Adopted by Tsunade [213-214] (Patreon)

Chapter 213: Kaguya's Quickening Heartbeat

Kaguya let go of Natsume.

Her pale pink lips glistened with a dewy sheen.

She blinked her snowy eyes, lashes trembling slightly, tilting her head to look at him.

With her power, she had noticed Koyuki long ago.

But she only cared about one person.

All other humans were like ants in her eyes.

Natsume met her gaze.

The cold sunlight of the Land of Snow fell upon her snowy white hair; paired with her fair face, she truly looked like a legendary yuki-onna.

"What's wrong?"

Seeing her stand still, Natsume couldn't help asking.

Kaguya reached out and stroked his face.

The warmth stirred something within her.

Just now, when Natsume said "I'll like you forever," her heart had sped up for an instant.

For her, this had never happened before.

Because at her level, she could control every response of her body.

In other words, a racing heartbeat was abnormal.

She didn't understand.

So she bent down and bit his lips.

This time, a little longer.

That quickened heartbeat came again.

Kaguya's snowy eyes reflected his handsome face. A moment later, a cool yet captivating smile appeared on her lips.

Natsume was about to say something when Kaguya turned and walked to the Box of Ultimate Bliss.

She reached out and touched the box. A flicker of realization crossed her eyes.

Thinking for a moment, her palm overflowed with chakra, quickly wrapping the box.

Perhaps sensing danger—

The box shuddered; countless cold, shadowy figures floated out.

Souls.

Back in the Sage of Six Paths era, Kusagakure had used the Box of Ultimate Bliss to reap many lives.

Souls and emotions were bound within the box, causing the yin-release power accumulated inside to grow denser and denser.

Kaguya looked at them expressionlessly.

Byakugan!

All the souls showed terror, recoiling rapidly back into the box.

Crack!

A fracture appeared across the box's surface.

Material that in the original story could withstand a Rasengan and Tailed Beast Bomb was as fragile as paper before Kaguya.

The cracks widened, then turned to fragments, peeling off piece by piece.

In less than a moment, the Box of Ultimate Bliss no longer existed.

Kaguya's left hand lifted slightly. The huddled mass of souls and emotions condensed quickly into arrow-feathers.

They were entirely translucent, with a faint cyan tint and a wisp of ethereal vitality.

Making the bow would not be as quick.

Natsume watched for a while, then turned to look at Koyuki.

She still hadn't left.

"Lord Natsume."

Noticing his movement, Koyuki hastily averted her gaze and greeted him.

She didn't know what the Box of Ultimate Bliss was, so she had no idea what Kaguya's actions meant.

But she could roughly guess that Kaguya's strength was astonishing.

Because in her interactions with Natsume, Kaguya was the one in control.

"Do you need something?"

Natsume nodded in acknowledgment.

"Tomorrow is the annual Snow Festival. Lord Natsume, do you have time to attend this year?"

Koyuki froze for two seconds, then responded quickly.

She didn't really have business.

She just rarely saw Natsume and wanted to spend more time with him.

But the Snow Festival wasn't something she made up.

It had been established specifically to celebrate her restoration of the country.

Of course, to her, it was more like celebrating her meeting with Natsume.

Kaguya suddenly turned her head.

Though she said nothing, Natsume more or less knew what she meant.

Probably she'd been cooped up too long and wanted to go out for a walk.

"Mm, I'll go."

Natsume paused, then added, "But you don't have to make a big fuss. I'll just look around."

Koyuki's pretty smile stiffened a bit.

But she didn't dare ask for more, so she nodded. "I understand. I'll make the arrangements."

Kaguya glanced at her.

She said nothing and turned back to continue making her bow.

It was her first time doing this.

But since her servant had made a rare request, she had to do it well.

Otherwise, it would tarnish the great name of Kaguya.

Natsume didn't leave, watching her work.

The more he watched, the more emotional he felt.

Power is terrifying.

No technique needed—just pure strength overwhelming all.

Anything in her hands could only be kneaded at will.

But soon he noticed the cool smile on Kaguya's face.

Like a child who had found a favorite toy.

He blinked.

Come to think of it, Kaguya really was like a child.

Though she had lost her childhood.

Before long, a black bow took shape.

Kaguya pointed, and the earlier arrow-feathers all merged into the bow.

She gave a casual pull, and a faint arrow appeared on the bowstring.

Kaguya glanced at Natsume, then aimed at the sky and released.

The arrow vanished in a blink.

Within Natsume's perception, it reached tens of kilometers away in a second.

This range could rival Kagura's Mind Eye.

And it surpassed the Byakugan by a dozen times.

A complete demonstration of what a saturation strike was.

Boom.

The arrow exploded.

In the sky, it was like an enormous firework, visible to everyone in the capital of the Land of Snow.

"Do you like it?"

Kaguya tilted her head and spoke softly. "Books say you humans all like fireworks."

Natsume was stunned.

What's unconscious flirting?

This is it.

He walked up to her, smiling naturally and warmly. "I like it a lot."

"Take me to the Snow Festival tomorrow."

Kaguya shoved the bow into his hands.

"Mm."

As Natsume gripped the bow, a chill spread through him.

"Then go."

Kaguya issued a soft dismissal.

"Huh?"

Natsume didn't quite react.

"Don't you have things to do?"

Kaguya blinked. "Books say, for someone you like, you must give them enough time and space, and not always monopolize them."

"…"

Natsume felt his heart thump wildly a few times.

Good lord, how are you this cute?

"Oh."

Understanding flickered in Kaguya's snowy eyes. She stepped forward, hugged him, planted a kiss on his forehead, and asked, "Now you can go, right?"

Like this, how am I supposed to go!

Natsume swallowed, finally launching his first counterattack of the day. He pulled her closer, capturing her lips in a deep, fervent kiss that silenced her words and stole her breath. As their mouths moved together in a heated tangle, his hand slipped beneath her clothing to catch her soft, yielding breast—and ravaged it a bit, kneading the warm flesh with firm, insistent squeezes that made it mold to his palm like dough under a baker's hands.

Kaguya looked puzzled.

She actually didn't understand what it meant.

Books only covered the most basic kissing.

After all, the Land of Snow's library wasn't going to have Make-Out Paradise.

"See you tomorrow."

Natsume glanced at Kaguya's lip, a thread of gloss between them, and hurriedly fled.

One more look and he'd explode.

He returned to the Land of Grass. 

Satori had been completely sealed.

"Lord Hokage, we didn't fail you!"

Sagara Fū was visibly excited, eyes burning with fervor.

"Good work."

Natsume swept his gaze over the sealing unit. "Don't tell anyone about today."

"Yes!"

They answered at once.

Natsume nodded and first sent them back to Konoha.

…

"Sasuke, you're awake?"

Naruto leapt up from the grass, running over with delight.

"Sasuke, how is it? Do you feel unwell?"

Mikoto reached out to help him up, asking with concern.

Sasuke's eyes were dazed.

He looked at Naruto and Mikoto, then scratched his head reflexively.

"Sasuke?"

Worry surfaced on Mikoto's face; she glanced at Natsume from the corner of her eye.

"Don't worry, the operation—er, I mean, the sealing went well."

Natsume smiled, comforting them. "He just woke up and hasn't shaken off the influence yet."

"Ah."

Sasuke let out a faint groan, pressing his forehead.

Memories surged.

Then his body stiffened.

He'd actually hit his mom?

 "I'm sorry, I…"

Sasuke hurried to apologize.

"It's fine."

Seeing him back to normal, Mikoto sighed in relief. "What you did before wasn't your will. Of course I won't blame you."

Even so, Sasuke felt deeply guilty.

He even forgot about his Mangekyō Sharingan for the moment.

"Talk back in Konoha."

Seeing the two might go on forever, Natsume cut in.

"Mm."

Mikoto came back to herself, patted Sasuke's head. "Sasuke, you've had a hard day. Go home and rest."

"Okay."

Exhaustion washed over Sasuke.

He had fought under Satori's control.

His dōjutsu and chakra were drained.

Though he'd slept a bit, it wasn't long enough to recover.

Standing up, Sasuke's expression shifted.

Why did it feel like there was something extra in his belly?

 Natsume noticed the odd look and smiled.

But he didn't say anything.

Mikoto would explain to Sasuke anyway.

Flying Thunder God activated.

…

They appeared at the Uchiha compound.

"Sasuke, see you tomorrow."

Naruto waved.

Even after a fierce battle, he was still brimming with energy.

The Uzumaki constitution was ridiculous.

And Naruto was clearly even more unusual—

Likely thanks to Asura and Kurama's chakra.

After saying goodbye to Naruto, Natsume headed straight to the Hyuga clan.

Originally, Hinata was supposed to participate in this mission.

But with her unaware, the mission had already ended.

Luckily, Natsume had prepared gifts.

"Lord Hokage."

As clan head, Hiashi rarely left on missions and was almost always home.

After being notified, he hurried out to greet him.

"Uncle Hiashi."

After greeting, Natsume stated his purpose. "Where's Hinata?"

"She's training in the courtyard."

Hiashi wasn't surprised. "Please, come in."

"Natsume-nii."

"Big bro!"

The first came from Hinata.

The second from Hanabi.

The sisters had different personalities—and different ways of addressing him.

One shy, one enthusiastic.

"Hanabi, this is for you."

Natsume pulled out a mountain of snacks.

"Thank you, big bro!"

Hanabi's grin grew even brighter.

She ran up and hugged the snacks.

Hinata didn't step forward. A hint of envy flickered in her eyes.

If she had Hanabi's temperament, she would have thrown herself into his arms right now.

Thinking of that, her cheeks reddened.

"Hanabi."

Hiashi was tactful. "Come with me."

"Okay."

Hanabi was reluctant, but she had to listen to her father.

The Hyuga were strict.

She didn't dare break the rules.

"Hinata."

Natsume took out the bow. "This is for you."

"Me?"

Hinata took it blankly, staring at him, bewildered.

The Hyuga used Gentle Fist, and at close range at that.

Giving her a bow—wasn't that a bit off?

 But since it was Natsume's gift, after her confusion, a smile bloomed, bright and happy.

"You're not going to ask why?"

Natsume reached out and ruffled her hair.

"I like anything Natsume-nii gives me."

Hinata's voice was soft and sticky-sweet.

A faint blush spread across her fair, youthful cheeks. After she spoke, she bit her lip.

Natsume couldn't help tweaking her soft cheeks a few more times.

Hinata grew flustered, feeling heat on her face; her gaze dropped to the floor, as if something there attracted her.

"Do you remember what I said before—about considering long-range options?"

Natsume stopped teasing and got down to business.

"Mm."

Hinata focused, finally clearing her drowsy head and avoiding a fainting spell.

"This bow is for you to use—paired with the Byakugan."

Natsume then took out the ninjutsu scroll for Air Fist: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms, modified by Kaguya. "And this."

"Thank you, Natsume-nii."

Hinata thanked him, then instinctively opened the scroll, going blank for a moment.

She could see some resemblance, but the effect was entirely different.

Did Natsume-nii create this technique just for her?

 Hinata felt her cheeks burning, her heart pounding wildly.

"Natsume-nii, y-you're so good to me…"

Her voice was tiny.

She didn't dare meet his eyes.

"It's only right."

Natsume smiled. "Get familiar with the bow and the technique. I'll take you out later to test its power."

Hinata's head snapped up, eyes sparkling, face full of anticipation.

"I'll go now."

Natsume pinched her cheek again and vanished.

It took Hinata a while to recover.

She pressed her face; she could still feel his warm hand.

"Hinata?"

Hiashi's voice brought her back.

"Father."

Hinata regained composure and bowed slightly.

"Natsume gave you that?"

Hiashi immediately noticed the bow in her hand.

"Mm."

Hinata nodded, her tone lighter. "It's from Natsume-nii."

"That makes no sense."

Hiashi rubbed his chin, puzzled. "Why a bow? The Hyuga have never used bows."

If he didn't know Natsume's character, he'd suspect he was just teasing his little girlfriend.

"Natsume-nii said it can be paired with the Byakugan."

Hinata hurried to explain. "He must have a reason."

"…"

Hiashi's mouth twitched.

He has reasons, but your dad doesn't?

 In theory, a bow does pair with the Byakugan.

But in practice, it's hard to use.

Ordinary bows have short range and slow rate of fire.

Before the arrow hits, your target would already be on top of you.

Then you still end up dropping the bow to use Gentle Fist.

But Natsume was Hokage. A bow from him should be good.

"Use the bow on me. Let me see its power."

Hiashi thought for a bit. "If it's average, don't waste your time."

"Is that… okay?"

Hinata froze, worried. "I'm afraid of hurting you, father."

"Hurt me? Hinata, your father is one of Konoha's top fighters."

Hiashi laughed. "If you could hurt me, I'd be glad we have a new genius in the clan."

Seeing his confidence, Hinata nodded unconsciously.

True, no matter how amazing the bow was, her own level was what it was.

When sparring with father, she couldn't even touch him at times, much less injure him.

In Hinata's mind, Hiashi was quite formidable.

"Here?"

"Here."

Hiashi waved. "Don't worry; nothing will happen."

Hinata relaxed a little.

She stepped back a few paces, then realized a problem.

No arrows.

She touched the bowstring, thinking.

An information pulse flowed into her mind.

This bow had two functions.

First, it could generate its own arrows.

Second, it could absorb the emotions of those it struck.

If the target died on the spot, it would also absorb their soul.

In other words, the more the bow was used, the stronger it would become.

I see.

Hinata's eyes lit with understanding.

She didn't know its full power yet, but those two functions alone proved the bow was extraordinary.

Warmth flowed through her heart. She looked at Hiashi.

She pulled the string; faint cyan light quickly condensed into an arrow.

Hiashi blinked and activated his Byakugan.

Only then did he notice the restrained chakra on the arrow.

Interesting.

It was his first time seeing such a wondrous ninja tool.

Proof Natsume had indeed put thought into it.

He just didn't know how strong it was.

Hiashi set his guard.

Hinata aimed at the empty space to the left of his head and released.

She figured even if father didn't catch it, it wouldn't hit him.

The instant the arrow left the string, Hiashi's hair stood on end; an unprecedented sense of danger enveloped him.

Without hesitation, he used Rotation.

He spun on the spot like a top.

Rotation was a high-level Hyuga secret art.

Known as absolute defense.

It created a hemispherical chakra barrier from the ground up, repelling physical attacks.

A thunderous bang.

But unlike Kaguya's shot, no firework bloomed.

After all, that had been the goddess's flourish when expressing affection.

"Father?"

Hinata was startled and hurried forward.

"I'm… fine."

Hiashi did catch the arrow.

But saving face as a father came at a price.

Where Hinata couldn't see, his hands were trembling, and blood seeped from his mouth.

Even Natsume didn't know the true power.

But if it was made by Kaguya, it wouldn't be inferior to so-called Six Paths tools.

Chapter 214: Natsume and Kaguya's Prolonged Battle

After leaving the Hyuga, Natsume returned to the Hokage Tower.

Although the affairs at Kusagakure and Hōzuki Castle had concluded, that didn't mean it was all over.

He still had something to do.

Write the mission report.

Natsume didn't really care about reports, but his three students did.

They needed them for experience.

Yes, three.

Even if Hinata hadn't participated, she'd be included.

"Kurenai, help me write a mission report."

Of course Natsume wouldn't write it himself.

That's what secretaries are for.

"It's about Hōzuki Castle."

Natsume thought for a moment. "Mark it S-rank, jot a few lines for the process."

He omitted Mikoto's appearance and Sasuke's wish.

Just wrote that the warden, Mui, opened the Box of Ultimate Bliss and released a monster.

With his and Team 9's efforts, they defeated and sealed it.

Kurenai didn't question it.

She wrote the report per his instructions.

Natsume skimmed it. "Looks good."

Kurenai smiled. "That's a secretary's job."

"File it."

He handed it back.

"Yes."

Kurenai turned and left the office.

[Because of your actions, Hyuga Hinata's fate has changed. You gain 100 Fate Points.]

[Because of your actions, Hyuga Hiashi's fate has changed. You gain 20 Fate Points.]

Two consecutive prompts puzzled Natsume.

What about Hiashi?

He didn't know the bow had almost taken out his future father-in-law.

Natsume soon put it aside, handled some village paperwork, then it was time to clock out.

Flying Thunder God.

He vanished from the office.

A few seconds later, the door opened.

"Lord Natsu—"

Kurenai's eyes fell on the empty Hokage seat. She stomped in regret.

"Missed him by a step."

She sighed, closed the door, straightened her loosened collar, and got off work.

…

The next day.

Land of Snow.

Natsume knocked.

"Come in."

Kaguya's cool voice sounded.

Natsume opened the door and entered.

No one at the table; he glanced at the bed.

Kaguya leaned against the wall, a blanket over her legs.

She had been gazing at the ceiling; when he entered, she lowered her head to look at him.

"Just woke up?"

He approached.

"Didn't sleep."

Kaguya shook her head. "Without you, I can't sleep."

"Sweet talk in the morning? I can't handle that."

Natsume blinked, then laughed.

"Sweet talk?"

Kaguya tilted her head, studying him with mild confusion. "That's sweet talk?"

"Mm."

Natsume sat by the bed. "Sweet talk is something that makes someone very happy—only said to someone you like."

Kaguya lifted the blanket, revealing her long, rounded legs and fair feet.

"Come here."

She beckoned.

Natsume got up and sat with her.

Kaguya pulled the blanket back over, covering both their legs.

"Say something sweet."

She put her arms around him and held him.

"If you force it, it loses its effect."

Natsume leaned on her shoulder, eyes half-closed, gazing at her white jawline.

Kaguya pursed her lips thoughtfully.

"Should we get up now?"

He remembered today was the Snow Festival; the plan was to take her out.

She'd been holed up in the daimyo's mansion for a while now.

Any longer and she'd grow mold.

"In a bit."

Kaguya hugged him tighter; her smooth white long legs crossed and pressed against his.

"I like this."

The corner of her mouth lifted. "It makes my heart race out of control."

"…"

Natsume was dumbfounded.

Where did she learn all this?

And she didn't even know she was flirting.

Natsume felt utterly in Kaguya's grasp.

After a while, she loosened her hold.

She kissed his cheek. "I want your breakfast."

"Give me a minute."

Natsume left, borrowed the kitchen, and made ramen.

He'd already eaten with Tsunade.

Kaguya picked up the chopsticks and ate gracefully.

Natsume sat opposite, watching her every move, his gaze finally resting on her forehead.

The Rinne Sharingan—her third eye from eating the God Tree fruit.

Normally, it remained hidden.

He'd never seen it and was curious.

But he didn't dare ask to see it.

That eye should be her most precious thing.

"How is it?"

When she finished, he asked.

"Very good."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, like a white cat full and content, looking rather pleased.

"If you say it's good, it must be."

Natsume reached out to brush aside her fringe.

Seeing she wasn't upset, he relaxed.

"What are you doing?"

Kaguya looked puzzled.

"Can't let your bangs hide your beauty."

Natsume smiled into her white eyes.

Kaguya blinked. She felt a faint joy rising inside.

Was it because he called her pretty?

She suddenly felt strange.

She had heard similar words before.

But she had always been indifferent.

Why did Natsume's words feel so different?

"Is this sweet talk?"

She pondered, then asked.

"Sort of."

Natsume paused, answering.

Sometimes he couldn't keep up with Kaguya's train of thought.

Maybe that's a classic deadpan girl.

"I see."

Kaguya smiled. "I don't dislike this feeling. You can say more."

Natsume felt defeat looming.

It was hard enough to say sweet words, only to be counterflirted.

Too strong, Miss Kaguya.

"Let's go."

Natsume opened the door. "The Snow Festival's begun. Look."

Kaguya lifted her head to see exquisite patterns in the sky.

Like white clouds, transforming into animals and plants.

There were also the Land of Snow's unique decorations.

After Koyuki reclaimed her country, she got Natsume's strong support.

They already had chakra armor, airships, environment modulators, etc.

Now they'd pushed further; technology had advanced again.

Projecting patterns into the sky was easy.

"That's you."

Kaguya found the central figure was Natsume.

And Koyuki.

Natsume's heart skipped. Hopefully she wouldn't get jealous?

He felt she didn't care about Koyuki.

Or rather, few humans could warrant her attention.

"She likes you."

Kaguya said abruptly.

Natsume's heart stopped.

"My eyes can see through her thoughts."

Kaguya spoke evenly.

Natsume froze slightly.

He suddenly remembered that in anime filler, Kaguya had pierced Hamura's lie and Hagoromo's inner thoughts.

Crap!

Did that mean he was laid bare before her?

"Ordinary beings can't hide emotions from me."

Doubt flickered in Kaguya's eyes as she stared at him. "Except you."

Natsume exhaled.

Maybe the Ring of Fate protected him?

He wasn't sure.

But either way, that was good.

Kaguya noticed a trace of panic in his eyes.

She squeezed his hand. "I don't care what you're thinking—so long as you like me."

Natsume looked up. Her face barely showed expression, yet her words overflowed with feeling.

Yikes—Kaguya at full power; he couldn't take it.

Worst of all, she had no idea what she was saying.

"Come on."

Natsume squeezed her hand back. "Let's walk the streets."

The Snow Festival was the Land of Snow's grand annual event.

The streets were already packed.

Natsume wanted Kaguya to disguise herself, but then realized no one could see them.

"You did that?"

"Mm."

"I don't like them, and I don't want them to disturb us."

Utterly domineering.

Natsume chuckled and played with her hand as they walked.

Soft and smooth.

Kaguya didn't mind, her eyes idly taking in everything.

The modern world was unfamiliar to her.

So she didn't find it boring.

"What's that?"

Kaguya pointed to the crowd under a torii.

"Omamori."

Natsume explained, "Charms for safety—asking the gods to protect you."

Kaguya shook her head.

She was the god.

She didn't need frills.

"Buy one."

She stopped.

Natsume was taken aback.

What for?

 In this world, any god who saw her would be in danger, let alone protect her.

But since she asked, he did it.

He squeezed through and bought a pink omamori embroidered with "safety."

Kaguya held it. A moment later, a faint white glow rose from it.

Deep chakra pulsed within.

"For you."

She shoved it into his hand. "Wear it."

Natsume blinked.

He hadn't expected Kaguya to expend so much chakra for him.

Well, maybe she'd stockpiled plenty lately and was rewarding him.

"What does it do?"

He guessed. "If I'm attacked, it auto-defends?"

"No. If you suffer a fatal wound, I'll appear."

She said the most domineering words in the calmest tone. "Because I only allow you to die by my hand."

Natsume couldn't hold back; he leaned in and sealed her lips.

After a long while, Kaguya took his hand again and walked on.

An unbidden smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, like a blossom in spring.

Natsume wasn't much for shopping.

He didn't find much fun in it.

In his past life, going out meant eating. And eating.

But Kaguya didn't seem to share that view.

She ate only what he made.

Everything else, she refused.

"Bookstore."

A ripple crossed Kaguya's snowy eyes.

She tugged Natsume inside.

"???"

Natsume was dumbfounded.

The most eye-catching spot had a huge poster.

One line on it:

Jiraiya's latest Make-Out Paradise—on sale now.

"Not this."

Natsume pushed a hand against Kaguya's cheek, trying to turn her head away.

Which of course had the opposite effect.

"Why not?"

She looked down at him, curious.

"It's low quality."

Natsume forced it out. "Not worth reading."

"You don't like it?"

She asked.

"No."

He lied through his teeth.

Well, not exactly a lie.

Make-Out Paradise was fine in the ninja world, but in his past life, it was mediocre.

No match for certain masterpieces.

"Then kill him."

Kaguya said it as if it were nothing.

"Uh, no need."

Natsume waved it off. "If you want to kill someone, we can go to Mount Myōboku another day."

"Myōboku—does it still exist?"

She was a bit surprised.

"Yeah."

Natsume nodded. "Not only that, it's influential—one of the Three Great Sage Lands."

"When?"

Kaguya frowned slightly.

"No rush."

Natsume pinched her cheek. "Not today."

"Mm."

Kaguya looked back at the shelves.

Obediently, she didn't buy Make-Out Paradise. She picked up a novel called Love Strategy.

Yes, a novel.

Natsume flipped it. It was proper fiction.

So he paid for it.

He didn't want Kaguya picking up messy ideas.

That'd spoil the fun.

Leaving the store, they kept walking.

Kaguya let go of his hand to read Love Strategy.

Natsume's lips twitched.

Was he raising the big bad into a homebody?

After novels, would games be next?

 But honestly, Kaguya didn't have much to do.

Her only job now was collecting rent.

No skill required; just let Sand shinobi whale their spending.

If she didn't find other things, she'd be bored.

Natsume couldn't accompany her all the time.

Bringing her to Konoha would scare the flowers and grass.

Especially Black Zetsu and White Zetsu.

Oh, and animals—

Toads and snakes.

"Let's go back."

Kaguya closed the book, eyes gleaming.

Natsume was confused, sensing something off.

Was there a problem with the novel?

He couldn't ask, so he nodded.

They returned to the palace.

After setting the book down, Kaguya stared at Natsume.

It made his skin crawl.

After a moment, he couldn't help asking, "Um… why are you looking at me?"

Sitting on the tatami, Kaguya beckoned him closer.

Natsume leaned in, puzzled.

"The book says all men like one thing."

Kaguya tilted her head, her voice curious and innocent. "Will you tell me what it is?"

"…"

Natsume swallowed.

At this point, doing nothing would be wrong.

"Kaguya, don't move."

He reached to remove her outer robe.

A graceful figure unfolded before him.

Kaguya felt no shyness, simply watching, waiting for his next move.

To her, if she didn't dislike it, anything was fine.

Natsume admired the expanse of smooth skin, feeling inexplicably nervous.

Somehow, he became the novice.

His hands trembled slightly as he traced the elegant curves of her form, from the gentle swell of her breasts—full and inviting, their peaks hardening under his gaze—to the smooth valley of her abdomen, leading down to the soft, hidden folds between her thighs, already glistening with the first hints of arousal.

Kaguya's body was a masterpiece of ethereal beauty, her skin like polished ivory, untouched and pure.

This was her first time, and the realization stirred a protective tenderness in him, mingled with an urgent desire.

He leaned in, his lips brushing against the sensitive skin of her neck, eliciting a soft gasp from her.

Kaguya's eyes widened slightly, her curiosity blooming into something deeper as his hands explored further, cupping her breasts gently, thumbs circling the rosy tips until she arched subtly, a shiver of unfamiliar pleasure coursing through her.

"This... sensation," she whispered, her voice a mix of wonder and breathlessness.

Natsume guided her down onto the tatami, his own arousal evident in the firm length of his manhood, pressing against her thigh as he positioned himself above her.

Parting her thighs with care and aligning himself with her entrance—the warm, silken petals that parted invitingly under his touch.

As he entered her slowly, inch by inch, Kaguya's breath hitched, her inner walls enveloping him in a tight, velvety embrace that sent waves of ecstasy through both of them.

She felt a brief sting of discomfort, her first time yielding to this intimate intrusion, but it quickly melted into a profound fullness, a connection that filled her with an unexpected bliss.

Their movements began tentatively, a dance of discovery.

Natsume thrust with measured rhythm, his hips meeting hers in a gentle cadence, while Kaguya's hands roamed his back, her nails lightly scoring his skin as she adjusted to the building pleasure.

Her breasts rose and fell with each breath, brushing against his chest, heightening the intimacy.

Soon, the pace intensified, transforming into a prolonged battle of endurance and passion—her divine strength matching his sage resilience in a clash of bodies and wills.

Kaguya wrapped her legs around him, pulling him deeper, her core clenching around his shaft in rhythmic pulses that drove him to the edge.

Waves of pleasure built within her, unfamiliar yet intoxicating, like a storm gathering in her core. Her first orgasm came as a revelation—a shuddering release that arched her back, her inner depths contracting around him in exquisite spasms, flooding her with a satisfaction so profound it bordered on spiritual ecstasy.

"Ah... this fulfillment," she murmured, her voice hazy with delight, as the aftershocks left her trembling and yearning for more.

Natsume, fueled by her response, his movements growing more fervent. He shifted positions, drawing her atop him, her snowy hair cascading like a veil over them as she straddled his hips. Her breasts swayed with each downward motion, and she rode him with increasing confidence, her folds gliding along his length in a slick, heated rhythm.

Pleasure radiated from their joined bodies—his manhood throbbing within her, her sensitive pearl rubbing against him, sending jolts of bliss through her nerves.

Another climax built swiftly for Kaguya, her body quivering as ecstasy crested again, her essence coating him in warmth while she cried out softly, lost in the overwhelming satisfaction of this newfound union.

Yet she craved more.

Kaguya straightened, snowy hair cascading down over Natsume's abdomen.

She panted softly, eyes hazy.

This feeling was unprecedented.

Strange—and wonderful.

A blush bloomed on her usually expressionless, exquisite face.

Like the morning glow, bright and alluring.

She reached out a white hand to stroke Natsume's handsome face.

"Is this love?"

Kaguya murmured, eyes misty.

Once again, she felt a spiritual fulfillment.

The last time had been when she waited a thousand years to eat the God Tree fruit.

But spirit wasn't enough.

Kaguya opened the Rinne Sharingan.

She moved them into the Starting Sphere Space.

Natsume reflexively hugged her thighs. "Why here?"

"Here, I can briefly control time's flow."

Kaguya lowered her head slightly, a pearly flush on her face.

She wanted to prolong this feeling.

"???"

In this timeless realm, their intimate battle raged on for what felt like an eternity—a marathon of passion where exhaustion and ecstasy intertwined.

Kaguya, empowered by the space's altered flow, explored every facet of their connection. She guided him through positions that tested their limits: him behind her, his hands gripping her hips as he thrust deeply into her welcoming depths, her breasts bouncing with each powerful motion; her on her side, one leg lifted, allowing him to stroke her most sensitive spots until orgasms cascaded through her like divine revelations—each one more intense, leaving her gasping in profound satisfaction, her body glistening with the evidence of their shared pleasure.

Natsume matched her fervor, his sage body pushed to its brink, his manhood delving into her core repeatedly, drawing out moans of delight from her lips.

He felt her climaxes ripple around him, her inner walls milking him in waves of bliss, until his own release overtook him multiple times—spilling into her with a surge of warmth that heightened their mutual fulfillment.

The air hummed with their combined scents and sounds, a symphony of pleasure that left them both drenched in sweat and satisfaction, her first experiences evolving into a tapestry of ecstasy she never wished to end.

For the first time, Natsume discovered a downside to sage body—

Not enough recovery.

He was trapped in a soft snare with no escape.

...

A month later, they returned to the daimyo's mansion.

Only a day had passed outside.

Natsume opened his eyes, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Aches ran through his body; he didn't want to move.

That prolonged battle had been exhausting.

He was falling apart.

So a sage body did have limits.

He turned his head. Kaguya was hugging his arm, smiling in her sleep—a rare expression of contentment, her body still flushed from the lingering echoes of pleasure.

Natsume leaned in and kissed her forehead.

Then he closed his eyes and quickly drifted off.

He didn't know how long had passed.

"Awake?"

Kaguya's cool voice.

Natsume looked at the peaks and surging waves before him, and a pain shot through his waist.

Help!