Adopted by Tsunade [25-30] (Patreon)

Chapter 25: Cuteness over Lewdness

Kabuto was accepted as Tsunade’s apprentice, but he was not treated nearly as well as Natsume.

He still lived at the orphanage and wasn’t moving in.

Most of his medical ninjutsu training was handled by Shizune.

As for Tsunade, she had reverted to her true nature—spending all day in gambling dens and losing miserably.

This made Natsume desperate to reopen the Gunma Casino.

If she kept losing, they really would end up on the streets.

Morning.

Natsume sent a wood clone to attend class, while his real self headed to the Gunma Casino.

He’d kept Uzumaki Hinae and Karin waiting for two days; it was time to see them.

The Gunma Casino was under renovation.

According to Natsume’s plan, it would become a six-story building, with different games and entry fees on each floor, and of course, increasingly better service.

In Tanzaku Quarters, where most buildings were only two or three stories, a six-story building would stand out and be great publicity.

After half a month’s work, the first three floors were already finished.

Disguised, Natsume entered the third floor and knocked on a door of one of the rooms.

Soon, Uzumaki Hinae opened the door. Seeing him, her body instinctively trembled.

“Sir…” she greeted, forcing down her fear.

The impression Kakuzu and Sasori had left on her, plus her uncertain future, made her reaction understandable.

“How have you been these days? Has anyone bullied you?”

Natsume looked at her pitiful appearance, thinking to himself that she was just too easy to evoke both protective and bullying urges.

“No one has,” Hinae replied, shaking her head. “Everyone treats me with respect.”

Natsume closed the door and locked it.

The gesture made Hinae panic.

Was he going to…?

She bit her lip. For her daughter Karin’s sake, she could sacrifice herself.

But the next moment, she was stunned.

Natsume dropped his disguise, revealing himself as a super cute seven-year-old kid.

Hinae blinked, her fear fading.

That face just didn’t inspire fear.

“Let’s reintroduce ourselves. My name is Natsume, and I’m seven years old.”

Natsume didn’t mind showing his true self to her. The reason was simple—he could control Hinae at any time.

Aside from her Uzumaki physique, she was just an ordinary woman, and she had her daughter as a weakness.

Even if she revealed his identity, it didn’t matter.

The Gunma Casino was run under Tsunade’s name anyway.

Even if Hiruzen Sarutobi found out, he’d just sigh about how clever Natsume was.

Hinae instinctively covered her mouth, afraid she’d make a sound from shock.

She’d never expected Natsume to be just a child.

But that was much better than the adult face.

If he was just seven, he probably couldn’t do anything to her.

Natsume noticed the change in her expression.

Her pitiful aura faded along with her fear.

He raised his eyebrows, took out pen and paper, wrote a few lines, and said, “Sign this at the bottom.”

“What is it?” Hinae glanced at it and froze.

It said that Natsume had spent two million ryo to rescue her and Karin, and now the debt was on them—they needed to pay it back.

In other words, she was now buried in debt.

Two million ryo was an astronomical sum to her.

Hinae, aggrieved and panicked, asked, “S-sir, is… is this real?”

Natsume saw her teary eyes and nodded with satisfaction.

He liked it.

There’s a scientific theory—cute aggression—where seeing something cute makes you want to squeeze or squish it. It’s the brain’s way of balancing positive emotion with a bit of negativity.

Natsume, always on the back foot with Tsunade, now felt rebellious seeing Hinae.

Finally, someone he could control.

It felt great.

Seeing Natsume nod, Hinae felt despair. Two million ryo—how could she ever pay it?

“I don’t like talking to people while looking up,” Natsume said, motioning.

Hinae immediately squatted down, begging, “Sir, I really don’t have that much money.”

Her tone was pitiful.

At 1.2 meters tall, Natsume now stood a head taller than her squatting form.

If this were Tsunade, he’d be staring at some impressive scenery.

But as for Hinae—well, she was poor but generous. Average, really.

But her curves were impressive enough to make up for it.

Natsume rested his head on her fragrant shoulder, whispered in her ear, “Look at the back.”

Hinae shivered and looked at the IOU again. There was another line:

[If you can’t pay for now, you can work for your creditor.]

She breathed a sigh of relief.

Hinae bit her lip, held out her soft hand, and said, “Sir, I’m useful. If you’re hurt, one bite and you’ll recover.”

She was showing her value.

After all, she didn’t have any other skills.

As a walking blood bag, she figured she could earn her keep.

With that thought, Hinae returned to the kind of life she had in Grass Village.

Natsume looked at her arm, covered in bite marks, and spaced out.

So pitiful.

He was suddenly grateful to be in Konoha, able to live a relatively stable life.

In other small ninja villages, he might not be any better off than Hinae.

Natsume stroked her arm gently.

Given the Uzumaki physique, these wounds were nothing—she’d heal quickly.

The marks showed her chakra was burning faster than she could recover.

Hinae blushed as he touched her.

Even if he was a kid, such gentle contact made her shy.

No one had ever treated her like this.

Natsume brushed a lock of her hair behind her ear, played with her hair, and said, “I wouldn’t waste your abilities like that.”

He planned to have Hinae learn sealing techniques.

Same for Karin when she grew up.

The Uzumaki clan’s sealing arts were famous and powerful, the only reliable way for ordinary ninja to handle tailed beasts.

Wood Release or Sharingan were special cases.

As for medical ninja, he already had Tsunade, Shizune, and Kabuto. He didn’t need more.

But two sealing ninja could be extremely useful in certain situations.

The only problem was, Uzumaki sealing arts were top-secret in Konoha.

Ordinary people couldn’t get them.

But for Natsume, it was fine—he could trade with Orochimaru.

As one of the Sannin, Orochimaru had high clearance and could even read the Scroll of Seals.

Tsunade could as well, but it would be too much trouble to explain to her.

So, better to work with Orochimaru.

Hinae looked confused—did she have other uses?

Natsume pinched her soft cheek, slid his finger across her lips (warm and moist), and smiled, “Your top priority now is to get healthy.”

Hinae blushed all the way to her ears and nodded, eyelashes trembling.

She didn’t mind Natsume’s actions—maybe because he’d saved her, and he was just too cute.

She just took it as a child being playful. Maybe a bit too much, but not too much.

Natsume, on the other hand, felt like he’d gotten a real-life figurine.

Chapter 26: Orochimaru’s All-Nighters

"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.

Chapter 27: Transaction

Born with Sage powers—that was Jugo.

It sounded impressive, but in truth, Jugo’s strength in the original manga was only about Jonin-level—not outstanding.

His Sage Mode was more a curse, making him go berserk.

Only Orochimaru could use him to develop the curse mark.

Anyone else would find Jugo a headache.

Natsume figured it was fine to give Jugo to Orochimaru.

He didn’t care for the curse mark, but it was useful—a flawed Sage Mode.

Especially the Heaven Curse Mark; the boost was huge.

But there were side effects:

Low survival rate for transplanting curse marks.

Long-term use led to loss of self.

Users came under Orochimaru’s control.

Trading Jugo for Uzumaki sealing jutsu was a great deal.

He didn’t know Jugo’s current location, but the Sacred Ring of Fate Shop could exchange for anything—even whereabouts.

The price depended on their story role.

Jugo was a minor character—his location cost just nine Fate Points.

“What do you think of this deal?” Natsume asked.

“It’s a deal,” Orochimaru agreed immediately.

Sage Mode’s power was unquestionable.

He wanted it for years.

He couldn’t miss this chance.

The Uzumaki sealing arts were precious, but not his; he didn’t mind handing over copies.

Besides, they’d only be copies, so Konoha wouldn’t lose anything.

“Like with the Hashirama cells, give the items to my agents,” Natsume said, smiling. “But they’re really unhappy about last time, so I suggest you send someone else or use a shadow clone. Otherwise, I can’t guarantee your safety.”

Orochimaru’s face twitched.

I was the victim last time!

He’d spent half a month in the hospital, and now it was all his fault?

But Natsume was right—he didn’t want to see Kakuzu and Sasori again. They really would kill him.

“Anything else?” Natsume asked.

“How can I hasten Uchiha Itachi’s Sharingan awakening?”

Orochimaru thought for a moment. “At his current state, I see no sign of Mangekyo.”

“You’re too impatient,” Natsume said, exasperated. Itachi was only six. “You need a foundation to awaken Mangekyo. Wait a few years.”

Like Sasuke, who only awakened his Sharingan after his whole clan died—he was too young before.

Orochimaru had no choice.

He couldn’t beat Shisui.

He could only target Itachi.

“See you next time,” Natsume said, dismissing his wood clone.

Orochimaru returned to his lab.

He had to keep researching the Wood Release drug.

“Yamato, come lie down,” Orochimaru said with his signature dangerous smile. “Time for your regular cell extraction.”

Yamato lay on the operating table without hesitation.

He knew he had no other choice.

After all, he’d obeyed orders in Root as well.

With Orochimaru, he was used to it.

And Orochimaru’s skills were far superior to Danzo’s, helping Yamato’s Wood Release improve quickly.

…

The next day, bright and sunny.

“Natsume, I’ll pick you up at noon.”

At the school gate, Tsunade said, as if remembering something.

“Why? What’s up?”

Natsume looked up. Usually, he ate at school.

“A small gathering,” Tsunade smiled. “Lots of good food. Normally, I wouldn’t bring just anyone.”

“Okay.”

At the mention of food, Natsume agreed.

“Good boy, work hard in class,” Tsunade patted his head.

…

Natsume entered the school.

“Itachi, rare to see you today.”

“Orochimaru-sensei is busy,” Itachi said flatly.

Orochimaru’d been busy tormenting Yamato, so hadn’t taught lately. Itachi was always a model student.

After greetings, the two had nothing else to say.

Soon, Naoto Yamanaka entered the classroom.

It was theory test day—the so-called Will of Fire.

Natsume used his past life’s humanities skills. Maybe not dazzling, but at least he filled the page.

At noon, he left with Tsunade, arriving at a high-end izakaya.

This was more a grand restaurant than a bar.

Natsume grew more curious—what kind of gathering was this?

A refined room.

He heard women’s laughter inside.

Tsunade opened the door, letting Natsume see.

Eight elegant, gorgeously dressed ladies, several in kimonos.

He only recognized one—Uchiha Mikoto.

“…?”

Natsume was speechless.

Did I just walk into a spider’s web?

“Lady Tsunade has arrived!” the women greeted.

Tsunade didn’t socialize much, but as the top healer, connections came to her.

“Oh, and you brought a handsome little boy,” one woman teased, eyes almost devouring him.

“Too bad he’s still a child,” another giggled.

“Natsume, let me introduce you,” Tsunade said, pointing to the first woman. “This is Haraguchi Miki, the daimyo’s wife and today’s main guest—it’s her birthday.”

So she was the daimyo’s wife.

No wonder Tsunade knew her—the daimyo’s family often hired ninja from Konoha.

In the original, Naruto and others once helped a daimyo’s wife find her cat, but she was ugly—not this one.

“Kajiwara Risumi, the governor’s wife—you should have her look after your Gunma Casino in the future,” Tsunade said, introducing another.

Natsume raised his eyebrows.

No wonder Tsunade brought him—she was helping him make connections.

With support from both sides, his casino would be unstoppable.

The other six women were all wives from Konoha’s major clans: Uchiha, Hyuga, Nara, etc.

The nine women ate and drank.

Natsume felt uneasy—some of their gazes were too much!

After eating, Haraguchi Miki asked Kajiwara Risumi to paint her.

She lay on a chaise, face flushed, posture alluring—both pure and seductive, dignified and charming.

“Kids shouldn’t look!” Tsunade covered Natsume’s eyes.

Damn! I can’t even sneak a peek?

After the gathering, Natsume sent a wood clone to school and went to sucks milk from Hinae.

It wasn’t that he wanted to steal milk from Karin, but he found it could improve his body and boost his chakra.

Natsume, an orphan, had always been undernourished.

Even with Hashirama-level Wood Release, without a Sage Body and chakra volume, he’d never reach true invincibility.

Chapter 28: The Reputation of Shinobi Scientists is Well Deserved

Half a month passed.

The first high-end offline casino in Tanzaku Quarters opened!

The scene was grand—drums and firecrackers, flags waving, crowds everywhere.

Natsume wasn’t exaggerating.

Even the governor’s wife, Kajiwara Risumi, attended.

That dinner had been worth it.

The only downside was the wife’s overly hands-on nature.

Her presence made it clear the Gunma Casino had a powerful background.

Natsume figured other casinos thinking of making a move might hesitate now.

Hesitation meant missed opportunities.

With Gunma Casino’s services, it was a dimensional advantage.

A six-story building.

The first floor’s entrance fee was 10,000 ryo, offering standard casino treatment.

But on the sixth floor, it was like paradise—entry cost 5 million ryo, and the dealers and staff were in partnership with Tanzaku Quarters’s entertainment district, fully available for play, plus the finest food and drinks in the Land of Fire.

Pure decadence.

Other casinos, even if they copied it, would need a month or two—by then, it’d be too late.

Besides Gunma Casino, Gunma Bank reopened.

It was an underground bank, only for loan-sharking—no deposits allowed.

Official banks, run by major countries, accepted only huge sums from the wealthy, no interest, and didn’t handle small deposits.

In the original story, Jiraiya showed Naruto a bankbook from the Land of Fire Bank.

But those banks only took millions, no interest, and were for nobles.

Gunma Bank was different.

It ran almost like a modern bank: accepted any deposit, paid interest, and made loans at low rates with collateral (houses or jutsu).

With Gunma Casino and Gunma Bank, Natsume theoretically would never lack money—unless spending at Orochimaru’s research levels.

…

Nightfall.

Natsume sent a wood clone to Orochimaru’s mansion.

Mainly to trade for Uzumaki clan sealing techniques.

“Wait.”

After discussing time and place, Orochimaru stopped him.

“I have something you might find interesting.”

He took out a vial. “I used Yamato’s cells and Hashirama’s cells to create this. With long-term use, there’s a chance to awaken Wood Release. It’s relatively safe.”

Natsume raised his eyebrows—interesting, but not much, since he already had Wood Release.

“Any other effects?”

“It improves physique, increases chakra,” Orochimaru added, “With enough, maybe you’ll get Hashirama’s body.”

That would take an astronomical amount.

Natsume didn’t expect to reach Hashirama’s level, but any improvement was worthwhile.

With Wood Release serum and Uzumaki Hinae, he figured he couldn’t match Naruto’s physique, but catching up to Sasuke shouldn’t be hard.

“What do you want for it?”

“To improve myself.”

Orochimaru said gloomily, “I feel like I’ve hit a ceiling.”

Natsume thought, that was true.

Without a kekkei genkai, Orochimaru was the peak of a normal ninja.

Maybe Sage Mode, but few could use it, let alone master it.

Natsume had many options in his Sacred Ring of Fate, but they were expensive and not worth it for just the Wood Release serum.

“If you know your limits, don’t be human—become a Sage.”

He planned to tell Orochimaru about the Sage of Six Paths.

Orochimaru had always been on that path.

“Sage?”

Orochimaru caught on. “You mean the Sage of Six Paths?”

The Sage’s story was well-known.

“Yes. Do you know how to become him?”

“Is that possible?”

Orochimaru didn’t believe it. The Sage was almost mythical.

Just creating the moon was beyond ninja ability.

“The Sage had two key things: Sage Body and Sage Eyes.”

Natsume smiled. “Sage Body—sound familiar?”

“Sage Mode?”

Orochimaru’s eyes lit up.

“Right. But it must be perfect Sage Mode.”

Sage Body and Sage Mode aren’t quite the same.

Sage Body is the Sage’s physical vitality and energy.

Sage Mode is mastery of sage chakra and techniques.

The Sage’s sons, Ashura and Indra, inherited the body and eyes, respectively.

But children rarely inherit 100%.

The Senju inherited the body, Uchiha the eyes—but neither got the complete version.

For example, only evolving the Sharingan to Rinnegan gives true Sage Eyes.

Training Sage Body relates to Sage Mode but is extremely difficult—almost impossible.

So Natsume was painting a big picture for Orochimaru.

“What about Sage Eyes?”

Natsume recalled that Jiraiya recognized Nagato’s eyes as the Sage’s, but didn’t know their name or origin, so he thought Nagato was the Child of Prophecy.

Orochimaru shook his head.

“They’re called Rinnegan, evolved from Mangekyo Sharingan.”

“What?!”

Orochimaru was genuinely shocked.

He never thought Sage Eyes linked to Mangekyo Sharingan.

“The reason is simple.”

Natsume explained, “The Uchiha and Senju are descendants of the Sage.”

Orochimaru smiled bitterly.

So bloodline was the source of their power.

Damn bloodline theory!

“If you get both Sage Body and Sage Eyes, you could become the second Sage of Six Paths—unmatched.”

Natsume wasn’t lying, but the chance was zero.

Orochimaru looked uncertain.

This basically negated his past efforts.

Why develop new jutsu? Just pursue bloodline!

But he was still Orochimaru—he quickly adjusted.

Sage Body and Eyes—definitely worth pursuing.

But he didn’t want to be the second Sage of Six Paths—he wanted to be the first Orochimaru Sage.

He’d innovate and develop his own techniques.

If Natsume knew, he’d give him a thumbs up.

Shinobi scientists truly live up to their name.

“One vial of Wood Release serum isn’t enough for this information. Prepare more.”

Natsume dispelled his clone.

Orochimaru stared at the spot silently.

Natsume’s method was vague—no details.

He had no idea how to evolve Mangekyo to Rinnegan, or how to combine Sage Eyes and Body.

He couldn’t even confirm it was real.

But coincidentally, both Sage-like Jugo and Mangekyo Itachi had been guided by Natsume.

The more Orochimaru thought about it, the more terrifying it seemed.

Chapter 29: The Two-and-a-Half-Year Graduate

Soon after, Natsume got what he wanted from Kakuzu and Sasori.

Uzumaki sealing techniques and Wood Release serum.

Kakuzu grumbled, “Orochimaru—coward, all the Sannin are just show-offs.”

Apparently, Orochimaru hadn’t come in person, on Natsume’s advice.

Kakuzu missed out on millions, so he was upset.

Natsume opened the storage scroll—thirty bottles of Wood Release serum.

His first thought: poor Yamato, must’ve been squeezed dry by Orochimaru.

He didn’t drink it right away—he didn’t trust Orochimaru.

What if he’d tampered with it?

Only Tsunade could check for tricks, but Natsume couldn’t give it to her—so he opted to use the Sacred Ring of Fate to test it.

Luckily, it only cost 10 points.

Earlier, Jugo had contributed 19 points, so it was fair.

Tested—all thirty bottles were fine.

Makes sense—Orochimaru didn’t want to offend him, needing answers.

Natsume drank a bottle.

The light green liquid flowed through him, bringing a warm surge.

Soon, he felt his chakra increase by about 10%, and his body felt refreshed.

Excellent effects.

First time, after all.

It’d decrease with use, but still totally worth it.

Orochimaru had even added a note: one bottle per week, or there’d be rejection effects.

Even with purification, they were still foreign cells.

Natsume put the scroll away and went to the Gunma Casino.

By now, he knew Uzumaki Hinae well.

She’d always been an outsider in the Uzumaki clan, so never learned ninja skills.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have ended up like this in Grass Village.

Being lowly saved her from the massacre.

A blessing in disguise.

“Natsume.”

Uzumaki Hinae smiled gently and sat him on her lap.

She used to call him “sir,” but Natsume preferred his name.

"For you."

"What's this?"

She opened the scroll—Uzumaki sealing techniques.

As a clan member, she knew of them, but never had access.

"This is too precious! I can't accept it!"

She refused, already owing two million, and now this…

If she took it too, she'd never repay it, even in her daughter's lifetime.

"Once you learn sealing, you'll be more useful to me. Think of it as an investment."

Natsume's lips closed around Hinae's swollen nipple, drawing the sweet, warm milk into his mouth. His tongue swirled, teasing the sensitive flesh as he suckled greedily. Hinae gasped, her body trembling at the intense sensation.

The nectar from her breast was always sweet, rich and satisfying.

Hinae shivered, blushing furiously as waves of pleasure radiated from her chest. She nodded weakly, struggling to focus on anything but the exquisite feeling of Natsume's mouth on her.

She really was useless now.

If she learned sealing, she’d be more helpful.

Satisfied, Natsume reclined, enjoying her lap.

A comfortable day passed quickly.

After Hinae helped him bathe, Natsume went home.

After dinner, he was supposed to practice Wood Release, but Tsunade called him to her room.

“Natsume, I need your help for my training.”

“Huh?”

He was confused—what kind of training needed a kid’s help?

“You saw my hemophobia last time?”

Tsunade sighed. “For a medical ninja, hemophobia is fatal.”

She’d previously given up, but after spending time with Natsume, Shizune, and Kabuto, she realized it was a big problem.

As their teacher, she needed to protect them.

But hemophobia could make her a burden.

No way she’d accept that.

Hemophobia is psychological—physical medicine or ninjutsu is no help.

The only way to overcome fear is to face it.

Tsunade remembered that hugging Natsume last time shortened her episodes.

So she wanted his help—repeatedly triggering her phobia to fight it.

It would be painful.

She used to think life was meaningless, but now she had found new purpose.

Natsume was surprised, but thought it was a good idea.

If Tsunade overcame hemophobia, she’d be much more useful.

Besides, with him around, it was unlikely she’d only recover after meeting Naruto like in canon.

In a way, it was his fault, so this made up for it.

He became a real hug pillow.

Tsunade cut herself lightly, blood flowing, her body trembling.

Natsume climbed into her arms, her thick thighs holding him tightly.

So soft.

It reminded him of a game character famous for her thighs, but Tsunade was even better.

The night passed quietly.

…

Natsume woke to find Tsunade watching him.

“You’re up—come eat.”

She pinched his cheek. “Thanks for your help.”

“No problem.”

He actually enjoyed it.

Tsunade focused on fighting her phobia, dropping her guard around him.

After breakfast, he went to school.

School was boring.

…

…

…

Time passed.

Seven-year-old Natsume soon turned ten.

He planned to graduate early and become a genin.

For over two years, nothing major happened.

Outside, Konoha and Kumo fought to a stalemate.

Inside, the scars of the Nine-Tails attack had healed; Konoha was peaceful again.

Meanwhile, Naruto was shunned as the demon fox, suffering coldness from villagers.

Natsume knew it was time for his own debut.

This was Naruto’s first fate crossroad.

If Hiruzen hadn’t given him warmth, Naruto might’ve turned evil.

Natsume aimed to expose the old man’s true face and lead Naruto another way—for the Sacred Ring of Fate.

Orochimaru continued his Wood Release experiments, studying Living Corpse Reincarnation and Sage Seals, while observing Uchiha Itachi.

He kept trading with Natsume.

As for defecting, he’d put that on hold—it was easier to research in Konoha.

Natsume had gained Fate Points from Kimimaro and Suigetsu.

They’d eventually join Orochimaru, but not yet.

Kimimaro gave 49 points, Suigetsu 27.

Ninja Academy.

Natsume applied for early graduation.

It was approved, with a simple Clone Jutsu test.

He passed easily.

After two and a half years, he officially became a ninja.

Chapter 30: Gifted the First Hokage’s Necklace

Natsume graduated after two and a half years because he was too outstanding.

With Hinae’s milk and the Wood Release serum, his body was strong—his chakra matched most jonin.

His only weakness was lack of combat experience.

He’d never faced life-and-death combat here.

Experience makes a big difference.

Like Uchiha Itachi, who graduated last year and teamed with Anko and Yugao.

Their team had a 100% success rate, even completing several A-rank missions.

They were known as Konoha’s strongest genin team.

Natsume could theoretically match Itachi in a duel, but in practice, probably not.

Experience is everything—unless you have overwhelming chakra like Naruto.

Regardless, Natsume’s strength rivaled a chunin.

With more training, he’d reach jonin level.

Only a few, like Itachi, matched his speed.

“Natsume, congrats on graduating.”

Tsunade waited outside the exam room, smiling as he emerged wearing a genin forehead protector.

She knew he’d pass, but as his foster mother, she still worried.

“I’m one step closer to being Hokage!”

Natsume gave a thumbs up, showing off his forehead protector.

He knew Tsunade’s personality—this would make her happy.

He looked just like her brother Nawaki when he graduated.

“Since it’s your graduation day, I have a gift.”

“Great!”

Natsume loved gifts.

Tsunade smiled, took off the First Hokage’s necklace, and put it around his neck.

It felt warm.

Natsume remembered the curse: everyone who wore it died—including Naruto, except as the protagonist, he came back.

“This necklace has my grandfather’s Wood Release chakra—it’ll help you a lot.”

Tsunade explained.

Natsume wanted to refuse, but it was too valuable.

The necklace could suppress even the Nine-Tails’ chakra—so it held a huge amount of Wood Release chakra.

For him, it was a great power bank.

As for the curse, he had his own cheats—no worries.

“Lady Tsunade.”

An Anbu appeared. “The Hokage wants to see you and Natsume.”

The touching moment was interrupted; Tsunade frowned. “What does the old man want?”

“He didn’t say.”

The Anbu answered respectfully and left.

“Let’s go,” Tsunade said, holding Natsume’s hand. “Let’s see what the old man wants.”

…

Hokage’s Office.

Hiruzen was startled by the sudden door opening, quickly covering his crystal ball and hiding his embarrassment.

“Tsunade.”

He pretended to be calm. “When did you stop knocking, like Danzo?”

“I’m in a hurry. Get to the point.”

Tsunade sat down, not showing any gentleness.

Hiruzen was used to her, smiled at Natsume. “Since my grand-disciple graduated, I had to see him.”

“Hokage Grandpa,” Natsume greeted.

“Good kid.” Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction.

In two and a half years, Natsume always aced theory, with deep understanding of the Will of Fire.

Some of his ideas even enlightened Hiruzen.

With Itachi, Hiruzen had praised him as thinking like a Hokage.

For Natsume, he’d call him the perfect heir to the Will of Fire.

“Get to the point,” Tsunade said impatiently.

“Fine, fine. You’re grown up and don’t need your old teacher.”

Hiruzen sighed, then said, “Now that Natsume’s a ninja, by tradition, he’ll be assigned teammates and a jonin leader. I have candidates—”

“No need,” Tsunade interrupted. “I’ll lead, with Shizune and Kabuto as his teammates.”

“But your hemophobia?”

Hiruzen wanted to assign a trusted jonin, knowing about her phobia.

“It’s cured.”

Tsunade cut herself to prove it—no reaction.

Hiruzen was overjoyed.

A healthy Tsunade would greatly benefit Konoha.

Back then, she turned the tide against Chiyo in the war.

Just being the best medical ninja was enough.

Before, hemophobia kept her off the battlefield.

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

Hiruzen scolded, but was mostly happy.

Konoha seemed prosperous again.

The old guard—he and Danzo—were still able, and young stars like Kakashi, Guy, Shisui, and Itachi were rising.

Hiruzen felt much less pressure.

Things looked great.

“Fine, you lead the team,” he agreed. “But remember, as a ninja, you must go out into the world. If you protect Natsume, Shizune, and Kabuto too much, you’ll hinder their growth.”

“I know.”

Tsunade was reluctant but understood.

If war came, inexperienced kids would be useless.

“The war with Kumo is nearly over. Take them to see the world,” Hiruzen suggested. “If you show up at the border, Kumo might surrender early.”

“That’s your real reason, old man,” Tsunade snorted, but didn’t refuse. “I’ll handle it. Don’t worry.”