Adopted by Tsunade [37-42] (Patreon)

Chapter 37: Sunken Rationality

"Wait, drink your medicine."

Tsunade caught Natsume just as he tried to slip out the door.

"Sis, can I skip it?"

Natsume frowned, looking pained. "I think I'm healthy enough. I really don't need more supplements."

"Maybe you're special, but this medicine helps your chakra grow. You should keep taking it."

Tsunade shook her head, unwilling to relent. Though Natsume's pitiful look tugged at her heartstrings, as his guardian, she had to be firm when needed. Her face hardened.

It was really Uzumaki Hinae's milk and the wood-style potion that helped! 

This supplement had nothing to do with it.

But Natsume couldn't explain, so he just drank up, feeling wronged.

Tsunade felt oddly guilty, as if she'd committed some grave sin.

Seeing Natsume looking so pitiful, she wanted to scoop him into a comforting hug.

"Here, have some candy."

Her heart softened. She unwrapped a piece of candy and popped it into his mouth, then patted his head.

Up close, she barely managed to resist the urge to hug him.

Too much closeness would only make things harder for Natsume as he grew up, she reasoned. She had to get used to it in advance.

Natsume smacked his lips. The candy was still warm from her hands.

Not bad.

He suddenly noticed Tsunade's expression.

How to describe it? It looked just like when, in his previous life, he'd see a figure he wanted but hesitated because of the price.

Natsume wasn't sure what was bothering Tsunade, but he was great at comforting people.

Standing on tiptoe, he hugged her neck, pressed his little face to hers, and said, "Don't overwork yourself, sis. I'll worry about you."

He used his kid cuteness to cheer her up—and enjoyed the soft mountains at the same time.

A win-win.

Tsunade's defenses broke. Her rationality sank. She pursed her lips and, unable to resist, hugged Natsume.

Little rascal.

She knew she shouldn't, but she just couldn't help herself.

Her feelings were complicated. She hated her own lack of willpower, but hugging Natsume brought her comfort.

"All right, go on now."

Tsunade quickly pushed him away. She tried to sound stern, but couldn't manage it.

"Bye, sis."

Natsume waved and left.

…

A few minutes later, he arrived at Gunma Casino.

"Boss, Naruto's waiting for you inside."

Masahiro greeted him.

Natsume nodded and went in.

"Big bro."

Uzumaki Naruto clearly wasn't in high spirits.

"What's wrong?" Natsume sat next to him.

"Why does everyone still hate me, even after Hokage grandpa spoke up?" Naruto voiced the question that had troubled him for days.

"Prejudice is like a mountain you can't cross." Natsume sighed. "Years of bias can't be erased with a single word from the Hokage. And you're still suspected of being the demon fox. People need a scapegoat."

The real cause of the Nine-Tails incident was never revealed. The villagers had no outlet for their anger. So when word spread that Naruto was the demon fox's vessel, he naturally became their target—even as a child.

Ultimately, it was Hiruzen Sarutobi's mishandling that was to blame.

"But why me? I didn't do anything wrong!" Naruto puffed up angrily.

"I don't understand either." Natsume acted confused. "But if we could find out who started the rumor about you being the demon fox, maybe those suspicions would go away."

Naruto's eyes widened.

As the Hokage's child, he was mature for his age, and his unique experiences only made him more perceptive. His later mischief was just a way to get noticed.

Natsume's words gave him sudden clarity.

Yeah!

Who started the rumor?

"Big bro, do you know?"

"I don't, but we can deduce it," Natsume mused. "People always have motives. Whoever spread the rumor must have benefited. Who gained the most, or who was the ultimate winner here?"

Naruto fell deep into thought.

Who benefited? He couldn't think of anyone. He was just a child—what was so special about him? The demon fox? What even was the demon fox? What was special about himself?

Naruto's body stiffened.

Everyone treated him badly, except for the Hokage. So naturally, he trusted the Hokage the most.

But what if the Hokage was the one who spread the rumor? As Hokage, he could easily spread news throughout the village. He could have stopped it, but chose not to for three years.

Naruto's face went pale. His emotions were in turmoil. He didn't want to believe it, but it seemed the most likely answer.

The person he trusted most—Hiruzen Sarutobi—was the root of all his suffering.

What was real, what was fake? I can't tell!

Natsume saw Naruto's turmoil and knew he'd planted a seed of doubt about Sarutobi. It would take time, but the suspicion would grow.

"Big bro, I..." Naruto snapped out of it but didn't know what to say.

"You're still young, Naruto. You have plenty of time to test all your theories." Natsume patted his shoulder.

Naruto's confusion faded. As the reincarnation of Asura, son of the Sage of Six Paths, he was naturally optimistic. But optimism didn't mean he was a saint—when he needed to act in the original story, he never hesitated.

Now, though, who he might act against was uncertain.

"Thank you, big bro!" Naruto took a deep breath and decided to watch the Hokage closely from now on.

[Because of your actions, Uzumaki Naruto's fate has changed. You gained 46 fate points.]

Natsume raised an eyebrow. Not bad—his words worked. With 46 more points, he now had 537 in total, getting closer to his goal.

Naruto was only three. Looks like he could still harvest more.

"Bye, big bro."

After their talk, Naruto returned to normal, grabbed a box of milk, and left. He was naturally cheerful, but that didn't mean he was clueless.

Natsume headed to Tanzaku Quarters. He needed to tell Uzumaki Hinae and Karin about a mission in two days, so they wouldn't worry.

Chapter 38: Teacher Natsume, the Photographer

At Tsunade's place, Natsume spent most of his time training—or being played with. But with Uzumaki Hinae, it was all fun, and he was the instigator.

"Karin, focus on your reading, okay?" Natsume patted her red hair.

He was starting to pick up Tsunade's habit—maybe Konoha was just a head-patting village.

Karin looked conflicted. She didn't want to read, but loved having her head patted.

"Fine..." she finally agreed.

"I won't bother you while you study. I'll check on you later," Natsume said, leaving the room and closing the door.

He'd recently ordered a few outfits for Uzumaki Hinae, and she was wearing one today.

Natsume opened the door, and his eyes lit up.

Uzumaki Hinae had changed her long hair to a pinkish short cut, and wore a black-and-white maid dress with white thigh-high socks.

Seeing Natsume, she lifted her skirt slightly and did a little curtsy, shyly saying, "Master."

She was cosplaying Ram from "Re:Zero"—though her personality was rather different.

But Natsume was satisfied. Having a real-life figure so obedient—what more could he want?

"You look great," he praised.

Uzumaki Hinae breathed a secret sigh of relief—at least she didn't disappoint him.

"Though... a bit too mature," Natsume realized. Hinae was 23, but Ram looked like a teenager in the anime.

Luckily, this was the Naruto world, and a transformation jutsu could fix that. With Natsume's guidance, Hinae became a perfect match for the character.

Since she was cosplaying, photos were a must—and there were cameras in the Naruto world.

"Ready," Natsume ordered.

After a moment's hesitation, Hinae put on a disgusted, icy look: "Pervert." Ram's classic line.

"Perfect," Natsume said, snapping photos and having her pose again and again, for half an hour.

Hinae blushed to her ears—some poses were just too embarrassing.

"Tired? Come rest," Natsume patted the sofa.

Hinae came over, about to sit beside him, but he scooped her up. Her short skirt revealed smooth, tempting thighs.

Natsume gently massaged her. Hinae melted against him like a slime, but didn't resist, enjoying his touch.

After ten minutes, she got up and changed into another outfit—this time, Ishtar from FGO: black twin tails, gold/white/black accents, a black stocking on her left leg and a bare right leg. 

She showed off the outfit for Natsume, then the photoshoot ended.

Two outfits later, it was noon. Hinae flopped onto the bed and said, "Natsume, I'm tired. Give me a massage."

…

The next day.

Konoha's village gate.

Natsume was still thinking about yesterday. Hinae had only worn two of the new outfits—he'd have to finish the photoshoots later. He finally got to experience a photographer's joy—and fulfill a dream from his previous life.

"Sensei, are we waiting for someone?" Kabuto asked, seeing that Tsunade wasn't moving.

"That old man insisted on sending us some escorts." Tsunade snorted, clearly displeased.

They were called escorts, but really, it was reinforcements. Sarutobi wanted Tsunade to lead, to pressure the Hidden Cloud and end the war quickly. As one of the Sannin, it was wasteful for her to bring only three students.

Soon, a squad arrived, led by a man with distinctive white eyes.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Lady Tsunade."

"Didn't expect you, Hiashi," Tsunade said, surprised.

The Hyuga clan was divided into main and branch families, but the main family rarely left the village. Now she realized why Hiashi came: he was a famous strong ninja, and his presence would intimidate the enemy. Plus, it was the end of the war—good timing for gathering merit and boosting the Hyuga's reputation. The Uchiha clan was already on the front lines, so the Hyuga couldn't afford to fall behind.

Tsunade glanced at two people nearby. "Rinka, are you here to see them off?"

Natsume recognized her from a previous tea party—Hiashi's wife, Hinata's mother.

"Yes, Lady Tsunade," Rinka replied, introducing, "This is my daughter, Hinata."

Hinata stared at Natsume with delight. If not for the situation, she would have run over.

"Hinata?" Rinka called twice, a bit annoyed. "Greet Lady Tsunade."

"L-Lady Tsunade," Hinata stammered shyly.

"You know Natsume?" Tsunade noticed her gaze.

So his name is Natsume? What a nice name, Hinata thought, relieved.

"I found her lost the other day and took her home," Natsume explained, seeing Hinata's awkwardness.

"So it was you," Rinka said, surprised. "Hinata told me a boy helped her but didn't know who it was."

"What a coincidence," Hiashi added. He had heard about it and punished Tokuma for it. He also noticed Hinata seemed to remember Natsume fondly. If it was an ordinary ninja, he'd nip such thoughts in the bud. But as Tsunade's student, maintaining friendly relations was just fine—they were all part of the Hokage's circle. Romance didn't cross his mind; both kids were too young.

"It was nothing," Natsume waved. He crouched to Hinata's level. "You won't get lost again, will you?"

Hinata turned bright red, nearly fainting. Natsume stepped back—if she collapsed, that would be bad.

"Hinata's just shy, sorry for the trouble," Rinka apologized, picking up Hinata. "We're running late—let's go."

Hiashi nodded, glancing at his daughter with disapproval. Compared to Neji, Hinata was too weak—how could she lead the main family? He hoped his strict training would toughen her up.

Tsunade also watched Hinata. That wasn't just shyness—she clearly liked Natsume a lot. Odds were, when she grew up, she'd be a goner for him.

As a guardian or big sister, Tsunade should have been happy to see it—but for some reason, she felt a little sour.

"Move out!" Tsunade snapped back to herself and ordered, "Let's reach the front in two days!"

The Sannin's decisiveness was on full display.

Chapter 39: Brother Is Very Disappointed in You

The main battlefield between Konoha and the Hidden Cloud was in the Land of Fields. In the original, Orochimaru built the Sound Village here after defecting, but now the area had become a battleground.

In fact, small countries around the Land of Fire survived only because Konoha kept them as buffer zones. If the war reached Konoha's doorstep, things were dire—as with the Battle of Kikyo Pass in the Third Great Ninja War.

Victory meant the war was ending. A loss could mean the end of Konoha itself.

Hiashi brought mostly Hyuga clan ninjas, but command still belonged to Tsunade. As the Sannin and senior to both Hiashi and Fugaku, it made sense.

But Tsunade was annoyed—she'd come to train her three students, not to command an army.

Natsume followed dutifully. It was his first trip far from home, and the new scenery was interesting—at first. After a while, it just got boring. Everyone was focused on marching, with little time for chat.

At night, the group made camp. Natsume shared a tent with Kabuto, sleeping in sleeping bags for mobility.

"Kabuto, how's your study of the Hashirama cell implantation I gave you?"

Over the past two years, Orochimaru's technology had improved, and he'd passed a copy to Natsume as agreed. Hashirama cells were valuable—even if Natsume didn't use them, they'd be great for his organization.

"Some of it's beyond me right now," Kabuto admitted. "But I've learned a lot. Give me a few more years and I'll master it."

Natsume was satisfied—most people couldn't even understand it, let alone learn. Kabuto's talent was exceptional, especially with Tsunade's guidance.

"I'm going to see sensei," Natsume said, remembering he hadn't said goodnight to Tsunade—a ritual they'd kept for nearly three years.

He left his bag and went to her tent. As a commander, Tsunade had her own tent. She was lying awake, debating whether to visit him. She realized her real issue wasn't with Hinata, but with Natsume himself.

"Are you asleep, sis?" Natsume called.

Tsunade sat up. "No, come in."

Natsume slipped into her bed, as usual. Tsunade belatedly realized—why was she letting him do this again?

"I just wanted to say goodnight," Natsume said, snuggling up. "I can't sleep unless I say it."

"Why are you still acting like a kid?" Tsunade asked.

"I am a kid—I'm not even ten yet!" Natsume said, head nestled in her chest.

"You should go to bed," Tsunade said, picking him up by the scruff of his neck. She didn't mind him getting close, but worried what others would think if they found out—she could handle rumors, but Natsume couldn't.

"Fine," Natsume left reluctantly. "Goodnight, sis."

"Goodnight," Tsunade replied, hiding her softness.

Back in his tent, Natsume realized what was bothering her—he'd grown up, and now Tsunade saw him more as a little brother than a romantic interest. He'd have to gradually change that if he wanted to win her over—it would take time.

…

The next morning, after breakfast, they set out again. Natsume found himself missing Tsunade's rice balls—was this Stockholm Syndrome? He shook his head. No way.

By noon, they arrived at Konoha's base camp in the Land of Fields. The current commander was Uchiha Fugaku. Hiruzen had sent him for several reasons: the Uchiha were powerful, and the mission would help clear their name after the Nine-Tails incident and soothe discontent from their relocation. In the originial, Hiruzen was old and wanted to avoid civil strife, hoping for peace even after learning of the coup plot from Itachi. In the end, Hiruzen lacked the ability to handle the Uchiha—unlike his teacher Tobirama, and with Danzo's interference, things only got worse. Arguably, if they'd done nothing, it might have been better.

Of course, the Uchiha had their own problems—pride, arrogance, extremism. Their survival owed much to their power.

Now, though, their strongest members had joined Konoha's side. The grim reaper's star was shining overhead.

Tsunade handed command to Fugaku, since she was just there to train her students. After lunch, her team gathered.

"I just accepted an A-rank mission. It'll be your first as a squad," she announced.

Natsume's mouth twitched—an A-rank mission right off the bat? Wasn't that a bit much?

Shizune and Kabuto, both obedient by nature, just nodded.

Tsunade grinned at Natsume, "What's wrong? Are you scared?" she teased.

"Of course not!" Natsume shot her a glare. How could she doubt him?

Tsunade was delighted, pinching his cheek, "Don't worry, I'll protect you if you get scared."

Shizune and Kabuto exchanged a look.

Their eyes said it all: Are we extra baggage here? 

Natsume was clearly the favored student; they were just picked up along the way.

Chapter 40: The Revived Trees

Tsunade didn't choose an A-rank mission on a whim—it was a well-considered decision.

On the surface, Shizune was a chunin, while Kabuto Yakushi and Natsume were genin.

But in reality? Kabuto and Natsume were also chunin.

Especially Natsume—after revealing his Wood Release, he was almost at jonin level.

Plus, with Tsunade as their team leader, an average mission wouldn't be challenging enough for them.

An A-rank mission was just right.

The four of them became shadows, leaping away and soon disappearing into the distance.

They didn't travel too fast.

As chunin, their stamina couldn't compare to jonin.

Tsunade understood this well.

If they went too fast, Natsume and the others would tire easily.

If they encountered enemies on the way, it could put them in a tough spot.

"After more than two years of extended war, both Konoha and the Hidden Cloud are exhausted. The front lines now are mostly small-scale raids," Tsunade explained as they traveled. "Our mission is to eliminate Hidden Cloud's outposts and, if possible, rescue Shitō Akimichi's squad."

"Shitō Akimichi?"

Natsume vaguely recognized the name—seemed like a minor character from his previous life's memories.

"Yeah. Their mission was the same as ours, but now they've lost contact." Tsunade glanced at him. "Shitō Akimichi is a jonin. If they're in trouble, their opponents must be jonin too, so our mission could become S-rank at any time."

Natsume wasn't worried.

Whether they'd run into trouble was uncertain.

Even if they did, there usually weren't many jonin.

Tsunade could handle it—unless they ran into someone like the Fourth Raikage A.

"Medical ninja won't fight unless absolutely necessary," Tsunade continued. "But Shizune and Kabuto are different—they can fight. If we meet enemies, Natsume will take the lead; the other two will assist as needed."

"Understood," the three replied in unison.

"One more thing," Tsunade said, turning to Natsume with a hint of worry in her eyes. "For all three of you, especially Natsume, this might be your first time on the battlefield, maybe even your first time killing. If you feel uncomfortable, don't force yourself."

Killing can often cause psychological issues.

Some people feel sick or nauseous; some barely react; some get traumatized.

Shizune and Kabuto, as medical ninja, were used to blood.

But Natsume wasn't.

That worried Tsunade most.

If he had a bad reaction, it would be dangerous on the battlefield.

"I understand," Natsume replied with a reassuring glance.

Tsunade nodded.

If needed, she'd step in herself.

Honestly, if it were anyone else, she wouldn't have cared.

A ninja who can't handle this should just go home and raise pigs, not be a ninja.

But for Natsume, she was worried.

Double standards—everyone has them.

Natsume, though, couldn't help but want to jump into her arms to thank her.

After a dozen minutes, the four entered a small grove.

Tsunade stopped. "The supply convoys to our Konoha base often pass through here. There are many Hidden Cloud outposts nearby. We'll head north until we reach where Shitō Akimichi's squad disappeared."

Outposts were fixed small bases.

Usually staffed by three to ten ninja, they were well-hidden.

They'd monitor the area and provide support if there was a fight.

Konoha would eliminate them; Hidden Cloud would set them up.

This had been the norm for over two years.

In some areas, it was the opposite—Hidden Cloud would clear out Konoha's outposts.

Konoha, being wealthier, used more sealing and barrier techniques, making their outposts stronger and more durable.

"Kabuto, scout ahead," Tsunade ordered. "Natsume and Shizune, protect him."

None of the three were specialized scouts, but Kabuto knew quite a few scouting jutsu—thanks to Tsunade, at Natsume's suggestion.

In the original story, Kabuto was an excellent spy, skilled at stealth and reconnaissance.

He wasn't as good as the Hyuga clan's Byakugan, but good enough.

Tsunade wouldn't let him scout alone—it was for Kabuto's training. She'd scout herself too, to make sure nothing slipped by.

"Three o'clock ahead, four chakra signatures, not moving," Kabuto reported after a moment, opening his eyes.

His sensing jutsu required him to close his eyes to focus—risky, but detailed.

Natsume nodded, taking the lead.

Soon, he spotted an outpost.

It looked like a small fortress.

Ordinary ninja would have a tough time taking it out.

"Kabuto, help mask my chakra," Natsume said, then began forming hand seals.

Kabuto's main focus was medical ninjutsu, but he'd picked up a bit of everything—a true all-rounder.

He quickly set up a temporary barrier. It would only last three seconds, but that was enough.

Water Style: Great Waterfall Jutsu!

An A-rank water technique.

Even most chunin couldn't use it, let alone genin.

But with his various boosts, Natsume's chakra was already at jonin level.

A huge surge of chakra gathered in his throat, then turned into a waterfall, engulfing the outpost.

…

A Hidden Cloud ninja on duty snapped to attention.

What the hell was that noise?

He turned, and his hair stood on end.

"Enem—!"

He didn't finish—he was drowned.

He was just a chunin, so he didn't put up much of a fight before succumbing.

The waterfall crashed over the outpost.

It was sturdy, but not airtight.

Water rushed in.

The three other Cloud ninja inside, startled awake, panicked and tried to run.

Natsume was waiting for them.

As soon as they appeared, the trees on both sides shot out thick vines.

What the—? The trees are alive? And attacking?

The Cloud ninja were completely unprepared and were quickly immobilized.

Natsume returned the trees to normal.

"Well done," Tsunade appeared at his side. She checked his expression to make sure he was fine, then breathed a sigh of relief.

"Kabuto, collect anything useful—if you find intel, give it to me," she said, turning to the dead Cloud ninja.

Kabuto immediately began searching the outpost.

"I'll go too," Natsume volunteered, feeling Tsunade was being too partial to him—a bit awkward in front of the others.

Tsunade was surprised, then smiled.

Natsume was different for her.

It was inevitable that she'd favor him unconsciously.

But this kid was really thoughtful.

After searching, they found nothing valuable.

The four continued on.

…

Meanwhile, at the Hidden Cloud main camp—

Tsunade and Hiashi's participation in the war hadn't gone unnoticed. They weren't even trying to hide it.

The Fourth Raikage looked at the intel in front of him and sighed, "Konoha really is blessed."

Even after the Nine-Tails incident and the death of a Hokage, their strength hadn't diminished much.

Ridiculous.

Hidden Cloud had been building up its strength.

The Third Raikage even sacrificed himself against ten thousand enemies to preserve their forces.

Yet Konoha, with all its weird tricks, managed to stay even with them.

No wonder the Fourth Raikage felt this way.

"If we keep fighting, we may have to send out our jinchuriki to stand a chance," said Dodai, a trusted one-eyed jonin.

"No need. We've fought long enough. Time to let our geniuses grow—C, Yugito, Darui, Mabui—they're all in their teens. In a few years, they'll be the pillars of Hidden Cloud," the Fourth Raikage said.

But how to stop the war was another question.

If they asked for peace, it would look weak and encourage Konoha to push harder.

The Fourth Raikage fell silent, deep in thought.

Chapter 41: Truly the Last Time

In three days, the four eliminated five outposts.

The mission went smoothly—they took out 27 Cloud ninja, mostly genin and chunin, with only two jonin.

For a first-time team, this was an amazing result.

Night fell.

No lights.

The four huddled in sleeping bags, but none were asleep.

They were baiting the enemy.

Earlier at dusk, Tsunade had noticed they were being tracked, but the pursuers were skilled and hadn't been found.

After three days of activity in the area, even the dumbest Cloud ninja would notice.

No one was surprised they'd been tracked.

On the contrary, Tsunade was confident enough to let the enemy try an ambush.

Natsume glanced at Kabuto and Shizune nearby.

They were all in a large tent, but each in a separate corner.

He moved over to Tsunade's side.

"What is it?" Tsunade asked, opening her eyes.

"Nothing," Natsume whispered. "I just want to be close to you, sis."

He leaned against her shoulder, cheeks touching.

Tsunade was startled, then glanced at Kabuto and Shizune. "They'll notice."

"They're pretending to sleep. As long as we're quiet, it's fine," Natsume replied, snuggling closer.

Tsunade sighed, helpless but didn't stop him, quietly enjoying the peace.

She stayed alert—watching for both enemies and for Kabuto or Shizune catching on.

Wait! She was supposed to keep her distance from Natsume—how had it come to this?

Tsunade, how could you be so weak?

He was just a kid, not understanding—yet she was going along with his mischief.

Tsunade gazed at Natsume's delicate face in the moonlight, unwilling to push him away.

Fine, this would really be the last time.

Next time, she wouldn't let them get so close.

Otherwise, what would happen in the future?

Natsume would eventually grow up, get married, start his own life.

And she was just his guardian, his big sister.

On a whim, Tsunade reached out and stroked Natsume's cheek.

If it's the last time, could she be a bit reckless?

Just then, lightning flashed in the sky.

Tsunade's face darkened.

Natsume immediately got up and formed hand seals.

Water Style: Water Formation Wall!

Chakra poured into the ground and a water wall rose up.

Lightning struck, illuminating the area and blasting through the wall.

"Careful," Natsume called as he retreated.

The wall didn't last a second, but it was enough for them to react.

Kabuto tossed a smoke bomb, hiding their positions.

The next moment, Tsunade dashed out.

In the moonlight, Natsume saw she looked furious.

He was confused, not sure why.

"There are eight enemies. Two have unusually strong chakra—probably jonin," Kabuto reported after scanning.

"Looks like Cloud still doesn't know Lady Tsunade's real identity," Shizune said, preparing a hidden weapon. "Otherwise, they'd send more."

She'd barely finished when a huge explosion sounded outside.

Those who knew Tsunade recognized it—her super strength.

"Our teacher's engaged them," Kabuto said, chakra scalpels glowing on his hands. "She seems extra irritable tonight."

Natsume just raised an eyebrow and rushed outside.

Not far away, Tsunade was fighting two jonin at once—and winning.

The other six formed a perimeter.

The smoke bomb blocked their view, but not their actions.

As soon as Natsume appeared, they launched their jutsu.

Lightning crackled, spreading fast.

Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet!

Natsume summoned a water dragon, which clashed with the lightning and scattered.

Shizune raised her arm, firing poisoned needles in the dark.

With Natsume in front, no one noticed her move.

A scream rang out seconds later.

The poison hit its mark.

One Cloud ninja collapsed instantly—the toxin was that fast.

As the saying goes, antidote masters are often poison masters.

Tsunade was no exception.

Her poisons were rarely countered.

"Careful, these aren't ordinary genin!" the remaining Cloud ninja warned.

All ninja carried antidote pills, but the fallen one hadn't even had time to use his.

The smoke slowly cleared.

Kabuto tossed another black ball—just like the earlier smoke bomb.

But this time, it was an explosive tag.

Boom!

Flames lit up the night.

"Despicable bastard!" a Cloud ninja screamed, drowned out by the blast.

Kabuto didn't care—he vanished into the chaos.

With the formation broken, he appeared behind another ninja.

His chakra scalpel—a medical tool for healing—became a deadly weapon in his hands.

It was more precise than most ninja techniques.

A life was snuffed out in an instant.

Natsume wasn't idle.

Water Style: Water Barrage!

He fired streams of water like bullets, suppressing the Cloud ninja.

Shizune used the openings to throw more poisoned needles.

If they dodged everything, Kabuto would finish the job.

This was the teamwork they'd developed—their signature style.

In just a few minutes, all six Cloud ninja were dead.

Mainly because they were weak—none were jonin.

Meanwhile, the two Cloud jonin were struggling.

Each of the five great villages had its own special techniques.

Cloud specialized in taijutsu.

Especially the Raikage's Lightning Release Armor, famed across the ninja world.

The Fourth Raikage was almost as fast as Minato Namikaze, able to dodge Sasuke's Amaterasu—second fastest in the world.

These two jonin weren't as strong as the Fourth Raikage, but they weren't weak.

Their speed and strength, boosted by taijutsu, would overwhelm most jonin.

But they were up against Tsunade.

She was just as fast, but far stronger.

Her blows kept coming—they could only dodge, never counterattack.

Tsunade was in a foul mood—their ambush had ruined her moment.

She clenched her fist, gathering massive chakra.

She weaved between their attacks, then struck one in the stomach.

He was torn open by the force.

Blood spurted everywhere.

"What?!" the surviving Cloud ninja was shocked.

She could be even faster and stronger?

But Tsunade didn't hesitate—her second punch ended him.

No matter how tough, no one could withstand her when she was angry.

Natsume arrived to see the aftermath—he was stunned.

As expected of Tsunade.

Not just a medical ninja—her taijutsu was terrifying.

Tsunade, calming down, looked around and realized she'd gone a bit overboard.

Then she saw Natsume and panicked—would he think she was a brute?

She instinctively wiped her hands, but there was too much blood on her clothes for it to matter.

"Sis, the battle's over," Natsume said, coming over. "Now's a good time to wash up and change."

His tone was calm.

Tsunade relaxed and nodded. "Let's get moving."

Chapter 42: Beauty in the Moonlight

In his previous life, Natsume liked scavenging in games.

Collecting loot was similar.

But now he was rich—he didn't care for these poor Cloud ninja's belongings.

And the two jonin had been beaten into unrecognizable bloody messes by Tsunade—not a pretty sight.

Kabuto, though, was unfazed, collecting anything useful.

Natsume sighed. At this rate, Kabuto really was the ultimate support.

Tsunade waited a bit, frowning—she felt extremely uncomfortable, the smell of blood on her.

This wasn't just about cleanliness—no one could stand it.

She glanced at Kabuto and Shizune, then at Natsume.

"Come here."

"Hmm?"

Natsume had no desire to loot dead bodies—he ran over when called.

"We passed a river this afternoon. Come with me and keep watch," Tsunade said, pinching his chin with a smile. "Can I trust you?"

"Of course!" Natsume patted his chest. "I won't let anyone near!"

Tsunade was startled.

She'd actually meant don't peep.

But seeing Natsume's clear, sincere eyes, she felt guilty.

He was a good kid—not like other men, unable to control themselves.

The river wasn't big, but long.

Tsunade found a spot where it formed a waterfall.

Natsume sat on a large rock nearby.

The moonlight was beautiful.

From a distance, Tsunade thought he looked like some legendary elf—almost unreal.

With her strength, she could sense if someone tried to peep.

She really did trust Natsume.

Tsunade reached out her hand—oddly shy, her cheeks flushed, heart pounding.

She didn't know if she wanted Natsume to sneak a peek or not.

Under the cold moonlight.

Tsunade's small, delicate bare feet stepped into the water. She walked slowly to the center and finally slipped her flawless body underwater.

Her beautiful eyes glimmered as she looked at Natsume's back, feeling a pang of disappointment.

Tsunade scooped up water and let it trickle down her body.

The scene was as beautiful as the moon above.

But there was no one to appreciate it.

Natsume looked into the distance, silently reciting a meditation mantra.

With a clear mind, nothing could shake him.

Who could withstand a test like this?

It was like two little voices were fighting in his head.

To look, or not to look—that was the question.

But in the end, Natsume didn't peek.

First, Tsunade would know.

Second, it could backfire.

Tsunade trusted him because she thought he was a pure-hearted boy.

He couldn't ruin that.

Before long, Tsunade came ashore, changed clothes, and approached barefoot.

"Well done. Sis wants to reward you—what do you want?" she asked gently. "Anything at all."

What was this? Another test?

Was he that kind of person?

Natsume tilted his head and replied obediently, "This is just what I should do. No reward needed."

Retreating to advance.

Tsunade felt he was even more mature.

She bent down and kissed his forehead.

Soft and warm.

Natsume instinctively looked up—and was rewarded with a view even whiter than moonlight.

Water trickled down the hills.

With Tsunade's gesture and expression, it tugged at his heartstrings.

He fell for her even more.

His dream was clearer than ever.

"Alright, let's go back."

Tsunade patted his head, then sat on the rock he'd just used, raising her long legs to put on her shoes.

"I'll help," Natsume offered.

"Okay," Tsunade agreed without suspicion.

He hadn't peeked, so he'd fully earned her trust.

Besides, it was hard for her to put on shoes sitting down.

As his guardian, she could enjoy a bit of pampering.

Natsume knelt and put her shoes on, resisting his racing heart.

"All done."

Tsunade jumped up and down in front of him. "Not bad!"

They returned to their temporary camp.

Not a Cloud outpost, but a hidden spot they'd found.

Kabuto and Shizune had finished cleaning up and were waiting.

"Teacher, here's some intel."

"Oh?" Tsunade let go of Natsume's hand, scanned the report.

Cloud's recent movements were unusual—they were clearing out Konoha's outposts in force.

"Planning a decisive battle? Doesn't seem like it," Tsunade mused.

The Fourth Raikage alone couldn't manage a full-scale battle—unless he brought the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki.

It seemed more like they wanted a victory before negotiating.

"We'll reach Shitō Akimichi's last known location tomorrow. If no one's there, we'll return immediately," Tsunade decided.

Konoha had Uchiha Fugaku and Hyuga Hiashi holding the line—things would be fine for now.

"Rest up," Tsunade said. "We might have a tough fight tomorrow, so everyone get some sleep. I'll take the first watch."

"Yes," Kabuto and Shizune returned to their tents.

"You too," Tsunade told Natsume gently. "You're young—you need your rest."

"No," Natsume shook his head. "It's boring for you to keep watch alone. I'll stay with you."

"No!" Tsunade's tone turned stern. "Listen to your sister—go sleep now, or I'll get mad and spank you."

"Let's compromise," Natsume said quickly, grabbing his sleeping bag. "You keep watch, I'll sleep beside you."

Tsunade laughed. "Alright, you win with that clever little head of yours."

She agreed because she found the idea nice.

Natsume, exhausted from the night's battle, fell asleep quickly.

Tsunade gazed at his face in the moonlight.

A flutter of affection stirred her heart—like a cat's paw brushing inside her chest.

She couldn't help but lean down and steal a kiss on his cheek.

…

The next morning—

The four set out again.

An hour later, they reached their destination.

Not a grove, but a valley.

Kabuto closed his eyes and used his sensory jutsu.

"There's no one. Wait—a person on the north side of the valley, barely alive."