Adopted by Tsunade [31-36] (Patreon)

Chapter 31: Your Wife’s Gone

If it weren’t for Tsunade, Natsume would never have become teammates with Shizune and Kabuto Yakushi.

First of all, both of them are medical ninja.

Normally, a ninja squad would have only one medical ninja—some squads don’t even have one—because medical ninja are too rare.

Second, Shizune is already seventeen this year, not a genin but a chunin. In principle, she wouldn’t be assigned to a genin squad anymore. Only Tsunade has that privilege. Plus, since Hiruzen Sarutobi has agreed, naturally no one dares to object.

Natsume is quite happy about this—three top-tier healers watching his back. It feels incredibly safe.

And unlike most medical ninja, the three of them actually have combat abilities. Even Naruto Uzumaki in the early days couldn’t compete. Sakura Haruno was always a drag, Sasuke Uchiha was too proud—just too much trouble.

According to the plot of his previous life, Tsunade should already have taken Shizune and wandered the ninja world, living like a fugitive. Now, instead, she’s thinking about how to improve Natsume’s combat experience safely.

Natsume, Shizune, and Kabuto—all three aren’t ordinary genin. So they don’t need simple missions, but anything too difficult would be dangerous. If Tsunade steps in, the point of training is lost.

She hasn’t been this indecisive in a long time. After all, with Nawaki’s sacrifice, if she lost Natsume too, she couldn’t bear it.

With no more school as an excuse, Natsume can only use the orphanage as a reason to go out. Fortunately, Tsunade trusts him and doesn’t interfere much.

…

Gunma Casino.

After two and a half years, it’s now the biggest casino in Tanzaku Quarters. Other casinos tried to use dirty tricks, but they clearly underestimated the power of force. Natsume, with his skyrocketing strength, would never be afraid of mere thugs. Even if they hired ninja, Tsunade is an unbeatable wall. After some warnings, his chain started expanding, and now, even in the Land of Fire, it has quite a reputation.

“Big brother!”

Natsume opened the door to see a little red-haired girl running toward him.

So cute.

“Big brother, I want a hug!”

Karin stretched out her arms, looking expectant.

“Did you listen to your mom today?” Natsume picked her up and asked.

Just like in the original story, Karin has a fiery temper, but only behaves obediently in front of him. Uzumaki Hinae often sighs that she and Karin aren’t like mother and daughter, while Natsume and Karin seem more like real siblings.

“Of course!” Karin chirped, “I always listen to you!”

“Good girl.” Natsume patted her bright red hair, “Where’s your mom?”

“She’s practicing sealing jutsu,” Karin replied instantly.

“Oh, then I’ll go check on her. You stay here and keep reading,” Natsume said, putting her down.

Karin pouted, looking a bit upset. The books her brother gave her are really hard to understand. She doesn’t get why she has to learn those weird characters.

“Be good,” Natsume said, pinching her cheeks.

Karin immediately cheered up and nodded.

North of Tanzaku Quarters, there’s a small forest.

It now belongs to the Gunma Casino. Natsume bought it because it’s remote—perfect for Uzumaki Hinae to practice her sealing.

There are warning barriers all around the woods. Knowing the location, he didn’t trigger them.

“Who’s there?”

Uzumaki Hinae released her chakra and turned around, smiling when she saw Natsume.

You have to admit, the Uzumaki clan is truly blessed—especially with chakra. She has dozens of times more than Natsume. Hinae was twenty when she gave birth to Karin, now twenty-three. Despite wasted years, her progress is impressive. Her sealing jutsu is unique, so Natsume can’t gauge her strength.

If anything’s missing these past two and a half years, it’s a regular supply of milks.

“Natsume, congrats on graduating,” Hinae came over, gently massaging his head, as if he were a treasure.

“Is there a gift?” Natsume looked up and asked. He’d grown taller these two years, but still not even ten, and shorter than both Tsunade and Hinae. At this rate, he’ll catch up in two or three years.

“There is.” Hinae wiped her hands on her clothes, then took out a charm or sachet.

“Peace and joy,” Natsume read the words on the front.

“How is it? Do you like it? I made it myself,” Hinae said anxiously, hoping for approval.

“Thank you, I really like it,” Natsume nodded—though the color was a bit pink. But hey, real men can like pink.

Hinae smiled, gentle and radiant. Natsume thought, she and Tsunade really are different types. Even when Tsunade is gentle, she’s decisive and bold, sometimes mischievous or playful, and explosive with outsiders. Hinae, on the other hand, never complains, always the model wife and mother—a real contrast.

“I’ve got something for you too.” Natsume pulled out a ninjutsu scroll, “Memorize it and destroy it right away.”

Hinae hesitated, then opened it curiously.

Yin Seal.

An S-rank medical sealing jutsu. It stores and regulates chakra for healing and enhancing attacks, and even boosts physical abilities and preserves youth.

Natsume didn’t steal it; he memorized it openly when Tsunade taught Shizune. Unfortunately, Shizune’s talent isn’t enough—she’s never managed the diamond mark.

Giving it to Hinae is to boost her power and help her stay young.

“Don’t say it’s too precious. If you master it, that’s the biggest help to me,” Natsume said, pressing his finger to her lips.

The Yin Seal is basically a sealing technique, so Natsume thinks Hinae should be able to learn it—at least she has plenty of chakra.

Hinae simply nodded.

“Training ends for today—wait, I have to go. I’ll be back soon,” Natsume said, leaving without further explanation.

Before long, he reached another small grove.

…

….

Classic Bullying scene:

“Wow, her eyes are white!”

“White-eyed freak!”

“Use your Byakugan and show us your creepy face!”

Three little boys taunted a black-haired, white-eyed girl with her head bowed in fear.

Natsume thought, Finally, the scene I’ve been waiting for. I even spent twenty-seven fate points on intelligence-gathering. But it was worth it. Hinata Hyuga’s a main heroine—lots of fate points to be had.

Sorry, Naruto, your wife’s gone. But don’t worry—right now you don’t even like Hinata. I’ll help you chase Sakura later. Even if you like Sasuke, I can help with that, too. xD

Natsume walked out, shouting, “Rude kids deserve punishment!”

Chapter 32: The Gentle Hinata

Hinata’s face was pale with fear, tears glimmering in her eyes. As the Hyuga clan’s heiress, she should have fought back against their slurs. But her mind went blank, her limbs weak, and she forgot all her training—completely helpless.

“Rude kids deserve punishment!”

Suddenly, a voice made Hinata look up.

She saw a scene she’d never forget:

Three streams of water struck the bullies like whips, leaving them bruised and wailing.

Hinata stared hard, memorizing Natsume’s face.

So handsome, she thought.

She’d thought her cousin Neji was good-looking, but Natsume was even better.

“Are you okay?” Natsume asked, noticing her dazed look. Had he scared her?

But then, as if witnessing magic, Hinata’s pale face turned red like an apple. She looked down, fiddling nervously with her fingers. In a tiny voice, she said, “Th-thank you.”

Natsume was glad he had ninja-level hearing—otherwise he wouldn’t have heard her.

[Because of your actions, Hinata Hyuga’s fate has changed. You gained 100 fate points.]

That easy?

Natsume almost suspected the fate system was glitching. Hinata was too easy to win over. But thinking it over, it made sense—early on, the heroine is shy and lacks courage. Raising her favor is simple: just save her from bullies. But there’s only one chance.

In the original, Naruto did it. Now, Natsume got there first—and he’s good-looking, too.

[Because of your actions, Naruto Uzumaki’s fate has changed. You gained 39 fate points.]

Naruto didn’t contribute many points. Losing Hinata didn’t change his fate much. He always seemed tragic: even after becoming Hokage and saving the world, things stayed messy, wars continued. Talk no jutsu only worked because he had the strength to back it up. Jiraiya and others believed not in his words but in his power to bring peace. Sadly, that never happened.

Hinata, not hearing a reply, glanced up to see Natsume’s warm smile. She panicked, like a startled rabbit, and looked away.

“What’s your name?” Natsume asked, finding her too cute to resist teasing.

The only regret is that she had short hair as a kid—he preferred her long hair.

“Hy—Hyuga… Hinata,” she stammered.

“Keeping your head down isn’t good for your back,” Natsume crouched and patted her back.

Hinata trembled, blush spreading to her ears. She looked up, dazed as if she’d soaked too long in a hot spring.

“Hey?” Natsume caught her as she nearly fainted.

“I-I’m okay,” Hinata managed to steady herself.

“Where do you live? I’ll take you home,” Natsume said, worried she’d pass out. Carrying her to the Hyuga estate would only get him more white-eyed stares.

“I—I…” Hinata was clearly overloaded, as if steam was coming out of her.

Natsume stepped back gently: “No rush, take your time.”

After a while, she bowed her head, nervously twisting her clothes, “I—I don’t remember the way…”

A hopeless case—she really was a directionless kid. Even with Byakugan, she could get lost. What’s worse, no one in the Hyuga clan even noticed the heiress was missing.

Natsume hadn’t been to the Hyuga estate, but he knew the general direction. Before he could lead her there, a shadow appeared in front of Hinata.

“Are you alright, young lady?”

The man eyed Natsume warily, but relaxed a little seeing his Konoha forehead protector.

Hinata shook her head.

“If your guard is here, I won’t walk you home,” Natsume smiled gently. “Don’t get lost next time.”

He turned and left.

Hinata panicked, instinctively taking a few steps forward. Your name! She wanted to ask, but Natsume was already gone. Hinata looked crestfallen.

“Young lady, let’s go home,” her guard said, giving Natsume one last look. He’d never seen Natsume, but his words and actions showed he’d just found a lost Hinata, so nothing more needed to be said.

Hinata nodded absentmindedly, but was upset inside.

Who are you?

That question would bother her for a long time.

…

Natsume returned to the Gunma Casino. He was a bit disappointed not to run into Naruto. As the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Naruto was under Hiruzen’s personal watch.

Natsume had once asked Tsunade if she could adopt Naruto. Never mind Minato, but Kushina grew up with Tsunade’s grandmother Mito, so Tsunade should feel close to her. Adopting her son should be possible emotionally. But it wasn’t allowed—Hiruzen wouldn’t let anyone else intervene.

Even Kakashi and Jiraiya could only teach Naruto after confirming his Will of Fire. Danzo, of course, had always wanted Naruto in Root. So he and Hiruzen kept repeating their classic lines:

“Hiruzen, you’ll regret this!”

“Danzo, I’m the Hokage.”

If Natsume wanted to approach Naruto without arousing suspicion, he’d need to pick the right time—preferably a chance meeting.

“Big brother!”

Karin dropped her book and ran over.

“How are your studies? Let me quiz you. What does ‘Those who lack strength give up halfway’?”

“It means people weaker than me will get beaten up on the way!” Karin said, little fists clenched, all fierce and cute.

Chapter 33: How Can You Beat Me?

Lunch was made by Uzumaki Hinae—delicate and delicious. At first, Natsume ordered takeout. But once she got used to him, Hinae insisted on cooking. She was unexpectedly amazing at it.

If Tsunade’s cooking skill was only 1,000, Hinae’s was at least 10,000. The difference was bigger than between humans and dogs. Natsume wasn’t slandering Tsunade; it was just personal experience. Some people really aren’t meant for the kitchen.

After eating, Natsume sent Karin back to her studies. Only three years old and already showing the original’s fiery temper—he figured she and Tsunade would get along well.

“Ah, this is nice.”

Lying on Hinae’s sofa, Natsume felt warm and lazy. Hinae watched him, eyes gentle, holding him with one arm and massaging his forehead with the other, sometimes patting his head affectionately. Such a cute pillow—she loved hugging him, and Natsume loved it too. Who doesn’t like a soft pillow?

Nice times never last long. Natsume got up to head home. He remembered something and said, “I’m a genin now, so I’ll be out on missions. If I don’t visit for days, don’t worry.”

But the moment he said it, Hinae got even more worried. For once, her usually docile personality turned firm: “I’ll go with you. I can protect you.”

“Missions aren’t that dangerous, and my team leader is one of the Legendary Sannin—Tsunade,” Natsume smiled. “Just wait for me to come back.”

Hinae hesitated, but nodded.

…

Senju Residence.

Natsume paused before opening the door—almost made a mistake. He quickly put away the charm Hinae gave him.

“Come eat dinner,” Tsunade called from the hall, not watching TV but reading reports—information about the Cloud Village: which powerful ninja were participating, special jutsu, where they were active, all very detailed. Clearly, she was preparing for missions.

Natsume glanced at a report:

Killer Bee, Eight-Tails Jinchuriki.

It said: Extremely dangerous. Avoid if possible.

But currently he’s in Cloud Village’s Valley of Clouds and Lightning, not participating in battle. As the Eight-Tails host, he’s nearly the strongest force. If he fought, it would escalate to all-out war—potentially the Fourth Ninja World War. Two tigers fighting means both get hurt. Other villages would seize the chance to attack. The Cloud Village, though full of brutes, had some smart ninja, like Mabui—the Fourth Raikage’s secretary. Calm and talented, she’s no less smart than the Nara clan.

Honestly, with all the money from Gunma Casino and Bank, Natsume didn’t need missions. But business alone can’t save the ninja world. If Nagato drops a Shinra Tensei, all his work will be wiped out. Ultimately, strength is what matters.

Natsume put down the reports, watching Tsunade focus. Serious men are handsome; serious women are beautiful—especially when she leans over, her mountains swaying. Truly a stunning sight.

After a while, Tsunade stretched and affectionately pinched Natsume’s cheek. “Let’s eat.”

Shizune had already served the food. Over the past two years, her cooking had improved drastically. Natsume felt more and more like she was Tsunade’s maid—always busy.

…

Late at night.

Tsunade took Natsume back to his room. Ever since her hemophobia stopped two months ago, they hadn’t slept together. Natsume could only sigh—bad woman, using him and tossing him aside; his life-sized figure was gone.

“Good night,” Tsunade said, tucking him in and rubbing his head, “It’s winter, don’t kick off your blanket at night.”

Natsume felt wronged—it was only because sleeping with her was too hot that he kicked the blanket off! He wondered if she really didn’t get it, but said nothing and nodded.

Tsunade looked at him, a complex look in her eyes. She was uncomfortable. But she realized Natsume was no longer a child—almost ten, only about ten centimeters shorter than her. In a few years, he’d be an adult. The ninja world matures early.

Tsunade, for all her roughness, understood some things—like relationships between men and women. Her relationship with Natsume is teacher-student, maybe siblings, or at most adopted mother and son—never lovers. Sharing a bed would be inappropriate.

She sighed. Even if she didn’t care about age, what about Natsume? He might be clingy now, but as he grows up he’ll be attracted to younger girls. But it made her sad. The thought of Natsume leaving one day was unbearable.

“If only I were twenty years younger…” Tsunade lay awake, lost in thought.

…

Natsume slept soundly. When he got up, he immediately dove back under the covers—it was snowing outside. Winter had come again.

After breakfast, Kabuto arrived. With Shizune, Tsunade’s squad was complete. But instead of a mission, Tsunade handed them a summoning contract scroll.

“My summon is the slug from Shikkotsu Forest, one of the Three Great Sage Regions. As my students, you’re eligible to sign the contract too.”

Slugs, unlike snakes from Ryuchi Cave or toads from Mount Myoboku, are support summons—perfect for medical ninja, but also useful for others. All slugs are just splits or clones of the Slug Sage; they share information between them. Tsunade giving her students the slug contract is another layer of protection.

As for Sage Mode, they weren’t qualified yet. To learn it, you need huge chakra reserves—since Sage Chakra is a mix of chakra and natural energy. Without enough chakra, natural energy will consume you.

Natsume signed his name on the scroll—delighted.

Tsunade, Kabuto, Shizune, plus slugs.

Four protect one—how can you possibly beat me?

Chapter 34: No Comparison, No Hurt

Hinata Hyuga turned around, but didn’t see her bodyguard, Tokuma Hyuga—only endless falling snow.

She had gotten lost again.

Ever since she was saved by Natsume last time, she couldn’t stop thinking about him, wishing to see him again and ask his name.

“Tokuma…”

Hinata whispered softly.

She’d tried to find the little grove where she’d met Natsume, following the route from memory, and hadn’t felt afraid at first.

But now, alone and surrounded by a world of white, she couldn’t help but feel anxious.

“Hey! White-eyed freak! Stop right there!”

A sudden shout triggered some unpleasant memories for Hinata.

She froze on the spot.

Three tall kids ran up to her.

“I heard you made Kuku and his friends cry? Those disgusting eyes of yours…”

The boy in the middle shoved her.

Hinata fell into the snow.

“Wahahaha!”

The boy grinned wildly, “Loser!”

Kuku and his friends, traumatized after being taught a lesson by Natsume, hadn’t mentioned him to their other friends, unsure who he was.

But their little gang—these three boys—found out Hinata was the one of the culprit, so they came looking for revenge.

“Stop it!”

“Who’s that?”

The boys turned and saw a blond boy in a red scarf, about their age.

“I’m Naruto Uzumaki! The future Hokage!”

“Huh? Future Hokage? Are you stupid?”

The boy sneered at Naruto’s serious declaration.

“Jerk!”

Naruto was furious.

But a moment later, the boy punched him. Naruto’s face swelled red, and his nose started bleeding.

“Future Hokage? Showing off with a red scarf?”

The three boys took Naruto’s scarf and went off to play on the swings.

Hinata’s hope instantly vanished at this scene; she went pale as snow with fright.

She was grateful for Naruto’s attempt to stand up for her.

But to see him knocked down instantly and left in such a sorry state…

She couldn’t help but think of the strong and handsome Natsume.

The comparison made Natsume shine even brighter in her eyes.

Water Style: Water Whip!

A sharp sound cut through the air.

A few seconds later, it was replaced by wailing cries.

Hinata shivered, but her eyes lit up.

It was him. Again.

Natsume found the whole thing absurd.

Hinata Hyuga managed to get lost twice and be bullied twice.

And now Naruto was involved, too.

He was impressed by these three troublemakers.

They were practically dancing in hell.

Whether it was Hinata Hyuga or Naruto Uzumaki, with their status, even if they killed the three brats, nothing would happen to them.

Fortunately, Sacred Ring of Fate didn’t issue any warnings.

Natsume didn’t have to worry about Hinata being kidnapped.

He walked over, helped Naruto up, and handed him his ruined red scarf.

“Can you walk?”

For Natsume, this was a perfect opportunity to meet the future Nine-Tails jinchuriki.

But Naruto’s reaction was different from what he expected.

Looking at Natsume, Naruto’s eyes were filled with uncertainty and unease. He picked up his scarf silently and staggered away.

Because of the Nine-Tails, Naruto was shunned and avoided. No one ever helped him.

He assumed Natsume didn’t recognize him, but if he did, his attitude would surely change.

So, it was better to leave on his own.

“Hinata, where’s your bodyguard?”

Natsume turned to the little girl, wrapped in her scarf, and grinned. “Lost again?”

Hinata froze for two seconds, then her face turned bright red, as if she was about to faint.

“I’ll take you home.”

Natsume wanted to have a heartfelt talk with Naruto.

Hinata’s affection was already maxed out, so he could ignore her for now.

This was a rare chance—he couldn’t let it slip.

He glanced in the direction Naruto had gone. If he hurried, he could catch up.

“Your name is…?”

Hinata was about to ask, but Natsume scooped her up and dashed toward the Hyuga compound.

Her eyes widened as she felt his warm breath; her emotions overloaded, and she fainted.

It took Natsume just three minutes to reach the Hyuga estate’s gate.

“Hinata? Wake up.”

He put her down and shook her gently.

She soon woke up.

Natsume sighed in relief, “We’re at your front door. You shouldn’t get lost now, right? See you next time.”

Body Flicker Jutsu.

He disappeared in an instant.

“Huh?”

Hinata looked around, but saw no one. Head hanging, she walked into the compound.

Still didn’t get his name.

…

Natsume caught up to Naruto.

He’d just arrived at the hot spring street.

Of course, he didn’t know Jiraiya yet, so he wasn’t here for a bath—he was here to shop.

Naruto, despite being beaten, was tough. By the time he reached the shop, he was already back to normal.

“Boss, I want nine cups of ramen!”

“You again?”

The shopkeeper scowled, “I told you, I’m not selling to you anymore! Go away! If people see me helping you, I’ll be in trouble.”

Last time, the shopkeeper sold Naruto some ramen out of pity—

But was then ostracized by his neighbors.

When the whole village believed Naruto was the Nine-Tails, any sympathy or decency was crushed.

Helping him meant being an outcast.

The only choice was to avoid this three-year-old child.

Whether he was really the Nine-Tails or not didn’t matter anymore.

That’s the way things were—the power of public opinion.

Naruto’s eyes dimmed, his smile frozen.

Why does everyone treat me this way?

What did I do wrong?

Nine-Tails? I’m human, not a fox. What part of me looks like a fox?

“Boss, I’ll buy a box of ramen.”

A somewhat familiar voice made Naruto look up.

It was the big brother who just saved him.

“Alright!”

The boss’s attitude changed instantly, becoming enthusiastic.

Natsume paid, got an extra bag, and filled it with nine ramen cups.

“That’ll be three hundred ryo.”

“Huh?”

Naruto pointed at himself timidly, “You mean me?”

“Yeah, didn’t you want to buy ramen? I’m selling it to you.”

Natsume raised an eyebrow, took three hundred ryo from Naruto’s hand, stuffed the bag at him, and smiled, “I even made thirty ryo profit—good deal for me.”

Naruto was stunned.

A few seconds later, he bit his lip and asked, “Everyone calls me the Nine-Tails. Aren’t you afraid of me?”

“What’s scary about a little kid? I’m good at dealing with fox spirits, you know.”

Natsume stood up, “I know a place that’ll sell you things. I’ll take you there.”

Yeah, his Wood Style really did restrain the Nine-Tails.

Dealing with fox spirits—no problem at all.

Chapter 35: The First Round of Personality Correction

Naruto carried his bag of ramen, feeling complicated.

Natsume knew he was the Nine-Tails, but still treated him normally. It was so strange, and so rare, that Naruto didn’t know how to react.

“Let’s go.”

Natsume picked up a box of ramen.

“Huh?”

Naruto snapped out of it, confused.

What did he just say? I wasn’t paying attention…

“I’ll take you to a store that’ll actually sell you stuff.”

Natsume repeated.

“Really?”

Naruto looked at him in disbelief.

It wasn’t that he couldn’t buy things—just that he couldn’t buy good things.

Like milk.

He always got near-expired milk.

In his previous life, Natsume’s mom also liked buying near-expired milk because it was cheap.

As long as you drank it before the date, it was fine.

But Naruto had to pay full price for it.

Plus, as a kid, he wasn’t careful—so his milk would spoil before he drank it. In the original story, he got diarrhea from expired milk and thought it was his own fault.

Clearly, nobody had ever taught him basic life skills.

“Of course,” Natsume replied.

He was talking about his own casino.

After nearly three years of business, he’d set up a branch in Konoha.

As the owner, Natsume could easily have the Gunma casino boss take care of Naruto.

Even if Hiruzen Sarutobi found out, it didn’t matter.

He was Tsunade’s apprentice.

Not Danzo’s, not Orochimaru’s, not an Uchiha.

If Sarutobi tried to mess with him, Tsunade would fight back.

And Tsunade represented the Senju clan. If there was a rift, Sarutobi’s reputation would take a hit.

He was the so-called strongest Hokage, but if he targeted the descendants of founding heroes, the other clans would lose faith.

Even Sarutobi wouldn’t be that dumb.

“Hurry up.”

Natsume stood at the door, waving.

Naruto looked at him, eyes red-rimmed, but he didn’t cry. He rubbed his eyes and replied loudly, “Coming!”

They arrived at the Gunma Casino.

Naruto was a bit bewildered.

He didn’t know what gambling was, but this place was so fancy—was he really allowed here?

“We’ll use the back door.”

Natsume glanced at the kimono-clad hostesses, then led Naruto around to the back.

He was too young for that kind of thing.

But then he remembered Naruto would later develop the Sexy Jutsu… Maybe he was a natural-born perv.

“Boss, what brings you here?”

A middle-aged man hurried out, greeting Natsume warmly.

“Masahiro, can’t I come?”

Natsume smiled.

“Of course, you’re always welcome.”

Masahiro quickly apologized for his awkward phrasing.

He had to be respectful; since becoming manager of the Konoha branch, his family had gone from poor to rich—thanks to Natsume.

Naruto was shocked.

Such a big, luxurious place, and the boss was this ten-year-old big brother?

He was stunned.

“Naruto, this is Masahiro.”

Natsume turned, “If you ever need anything, just ask him.”

Masahiro paused for a moment—he recognized Naruto as the rumored Nine-Tails, but still smiled, “Don’t worry, little brother, whatever you need, we have it.”

His tone and attitude were genuinely kind.

For him, the Nine-Tails stuff didn’t matter compared to a word from Natsume.

After all, Natsume was his benefactor.

Naruto stood in a daze, wanting to thank him, but tears rolled down his cheeks.

“Sorry…”

He wiped his eyes, “You’re the second person to treat me so well. I’m happy, but I don’t know why I started crying.”

Natsume sighed.

How miserable.

If an adult suffered daily abuse, most couldn’t take it.

Even online harassment is hard for many to bear.

Naruto was only three, and his humiliation was all face-to-face, yet he still stayed cheerful. That was impressive.

Maybe that was Sarutobi’s answer—

As a vessel and weapon, Naruto needed to be stable.

And he wasn’t the only one treated this way.

The One-Tail jinchuriki, Gaara from the Sand, had it even worse.

Even dogs would cry for them.

Not even dog training was this cruel.

Natsume gave Masahiro a look, and Masahiro left.

“Who was the first? Why didn’t they buy you things?”

After a while, Natsume asked casually.

“It’s an old man—I don’t know who he is,” Naruto replied, wiping his tears. “He’s nice to me—he visits me and gives me money sometimes.”

“What does he look like? Maybe I know him. Then you could find him any time.”

Natsume’s question brightened Naruto’s eyes.

Whenever he felt lonely, he thought of that old man’s kindness.

But he didn’t know where he lived and couldn’t find him.

“Let me think… He’s not very tall, has white hair and a beard, sometimes smokes a pipe.”

The description was vague, but Natsume already knew the answer. He was just asking to avoid suspicion.

“Sounds familiar…”

He pretended to ponder.

Naruto looked at him with hope.

After a moment, Natsume suddenly realized, “Come with me.”

He took Naruto out to the street, pointed at the third face on the Hokage Rock, and asked, “Does he look like this?”

“Whoa, he really does!”

Naruto could hardly believe it.

He was only three, but he knew about the Hokage Rock.

The faces of four Hokage were carved there.

So the old man who visited him was the Third Hokage?

He was moved.

His dream of becoming Hokage was right!

Hokage Grandpa was awesome!

Natsume saw the change in Naruto’s face and guessed his thoughts.

Sarutobi really was clever.

A child couldn’t resist that kind of manipulation.

The so-called child of destiny was just a pawn in someone else’s game.

Naruto had a good heart, but that was about it.

Remember when he promised Nagato he’d fix the Rain Village? It only got worse.

Nagato would roll in his grave if he knew.

“So he’s the Third Grandpa!”

Naruto said excitedly.

The only person nice to him was the Hokage.

Suddenly, other people’s attitudes seemed less important.

“The Hokage himself?”

Natsume acted surprised. “If he’s the Hokage, then why didn’t he stop people from treating you badly?”

Naruto’s smile froze.

Right.

The Hokage was Konoha’s leader.

Everyone listened to him.

If he said something, people would stop being nasty.

If he was so kind to Naruto, why didn’t he stop them?

“Maybe Grandpa Hokage is just too busy to notice.”

Naruto quickly thought up a reasonable excuse.

“Next time you see him, you should remind him,” said Natsume, letting the matter drop.

He knew Hiruzen stopping the rumors wouldn’t help.

It would just turn open hostility into cold indifference.

That was even harder to bear.

A single conversation couldn’t change Naruto’s view, but now that Naruto would come to the Gunma Casino for shopping, their chances of meeting were much higher.

Chapter 36: The World Forgets Me

No sooner had Natsume said goodbye to Naruto than his whereabouts were reported to Hiruzen Sarutobi by the ANBU.

As the Nine-Tails jinchuriki, Naruto was always under surveillance.

If Naruto knew, he’d be even more conflicted.

They saw him get beaten up, but didn’t help.

“Natsume is a good kid,” Hiruzen muttered as he read the report.

It contained two things:

First, Natsume had saved Naruto from bullies.

Second, he’d arranged for the Gunma Casino boss to look after Naruto.

To open a shop in Konoha, you needed approval—

Otherwise, spies could sneak in.

Natsume listed Tsunade as the casino boss.

Since she loved to gamble, no one would suspect a thing.

Hiruzen praised Natsume because he didn’t just give things to Naruto—he sold them, showing respect for the boy’s self-esteem.

It also reflected Natsume’s good character.

But Natsume getting close to Naruto was unexpected.

Hiruzen’s original plan was for Naruto to rely only on him until school started.

After that, Naruto would get some good teachers and friends.

That was the best arrangement for him.

If the Nine-Tails ever broke free, Naruto could use the bonds he’d formed to regain control and avoid disaster.

The only flaw was that Danzo interfered by spreading the rumor that Naruto was the Nine-Tails incarnate.

Hiruzen wanted to stop it, but let it continue because it helped his plan.

The villagers’ coldness would make Naruto love him more, so he could control the powerful weapon.

Hiruzen knew Naruto’s life was hard.

But it was a necessary sacrifice.

If Naruto could endure these years, he’d never be lonely again.

“I’m getting old…”

Hiruzen stood and looked out at Konoha.

With age, his energy was failing.

If Naruto were a normal child, he’d let him grow up as a hero’s son.

But as the Nine-Tails jinchuriki—Konoha’s greatest weapon—he had to bear this fate.

As for Natsume, it was fine if he got close to Naruto.

Hiruzen expected the Fifth Hokage would be either Jiraiya or Tsunade.

Orochimaru was strong, but his personality was unsuitable for Hokage.

Danzo was even less suitable—he was too old.

Jiraiya was always traveling because of that Child of Prophecy stuff.

Tsunade had a blood phobia, making her unfit for regular ninja duties.

Fortunately, she’d recovered.

Hiruzen preferred Jiraiya as Hokage, but realistically, Tsunade had a better chance.

Natsume, as her student, would eventually meet Naruto.

And at the academy, he was an excellent inheritor of the Will of Fire.

“Just in case, I’ll go check on Naruto.”

Hiruzen changed clothes and left the office, heading for Naruto’s home.

“Naruto, are you home?”

Soon, Naruto opened the door.

“Grandpa!”

He grinned happily.

“Why are you so happy today? Did something interesting happen? Tell Grandpa.”

Hiruzen smiled, playing the kindly old man.

“Yes.”

Naruto took out his ramen, “I met a really nice big brother today—he sold me stuff!”

Hiruzen smiled. That matched the report.

Natsume hadn’t said anything odd.

“Oh! Grandpa, I realized today that the third face on Hokage Rock looks just like you. Are you the Hokage?”

Naruto looked at him hopefully.

He hadn’t doubted Hiruzen because of Natsume’s words—

Instead, he was excited to discover his identity.

Hiruzen lifted his chin with authority, “I am the Hokage.”

He often told Naruto stories about Konoha’s founding and the Will of Fire.

Under his influence, Naruto dreamed of being Hokage.

He hadn’t revealed his identity before, just for this moment.

To transfer Naruto’s longing for the Hokage to himself.

“Wow!”

Naruto rushed over to examine him, eyes full of admiration.

“Grandpa Hokage, do you think I can become Hokage?”

He remembered the three bullies from earlier.

“You can.”

Hiruzen smiled, “As long as you have the resolve and courage to protect Konoha, I believe you’ll be Hokage someday.”

“Yay!”

Naruto was thrilled by the Hokage’s approval.

But soon, he looked a little down.

“I want to protect everyone, but they always call me the Nine-Tails and say nasty things. Grandpa Hokage, am I really the Nine-Tails?”

“You’re not.”

Hiruzen felt a twinge of guilt looking at Naruto’s sad face, and decided it was time to stop the rumors. “Don’t worry. Starting tomorrow, no one will call you the Nine-Tails again.”

“Really? Thanks, Grandpa!”

Naruto beamed.

Turns out Grandpa Hokage was just too busy before.

Tomorrow he could go out in the village like normal!

…

But the next day, when he eagerly went to the street, no one called him the Nine-Tails anymore—but no one spoke to him, either.

Whenever people saw him, their eyes flashed with disgust as if he were something dirty, and they hurried away.

If before, the world “rejected” him, now the world “forgot” him.

His situation hadn’t improved as he’d hoped. People didn’t accept him—they just avoided him.

The loneliness only grew.

Naruto was at a loss.

He wanted to be Hokage, to protect everyone.

But was it worth it?

…

[Due to your actions, Naruto Uzumaki’s fate has changed. You have gained 18 Fate Points.]

Natsume, practicing Wood Style ninjutsu, released his chakra.

Eighteen points—pretty low.

He guessed it was because their last conversation made Naruto doubt Hiruzen a little.

But it wasn’t much. He’d have to push harder.

He’d settle this before going to the front lines.

Natsume wiped sweat from his brow.

Tsunade had already picked out a mission, but hadn’t left yet—she needed to prepare antidotes and soldier pills.

Natsume didn’t go to Naruto directly—too suspicious.

He asked Masahiro, the casino manager, to notify him when Naruto came to buy something.

He didn’t have to wait long—just three days.

…

Naruto arrived at the Gunma Casino.

Actually, he wasn’t there to shop—he just wanted to see Natsume.

He’d been having a hard time these days, and thought of the big brother who was kind to him.