Adopted by Tsunade [232-233] (Patreon)

Chapter 232: Catgirl

Natsume looked Konan up and down. Seeing her indifferent expression, he couldn’t help but smile.

So confident.

But understandable.

After all, those are the Rinnegan.

A power so overwhelming it transcends the norm, making Nagato view himself as a god.

And it affected Konan indirectly.

In her mind, Nagato is truly invincible.

The Five Great Villages, even the Five Kage, are no match for him.

A being who alone can destroy Konoha.

At that level, why would she care about mere Wood Release?

 “When will you take me to see your organization?”

Natsume’s lips curled slightly as he asked.

He was quite interested in the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.

And he was also looking forward to meeting Uchiha Obito.

Torturing a villain is just too much fun.

After all, Natsume is a champion of justice.

“Let Kakuzu go first.”

Konan’s light amber eyes fixed on him.

“No problem.”

Natsume met her gaze, though his eyes drifted to her lower lip.

There was a lip piercing there.

If he remembered right, under her Akatsuki cloak, Konan wore a tight backless top.

With a navel ring.

Ahem.

Quite a contrast to her cold, ruthless persona.

Natsume snapped his fingers.

The vines binding Kakuzu loosened at once.

Kakuzu secretly breathed a sigh of relief, stared warily at Natsume, and moved behind Konan.

“How should I address you?”

Konan was fairly satisfied with Natsume’s straightforwardness.

One way or another, it showed sincerity.

“Takashi.”

Natsume said casually.

Konan nodded, no reaction.

It was her first time hearing that name.

But Kakuzu couldn’t help speaking up: “What’s your relationship with the Takashi from the Sunny Miles Trading Company?”

Konan subconsciously looked up at that, a flicker passing through her eyes.

If she remembered right, the Sunny Miles Trading Company was very wealthy.

“I am him.”

Natsume said with a smile in his voice. “When I’ve got nothing to do, I just pick up some part-time work.”

“Part-time?”

Kakuzu narrowed his eyes. “To be the Sunny Miles Trading Company’s head in the Land of Water isn’t something simple, is it?”

The Sunny Miles Trading Company had spread into quite a few countries.

Each country had a local head.

But the Land of Water was undoubtedly the company’s biggest partner and territory.

Konan began calculating inwardly.

Could she leverage Natsume to earn more money?

 “Just luck.”

Natsume chuckled softly. “Does your organization forbid taking side jobs?”

Kakuzu fell silent.

When it came to taking jobs, he probably did the most.

Always haunting the black market.

“Of course not.”

Konan picked up the thread. “Takashi, someone with your ability to earn money is exactly what our organization needs.”

Kakuzu curled his lip.

Oh?

I’ve made you so much money, and in a blink you cozy up to someone else?

Kakuzu said nothing more.

Mainly because he worried Natsume might flip on him.

And then he’d be the one tied up again.

Terumi Mei wanted to speak but held back.

That’s my money!

 Why is there another beggar—no, robber—now?

 “Your organization short on funds?”

Natsume followed up.

“Any organization that wants to develop needs money, doesn’t it?”

Konan didn’t say it outright, but gave a universal answer.

“True.”

Natsume didn’t press.

“I’m not the leader.”

Konan returned to the main point. “I need to report your joining to the leader. So please go to the black market in the great capital of the Land of Fire within this week. Someone will meet you there.”

“No problem.”

Natsume nodded. “I’ll be on time.”

Konan didn’t bring him straight to Amegakure, which meant she was keeping some reservations.

Which was normal.

After all, he had openly admitted he was undercover.

“See you next time.”

Konan glanced at him, turned, and walked out.

Kakuzu hurried after her.

They returned to the courtyard.

“Is Hidan confirmed dead?”

Konan looked around at the battle-scarred surroundings, unable to even tell where Hidan had been.

“He’s turned to ashes.”

Kakuzu answered in a low voice.

There wasn’t a trace of sorrow on his face for Hidan’s death.

Just a hint of regret.

If he’d kept the head, maybe he could’ve traded it in the black market for some money.

“Did you see it with your own eyes?”

Konan kept scanning and asked, “What about his ring?”

Kakuzu paused, then recalled, “It was shattered as well.”

“Oh?”

Konan frowned.

The Akatsuki rings weren’t ordinary trinkets.

“Takashi used a black rod.”

Kakuzu roughly described its effects.

Konan’s first thought was the Rinnegan’s black receivers, but the effects were completely different.

Perhaps it was some special ninja tool Takashi possessed.

There were quite a few such tools in the ninja world.

The most famous being the Six Paths Tools.

Konan didn’t dwell on it. “Let’s return and report.”

Kakuzu nodded, then asked, “Are we really letting him join Akatsuki?”

He still had lingering fear from today’s battle.

“God fears no one.”

Konan glanced at him lightly.

Kakuzu thought of the Rinnegan and said no more.

That thing was indeed terrifying.

Besides, he’d basically gotten a life spared; whether Takashi joined or not didn’t matter much to him.

On the contrary, he felt having such a powerful ally as a teammate wasn’t bad.

…

At the same time—

“Are you really going to let them go?”

Terumi Mei asked.

“This organization clearly has more than three people.”

Natsume explained, “Killing them now would mean making a mortal enemy, and it would be harder to probe further. Since they don’t know my real identity, I don’t mind playing along.”

Terumi Mei was silent for a moment, then nodded.

“This organization is indeed terrifying.”

She sighed. “Just three people, and they almost took the Three-Tails.”

If Natsume hadn’t arrived today, she didn’t know how terrible the price for Kirigakure would have been.

Terumi Mei sighed inwardly.

Natsume’s motives weren’t pure, but regardless, he’d helped Kirigakure many times.

Weakness is a sin.

“Lady Mizukage!”

Ao appeared. “The Fourth Mizukage is fine. I had Zabuza stay to protect him. I came to inform you.”

“Mm.”

Terumi Mei ordered, “Ao, return to Kirigakure and notify the ANBU to come clean up the battlefield.”

“Yes!”

Ao glanced curiously at Natsume, but didn’t ask anything and left.

“Thanks for your help today.”

Terumi Mei turned and said.

“And?”

Natsume took off his mask and smiled. “Just that?”

Terumi Mei blinked, then, noticing his gaze, blushed.

She bit her lip. “Didn’t you say last time I’d be your maid for seven days? I can make good on that now.”

When she finished, she lowered her head, even her ears turning red.

For her, saying that was deeply embarrassing.

“That was last time’s payment.”

Natsume wasn’t going to let her off. “You can’t use it to fob off this time too.”

“W-what do you want?”

Terumi Mei raised her head again, still flushed, a hint of panic in her eyes.

“Mm, let’s leave it for now.”

Natsume wanted to say something excessive, but worried she wouldn’t accept it.

She was, at heart, a traditional ninja.

“The maid… when?”

Terumi Mei grew even more uneasy.

“In a couple of days.”

Natsume said considerately, “You probably don’t have time today.”

“Okay.”

Terumi Mei looked away, extremely embarrassed.

“Call me if anything comes up.”

Natsume smiled and left.

Terumi Mei’s tense body relaxed. Supporting herself against the wall, she had bitten the lipstick off her lips.

She couldn’t imagine what would happen in two days.

But it would surely be awful.

For some reason, she faintly looked forward to it.

“I must be insane.”

She patted her burning cheeks and whispered.

…

[Because of your actions, the fates of Konan, Kakuzu, Hidan, Momochi Zabuza, Haku, Ao, Sarutobi Asuma, and Terumi Mei have changed. You gained a total of 460 Fate Points.]

As soon as Natsume returned to the Hokage’s office, the Sacred Ring of Fate’s notifications chimed in succession.

The biggest contributor was Hidan.

Because he was dead.

In fact, keeping him alive to generate Fate Points continuously would have been more cost-effective.

But Natsume didn’t like him.

Plus, he wanted to test the ninja tool Kaguya had given him.

Hence the current situation.

Still, losing one stalk of leek wasn’t a big problem.

Though Natsume indirectly saved Sarutobi Asuma, whatever.

A life-saving debt would be repaid by Kurenai Yuhi.

Ahem.

There was a knock.

Natsume looked up.

Speak of Kurenai, and Kurenai arrives.

She wore a pencil skirt with black stockings, her heels clicking as she walked up to the Hokage’s desk.

“Lord Natsume.”

Kurenai smiled.

“Kurenai, what’s up?”

Natsume leaned back in the Hokage’s chair, looking up at her.

From that angle, the view was quite nice.

The two buns trembled lightly.

“Are you free to eat at my place?”

Kurenai explained, “My mother wants to thank you.”

After Natsume instituted a remuneration system, all she needed to do was be a secretary in Konoha.

Safe and profitable.

She was grateful to Natsume; her mother too.

After all, her daughter didn’t have to go on dangerous missions.

For an ordinary mother, that was peace of mind.

Especially since Kurenai’s father had died.

“When?”

Natsume nodded.

“Tomorrow night.”

Kurenai thought for a few seconds. “Are you free?”

“No problem.”

Natsume agreed at once.

“Thank you.”

Kurenai’s smile grew brighter, her red eyes sparkling like gems.

“You’re treating me—shouldn’t I be the one saying thanks?”

Natsume smiled to ease the mood. “Otherwise I’d look like a Hokage coercing subordinates.”

Kurenai blinked, then asked, “Have you thought about that?”

“…”

Natsume coughed. “Kurenai, don’t joke. I’m not that kind of person.”

Seeing him a bit flustered, Kurenai’s lips curved.

Although he was the famed Hokage, in terms of age he was still a teenager.

He couldn’t handle even such teasing.

Kurenai set down a file. “These are the items you need to review today.”

“Okay.”

Natsume flipped it open. “You can get back to work.”

Kurenai nodded and turned to leave.

Her round, perky hips and the long legs outlined by the stockings were fully on display.

Only when she shut the door did Natsume look away.

He closed the file again, planning to read it later.

Because someone came to mind.

Yugito Nii.

She’d been getting zapped for days; she should still be alive, right?

 Natsume rubbed his chin.

If she’d died, the Sacred Ring of Fate would have notified him.

And with the Two-Tails, Matatabi, it wouldn’t be that easy for her to die.

Flying Thunder God Technique.

…

Natsume appeared in Yugito Nii’s room.

“Bast…ard!”

He immediately heard a furious voice.

But compared to before, it was weak.

Natsume looked at her pale face and didn’t approach.

“How pathetic.”

Yugito stared daggers at him, like she wanted to eat him alive.

“It stinks in here.”

Natsume said wickedly, “If the Fourth Raikage saw you like this, I wonder how he’d feel?”

“No! Don’t!”

Yugito recoiled in terror and shouted, “I’d rather die!”

The prouder one is, the more one cares about dignity and face.

How to put it?

She wasn’t afraid of biological death, but social death was what she feared most.

She could not imagine that scene.

She would break.

But she couldn’t even die.

“I thought you feared nothing.”

Seeing her losing composure, Natsume smiled. “This won’t do. How about a suggestion?”

“W-what?”

Yugito was like a startled kitten, all fierceness gone.

Mainly because she truly feared Natsume calling the Fourth Raikage over.

“If I were you, I’d pretend to be obedient and get me to relax little by little.”

Natsume sat on the sofa and offered her an escape plan. “Maybe one day I’ll be bewitched by you and undo your seal.”

“…”

Yugito was speechless.

“Think about it. If you’re locked up and zapped every day, will you get a chance otherwise?”

Natsume could guess her thoughts, so he added, “Unless you like this life.”

“Who would like this?!”

Yugito burst out angrily.

Natsume narrowed his eyes.

She shuddered, and her rage turned docile.

After a long silence, she asked, “What do you want me to do?”

“I told you before.”

Natsume raised a brow. “To punish your rude mouth.”

“Isn’t it enough already?”

Yugito gritted her teeth. “If not, then kill me.”

“It’s not that simple.”

Natsume leaned back. “What do you think of my earlier suggestion?”

“Not much.”

Yugito regained her calm. “Since you said it out loud, it looks like a chance, but it’s not.”

“You’re forgetting the Two-Tails.”

Natsume reminded her. “With Matatabi inside you, a tiny opening is enough for you to escape.”

Yugito paused and fell into thought.

Right now her chakra was sealed; she couldn’t resist.

But sealing jutsu isn’t omnipotent.

She still had Matatabi inside.

The power of a Tailed Beast was beyond doubt.

As long as the Two-Tails could break through the seal, even a crack, it could leak a huge amount of chakra to help her escape.

Yugito looked up at Natsume.

His face showed complete indifference.

As if filled with absolute confidence.

That expression was exactly what Yugito herself had once had.

She thought she was a perfect jinchuriki, with nothing to fear.

But reality hit her hard.

“Matatabi.”

Yugito entered her seal space. “Can you break the seal?”

“Give me time, I should be able to.”

Matatabi thought. “The sealing on you is ingenious, but if it’s hit with a prolonged chakra assault, issues will arise.”

A Tailed Beast’s method—simple and direct.

And not wrong.

In the original story, Nine-Tails did indeed leak chakra that way.

Yugito returned to reality.

She took a deep breath. “If I agree, will you let me out? Or do I stay in this room?”

“I’ll let you go out.”

Natsume shrugged. “If you’re capable, I won’t stop you from running back to Kumogakure.”

“Good!”

Yugito’s eyes grew unusually serious, a do-or-die look on her face. “Whatever you order, I’ll obey.”

In a state where she couldn’t die, Natsume’s way was the only way out.

Unless she truly wanted to face the Fourth Raikage in her current wretched state.

She didn’t dare.

Even if Natsume humiliated her, she’d preserve what final dignity she had for her village.

“A wise person adapts.”

Natsume nodded, satisfied. “What I want isn’t hard—just be a cat for a few days.”

“A cat?”

Yugito was puzzled.

Because of Matatabi, she actually liked cats.

But she didn’t understand what he meant by being a cat.

Meow a few times every day?

 Just then, Natsume produced an outfit.

Cat ears, a cat collar, a cat tail, and a cat leash, etc.

“???”

Yugito exploded in fury. “You pervert, no way!”

“Then I’ll send you to Kumogakure.”

Natsume rose lazily. “They must miss you very much.”

“…”

Yugito trembled all over, murderous intent rolling off her like a little cat guarding its food.

But facing the master, she didn’t dare strike.

Under Natsume’s gaze, she picked up the clothes. “I want a bath.”

She’d been getting zapped every day in this room without ever cleaning up, worse than a stray cat.

The smell on her body was strong.

So Natsume hadn’t touched her.

Also, she feared meeting Kumogakure ninja for this reason.

“Come with me.”

Natsume opened the door.

Yugito stepped out, timid all over.

Afraid of being seen.

If that happened, she’d want to die of shame.

Fortunately, no one was around.

This was a courtyard Hinae had set aside for Natsume.

No one would intrude.

Natsume led her into another room.

Chapter 233: Three Mikoto

Yugito, clutching the clothes, entered the bath.

Natsume didn’t go join the fun.

He wasn’t in a rush.

His game with Yugito was more like cat and mouse.

As for looks or figure—

How could she compare to Tsunade and the others?

Even Koyuki Kazahana was slightly ahead.

Yugito’s only advantage was being Matatabi’s jinchuriki.

Plus her nasty temper, which made Natsume want to teach her properly, so she could walk the right path in the future.

…

Half an hour later, Yugito pushed open the bathroom door and entered the hall.

 Her face flushed, eyes shy yet angry, teeth clenched, like a puffed-up cat.

 Natsume looked her over.

 What he’d prepared for her was a catwoman outfit.

 A sleeveless black bodysuit.

 It perfectly showed her tall, curvy figure.

 Paired with her proud expression, it did have a bit of a catwoman vibe.

 Of course, Yugito wasn’t going to thank Natsume.

 If it were just the bodysuit, she wouldn’t have been as angry.

 But the cat tail and collar and the rest pushed it over the line.

 “Do you know what a cat does when it sees its master?”

 Natsume patted his thigh.

 “You!”

 Yugito bit her lip, face reddening, fists clenched.

 She almost rushed him with a fierce attack.

 But she didn’t dare.

 After a moment of rage, she walked forward in quiet misery.

 Avoiding his disgusting face, she lowered her head onto his thigh.

 “Not bad, you know cats well.”

 Natsume praised her and stroked her hair.

 Fresh from the bath, Yugito smelled faintly sweet.

 Her hair was towel-dried, still a bit damp—pleasant to the touch.

 “Your face is so red—excited?”

 Natsume felt the heat of her skin.

 “No!”

 Yugito rolled her eyes up at him.

 “Cats can’t speak human words.”

 Natsume covered her mouth. “Keep it up, and I can only send you back to Kumogakure.”

 Yugito’s pupils shrank. She knew what that truly meant.

 She bit down and let out a “Nyaa…”

 Forced, but it did sound a little like a cat.

 Natsume casually grabbed her cat tail and slid his hand down.

 Yugito’s whole body went rigid.

 “Don’t do anything stupid.”

 Natsume warned.

 Yugito slumped to the floor, tears streaming uncontrollably.

 Without her power, she couldn’t keep her pride.

 “This won’t do.”

 Natsume gently wiped her tears.

 Yugito looked up at him with watery eyes.

 It wasn’t that a single tender gesture changed her opinion—she was just praying the thing she feared most wouldn’t happen next.

 Natsume glanced outside. “It’s noon. Nap time.”

 Yugito’s eyes flew open; she shook her head quickly.

 She wanted to speak, but given his warning, she didn’t dare.

 “What are you thinking?”

 Natsume looked at her. “What human would be into a cat?”

 Yugito looked puzzled.

 Then what do you want?

 “Cats nap with their masters. It’s only natural.”

 Natsume picked up the black cat and, despite her terror, tucked her into the covers.

 But he didn’t do anything... at least, not outright.

Instead, he settled beside her, his presence a looming shadow that made her heart race.

With a lazy smile, he began "petting" his new cat—starting innocently enough, his fingers tracing light patterns along her collar, then down the curve of her back, following the line of the bodysuit.

Yugito tensed, her breath catching as his touch lingered just a fraction too long at the base of her tail, sending unwelcome sparks through her body. "Good kitty," he murmured, his voice low and teasing, as if this were all a game. He shifted closer, his hand gliding over her thigh, kneading gently like one might soothe a skittish animal, but with a deliberate slowness that built an agonizing heat.

She squirmed, trying to pull away, but his other arm draped over her waist, holding her in place.

"Shh, relax. Cats love this."

His fingers danced higher, brushing the sensitive spots along her sides, never quite crossing the line but hinting at it relentlessly—circling, withdrawing, then returning with feather-light pressure that left her flushed and trembling.

Every time she thought he'd stop, he'd lean in, his breath warm against her ear, whispering nonsense about how "pretty cats get the best treats," his touch growing bolder, exploring the contours of her form under the thin fabric.

Yugito bit back a whimper, her body betraying her with involuntary shivers.

Natsume stretched.

 He was in a good mood, so he decided to visit Mikoto.

 He hadn’t seen her in a while and kind of missed her.

 Yugito’s legs closed tightly on instinct, the exposed skin flushed an abnormal red.

 Thanks to Natsume’s cat-petting technique.

 But he did stop short.

 As Yugito watched in shock and a bit of loss, Natsume left.

 She lay in bed, feeling feverish and miserable, as if she’d caught a cold.

…

Uchiha compound.

 Mikoto, dressed in a nun outfit, sat on the sofa.

 She stared at the photo on the table, lost in thought, smiling sometimes, guilt-ridden at others.

 A breeze stirred.

 Mikoto turned reflexively and saw Natsume.

 She hurried to grab the photo.

 But Natsume was faster.

 It was a group photo.

 Probably Uchiha Mikoto and Uchiha Fugaku.

 Why probably?

 Because both were in their early teens, looking very young.

 “Natsume, I…”

 Mikoto’s heart trembled, panic in her black eyes.

 She feared Natsume would be angry.

 After all, thinking of a deceased husband at a time like this was a kind of betrayal.

 “Mikoto, how old were you in this?”

 Natsume asked, curious.

 Seeing his expression, Mikoto quietly exhaled.

 He wasn’t angry.

 “Twelve.”

 Mikoto came closer, her fair delicate hands gently kneading his shoulders.

 Looking at the photo, warmth flowed in her clear eyes.

 “No wonder you look so young.”

 Natsume glanced over.

 Mikoto was massaging him gently and obediently.

 But her eyes were on the photo, tinged with nostalgia.

 “You were so cute then, Mikoto.”

 Natsume said with feeling.

 “It’s nothing.”

 Mikoto smiled.

 “I want to see.”

 Natsume closed the frame. “Mikoto, can you use the Transformation Jutsu?”

 Mikoto froze.

 She could see his warm, inquisitive gaze.

 This wasn’t just want to see.

 Mikoto lowered her head shyly, but didn’t refuse.

 She performed the Transformation Jutsu.

 She became a pretty teenage girl.

 Seeing a new side of her sparked his interest.

 “Very pretty.”

 Natsume circled her a couple of times. “If we were the same age, I’d be smitten too.”

 “…”

 Mikoto blushed, a hint of shyness in her lovely eyes.

 She couldn’t help thinking about it.

 If she’d met Natsume instead of Fugaku back then, what would have happened?

 “I want to compare.”

 Natsume smiled. “Mikoto, can you use Shadow Clone and split into two more versions of yourself at different ages?”

 Mikoto blinked, face turning scarlet, and nodded shyly but obediently.

 Shadow Clone Technique.

 Her chakra split into three bodies.

 Compared to Clone Jutsu, Shadow Clones were far more practical.

 If you had enough chakra and weren’t fatally hit, they could last long.

 And they had independent wills.

 When dispelled, their memories and experiences returned to the original.

 All in all, very useful ninjutsu.

But Natsume's request had ignited something deeper, a spark of curiosity and desire that Mikoto couldn't ignore.

She adjusted the jutsu subtly, ensuring the clones manifested as adult versions of herself—one mirroring her current graceful maturity, and another evoking her vibrant self from her early twenties, full of youthful energy but undeniably grown.

These were women in their prime, each a facet of her essence.

The original Mikoto stood before him, her nun outfit clinging to her curves, while her clones flanked her—one in a simple yukata that accentuated her lithe form, the other in a flowing kimono that whispered against her skin. Their black eyes met his, filled with a shared warmth and anticipation. Natsume's gaze traveled over them, his breath catching at the sight of three identical yet uniquely alluring versions of the woman he adored.

"Mikoto... all of you," he murmured, stepping closer, his hands gently cupping the original's face.

She leaned into his touch, her lips parting in a soft sigh.

The clones moved in unison, their fingers trailing along his arms, drawing him into their midst.

The air grew heavy with unspoken longing, the breeze outside forgotten.

They guided him to the nearby futon, the clones' hands working in harmony with the original's.

The one in the yukata began by loosening the ties of Mikoto's nun outfit, her fingers deft and tender.

Fabric slipped away slowly, revealing the smooth expanse of Mikoto's porcelain skin—her full breasts rising and falling with each quickened breath, nipples hardening under the cool air and the weight of his gaze. The original Mikoto's cheeks flushed a deep crimson as she helped undress her clone, peeling back the yukata to expose the soft swell of hips and the delicate folds between her thighs, already glistening with arousal.

Natsume's own clothes were next, removed with reverent care.

The kimono-clad clone knelt before him, her hands sliding his shirt from his shoulders, tracing the lines of his chest down to his waist.

She tugged at his pants, freeing his hardened length, which throbbed with need as she admired it, her eyes dark with desire.

The original Mikoto watched, her body aching with a building heat, while the yukata clone pressed against his back, her bare breasts warm against his skin.

They enveloped him in a symphony of touches.

The original Mikoto straddled his lap, her intimate center brushing against his arousal, sending waves of pleasure coursing through them both.

She gasped, her eyes fluttering shut as she lowered herself onto him, feeling him fill her completely—stretching her inner walls with a delicious pressure that made her tremble.

"Natsume... oh," she whispered, her voice a melody of bliss, her hands gripping his shoulders as she began to move, her hips rocking in a slow, sensual rhythm.

The clones joined seamlessly. The yukata one positioned herself beside them, her fingers exploring the original's sensitive pearl at the apex of her thighs, circling it with gentle precision that drew moans from Mikoto's lips. Natsume reached for the kimono clone, pulling her close to kiss her deeply, his tongue dancing with hers while his hand cupped her breast, thumb teasing the peaked nipple until she arched against him, her own arousal evident in the slick warmth between her legs.

Expressions of ecstasy painted their faces—eyes half-lidded with pleasure, lips parted in breathless cries.

The original Mikoto's movements grew more fervent, her body undulating as waves of delight built within her core, radiating outward in tingling sparks.

Natsume thrust upward to meet her, his hands roaming over the clones' forms, one delving between the yukata clone's thighs to stroke her velvety folds, eliciting soft whimpers from her.

The kimono clone shifted, straddling Natsume's face, her intimate petals hovering above his mouth. He eagerly obliged, his tongue lapping at her essence, savoring her sweetness as she ground against him, her hands tangled in his hair.

Pleasure surged through her, her body quivering with each flick and swirl, her moans harmonizing with the others.

The room filled with the sounds of their shared ecstasy—gasps, sighs, and the rhythmic cadence of bodies uniting.

The original Mikoto's pace quickened, her inner muscles clenching around him as the first orgasm claimed her.

It crashed over her like a tidal wave, her back arching, a cry of pure rapture escaping her lips as tremors shook her frame, her essence coating him in warmth.

Not to be outdone, the yukata clone followed, her body tensing under Natsume's skilled fingers.

She shuddered, her climax rippling through her in intense pulses, her intimate center contracting around his touch as she whispered his name like a prayer.

Finally, the kimono clone reached her peak, her hips bucking against his mouth as ecstasy flooded her senses. She trembled, waves of bliss cascading through her, leaving her breathless and sated.

Natsume, surrounded by their passion, could hold back no longer.

With a deep groan, he found his release, spilling into the original Mikoto in powerful surges that heightened her lingering aftershocks.

They collapsed together in a tangle of limbs, the clones' forms shimmering with chakra before merging back into her, their memories flooding her mind—intensifying the intimacy of the moment.

Mikoto lay in his arms, her body glowing with satisfaction, a contented smile on her lips.

…

Three hours later, Natsume left Mikoto’s room.

“Shizune, why are you lurking at the door?”

He had spotted a sneaking figure from afar.

He almost thought his house had been burgled.

Who would be so bold as to rob my place?

 Turns out it was Shizune.

Forgot her key?

 “Who?!”

Shizune jumped like a startled rabbit, retreating several steps.

“Oh, it’s… you.”

Patting her chest, clearly rattled, she asked, “What are you doing here?”

“Isn’t it normal for me to be here?”

Natsume blinked. “I just got off work.”

“I…”

Shizune hesitated.

She wanted to ask why he hadn’t used Flying Thunder God but walked instead.

As for why she was at the door—simple.

Afraid something was going on inside.

If Tsunade and Natsume were doing adult games—

Walking in would be awkward, no?

She hadn’t expected none of that today, and instead she’d been caught by Natsume.

She wanted to explain, but how?

“What’s wrong?”

Noticing her odd look, Natsume asked.

“N-no problem!”

Shizune hurried to open the door. “I’ll make dinner!”

She kicked off her shoes and scurried into the kitchen.

Only then did Natsume notice her black stockings.

He rubbed his chin.

On some people, black stockings are sexy; on others they’re goofy or just nothing.

Shizune leaned toward the latter.

Maybe it was her hairstyle.

Natsume shut the door.

He entered the living room.

Tsunade lounged on the sofa, nothing ladylike about her posture.

Completely different from Mikoto just now.

But that was her charm.

If everyone were all gentle and obedient, it’d be boring.

“Sis, did you go to the casino again today?”

He sat beside her.

He’d noticed some dirt on the shoes at the rack earlier.

If she’d been home, they’d be clean.

“Played a bit.”

Tsunade flicked her hair and grumbled, “Bad luck today.”

Natsume squeezed her smooth thigh. “You went to the wrong casino.”

“Your Gunma casino always lets me win—what’s the fun in that?”

Tsunade slapped his restless hand. “Gambling relies on luck, not backing.”

Do you have luck?

 Of course, that was not something he could say out loud.

Or he’d die miserably.

Natsume caught her hand. “It’s fine. Lose as you like—I’ve got money.”

He’d paid off her old debts.

With the Sunny Miles Trading Company’s earning power, no loss mattered.

Worst case, Natsume would buy the casino.

Tsunade’s brows arched happily. “Great. One day, I’ll lose you dry.”

“If you lose me dry, you’ll have to compensate me.”

Natsume’s lips curled as he drew circles in her palm.

“How?”

Tsunade raised an eyebrow.

“You know.”

He hinted.

“Thinking naughty things again.”

Tsunade hugged his head and ground her fist into his scalp. “You’re such a lecher these days.”

“How is that my fault?”

Natsume was shrouded in softness, struggling to breathe.

Feeling his hot breath, Tsunade blushed and let him go.

It was almost dinner time.

Couldn’t do anything else or Shizune would be embarrassed again.

“Nothing good on TV lately.”

Tsunade changed the topic, stretching lazily on the sofa.

“Not much to watch.”

Natsume rubbed his chin. “Sis, what kind of novels do you like?”

“Novels?”

Tsunade blinked, not sure why he was bringing that up, but answered anyway. “Adventure ninja type, I guess.”

“No problem.”

Natsume smiled. “I’ll have someone make a drama.”

“Huh?”

Tsunade waved her hand quickly. “No need to go that far.”

She was just making conversation.

Producing dramas wasn’t something a Hokage should be doing.

“It’s fine. I know a film crew, and they’re idle right now.”

He meant the crew that used to shoot Princess Gale’s movies.

After Koyuki became daimyo, she stopped filming.

She brought that crew to the Land of Snow.

“How do you know everyone?”

Tsunade was puzzled.

“It’s not me; it’s the Gunma Company.”

Natsume explained. “Banks get involved with loans that touch film and TV a lot.”

“Alright.”

Tsunade didn’t object further. “Just don’t let it interfere with Konoha’s business.”

Thinking about seeing a favorite novel adapted into a drama was nice.

“It won’t.”

Natsume chuckled. “I’m not the one filming.”

His acting would be a struggle for proper TV.

If it were a two-person, one-room movie, that he could handle.

“Lady Tsunade, Natsume.”

Shizune set the dishes on the table. “Dinner’s ready.”

Tsunade jumped up at once.

The Hokage who’s lazy at work but zealous at eating.

That’s her.

Natsume followed at an easy pace, admiring her confident stride and swaying waist.

Two styles woven together—delightful.

…

After dinner—

With some time to spare, Natsume headed to the Land of Snow.

Daimyo’s residence.

He didn’t go see Kaguya, lest she keep him and he couldn’t get away.

Koyuki had eaten but it was early, so she hadn’t gone to bed.

She was working.

Konoha had a lot going on, but the Land of Snow had even more.

It was a whole country.

More people than Konoha by far.

Natsume knocked.

Koyuki was puzzled.

This late, no one would dare disturb her.

Unless it was Kaguya or Natsume.

Thinking that, she stood and moved quickly to the door, then opened it.

“Lord Natsume?”

Koyuki’s delicate face lit up with surprise.

Then it shifted to bashful.

Dark night, late hour.

Visiting a girl’s room—

Did he have something wicked in mind?

 Koyuki felt nervous and fluttery. “Lord Natsume, please come in.”

“No need.”

Natsume glanced at her thin yukata, then shook his head.

After all, there was an even better wife waiting at home.

Koyuki froze.

“This is for you.”

Natsume handed her a novel. “Have your old crew adapt it into a TV drama.”

“A drama?”

Koyuki caught it reflexively. “Just that?”

“Mm.”

Natsume smiled. “Try to make it good. You can have ninja help.”

In film and TV, special effects matter.

This world didn’t have an SFX industry—but it had ninja.

Live-summoned SFX?

No problem.

“Okay…”

Koyuki wanted to say more but couldn’t find the words.

Natsume vanished without mercy.

...

Morning.

After breakfast, Natsume strolled to the Hokage building.

On the way, he thought of Akatsuki.

He wondered if Konan had returned to Amegakure.

Without Flying Thunder God, it would take her two or three days from the Land of Water to the Land of Rain.

Though she said she’d report back, Natsume knew if she dared to invite him, it was at Nagato’s behest.

The reason she didn’t take him straight there was probably because his strength and identity were beyond her expectation.

So she’d discuss with Nagato first.

But given that god’s personality, he wouldn’t sweat the small stuff.

Natsume felt his joining Akatsuki was almost certain.

He could make money and he was strong—what a great tool.

“Hokage-sama.”

Kurenai’s voice sounded behind him.

Natsume turned and saw two people.

Kurenai, and Uzuki Yugao.

He was a bit surprised.

He hadn’t seen Yugao in a long time.

“Hokage-sama.”

Yugao bowed slightly, voice cool.

She radiated a keep-your-distance vibe.

A bit like Orochimaru.

“How’s your teacher lately?”

Natsume smiled.

“The same as always—holed up in the lab, never going out.”

Yugao answered evenly.

She wasn’t any more deferential just because he was Hokage.

As Orochimaru’s student and frequent test subject, she’d seen storms.

“Heading to the Hokage building?”

Natsume asked. “That’s rare.”

“On my teacher’s orders.”

Yugao said at once. “He wants some documents.”

“What kind?”

Natsume raised a brow.

“Materials related to cells and the human body.”

Yugao paused, not hiding it.

As Hokage, he could easily check what she took.

Natsume nodded thoughtfully.

Orochimaru had been studying White Zetsu for a long time; there should be results.

He’d pay a visit another day.

The three reached the building.

Yugao split off to another wing.

“Yugao’s changed a lot.”

Kurenai said, watching her back.

“Well, she’s Orochimaru’s disciple.”

Natsume shrugged. “It’s normal to take after your teacher’s style.”

“True.”

Kurenai recalled the gloomy Sannin and nodded.

All three Sannin were famous.

But in terms of popularity, Tsunade and Jiraiya were ahead.

More approachable.

“Lord Natsume, remember to come to my place for dinner tonight.”

At the Hokage office door, Kurenai blinked and reminded him.

“I will.”

Natsume smiled. “How could I forget?”

“Good.”

Kurenai’s lips curved as her eyes sparkled. “I look forward to your arrival.”

Natsume nodded and watched her enter the adjacent office, then opened his own door.