The moonlight streamed through the sheer curtains, casting dappled light on the bedroom floor.
Shun lay quietly on the bed, Tsunade's blonde hair spread across his chest, rising and falling gently with her even breaths.
He gazed at the ceiling, but his thoughts were on the system interface in his mind.
'System, select: Seraph!'
[Ding! Fusion deduction begins!]
[Seraph form analyzing...]
[Flight module loaded!]
Countless unfamiliar memories exploded in his mind.
The flapping frequency of fiery wings, the control of airflow during aerial combat, the energy output curve of a flame spear...
This knowledge felt innate, branded onto the nerve endings of his brain, making his temples throb.
...
The outermost perimeter of the Forest of Death was already beyond Konoha's sensory barrier, making it safe to test Ninjutsu here.
Shun stood at the top of an ancient, thousand-year-old tree, his hands rapidly forming seals.
Seraph: Activate!
Dazzling golden light erupted instantly, and three pairs of flowing golden fiery wings unfurled with a roar, each wing adorned with molten gold-like patterns.
A flaming, gilt golden mask covered his face. A brilliant white flame halo slowly rotated behind his head, scattering specks of starlight, creating a sacred feeling that would make one want to kneel in worship.
Shun tentatively flapped his wings, and his entire body instantly shot into the sky. The sudden acceleration made him catch his breath, then he burst into hearty laughter.
"Is this what free flight feels like?Hahaha... This is amazing."
The flight techniques instilled by the system perfectly integrated into his muscle memory, as if he was born to soar through the sky.
He made a grasping motion with his right hand, and a flame spear materialized out of thin air. The spear body was wrapped in spiraling golden patterns, and sparks continuously burst from its tip.
Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!
Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!
Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!
Three consecutive Great Fireballs were launched without any hesitation, the instantaneous casting feeling remarkably smooth. Unfortunately, they flew too slowly. When flying at full power in his Seraph form, he could accidentally collide with his own fireballs.
Fire Release: Great Fire Dragon Technique!
Shun casually waved his hand, and Chakra, guided by the spear, moved as if an extension of his arm.
Three fire dragons roared forth, crashing into a distant cliff, blasting open craters dozens of meters in diameter and startling countless birds into flight.
...
Two days passed quickly, and during these two days, Shun often stayed at Tsunade's house. This brought great satisfaction to Tsunade's body and mind.
She suddenly flipped out of bed, grabbing the bathrobe scattered on the floor and putting it on, the belt loosely tied.
"I heard your odds for this match have risen to 1:3.3. Those odds are very tempting. I still have 50 million ryo left, how about I bet it all on you winning?!"
A hint of helplessness flashed in Shun's eyes as he said, "No, I don't trust your gambling luck. Have you forgotten about losing ninety-nine times in a row back in Tanzaku Quarters?"
Tsunade's fists clenched, making cracking sounds. "That was just bad luck."
Shun dodged the punch coming his way and took the opportunity to pull Tsunade into his embrace.
He leaned down and whispered in her ear, his warm breath caressing her sensitive skin, "Listen, I had a Shadow Clone bet 200 million ryo. If we win, I'll split half with you."
Tsunade's struggles lessened slightly. "Really?"
Shun's fingers caressed the sensitive spot on her nape. "Of course, and right now, we have something more important."
Tsunade seemed to sense something, her brows furrowing slightly. "What more important thing?"
Shun said no more, directly kissing her lips and pressing her back onto the tatami.
"My libido is still very strong. I need your help."
"You little pervert... Mmm... Ahnn..." Tsunade's protests were completely swallowed.
[Ding, Host and Partner: Tsunade have engaged in an intimate act. Senju Sage Body (Intermediate) experience +100, Chakra cap +5, Yang affinity +0.01%]
[Ding, upgrade conditions met, Senju Sage Body (Intermediate) successfully upgraded!]
[Ding, congratulations, you have obtained Senju Sage Body (Advanced)!]
Kekkei Genkai: Senju Sage Body (Advanced) (2008 / 5000)
Attributes: Health +4500, Chakra +3600, Health Recovery +40/hour, Sharingan experience +60/day.
After upgrading to Senju Sage Body (Advanced), an unusual sensation seemed to emanate from within his body, as if something was about to awaken.
Shun quickly opened the system panel.
Host: Uchiha Shun
Strength: Kage-level
Lifespan: 17 / 121
Partners: Yukari (Affection: 100%), Tsunade (Affection: 100%), Mei (Affection: 63%), Yui (Affection: 60%)
Health: 10480 / 10480
Chakra: 8008 / 8008
Ocular Power: 2000 / 2000
...
Kekkei Genkai: Uzumaki Sage Body (Intermediate) (875 / 2000)
Kekkei Genkai: Senju Sage Body (Advanced) (2008 / 5000)
Kekkei Genkai: Three-Tomoe Sharingan (7740 / 10000)
His current Chakra volume was more than 13 times that of a Jonin and his vitality was exceptionally vigorous. He could also feel his Three-Tomoe Sharingan beginning to stir, indicating that it wouldn't be long before it evolved on its own.
...
The Konoha gambling house was bustling with people, and the odds on the electronic screen constantly flickered, making "beep beep" sounds.
Mei dragged Yukari's wrist, skillfully weaving through the crowd.
"Excuse me! Excuse me!" Mei's clear voice stood out in the noisy gambling house.
Yukari was pulled, stumbling forward, her red hair already a bit messy from the jostling.
She sighed helplessly, "Mei, slow down."
The two finally pushed their way to the betting counter. The electronic screen flashed the latest odds.
[Jiraiya Wins 1 : 1.7]
[Shun Wins 1 : 3.4]
[Draw 1 : 2.5]
Mei pulled out a money bag embroidered with water patterns from her ninja tool pouch and poured out a stack of banknotes.
She excitedly slapped the counter and said, "I want to bet 450,000 ryo on Jiraiya-sama's victory."
A hint of displeasure flashed in Yukari's red eyes. "Mei, don't waste money like that."
Mei persisted. "Yukari-nee, you bet with me too."
Unable to resist her nagging, Yukari had no choice but to take out an exquisite brocade pouch. "Then I will bet 1 million ryo on Shun to win."
Mei's eyes widened. "Yukari-nee, are you crazy? Jiraiya-sama is one of the legendary Sannin. That bastard..."
"Which bastard?"
A deep, magnetic voice came from behind them, and both froze simultaneously.
Mei's face instantly turned pale, and she mechanically turned around. "Shun..."
Shun gently tapped Mei's head and said, "Weren't you just calling me a bastard? Your allowance for next month is gone."
"Stingy!"
Mei stomped her foot in anger. "Who told you to go out and fool around again these past two days? Yukari-nee has been waiting for you to come back every day."
Yukari's face reddened slightly, and she quickly tugged on Mei's sleeve. "Mei! Stop talking."
Shun's expression was calm as he turned and walked towards the counter.
He took out a scroll and with a soft shout, "Release," a thick stack of banknotes appeared on the table.
"This is 200 million ryo. I'm betting on Shun to win."
The odds on the electronic screen began to change rapidly.
[Jiraiya Wins 1 : 2.1]
[Shun Wins 1 : 2.4]
[Draw 1 : 2.8]
Seeing him take out so much money, Mei's eyes immediately lit up.
Her expression changed faster than flipping a book, and she tugged on his sleeve, pouting. "Shun, I know I was wrong. You're the best. Please give me some more allowance."
Shun pulled his sleeve away in distaste and said, "You money-loser, you wouldn't even bet on me to win if you had money. Giving it to you would be a waste."
Seeing that she wouldn't get any money, Mei angrily shouted, "Stingy, not a bit of manly spirit."