In his previous life, Natsume liked scavenging in games.
Collecting loot was similar.
But now he was rich—he didn't care for these poor Cloud ninja's belongings.
And the two jonin had been beaten into unrecognizable bloody messes by Tsunade—not a pretty sight.
Kabuto, though, was unfazed, collecting anything useful.
Natsume sighed. At this rate, Kabuto really was the ultimate support.
Tsunade waited a bit, frowning—she felt extremely uncomfortable, the smell of blood on her.
This wasn't just about cleanliness—no one could stand it.
She glanced at Kabuto and Shizune, then at Natsume.
"Come here."
"Hmm?"
Natsume had no desire to loot dead bodies—he ran over when called.
"We passed a river this afternoon. Come with me and keep watch," Tsunade said, pinching his chin with a smile. "Can I trust you?"
"Of course!" Natsume patted his chest. "I won't let anyone near!"
Tsunade was startled.
She'd actually meant don't peep.
But seeing Natsume's clear, sincere eyes, she felt guilty.
He was a good kid—not like other men, unable to control themselves.
The river wasn't big, but long.
Tsunade found a spot where it formed a waterfall.
Natsume sat on a large rock nearby.
The moonlight was beautiful.
From a distance, Tsunade thought he looked like some legendary elf—almost unreal.
With her strength, she could sense if someone tried to peep.
She really did trust Natsume.
Tsunade reached out her hand—oddly shy, her cheeks flushed, heart pounding.
She didn't know if she wanted Natsume to sneak a peek or not.
Under the cold moonlight.
Tsunade's small, delicate bare feet stepped into the water. She walked slowly to the center and finally slipped her flawless body underwater.
Her beautiful eyes glimmered as she looked at Natsume's back, feeling a pang of disappointment.
Tsunade scooped up water and let it trickle down her body.
The scene was as beautiful as the moon above.
But there was no one to appreciate it.
Natsume looked into the distance, silently reciting a meditation mantra.
With a clear mind, nothing could shake him.
Who could withstand a test like this?
It was like two little voices were fighting in his head.
To look, or not to look—that was the question.
But in the end, Natsume didn't peek.
First, Tsunade would know.
Second, it could backfire.
Tsunade trusted him because she thought he was a pure-hearted boy.
He couldn't ruin that.
Before long, Tsunade came ashore, changed clothes, and approached barefoot.
"Well done. Sis wants to reward you—what do you want?" she asked gently. "Anything at all."
What was this? Another test?
Was he that kind of person?
Natsume tilted his head and replied obediently, "This is just what I should do. No reward needed."
Retreating to advance.
Tsunade felt he was even more mature.
She bent down and kissed his forehead.
Soft and warm.
Natsume instinctively looked up—and was rewarded with a view even whiter than moonlight.
Water trickled down the hills.
With Tsunade's gesture and expression, it tugged at his heartstrings.
He fell for her even more.
His dream was clearer than ever.
"Alright, let's go back."
Tsunade patted his head, then sat on the rock he'd just used, raising her long legs to put on her shoes.
"I'll help," Natsume offered.
"Okay," Tsunade agreed without suspicion.
He hadn't peeked, so he'd fully earned her trust.
Besides, it was hard for her to put on shoes sitting down.
As his guardian, she could enjoy a bit of pampering.
Natsume knelt and put her shoes on, resisting his racing heart.
"All done."
Tsunade jumped up and down in front of him. "Not bad!"
They returned to their temporary camp.
Not a Cloud outpost, but a hidden spot they'd found.
Kabuto and Shizune had finished cleaning up and were waiting.
"Teacher, here's some intel."
"Oh?" Tsunade let go of Natsume's hand, scanned the report.
Cloud's recent movements were unusual—they were clearing out Konoha's outposts in force.
"Planning a decisive battle? Doesn't seem like it," Tsunade mused.
The Fourth Raikage alone couldn't manage a full-scale battle—unless he brought the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki.
It seemed more like they wanted a victory before negotiating.
"We'll reach Shitō Akimichi's last known location tomorrow. If no one's there, we'll return immediately," Tsunade decided.
Konoha had Uchiha Fugaku and Hyuga Hiashi holding the line—things would be fine for now.
"Rest up," Tsunade said. "We might have a tough fight tomorrow, so everyone get some sleep. I'll take the first watch."
"Yes," Kabuto and Shizune returned to their tents.
"You too," Tsunade told Natsume gently. "You're young—you need your rest."
"No," Natsume shook his head. "It's boring for you to keep watch alone. I'll stay with you."
"No!" Tsunade's tone turned stern. "Listen to your sister—go sleep now, or I'll get mad and spank you."
"Let's compromise," Natsume said quickly, grabbing his sleeping bag. "You keep watch, I'll sleep beside you."
Tsunade laughed. "Alright, you win with that clever little head of yours."
She agreed because she found the idea nice.
Natsume, exhausted from the night's battle, fell asleep quickly.
Tsunade gazed at his face in the moonlight.
A flutter of affection stirred her heart—like a cat's paw brushing inside her chest.
She couldn't help but lean down and steal a kiss on his cheek.
…
The next morning—
The four set out again.
An hour later, they reached their destination.
Not a grove, but a valley.
Kabuto closed his eyes and used his sensory jutsu.
"There's no one. Wait—a person on the north side of the valley, barely alive."