"Sir, you are a healthy boy; my vitality is good for you, too."
Natsume's eyes widened with understanding as he gazed up at Hinae's flushed face. Without a word, Natsume leaned forward, gently parting her kimono to expose her soft, full breast. Hinae gasped softly as his warm mouth enveloped her nipple, his tongue swirling around the sensitive bud before he began to suckle eagerly.
Sweet, chakra-infused milk flowed freely as Natsume nursed with growing enthusiasm. Hinae's fingers threaded through his hair, holding him close as waves of pleasure washed over her. She bit her lip to stifle a moan, her body trembling with each pull of his lips.
Natsume was surprised by its sweetness.
Then he realized why.
The Uzumaki clan naturally had vast chakra reserves, or rather, abundant vitality.
That's why biting her arm could heal wounds. So, if blood worked, other bodily fluids would, too.
Natsume's cheeks hollowed as he drank deeply, savoring the unique sweetness of Hinae's essence. The nourishing milk filled him with warmth and energy, chakra tingling through his small body. Hinae's breath came in short pants, her eyes half-lidded with a mix of embarrassment and arousal as Natsume continued to feast at her breast.
After a while, Natsume was full.
He was a child, and this was too nutritious.
Hinae tugged at her clothes shyly.
She was a quiet, reserved person, so she wasn't used to Natsume's ways.
Thankfully, his face was so deceptive.
After half a month, Hinae subconsciously thought of Natsume as a son.
Compared to Grass Village ninja, he was a saint.
Natsume didn't know Hinae had given him a "good guy card."
He leaned against her, teased baby Karin, and said, "Now we eat from the same milk—we're like siblings. I'll protect you."
Hinae smiled. Life had turned upside-down for her.
In Grass Village, she was just a tool, nobody cared about her feelings.
Here, she was pampered and respected.
Her food, clothes, and shelter were all top-notch.
She knew it was all thanks to Natsume, so she was completely obedient.
"Ah, it's almost time for school."
Natsume checked the time and stood up. "I'll visit again."
"I'll be waiting."
Hinae nodded, as quiet as ever.
Natsume loved that gentle, fragile aura.
He pinched Karin's soft cheek and left.
Soon, he arrived at the ninja academy and dismissed his wood clone.
Not long after, Tsunade appeared.
As usual, she patted his head, then took his hand.
"Why do I smell something nice?" Tsunade suddenly sniffed his neck, a serious look on her face. "Which woman?"
Danger!
Natsume imagined a big red warning above his head.
"My female classmates," he said, feigning annoyance. "They always stick around me, I can't shake them off. It's so annoying!"
"Well, that's because you're so handsome," Tsunade smiled. "When you grow up, it'll be even worse."
Natsume sighed in relief.
Honestly, he wasn't hiding things on purpose.
He was only seven. If he revealed everything, even 'genius' wouldn't cover it—it'd be monstrous.
If Tsunade changed her attitude toward him, it wouldn't be worth it.
He'd tell her when the time was right.
Tsunade's smile faded; she looked wistful and said, "In a few years, you'll grow up, and I'll be old. When you fall for young pretty girls, don't forget your big sister, okay?"
"How could I?" Natsume replied seriously. "No girl is as pretty as you. You're the number one beauty in my heart."
"Sweet talker," Tsunade laughed. She turned, beckoning. "Let's go home, little stud."
…
At home, Shizune had cooked.
At the table, Tsunade mentioned Orochimaru was out of the hospital.
Natsume's eyes shone—it was time to discuss sealing techniques.
After half a month, Hinae was much healthier. The bite marks were gone.
Time to try teaching her sealing jutsu.
After dinner and two hours of Wood Release practice, Natsume checked in on his wood clone in another town.
…
A dark laboratory.
Orochimaru, just discharged, was already working.
After being battered by Shisui, Kakuzu, and Sasori, he realized his understanding of the world wasn't enough.
He had to keep trading with Natsume.
But trades had to be equal.
Orochimaru needed something Natsume wanted.
That, of course, was Hashirama cells and transplantation techniques.
Short-term breakthroughs were unlikely, so he focused on Wood Release.
Transplanting Hashirama cells was dangerous.
But what if he used Yamato's cells to neutralize Hashirama's and created a safe Wood Release drug?
Yamato's cells were gentle.
He planned to blend them, creating a drug that granted Wood Release power over time.
It wouldn't be as strong as direct transplantation, but with long-term use, one could gradually gain Wood Release abilities.
It all hinged on Orochimaru working like crazy.
But it might just attract the mysterious man.
And show his value.
In the original story, Orochimaru didn't have Yamato, so this never happened.
Now, influenced by Natsume, he had new ideas.
A white snake appeared before Orochimaru.
He put down his test tube, eyes narrowing.
Natsume had come to see him right after discharge.
There must be a traitor in Konoha.
But that was normal—Natsume's organization was strong enough to plant spies anywhere.
And he always seemed to appear out of nowhere, leaving no trace.
Orochimaru left the lab and entered the hall.
"This tea is good," Natsume said, sipping with satisfaction.
"Your organization's members are quite rude," Orochimaru replied, still annoyed.
He'd just wanted to test them, but Kakuzu and Sasori had tried to kill him for real.
"I warned you," Natsume said calmly. "They're not very friendly."
Orochimaru knew it was his fault for attacking first. He asked, "Your subordinates are strong. May I know their names?"
"Don't ask about them," Natsume waved. "I want you to get me all of the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques."
Orochimaru licked his lips.
Good—a new request.
This showed the mysterious man was interested in more than just Hashirama cells.
"The Uzumaki sealing arts are top-secret in Konoha. What will you offer?"
"You've got Yamato now. How do his Wood Release skills compare to Hashirama's?"
Natsume countered.
"No comparison," Orochimaru answered honestly.
Hashirama was terrifying, even his cells. The man himself must have been a monster.
He remembered the endless Forest of Death outside Konoha was made by Hashirama's Wood Release.
Yamato could only manage a few rows of trees.
"So where's the problem?" Natsume asked.
"Physique and chakra," Orochimaru mused.
"That's one reason," Natsume nodded. "But there's another—Sage Mode."
Orochimaru shuddered.
He knew about Sage Mode—it was unique to the three great summoning realms.
He, Tsunade, and Jiraiya all had contracts.
Only Jiraiya had succeeded, but not fully.
Orochimaru's face darkened; he considered himself talented, but Sage Mode was out of reach.
"I know someone who can absorb natural energy and activate an incomplete Sage Mode."
"What?" Orochimaru was shocked.
Someone born with Sage powers?
If he could study such a person, maybe he could unlock Sage Mode.
His eyes shone with desire.