"Sister Kurenai, you did well."
Natsume set the documents aside and praised her.
Kurenai Yuhi immediately felt relieved.
Back when Natsume was away, as his secretary, she had conferred with Hizashi Hyūga, one of the Hokage's advisors, and sent Might Guy and Kakashi Hatake.
Considering it involved Nine-Tails chakra and Sasuke Uchiha, she believed this matter was quite serious.
"Sister Kurenai, I think you're ready for a promotion in another two years."
Natsume said thoughtfully.
Promotion?
Kurenai couldn't help pausing mid-movement.
At that moment, she thought of advancing their relationship.
Like becoming the Hokage's spouse.
But soon she realized what Natsume meant was becoming an advisor to the Hokage.
Originally, she wouldn't have qualified.
However, after serving both in the Hokage's bodyguard team and as his secretary, she'd gained sufficient experience.
"I still have a long way to go."
Kurenai smiled, showing self-awareness.
"You'll get there."
Natsume gazed into her crimson eyes.
"Thanks for the kind words."
Kurenai's heart fluttered under his gaze.
After all, he was the Hokage.
His words carried the weight of future guarantees.
"Is there anything else you need me to do?"
Kurenai slightly leaned forward, carrying with her a faint scent of roses.
She gathered the papers from the desk.
Natsume caught a glimpse of white beneath.
He rubbed his chin and said, "Send a message to Kakashi."
Without hesitation, Kurenai pulled out pen and paper, asking, "What should it say?"
"Have Chiriku hand over the training methods of the talent of the [Immortal Lineage]."
Natsume chuckled lightly. "He's favored Ku in this matter and already insulted Konoha Village. This is his apology gift."
Kurenai looked at him, somewhat moved.
Fire Temple was a major power within the Land of Fire.
The [Immortal Lineage] was their secret technique.
Yet Natsume spoke so casually about taking it from them.
That was the power of true strength.
Kurenai started imagining how wonderful her future would be if she truly ended up marrying Natsume.
"Done yet?"
Seeing her pause, Natsume reached out and gave her thigh a light pat.
Hmm, the silk stocking texture feels great.
No wonder he chose premium ones.
Snapping out of her thoughts, Kurenai blushed slightly.
Both for letting her mind wander and for being touched.
"It's written."
Straightening up, Kurenai regained her professional composure and asked, "Should we inform the Daimyō?"
"Why involve the Daimyō?"
Natsume blinked in confusion.
"He used to be a guardian ninja."
Kurenai explained.
"What does that matter?"
He understood her concern.
Still, the Fire Daimyō was essentially just a puppet anyway.
Thinking further, maybe he should start organizing his own forces.
Letting Yukie Kazahana take charge might actually prove more interesting.
"Don't worry, just proceed. The Daimyō won't object."
Seeing her hesitation, Natsume added reassuringly.
To ordinary ninja, the Daimyō held high status indeed.
Indeed, this world was rather imbalanced.
"Yes."
Kurenai responded affirmatively.
Compared to the Daimyo, she naturally prioritized the Hokage's orders.
As soon as she left, Natsume rushed out in an instant.
When he got home, Tsunade was watching TV.
Their daughter, Senka, lay in her arms, her eyes gently closed in sleep.
After the previous drama finished airing, Natsume had the production team from the Land of Snow film a sequel.
Although he thought it was just average, Tsunade watched it with great interest.
"That's overdoing it, Sister," Natsume couldn't help himself from saying, seeing her completely absorbed.
"Don't even acknowledge me coming back anymore?"
"We see each other every day—who needs that kind of attention?" Tsunade replied while carefully placing Senka into the crib and motioning for Natsume to approach.
Natsume moved forward and was pulled into a hug.
"Come on already. Why are you acting like a child?"
Tsunade chuckled.
Natsume hesitated for a moment.
He could feel how much softer Tsunade had become.
Indeed, becoming a mother really changes a person.
Natsume sat beside her, laying his head on her lap.
Tsunade stretched out her hand and began rubbing his head.
"Sister, do you remember the Wood Release awakening experiment I had Orochimaru conduct long ago?"
While enjoying the massage, Natsume tried to peer past the massive obstruction above, attempting to see her face clearly.
But it was no use.
"I remember."
Tsunade's expression turned serious. She looked down at him and asked,
"Did it make progress?"
Her voice held a note of anticipation.
If the Wood Release could be awakened through this experiment, it would mean the legendary Senju clan rising again under her guidance.
At the same time, for Konoha Village, it was undoubtedly good news.
The power of Wood Release was obvious to everyone.
Even a simple Hashirama cell transplant resulted in power beyond that of an average Jonin.
Of course, Tsunade wasn't eager to see this method used.
After Natsume became Hokage, he completely halted the project.
The few remaining Wood Release users from the Sarutobi clan, once Konoha's most powerful, were all that remained.
"Yeah."
Natsume nodded and said,
"Not long ago, Orochimaru told me they've made progress."
"Really?"
Tsunade lit up with surprise.
But she didn't doubt it—mainly feeling joy.
"Come to Konoha Hospital next Monday."
Natsume directly arranged,
"At that time, Orochimaru will perform the surgery on you."
"Alright."
Tsunade immediately smiled,
"Never thought the day would come when I'd be able to use Wood Release too."
"Wood Release isn't actually as powerful as you imagine."
Oh…
Thinking for a moment, Natsume continued,
"Its power depends entirely on Chakra."
Tsunade possessed the Yin Seal, which meant she had accumulated considerable Chakra.
However, her recovery speed was slow.
She couldn't possibly use Wood Release recklessly like Natsume did.
Much less replicate [True Thousand Hands] or [Top-Knot Enlightened One's Thousand-Armed Cannon].
Both required Sage Chakra to activate.
"No problem."
Tsunade had expected this already.
If Wood Release were truly that strong, then with the Sarutobi clan possessing several Wood Release ninja, they wouldn't have ended up in their current situation.
After a while, Senka woke up.
Immediately, Tsunade pushed Natsume away and picked up their daughter.
"…"
Sighing, Natsume said,
"My status took a nosedive."
"Look at your dad, sweetie," Tsunade said to her daughter. "Never take after him."
Lady Tsunade was playfully teasing Senka when she shot Natsume a glare instead and said,
"Don't badmouth me in front of our daughter."
Natsume leaned forward and whispered into Senka's ear, "Don't believe your mom. She's lying."
He wanted to be a good role model for their daughter.
"What did you say?!"
Tsunade frowned playfully and gave Natsume a light punch on the head.
Senka watched them with wide eyes, looking quite amused.
"You're the one trying to spoil her," Natsume said while grabbing her hand.
"Hmph. All your fault."
Realizing she might have gone too far, Tsunade glared at him.
"My bad," Natsume admitted quickly, which made Tsunade let it go.
"Where's Shizune?" Natsume changed the subject.
"What about her?" Tsunade gave him a suspicious look. "Are you thinking about her?"
"Nope," he quickly shook his head, sensing jealousy. "I just want to know when she'll be back. If it's too late, I'll cook dinner."
"Shizune is still young. Be careful with her health," Tsunade suddenly added, as if just thinking of it. "Maybe later, when Senka grows up a bit, we can get her a little brother or sister."
She was referring to Shizune's pregnancy, not suggesting she herself would have another child.
Natsume sighed in relief.
Honestly, he hadn't even thought about it yet.
And Shizune probably hadn't either.
Thinking about being pregnant reminded him of Mikoto Uchiha.
In two months, he should send her away.
If she stayed in Konoha, there was a risk of running into Lady Tsunade—that would be quite the scene.
Mikoto Uchiha wouldn't betray him, but if caught, she might have no choice but to admit it.
Natsume wasn't heartless though.
As the current Hokage, he could easily come up with an excuse to send Mikoto on a mission outside the village.
Maybe send her to the Land of Snow.
"I'll go prepare dinner."
Natsume checked the time, stood up, kissed Tsunade on the face, and left.
Not long after, Shizune came through the door.
Since Chiyo's birth, she hadn't stayed home much.
After all, Tsunade didn't need help taking care of her anymore.
It'd also be a waste keeping such a capable person tied down.
Shizune was young and ambitious.
Unlike Tsunade, who had completely mellowed out—her only concerns now were Natsume and their daughter.
Nothing else mattered.
"Lady Tsunade," Shizune took off her shoes and ran straight to Chiyo.
With a child at home, Chiyo had naturally become the family's little treasure.
Only when Natsume brought dinner to the table did they finally stop doting over Chiyo.
At night, although Tsunade accepted Shizune, they rarely slept together.
So Natsume split the night into two parts—spending each half with one of them.
The next day.
Hokage's office.
Sasuke Uchiha had already returned.
After carefully reviewing the mission report, Natsume gave a nod of approval.
It was clearly written.
Detailed analysis included Kakuzu and Kishi.
In short, he had become a capable ninja.
Now Sasuke seemed more like Itachi.
Though occasionally, he couldn't help showing off a little.
"Well done."
Natsume set down the mission report and said, "Especially since you managed to activate Susanoo this time—it shows your power has improved yet again."
"It's all thanks to my teacher's guidance."
Sasuke Uchiha rarely sounded so humble.
But in this case, it was actually the truth.
His ability to activate Susanoo was indeed thanks to Natsume.
Whether it was due to the provocation from Kishi's doppelgänger or the lingering effects left by Satori at the end.
"Teacher."
Sasuke was eager to ask, "I want to continue investigating the Mysterious Organization."
"We will investigate them—but not by you directly."
Natsume shook his head and said, "Your top priority now is to consolidate your strength."
Sasuke wanted to object but held his tongue and eventually agreed.
His urgency mainly came from thoughts of Itachi Uchiha.
It wasn't truly about confronting the Mysterious Organization.
"There's also something else—you should try cultivating the talent of the Immortal Lineage."
Natsume took out a scroll and said, "It might allow your strength to grow even further."
In the original tale, Sasuke wielded a unique form of Susanoo.
A cursed seal combined with Susanoo.
If things turned dire, he could always accept the cursed seal.
"Thank you, Teacher."
Sasuke accepted the scroll and left the Hokage's office.
However, he didn't rush into training right away—he headed home first.
As soon as he returned to Konoha Village, he went straight to the Hokage Building.
Mikoto Uchiha didn't know he had already completed his mission.
"Mom."
Sasuke opened the door and called out.
"What's got you so cheerful?"
Mikoto was sweeping the floor.
Hearing his voice, she lifted her head to look at him, immediately noticing the smile on his face.
Earlier, Natsume had told her he'd help Sasuke.
Now that he was back, something must have succeeded.
"I activated Susanoo."
Sasuke tilted up his chin proudly as he said.
Susanoo?
Mikoto blinked in disbelief.
But quickly smiled, saying, "You must be worn out."
"Not at all."
Sasuke shook his head.
"Did you tell your teacher already?"
Mikoto stood up, setting the mop aside, asking.
"I've already met with Teacher."
As he spoke, Sasuke rubbed his stomach somewhat embarrassedly, "Mom, I'm hungry."
"You rest for a bit first."
Mikoto walked toward the kitchen.
Since it was still before noon, she prepared him a simple bowl of ramen.
Sasuke didn't mind in the least, eating it heartily.
Just then, Mikoto suddenly clutched her mouth and dry-heaved a few times.
"Mom?"
Sasuke immediately tensed up, asking, "Are you hurting somewhere?"
"No problem."
Mikoto casually replied, "Most likely just tired from cleaning for too long."
"Maybe we should go to the hospital?"
Sasuke still felt uneasy.
With his father and brother gone, Mikoto was now the most important person in Sasuke's life.
That's why he seemed overly worried.
"What trouble could there be?"
Mikoto couldn't help but laugh. "Konoha Hospital is already swamped as it is, don't go disturbing them over small things."
"Oh."
Sasuke took a few bites of his noodles before asking, "Then should we have Sakura come over?"
"Sakura?"
Mikoto's eyes lit up slightly as she asked, "Is that your classmate?"
"Yeah. Sakura Haruno. She's Dean Nonou's apprentice."
Sasuke clearly hadn't noticed the inquisitive look in his mother's eyes.
If he had known, he definitely would've regretted mentioning Sakura Haruno.
Mikoto fell into thought.
It was rare for her son to bring up another girl—this counted as progress.
"When she has time, you can invite your classmate over for dinner."
Sasuke responded with a hum, not thinking much of it.
A week passed quickly.
At Konoha Hospital,
By now, an operating room had been cleared out.
To avoid Tsunade detecting anything strange, they had given her anesthesia.
She didn't suspect anything either, assuming [Wood Release] awakening would be complicated.
After the other medical ninja left, Orochimaru took out that pill.
He'd studied it all week without figuring it out at all.
This frustrated him greatly.
Yet his curiosity only grew stronger.
Orochimaru stared at the pill, finally blurting out, "In the end, what exactly is this thing?"
Good question—I haven't a clue either.
Natsume barely twitched his lip and muttered, "What it is, it's none of your business."
He snatched the pill and shoved it into Tsunade's mouth.
Orochimaru remained silent.
But since he couldn't beat Natsume, there wasn't much he could do.
Might as well go all-in on the act.
Orochimaru made some marks on Tsunade's arm as well.
Actually, it was something similar to a stimulant.
An hour later, Tsunade stirred awake.
She glanced at her arm and felt like every cell in her body had awakened.
She even felt like she'd gotten younger.
[Wood Release] represented life force.
What she used was a skill purchased with points from Tamaki of Destiny.
In theory, it did help improve her physical constitution to some extent.
"The surgery has succeeded."
Orochimaru turned and left.
There was no point in staying any longer.
"How is it?" Natsume asked with a smile.
"It's great."
Tsunade twirled in front of him, saying, "I feel like I'm filled with power from head to toe."
(Word count: 4,000)
(End of chapter)
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