NARUTO- CH-108. Exploding insects

Tsunade pouted.

This kid was good in every way, except that he was sometimes too hypocritical.

She really wanted to step on him.

"Shiki," Shizune said softly, crouching down. "I'll take you to the river for a wash."

Shiki glanced briefly at the concealed weapon strapped to her thigh and couldn't help but worry if it might accidentally go off.

He got up and followed her to the river.

"Leave your clothes on that rock," Shizune reminded him, gesturing.

Under the soft moonlight, Shiki noticed faint water stains on the stone. There was no doubt that Tsunade and Shizune had been sitting there earlier, likely changing clothes.

"You wash up here."

Shizune walked a little farther away, offering a smile. "Don't worry; I'll keep watch nearby. No one will get close."

'I think you're close enough,' Shiki thought, shaking his head.

He removed his clothes, walked into the cold river, and began to clean himself. Once done, he put his clothes back on and returned to the camp.

Back at the tent, Tsunade had already slipped into her sleeping bag, with only her head sticking out.

"Sleep here," Shizune said, patting the spot beside her.

Shiki ignored her and instead laid down next to Tsunade.

"Huh?" Shizune looked disappointed.

Tsunade's lips curled into a sly smile.

It seemed this kid respected his teacher more. No matter how nice Shizune was to him, it wouldn't work.

"Sleep," Tsunade murmured, sticking a pale arm out of her sleeping bag to ruffle his hair.

As she moved, Shiki caught sight of her "impressive boobs," squeezed together unintentionally. He closed his eyes, his ears filling with the rhythmic sound of Tsunade's and Shizune's breathing.

Gradually, he drifted into a deep sleep.

Morning came.

The group continued their journey.

After a week of traveling and resting, they finally entered the Land of Thunder.

The Kingdom of Thunder was mountainous, its peaks shrouded in perpetual clouds and mist, accompanied by the occasional rumble of thunder. The high terrain contributed to the unique complexion of its inhabitants. Most ninjas here had dark skin, though there were exceptions.

One such exception Shiki remembered was Samui.

Fair-skinned, with a stunning face—and more importantly, a figure that could rival Tsunade's.

Night arrived.

Shiki crawled into his sleeping bag. After a week, he had grown used to it, though sometimes the lack of space was frustrating.

"If nothing goes wrong, we'll reach our destination tomorrow," Shizune said.

"Good," Tsunade replied, her tone betraying a hint of excitement.

After holding back for a week, she was itching for something—specifically, gambling.

"Kid," Tsunade said, "Don't forget to pay your tuition tomorrow."

"Tuition?" Shizune asked, looking confused before her expression turned angry.

"Tsunade-sama, what are you talking about?"

"You didn't pay tuition back then either," Tsunade said defensively.

"Keep your voice down," Tsunade whispered, uneasy under Shizune's glare. "What if we attract the enemy?"

"There's no one around at this hour..." Shizune started, but was cut off by a sudden tremor.

The ground shook violently.

A deafening explosion echoed through the area.

Tsunade immediately emerged from her sleeping bag, fully alert.

"Three o'clock," Shiki said, his tone calm as he sent his parasites to investigate.

Shizune abandoned the "tuition" argument and performed a quick set of hand seals. Her sensory ninjutsu activated moments later.

"Two people," Shiki and Shizune said in unison.

Tsunade felt a little relieved but remained cautious.

The explosion just now was no joke—it was as powerful as a jonin's full-strength attack.

Closing her eyes, she performed her own sensory ninjutsu. After a few seconds, she opened her eyes, surprise etched on her face.

"That intense lightning chakra... it's the Fourth Raikage," he said.

"I remember Hokage-sama mentioning that the Fourth Raikage stole a secret technique from Sugino Village," Shizune mused. "That explosion might be from their pursuit."

"Maybe." Tsunade frowned. The explosion didn't seem like ordinary ninjutsu.

Shiki's brows furrowed as he considered the situation. The Fourth Raikage, Sugino Village, and the explosion—it all sounded familiar.

Then it hit him.

This must involve the explosive bugs.

Shiki's thoughts raced. He remembered the clan from the Naruto lore—an obscure mercenary group specializing in hunting ninjas for money.

The clan had developed a unique technique involving explosive insects. These tiny bugs were invisible to the naked eye and could infiltrate a person's body through breathing. Once inside, they absorbed chakra, grew, and eventually exploded.

In the original story, this clan had been hired to assassinate the Fourth Raikage after the secret scroll was stolen from Sugino Village. The results were devastating until Tsunade stepped in to save the day.

An idea formed in Shiki's mind.

The Aburame clan, known for their mastery of insects, could adapt this technique. These explosive bugs were potent enough to kill most ninjas—but they came with limitations. They could be detected by the Byakugan, Sharingan, or sensory jutsu. Moreover, a skilled medical ninja could extract them before they detonated.

"Shiki," Shizune called, breaking his thoughts. "What should we do now?"

"Mind our own business," Shiki replied flatly.

He wasn't in a rush to confront this clan. If things went as expected, the Fourth Raikage would seek out Tsunade for her medical expertise soon enough.

"During missions, we only act if absolutely necessary," Shizune nodded. "Unless it's a request from a ninja from our village."

"Even then, act within your capabilities," Tsunade added.

The three resumed their journey, with Shiki already plotting how to use the explosive bugs to his advantage.

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