Sasuke had indeed been poisoned, though the circumstances were rather unfortunate.
The poison didn't come from an external source—it originated from a new breed of insects bred by Shigeo Aburame himself.
**The Phosphorous Corrosion Bug!**
Before departing from Konoha, Shigeo had obtained this nanoscopic poisonous insect through his clan.
These bugs were developed by Torune Aburame, who, while still serving Danzo and "Root," couldn't refuse his clan's request for collaboration.
Once Shigeo acquired the **Phosphorous Corrosion Bugs**, he immediately began cultivating them. Thanks to the abundant sage chakra in his cells, the bugs he bred were far stronger than their original counterparts.
**Smaller in size, more potent in toxicity!**
While soaking in the hot springs earlier, many of these bugs entered the water through his sweat and pores.
Unluckily for Sasuke, who was soaking in the same spring, he became a victim of this collateral damage. The bugs poisoned him before he even had a chance to react.
Fortunately, Shigeo quickly realized what was happening, retrieved the bugs from Sasuke's body, and used sage chakra to detoxify him.
Had he been even a moment slower, history might have taken a dark turn, with Sasuke dying prematurely. Without Sasuke, who would stand against Kaguya Ōtsutsuki in the future? The thought alone filled Shigeo with dread.
When the Daimyo of the Land of Fire sent an invitation to a banquet, Shigeo decided to leave the unconscious Sasuke in the room to rest. Dressing himself in protective clothing, he headed to the banquet, intending to drink a few cups to calm his nerves.
This intention was soon fulfilled.
At the banquet, the Daimyo had assigned two beautiful courtesans to serve Shigeo wine. They didn't even let him lift a finger, pouring and feeding the wine directly to his lips.
Cursing the corruption of the aristocracy in his heart, Shigeo drank heartily.
Due to his unique physiology, alcohol had little effect on him. Still, to avoid drawing attention, he feigned drunkenness after a few cups.
Seeing Shigeo slurring his words and acting tipsy, the Daimyo chuckled.
"Oh-ho-ho-ho... It's still early. Advisor Aburame, have a few more drinks before you leave. Come, drink!"
With that, the Daimyo took a sip of his own wine, prompting the officials around him to swarm Shigeo with toasts, intent on getting him thoroughly drunk.
This was clearly a directive from the Daimyo himself.
Shigeo, aware of the charade, played along.
After a dozen cups of sake, he pretended to be completely inebriated, staggering to his feet and slurring an apology.
"D-Daimyo-sama, I... I'm terribly sorry. I c-can't hold my liquor... Please... allow me to retire early..."
Seeing him barely able to speak, the Daimyo laughed out loud.
"Oh-ho-ho-ho! It's still early, Advisor Aburame. Just a few more drinks won't hurt! Come, drink some more!"
The officials quickly followed suit, toasting him relentlessly.
Feigning utter intoxication, Shigeo collapsed onto the low table in front of him, mumbling incoherently.
"C-can't drink... Anymore... O-one more... D-drink..."
Only when Shigeo appeared completely incapacitated did the Daimyo dismiss the others and approach him quietly.
"Advisor Aburame, is it true that your insects can grant youthful appearances and extended lifespans?"
"Of... of course! Heh-heh!"
Slumped over the table, Shigeo grinned and replied haltingly, "S-sage bugs... One... one bug can... extend life by fifteen years!"
"Hiss..."
Even though he had braced himself, the Daimyo couldn't help but gasp in astonishment.
Struggling to maintain his composure, he eagerly pressed on.
"Is the sage bug with you? Can you show it to me?"
"Of... of course!"
Shigeo released a weakened version of the sage bug, balancing it on his fingertip and holding it up for the Daimyo to see.
"This... this is it. W-with this, you'll not only stop aging but also b-become immune to all poisons... and extend your life! Heh-heh!"
"Hiss!"
The sight of the dark red bug made the Daimyo's eyes gleam with excitement. He reached out to touch it, but the weakened sage bug darted away with a *whoosh*, flying toward the door.
"Quick... close the doors! Don't let it escape!"
Though unsure what the Daimyo referred to, the guards obeyed, slamming the massive wooden doors shut with a resounding *thud*.
Inside the banquet hall, now brightly lit, the Daimyo's face reflected both anxiety and excitement.
"There it is!"
Pointing at the flying sage bug, the Daimyo shrieked.
"The red bug! Catch it! Quickly!"
Everyone present—officials and servants alike—scrambled to chase the insect, tripping over one another in their frenzy.
In the chaos, a particularly rotund official tripped on his robe, collapsing with a loud *thud* and taking two others down with him.
Unperturbed, the Daimyo barked orders, waving his fan like a conductor orchestrating a cacophony of absurdity.
Amid the chaos, Shigeo, still pretending to be drunk, fought to suppress his laughter. He guided the sage bug to flit around the room, reveling in the spectacle.
The pursuit lasted late into the night, leaving everyone exhausted and clumsy.
Deeming the spectacle sufficient, Shigeo finally directed the bug to land on his shoulder.
The Daimyo hushed everyone with a frantic gesture.
"Shh!"
Silence descended. Even the overweight official trampled in the chaos clapped a hand over his mouth, stifling groans.
The Daimyo tiptoed toward Shigeo and snatched the bug with a triumphant shout.
"Caught it!"
Feeling the insect in his grasp, the Daimyo burst into delighted laughter.
"Oh-ho-ho-ho! It seems only I, the great Daimyo, am capable. You fools are utterly useless! Oh-ho-ho-ho!"
The officials, expressions mixed, quickly resumed their fawning.
"Truly, Daimyo-sama is unparalleled!"
"Only you could catch it in one move, Daimyo-sama!"
"Indeed, your prowess is unmatched!"
Flattered by their praises, the Daimyo laughed even harder.
"Oh-ho-ho-ho..."
But his laughter ceased abruptly as pain shot through his palm.
"Hiss..."
Reflexively opening his hand, he found the bug burrowing into his palm.
"Aah..."
Panicked, the Daimyo shrieked, but his cry turned to a gasp as a warm sensation spread through his body, invigorating him. His heavy limbs felt lighter, his blurred vision sharpened, and his body seemed to shed years of weariness.
"D-Daimyo-sama! Your white hair... it's turning black! And your wrinkles... they're fading!"
"What?!"
Snapping back to reality, the Daimyo screamed.
"Bring me a mirror! Quickly!"
*(Chapter End)*