just handed them.

Minutes later, he returned, expression settled. "...Let’s go."

Without another word, father and son made their way to Kitazawa’s office.

knock

"Come in," Kitazawa called.

"Kitazawa-sensei." Shibi entered, extending his hand. "I am Shibi Aburame. Thank you for guiding Shino."

"Clan Head Shibi," Kitazawa greeted, shaking his hand warmly.

Though Shibi had few appearances in the village’s history, Kitazawa remembered his reputation. A man who once fought alongside Minato—firmly in the same camp as the late Fourth Hokage. A camp that had lost much with Minato’s early death.

"I’ve already heard everything from Shino," Shibi continued. He straightened, then bowed deeply. "On behalf of the Aburame Clan, I thank you—and Lady Tsunade—for your aid."

"There’s no need for such formality," Kitazawa replied quickly, though he knew full well that Shibi’s gratitude was aimed at Tsunade.

Still, for the Clan Head of the Aburame to bow so sincerely—there was no clearer sign of his resolve.

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