As a member of the Aburame clan, Shigeo needed to report to the Hokage before leaving the village.
Fortunately, this didn't take much time.
When he entered the Hokage's office, he saw the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade, slumped over her desk, looking exhausted from lack of sleep.
When he mentioned his plan to travel to Kyoto, Tsunade lazily waved him off, skipping the usual departure formalities, and simply muttered:
"Oh, just go and come back quickly."
Her indifferent attitude made Shigeo feel like his report was unnecessary.
Thankfully, his status carried enough weight that the guards at the village gates neither stopped him nor asked for written documentation of his leave.
Tsunade must have anticipated this.
Truly, the Fifth Hokage was remarkable.
Reflecting on this, Shigeo couldn't help but murmur:
"Beneath the Fifth's lazy demeanor lies an astute mind!"
Hearing this, Sasuke, who was accompanying him, scoffed.
"She's just as unreliable as Kakashi!"
Sasuke was accompanying Shigeo as a bodyguard on the trip to Kyoto.
After all, someone of importance needed a proper escort to avoid being underestimated.
As a member of the Uchiha clan, Sasuke's looks and lineage were impeccable, making him the perfect choice to elevate Shigeo's image.
To make the role worthwhile, Shigeo even upgraded the mission to an A-rank.
According to Fuuma Arashi's mission merit system, Special Ops members earned 3 merit points for C-rank missions, 6 for B-rank, 20 for A-rank, and 100 for S-rank missions.
Merit points for group missions were split among participants.
Understanding Sasuke's eagerness for revenge, Shigeo allowed him to forego monetary rewards, offering to double his merit points instead.
Thus, completing this A-rank mission would earn Sasuke 40 points, leaving him just 60 shy of the 100 needed to exchange for a single *Bloodworm.*
Usually unable to secure even B-rank missions, Sasuke happily accepted the escort duty.
The sense of being valued and acknowledged put him in high spirits.
Most importantly, this brought him closer to his goal of revenge.
With 17 Bloodworms at his disposal, Sasuke felt that the power gap between himself and Itachi had significantly narrowed. His revenge seemed within reach.
Shigeo, aware of Sasuke's ambitions, had advised him that chakra reserves didn't fully determine combat strength. But Sasuke had brushed off the advice.
Hearing Sasuke compare Tsunade to Kakashi now, Shigeo couldn't help but laugh.
"Heh, the Fifth Hokage is strong. She's a combat-ready medical ninja. You'd better show her some respect!"
"Hmph," Sasuke huffed before asking, "But is she stronger than you?"
"Well…"
Shigeo clicked his tongue, adjusted his sunglasses, and replied:
"In terms of combat strength, there's probably no one stronger than me in the current ninja world. But in the future, isn't there you and Naruto?"
With that, he reached out his gloved hand to ruffle Sasuke's hair.
"When you're strong enough, I'll entrust the Security Force to you. Don't let me down, Sasuke!"
"Tch!"
Sasuke rolled his eyes, but the faint smile tugging at his lips betrayed his true feelings.
What a stubborn kid!
Shigeo chuckled again but didn't tease him further, quickening their pace instead.
A few days later, the two arrived in the capital of the Land of Fire, Kyoto.
As the residence of the Daimyo and many nobles, Kyoto was far larger and more bustling than Konoha.
Upon entering the city gates, they found themselves surrounded by shops and a lively, crowded street full of carriages and pedestrians.
However, Shigeo and Sasuke didn't stop to enjoy the sights. They passed through several streets and arrived at the Daimyo's residence.
After a guard relayed their arrival, a court official wearing a tall hat came out to greet them.
"Honored advisor Aburame Shigeo of Konoha, the Daimyo has received the Fifth Hokage's letter and is awaiting you inside. Please follow me."
"Thank you," Shigeo replied, adjusting his hood before stepping inside with Sasuke.
Following the official, they crossed several corridors and courtyards before reaching the reception hall, where the Daimyo awaited them.
The Daimyo of the Land of Fire was a man in his fifties, his figure slightly thin, clad in a loose robe adorned with a fan-shaped flame crest.
Holding an ornate fan, he covered his mouth and chuckled upon seeing Shigeo.
"Oh ho ho… So you're Aburame Shigeo! I've heard much about you!"
"I'm honored," Shigeo said, bowing deeply. He lowered his hood and collar, revealing his youthful face.
"Huh?"
The Daimyo's face showed a flicker of surprise as he scrutinized Shigeo's appearance, youthful as an 18-year-old.
He leaned closer, examining Shigeo carefully, and clicked his tongue in astonishment.
"Remarkable… I had heard the 'Black Demon' was a middle-aged man. Are you sure it's not just a namesake?"
"Heh, you flatter me, Daimyo-sama," Shigeo replied with a slight smile, adjusting his sunglasses.
"I was born in Konoha's 19th year, trained under Jiraiya-sensei, and was a peer of the Fourth Hokage. This year marks my 42nd birthday."
"Forty-two? Impossible!"
The Daimyo's shock deepened, but his expression soon shifted to realization.
"Oh, I see! I've heard that the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade, uses advanced medical ninjutsu to maintain her appearance. Do you use the same technique?"
"No, Daimyo-sama, I don't."
Shigeo shook his head with a chuckle and explained:
"I am a bug-user of the Aburame clan. My youthful appearance and even my longevity… *cough*… I owe everything to my symbiotic insects!"
"Longevity?"
Although Shigeo awkwardly shifted the topic, the Daimyo keenly caught the word he was most interested in.
Raising an eyebrow, the Daimyo waved his hand.
"Everyone, leave us. I wish to speak with the advisor alone."
"Yes!"
At his command, the officials and servants bowed and exited the hall.
Shigeo gestured for Sasuke to wait outside.
"Go wait for me outside, Sasuke."
"Fine."
Although curious, Sasuke complied, stepping outside and closing the door.
Watching him leave, the Daimyo chuckled.
"Your escort must be the last Uchiha of Konoha. A fine young man!"
After praising Sasuke, the Daimyo turned back to Shigeo, his tone growing eager.
"Now, about that longevity you mentioned…"
Seeing the Daimyo's anticipation, Shigeo grinned inwardly.
This is going well!
*(To be continued...)*