Adopted by Tsunade [55-60] (Patreon)

Chapter 55: Miss, Want a Chicken Leg?

Samoya and the others knew they weren't welcome, so they found a remote spot to sit.

The others glanced at them a few times but paid no further attention.

This was the Hidden Konoha, not the Hidden Cloud Village.

Just a few Cloud ninjas—would they dare cause trouble?

Even if they did, look at the ninjas all around; if they made a move, their hands would be chopped off.

Half an hour later, all the guests had arrived, and the birthday banquet officially began.

Before eating, there was Hiashi's speech.

It was the usual "Thank you all for taking the time to come, eat and drink well" kind of thing.

After that, the star of the banquet made her appearance.

Hinata.

She was wearing a kimono today, looking quite cute.

Especially with her shy expression.

But Hiashi frowned.

This timid, hesitant demeanor really infuriated him.

Look at Neji—at three years old, his performance even made Hiashi a bit jealous of Hizashi.

If only he'd been born into the main family—how great that would be.

No, let's have another child.

That thought suddenly popped into Hiashi's mind.

Previously, he hadn't been willing.

Because of the Hyuga clan's rules, the main family could only have one per generation.

For example, he and Hizashi were brothers, but he was the main family, so Hizashi had to be branded with the Caged Bird seal.

If Hiashi gave up on Hinata, it would mean she'd become a branch family member, with a curse seal on her forehead, her fate in someone else's hands.

He hated the Caged Bird, but he was a beneficiary of it, unable to defy the rules, let alone abolish it.

Hinata stammered a couple of sentences, and Hiashi quickly took over, announcing that they could start eating.

Tsunade immediately picked up the sake jug, poured a cup, took a sip, and her eyes lit up.

It really was fine sake.

Because of her debts, the sake she usually drank was cheap stuff.

Later, after Natsume started earning money, he bought better sake.

But the Hyuga clan's stored sake was obviously more precious—who knows how many years it had been aged? The flavor was exceptionally mellow.

Natsume picked up his chopsticks, grabbed a piece of meat, and tossed it into his mouth.

Not bad.

The Hyuga clan was the most traditional ninja clan in the Konoha, maintaining an aristocratic style in everything they did.

Even the food was like that.

Natsume turned his head and saw Tsunade had already downed several cups, so he said, "Don't just drink; eat some food too."

He was worried she'd get drunk and say something crazy, leading to social death.

Tsunade glanced at him and obediently picked up her chopsticks.

But even so, she gradually got tipsy and drank more and more.

When it came to drinking, Natsume couldn't stop her.

Halfway through, the night had grown deep.

Hinata had long since left with her mother, Rinka.

But the guests were still enjoying the lively banquet.

Natsume suddenly narrowed his eyes—the two tables from the Hidden Cloud Village were missing one person: Samoya.

"Shizune, take care of Sensei. I'm going to the bathroom."

He quickly stood up, then paused and grabbed a plate of roasted chicken from the table.

"…?"

Shizune and Yakushi Kabuto exchanged glances, full of confusion.

Going to the bathroom, and you're bringing food? What are you doing?

You're acting weird.

Natsume left the hall, formed hand seals with both hands, and transformed into a Hyuga ninja.

He carefully sneaked toward the inner courtyard.

Sure enough, because of the banquet, security was more lax than usual.

After all, most of the Hyuga clan members were in the hall drinking.

Natsume scanned around but didn't spot Samoya—he must be using some kind of stealth technique.

In that case, find Hinata first.

He'd done his homework before coming and knew the general location.

Once he reached the area, he realized it was a bit hasty—there was a row of buildings.

"Rich folks, huh."

Natsume muttered as he approached the windows of the rooms, planning to check them one by one.

Luckily, his luck was good; in the third room, he spotted Hinata.

He hesitated for a few seconds, then flipped through the window.

This was saving someone, not a crime.

He figured he was fine.

Worried that Hinata might scream instinctively.

After entering, Natsume used the Body Flicker Technique to get in front of her, covered her mouth, and said, "Don't be afraid, it's me."

Hinata's raised heart finally settled, her eyes showing surprise.

Earlier at the birthday banquet, because of her shyness, she'd kept her head down and hadn't dared to look at the guests, so she hadn't noticed Natsume.

Seeing this, Natsume let go and stepped back.

He pulled out a chicken leg and asked with a smile, "Miss, want a chicken leg?"

Hinata's eyes uncontrollably fell on the chicken leg.

She really hadn't eaten her fill.

Or rather, she'd never eaten her fill.

In the Hyuga clan, rules were strict, and eating was just enough to get by.

Natsume found it amusing and shook the chicken leg; Hinata's little head bobbed up and down with it.

Cute, so cute.

It reminded him of teasing a dog in his previous life.

Cough, cough, it's just a metaphor, no other meaning.

"Want to eat it?"

Natsume repeated, asking.

Hinata nodded subconsciously, then quickly shook her head, refusing.

"No means yes."

Natsume declared that no one understood women better than him. He handed her the chicken leg and said, "Eat up."

Hinata subconsciously swallowed, smelling the aroma, looking at the appetizing chicken leg, and finally couldn't resist, taking a bite.

Even at this point, she didn't gobble it down but ate elegantly, in small bites.

However, being watched by Natsume made her obviously embarrassed, her face gradually turning red.

The chicken leg was soon finished.

"Th-thank... you."

Hinata placed the bone aside and said softly.

"Are you full?"

Natsume asked.

Hinata shook her head, then nodded vigorously.

Before this, she'd never sneaked a chicken leg; for her, it was already stimulating enough.

Eating more felt like it didn't align with the Hyuga clan's rules, seeming too rude.

But when she looked up, she saw Natsume pulling out a whole plate of roasted chicken.

Hinata paused, her face showing a bit of panic, and she quickly waved her hands: "I... I really... am full."

"Shh."

Natsume placed a finger on her lips, signaling her to be quiet. "Lying isn't what good kids do. Are you a good kid?"

"I... I..."

Hinata didn't know how to answer.

"It's fine."

Natsume ruffled her hair and said, "In front of me, you don't need to worry about formalities. Just be free and easy."

Hinata looked up, noticing the gentleness in his eyes.

Warning, warning, system overheating.

Her face seemed to steam up, turning bright red.

Natsume quickly let go, looking at this shy princess, and said, "Don't overthink it, eat."

It took Hinata a while to recover without fainting.

She hesitated for a moment but didn't want to waste Natsume's kindness, so she tore off a piece of chicken and ate.

Normally, with her personality and upbringing, she'd never eat chicken with her hands in her life, but breaking the rules felt surprisingly good.

Hinata inexplicably felt happy.

Chapter 56: There Are Always Fine Horses

Hinata, the big eater of the ninja world, could out-eat even the Akimichi clan next door.

After ruling out the possibility that Hiashi or Rinka were playing around too much, there was only one truth.

Her bloodline was purer.

Maybe even atavistic.

The Hyuga clan's ancestors were the Otsutsuki clan, with immense power and terrifying bloodlines.

According to the law of conservation of energy, the purer the bloodline, the harder it is to develop.

Hunger was undoubtedly a signal from the body—it needed energy.

As the saying goes, fine horses are common, but a good judge of talent is rare.

No one understood Hinata's situation, plus her introverted personality, so she'd never eaten her fill.

If you're not full, you lack strength.

Her potential couldn't be unleashed.

In Hiashi's eyes, she was worthless, her talent far inferior to Neji's.

As the heir to the main family, this was unacceptable.

Pretty pitiful.

Natsume glanced at her oil-smeared mouth, pulled out a tissue, handed it to her, and said, "Wipe it off."

Hinata nodded embarrassedly.

It was her first time losing composure.

Especially in front of an outsider, acting so rudely—eating chicken with her hands instead of chopsticks.

After wiping her mouth, Hinata wiped her hands, removing the oil.

"Are you full?"

Natsume asked again.

Hinata hesitated for two seconds, remembering what he'd said earlier—that she could be free in front of him, no need to lie.

"No."

She nodded. Though honest, admitting her appetite made her extremely embarrassed.

As expected.

Natsume felt a bit apologetic and said, "I don't have more food right now. I'll bring you some later."

He'd only taken one plate of roasted chicken when he left.

But he didn't dare leave, afraid Samoya would show up and kidnap the little girl.

If because of his butterfly effect, Hiashi didn't stop it, that would be ridiculous.

Hinata nodded obediently.

But a moment later, she suddenly realized the issue.

Why was Natsume here?

And it seemed like he'd sneaked in.

"You... are you... here specifically... to bring me food?"

Hinata lowered her head, not daring to look at him, her two fingers poking each other anxiously.

Your reaction time is really long.

Good thing you met me.

Natsume thought for a moment and said, "I saw a Hidden Cloud ninja acting suspiciously, possibly targeting you, so I came to see you."

"Eh?"

Hinata's eyes widened.

It was a reason she hadn't thought of.

But after the shock came gratitude.

This was already the third time he'd saved her.

She didn't even consider the possibility of lying.

Being stared at with such pure eyes made Natsume feel pressured.

He suddenly understood Tsunade—no wonder she couldn't resist.

"Th-thank... you."

Hinata glanced at him, then quickly looked away.

"You're welcome."

Natsume stroked her smooth hair, then had a sudden idea and summoned a fist-sized slug.

"What's this?"

Hinata looked at the white, soft thing and couldn't help asking.

"My summoning beast. I'll leave it with you for now."

Natsume didn't explain further and said, "Remember to hide."

He turned and went to the door.

The early warning he'd set up had been triggered.

Samoya was nearby.

It wouldn't take more than a few seconds for him to find Hinata.

Natsume flipped out of the room through the window again.

Hinata instinctively wanted to run over, but remembering his words, she hid in the closet.

Originally, she was quite scared.

But now with the slug, her tense emotions eased a lot.

"He's really kind."

Hinata realized the purpose of Natsume leaving the slug.

She placed her hand on her heart, feeling it beat quickly.

Though she didn't know what emotion it was, she knew she was happy.

As the young lady of the Hyuga clan, she'd received many precious and rare gifts tonight.

But in her heart, none compared to that chicken leg.

"Who's there?"

Samoya suddenly turned and saw a somewhat familiar boy.

Natsume looked regretful—his stealth still wasn't perfected.

He'd planned to sneak behind him and give him a kidney shot.

"It's you!"

Samoya's face turned ugly. "Tsunade's disciple, Natsume."

"Am I that famous now?"

Natsume was a bit stunned to have his name called out.

Samoya didn't bother explaining.

He recognized Natsume not because he was famous, but because he'd participated in that battle where the Cloud ninjas were flooded.

Unfortunately, he was one of the flooded ones, but luckily, he survived and saw this kid again.

The next moment, his figure melted into the night, drawing his blade at high speed and slashing at Natsume.

Samoya didn't use ninjutsu.

He still thought he could quickly deal with Natsume and then find Hinata.

But facts proved he was dreaming.

In an instant, Natsume drew the Sword of the Thunder God, infusing it with chakra, revealing its golden blade.

Samoya's eyes widened.

The Sword of the Thunder God cut through his long blade like tofu, and with momentum to spare, aimed to bisect him at the waist.

But his reaction was quick; he slid backward, then flipped to avoid the attack.

Natsume pressed forward, raising and swinging the blade.

Samoya sensed the danger, gritted his teeth, lightning bursting from his body as he dodged the Sword of the Thunder God and ran outward.

He couldn't take down Natsume quickly, which meant failure.

No matter how lax the Hyuga clan was, they'd notice.

"Intruder!"

Natsume shouted directly, giving him a little help.

At the same time, he formed seals at high speed for Water Style: Water Fang Bullet, the spinning water turning into bullets that flew out, slowing Samoya's speed.

The next moment, several shadows appeared, surrounding him.

In the middle was none other than Hiashi.

He glanced at Samoya, then at Natsume, and asked, "What's going on?"

"Why is a ninja from your village attacking me without reason? Are you trying to start another war?"

Samoya, seeing he couldn't escape, played the victim first.

He'd dared to come kidnap Hinata because he was betting the Konoha wouldn't want to fight again.

And that was indeed the case.

But in the original story, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Hiashi's actions were brain-dead.

They actually let Hizashi pay with his life.

Ridiculous.

Had Sarutobi Hiruzen not considered how that would chill the other ninjas' hearts?

Now, because of Natsume's intervention, Samoya hadn't died, and the Hidden Cloud was at fault first, with no excuse.

Next, they just needed to prove it was his fault.

Hiashi naturally didn't believe Samoya. He looked at Natsume, waiting for his explanation.

"I went out to the bathroom and saw him running into the inner courtyard. I got suspicious and followed him, but I didn't expect him to target Miss Hinata, so I stopped him."

After Natsume spoke, Hiashi and the others' anger maxed out, surrounding Samoya with killing intent.

A Cloud ninja versus a disciple of the Sannin.

Who to believe was obvious.

"He's slandering me!"

Samoya shouted.

"Then please explain why you were in the inner courtyard?"

Natsume easily delivered the killing blow.

Samoya immediately stammered.

The inner courtyard was where the women lived.

Why would a normal guest wander there?

"Lord Hyuga, please hand this over to the Hokage to handle, to avoid affecting the peace talks between the villages."

Natsume was afraid Hiashi would kill him in anger.

You're not killing a Cloud ninja—you're killing your own brother.

Hiashi, who was fuming, immediately calmed down. Samoya wasn't an ordinary Cloud ninja; he represented the Hidden Cloud Village now.

He gave Natsume a grateful look and ordered the twelve Cloud ninjas at the banquet to be captured and sent to the Hokage Building.

[Because of your actions, Hizashi's fate has changed. You gain 80 fate points.]

[Because of your actions, Neji's fate has changed. You gain 29 fate points.]

[Because of your actions, Hinata's fate has changed. You gain 69 fate points.]

[Because of your actions, Hiashi's fate has changed. You gain 17 fate points.]

A huge harvest.

Natsume's mood immediately brightened.

One last thing tonight: deliver takeout to Hinata.

Chapter 57: Feeding the Cute Creature Mini-Game

A crisis was averted thanks to Natsume's efforts.

Unfortunately, no one knew.

Hiding merit and fame.

Because of Samoya's actions, Hinata's birthday banquet ended there.

The guests left one after another.

Continuing the party at this point would be tactless.

Only the drunk Tsunade was clueless.

"More sake! Why aren't you all drinking?"

"Shizune-nee, help me take Sensei home."

Natsume sighed, supporting her on one side as they left the Hyuga residence.

Kabuto returned to the orphanage to rest.

Back home, Natsume placed Tsunade on the bed and said, "Shizune-nee, help Sensei change clothes."

He wanted to do it, but to avoid Shizune questioning life, he left it to her.

Natsume returned to his room and communicated with the slug for visual sharing.

He needed to deliver food to Hinata without being seen, or he'd have trouble explaining.

A few seconds later, he linked to the slug's vision.

It was a bit dark.

He scanned around and saw the slug was in the closet.

Hinata hadn't revealed that he'd been there tonight.

Natsume looked out through the closet gap.

What he saw was Rinka hugging Hinata.

The lady's face was full of lingering fear—just a little more, and she might have lost her daughter.

"It probably won't end anytime soon."

Natsume thought as he disconnected the visual share, then went out to the barbecue shop.

"Boss, open up!"

"Who is it? It's the middle of the night."

The boss opened the door grumpily and said, "We're closed. Leave!"

"100,000 ryo."

Natsume held up a finger. "Give me ten portions of barbecue."

"Oh, customer, please come in, come in!"

The boss instantly enthusiastic as if seeing a brother. "Please wait, I'll fire up the grill right away!"

Natsume smiled—money talks best.

An hour later, he left the barbecue shop with ten plastic bags in hand.

"Come again!"

The boss called out with a grin.

Natsume got home, summoned a second slug, and linked to the first one's vision again.

Rinka had left, leaving Hinata alone in the room.

Reverse Summoning Technique!

He vanished from his room.

Summoning Technique is when a ninja summons a summoning beast.

Reverse Summoning is when the summoning beast summons the ninja.

But this jutsu has major limitations; ordinary summoning beasts can't learn it.

Even in the three great holy lands, few can.

However, the Forest slugs are all one entity—the Slug Sage.

It naturally could.

With a puff of smoke.

Natsume appeared in Hinata's room.

She was sitting on the bed edge, her little head nodding off in drowsiness.

She should have been asleep, but because of Natsume's words, she'd been waiting.

"So obedient."

Natsume opened a plastic bag, took out a skewer of barbecue, and held it under Hinata's nose.

He thought she'd wake up startled, but she didn't.

In her sleep, Hinata licked her lips—the aroma was too strong, like it was real.

Saliva glands secreted, and it dripped down, forming strings.

Natsume couldn't help but laugh.

What kind of adorable creature is this?

"Hinata."

After calling a few times, Hinata woke up.

Seeing the barbecue in front of her, she realized it wasn't a dream—it was real.

"Come eat."

Natsume reached out and wiped the saliva from her mouth.

Hinata reacted, immediately steaming up and turning into the steam princess.

Both shy and embarrassed.

For an elegant young lady, being seen drooling in her sleep was too mortifying.

Natsume didn't mind; he quite liked raising a steam princess.

…

While Natsume played the feeding mini-game, the sleeping Sarutobi Hiruzen was woken by an Anbu.

"What did you say?"

The initially groggy Sarutobi Hiruzen instantly woke up.

"Lord Hyuga is escorting Samoya and the other twelve Cloud ninjas to the Hokage Building, waiting for you."

The Anbu ninja repeated.

Sarutobi Hiruzen stared in disbelief.

Capturing the Hidden Cloud delegation—you want to start a war?

Is it because you didn't get merits in the last war and want another?

In those few seconds, Sarutobi Hiruzen's clever brain raced.

But he quickly dismissed the guess.

Play is play, but Hiashi wouldn't joke with war.

Sarutobi Hiruzen changed clothes and rushed to the Hokage office.

He glanced at Samoya and the others, asking, "Hiashi, what happened?"

Hiashi immediately explained.

Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned.

At this critical moment of peace talks, how did this complication arise?

Troublesome.

In that moment, he wasn't thinking of Hinata's safety but the Konoha's peace.

After fighting so long, they couldn't continue; they needed rest and recovery.

But he couldn't ignore the Hyuga clan either.

"Samoya, is this the Hidden Cloud Village's sincerity?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen asked with dissatisfaction.

"This was my momentary lapse; it has nothing to do with the Hidden Cloud Village."

Samoya, knowing he was at fault, took all the blame.

"But you're a Hidden Cloud ninja—how can you escape responsibility?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't believe his nonsense, slamming the table in anger. "Your village must give our Konoha an explanation!"

"For this peace talk, our Hidden Cloud Village is willing to concede and accept the Konoha's conditions. What do you think, Lord Hokage?"

Samoya had discussed with the Fourth Raikage before coming—what to do if caught.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was immediately tempted. Konoha's proposed conditions were excellent, enough to recoup losses handsomely.

He'd thought the Hidden Cloud wouldn't agree, as they'd been haggling for days.

Truly, heaven blesses the Konoha.

Sarutobi Hiruzen cleared his throat and said, "Hiashi, Hinata wasn't hurt, and now the Hidden Cloud has offered compensation, so let's end it here."

Hiashi was full of question marks.

What do you mean since Hinata wasn't hurt, we can end it?

Does it have to be a death to be serious?

In that moment, Hiashi felt disheartened.

He believed the Hyuga clan had been diligent and loyal since following Sarutobi Hiruzen.

But he hadn't expected this treatment.

"As Lord Hokage says."

Hiashi left listlessly.

Sarutobi Hiruzen warned, "Samoya, I don't want to see this happen again."

"Lord Hokage, I won't repeat it."

Samoya kept a low profile. "We'll sign tomorrow and leave immediately."

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded satisfied.

Though it created a rift with Hiashi, exchanging it for such favorable terms was worth it.

He could just take better care of the Hyuga clan later.

With Hiashi's wisdom, he should understand that the Hokage must have a big-picture view and not let one clan affect the entire Konoha's safety.

Chapter 58: Genius Naruto

The peace talks between the Konoha and Hidden Cloud Village, under Sarutobi Hiruzen's personal supervision, ended smoothly with massive war reparations.

The good news spread quickly, known to all.

Sarutobi Hiruzen solidified his title as the strongest Hokage.

Natsume suddenly recalled the original story's Konoha Crush plan, where he fought Orochimaru, and no one helped.

Even Might Guy was stopped by Hatake Kakashi.

Perhaps because in their minds, their Hokage was invincible and couldn't possibly lose.

"Big brother!"

Natsume stopped.

Not far away, Naruto was waving at him.

His face beamed with joy.

But because of his appearance, nearby villagers immediately scattered.

The once lively street instantly cleared.

Natsume thought secretly that in crowded times, he could bring Naruto along.

Naruto's smile froze, and he apologized, "Sorry, big brother."

"Why care about others' opinions?"

Natsume smiled indifferently. "If you care, you lose yourself."

"Big brother always says things that make sense, but sometimes I don't understand."

Naruto's eyes showed some thought, but soon he scratched his head goofily.

"It's fine. Once you start school and read more, you'll understand."

In his previous life, Natsume thought Naruto suffered from not studying properly.

Just tak no jutsu without concrete methods was useless.

Setting aside strength, Naruto's level as Hokage was average.

Diligent, yes, but without wisdom, it was blind busyness.

"The Hokage grandpa said the same."

Naruto's eyes lit up. "He said I can go to school next month."

"School? You're only three—what school?"

After asking, Natsume remembered the original mentioned Naruto failed the graduation exam three times.

In other words, he started school three years early.

Analyzing it, it made sense.

Now he was an orphan, idling at home every day; better to go to school and receive the Will of Fire education.

"The Hokage grandpa said starting early means getting strong early."

Naruto mentioned Sarutobi Hiruzen every other sentence.

Natsume wasn't surprised.

This little fox spotting the old fox's flaws would be the anomaly.

Good, this way, easier to gain fate points.

"School does make you stronger."

Natsume's eyes turned.

Naruto repeated grades not because of poor talent, but because the Nine-Tails inside messed with his chakra control.

Setting aside the Nine-Tails, his talent was terrifying.

Few in the ninja world could match him.

For example, the Rasengan series.

Though many mocked using one Rasengan to the end, normal people couldn't develop so many versions.

The Nine-Tails' interference could be solved with sealing jutsu.

Though it'd temporarily prevent Naruto from communicating with the Nine-Tails, he could use his own chakra freely.

The Uzumaki clan's chakra was naturally abundant.

No Nine-Tails, no big deal.

Besides, it was temporary.

He'd eventually be taught by Jiraiya to use the Nine-Tails.

Natsume wondered, if he helped Naruto become a super genius at school, how would his fate change?

Would he still meet Uchiha Sasuke, Haruno Sakura, and form bonds?

Interesting.

Natsume asked, "Naruto, are you going shopping?"

"Yeah, buying instant ramen. Want to come, big brother?"

Naruto looked up expectantly.

"I have things to do, but you can wait for me at the store."

After parting with him, Natsume headed to the Tanzaku Quarters's Gunma Casino.

He didn't know sealing jutsu, but Uzumaki Hinae did.

And it was Uzumaki clan sealing jutsu, same as the one sealing the Nine-Tails.

Reinforcing it would be simple, with low chance of detection.

But Naruto had Anbu watching from afar.

Not close protection, but distant.

Natsume could use blind spots.

"Brother!"

Same address, but he preferred Karin—cuter and sweeter.

Natsume pinched her cheek. "Where's your mom?"

Karin pointed to a nearby room. "She's inside."

What was she doing in a room in broad daylight?

Natsume approached, pushed the door open, curiously looked, and froze.

 A bare body curve entered his view.

 Red, white.

 This scene felt familiar.

 Natsume stared for a moment, realizing Uzumaki Hinae was probably training the Yin Seal.

But now, with the door open, every detail was clear. Hinae stood in the center of the room, completely naked—her pale skin almost glowing in the light. Her long, red hair spilled loosely down her back, but did nothing to hide the rest of her. Across the soft curves of her breasts, the flat of her stomach, and even along her thighs and hips, black runes were etched like living tattoos, pulsing faintly.

He remembered in the original, releasing the Yin Seal showed such patterns on the face. Didn't expect them elsewhere too. Here, the marks snaked from her collarbone, down between her breasts, circling her navel, and twisting around her waist.

 Her nipples were a flushed pink, rising slightly in the cool air. The runes continued down, dark lines accentuating the smoothness of her lower belly, even tracing the gentle dip between her legs.

Natsume's face heated. He didn't disturb her, lest something go wrong. But naked training like this wasn't good. What if someone else saw? He'd lose out big time.

Natsume closed the door, played with Karin, and waited.

A few minutes later, the door opened.

Uzumaki Hinae saw Natsume, paused, then smiled joyfully.

"Waited long?"

"Not really."

Natsume looked at her smile, feeling happy.

Every time he came, Uzumaki Hinae showed him what gentleness and affection were, like a devoted wife.

"Next time you cultivate the Yin Seal, call me."

Natsume said righteously. "Your state is too dangerous; you need someone watching."

Uzumaki Hinae listened, lowered her head, cheeks flushing, understanding his implication.

But she didn't refuse. "Okay, I got it."

"Can you use the Four Symbols Seal without being detected?"

Natsume got to the point.

Waiting longer, Naruto's side might notice something off.

Uzumaki Hinae pondered, then said, "It's hard."

"If there's already a Four Symbols Seal, just reinforcing it—can you?"

Natsume thought and asked again.

"Yes."

Uzumaki Hinae nodded. "Is there something you need me to do?"

She was quite expectant.

After being cared for by Natsume for nearly three years and learning sealing jutsu, she could finally be useful.

If not, she'd feel like she was being raised into a useless person.

"Yes."

Natsume looked at Karin, stroked her red hair. "Be good at home. Mom and I are going out; we'll be back soon."

"Okay."

Karin nodded obediently.

In front of her brother, she was always the good sister.

Uzumaki Hinae used Transformation Technique to hide her eye-catching red hair, disguising as a Gunma Casino employee.

Under Natsume's direction, she delivered a packed barbecue portion to Naruto as a meeting gift.

During contact, Uzumaki Hinae reinforced the seal.

[Because of your actions, Naruto's fate has changed. You gain 58 fate points.]

[Because of your actions, Haruno Sakura's fate has changed. You gain 99 fate points.]

[Because of your actions, Hatake Kakashi's fate has changed. You gain 99 fate points.]

[Because of your actions, Kurama's fate has changed. You gain 7 fate points.]

Natsume immediately received four notifications.

Beyond his expectations.

Chapter 59: Got a Wife and Forgot the Mom

Naruto and Kurama—that is, the Nine-Tails' fates changed.

Natsume could understand.

But why Haruno Sakura and Hatake Kakashi?

Since those two were affected, what about Uchiha Sasuke?

Natsume pondered and guessed.

If Naruto became a super genius, he'd graduate smoothly without repeating.

Thus, his teammates and teacher might change.

Meaning Haruno Sakura and Hatake Kakashi would miss out on him.

But Uchiha Sasuke didn't.

Truly a millennium-spanning tragic love.

Can't separate you two.

Were Asura and Indra gay?

Cough.

Natsume recalled a saying from his previous life.

If Uchiha Sasuke were a girl, there'd be no room for Haruno Sakura or Hinata.

Naruto happily left with the barbecue.

Natsume and Uzumaki Hinae returned to Tanzaku Quarters.

After lunch, he went to train.

Wood Style, Water Style, plus Earth Style.

Natsume was learning a lot.

If he didn't work hard, how could he get promoted, marry a beautiful rich girl, become the future CEO of the Konoha, and reach life's peak?

At night, he used Reverse Summoning again to sneak—er, no, secretly deliver food to Hinata.

"Guess who?"

Natsume covered Hinata's eyes with his hands, asking in a playful tone.

"I-It's... it's..."

Hinata stammered, unable to say the full name.

And Natsume already felt his palms heating up rapidly.

Next moment, it seemed steam would burst out.

Natsume stopped teasing and took out tonight's supper.

Ichiraku Ramen.

He remembered in the original, Hinata ate over forty bowls in one go, making Akimichi Choji question life.

But she wasn't grown yet, so her appetite shouldn't be that huge; he brought ten bowls.

Hinata saw the ramen, her eyes lighting up uncontrollably, like a squirrel spotting a pine nut.

"Here, chopsticks."

Natsume sat across from her, smiling. "Eat up; it's not good cold."

"Th-thank... you."

Hinata lowered her head and ate.

"Have you gone out lately?"

Natsume worried she'd be bullied by brats again.

Hinata slurped a noodle, swallowed, shook her head. "Father has been teaching me fist techniques; no time."

At that, she shivered.

Hiashi's angry and disappointed expression scared her.

But she couldn't change her personality.

She also felt Hiashi increasing the training intensity, seeming urgent.

Natsume frowned.

Hiashi and Uchiha Fugaku were both tiger dads.

Too strict to make their children strong.

But blind strictness didn't work much.

Hinata's personality was partly due to fearing Hiashi.

Natsume had no short-term solution.

He could only see if feeding Hinata full would change anything.

After all, for a Hyuga, such a big appetite was abnormal.

And unlike the Akimichi fatties, she didn't gain weight.

Natsume could only think it was bloodline-related.

"In a couple days, I'll take you out to play."

"Really?"

Hinata immediately perked up.

Being scolded daily by Hiashi, she felt she'd go crazy if it continued.

Going out for fresh air was good.

And with Natsume, even better.

"When have I lied to you?"

Natsume smiled. "Keep eating."

Hinata nodded.

Half an hour later, all ten bowls were gone.

Natsume subconsciously glanced at her belly—no change, like her stomach was a dimensional pouch.

"Full?"

"Mm."

Hinata nodded hesitantly.

"Not good."

Natsume tapped her forehead with his finger. "Tell the truth, or say how many more bowls you can eat?"

Hinata's face turned bright red; she held up one finger.

"One bowl?"

Natsume raised an eyebrow.

"T-Ten... ten bowls."

Hinata said softly.

"..."

Natsume's mind was left with two words: Admirable!

Good thing he had Gunma Casino and Gunma Bank, or he couldn't afford it.

"Alright, tomorrow night I'll bring twenty bowls."

Natsume said earnestly. "You must eat your fill; no full stomach, no body energy."

Hinata nodded obediently.

"Okay, I won't disturb your sleep."

Natsume stood, took the trash, left her a slug.

Reverse Summoning activated.

He returned to his room and fell asleep.

But he didn't know there was a bad woman lurking outside.

Tsunade.

She couldn't sleep, came to check on Natsume, but found him gone.

Pondering, she summoned a slug, learned the details, and felt sour.

As expected.

Natsume had a new little girl.

Tsunade should be happy, but she couldn't.

She returned to her room, sleepless.

Finally, considering factors, she decided it was time to cut off the overly intimate relationship with Natsume, keeping it to mother-son or master-disciple.

…

The next day.

"Natsume, Rinka said to thank you for your help, she's inviting you to dinner. Hinata will be there too."

Tsunade said nonchalantly.

"Oh?"

Natsume thought, what a coincidence.

He'd planned to invite Hinata out through Rinka anyway.

From active to passive.

"Sure."

Natsume nodded.

Tsunade noticed his mood change and felt a bit sad.

Got a wife and forgot the mom.

She silently repeated: I'm not sad; I should be happy, because I can't accompany him to old age.

"One more thing."

Tsunade changed topics timely. "With you and Kabuto's strength, you're ready for the Chunin Exams, so I signed you up."

Natsume was stunned, a bit unexpected.

But good.

Becoming Chunin raised status and pay.

In the original, Chunin Exams were joint.

The classic one hosted by Konoha, inviting Sand, Rain, Grass, etc.

Of course, villages could hold internal ones.

If the Hokage approved.

Sometimes only a few apply per year.

A joint exam would be wasteful.

Waiting a year or so was unnecessary, so internal it is.

"Since Shizune is already Chunin, you need another teammate."

Tsunade glanced at Shizune, then at him. "Any picks? If not, I'll find one."

"Does Inuzuka Hana have a team? She's my classmate, familiar."

Natsume thought around and could only pick Inuzuka Hana, a side character who might yield fate points.

"I'll ask."

Tsunade nodded.

Natsume was a combat ninja, Kabuto medical—missing a sensor.

…

Meanwhile, at Mount Myoboku.

Jiraiya looked around, his face nostalgic.

Among the Sannin, his ninjutsu talent was the worst.

Tsunade aside, comparisons with Orochimaru always ended in his defeat.

This changed after he accidentally entered Mount Myoboku.

He learned sage arts and sage mode, his power skyrocketing; even Orochimaru might not beat him.

Because of this favor, Jiraiya respected Mount Myoboku, especially the Great Toad Sage.

He followed its words without question.

"Long time no see."

Jiraiya said sentimentally.

After learning of the Child of Prophecy from the Great Toad Sage, he'd been wandering the ninja world, gathering info.

So far, two candidates.

Namikaze Minato and Nagato.

The former was dead, so not.

The latter had the Sage of Six Paths' eyes, great talent—possible.

Pity he wasn't a Konoha ninja.

Chapter 60: All Toads Will Die

Mount Myoboku, Ryuchi Cave, and Shikkotsu Forest are the three great holy lands of summoning beasts.

They existed before Otsutsuki Kaguya arrived in the ninja world.

Origins of the special system: sage arts.

In the original, Mount Myoboku had the most screen time.

Especially the Great Toad Sage, the ancestor of troublemaking.

It taught Otsutsuki Hagoromo, the Sage of Six Paths, sage arts.

And gave the Sage Talisman, saving his brother Otsutsuki Hamura.

The brothers fought Kaguya and sealed her.

Though the Great Toad Sage never fought, its power was unfathomable.

Plus, extremely accurate prophecy.

Jiraiya seeking the Child of Prophecy was at its behest.

In short, a behind-the-scenes mastermind.

Jiraiya walked the path lined with toad statues.

These were ninjas who failed sage mode training.

He almost became one.

Luckily, he was fortunate.

"Little Jiraiya, you're here."

A green toad in a gray robe appeared.

"Shima Boss."

Jiraiya greeted quickly.

"Follow me to see the Great Lord."

Shima Sage didn't say more, turning into the hall.

Jiraiya followed immediately.

Soon, he saw the Great Toad Sage.

Wearing a doctoral hat, orange body, necklace with beads, central gem engraved with "oil."

Huge size.

At least one pot couldn't stew it.

Of course, Jiraiya wouldn't think such blasphemy. He stood below, respectfully calling, "Great Toad Sage."

The Great Toad Sage seemed asleep, no response.

Shima Sage sighed, expected, took a deep breath, and roared, "GREAT LORD!"

Jiraiya instinctively covered his ears.

Why yell so loud?

The Great Toad Sage woke leisurely. "Who comes?"

"Fun playing this every time?"

Shima Sage spat without hesitation.

"Jiraiya."

Jiraiya didn't dare spit, answering honestly.

"Jirai-what?"

"Jiraiya!"

"What-iya?"

"Jiraiya!"

Just as Jiraiya thought the Great Toad Sage was toying with him, it nodded, as if just waking.

"Little Jiraiya, sorry, it's been so long, I almost didn't recognize you."

"It's fine."

What could Jiraiya say? Couldn't curse or fight it.

"Great Toad Sage, you called me—what is it? A new prophecy?"

He respected it for teaching sage arts and mode, and its prophecies were too accurate.

Seeing the future—who isn't a sage?

"I once told you the Child of Prophecy has incredible power, might bring peace or destruction to the ninja world, so you must guide as teacher."

The Great Toad Sage's tone unchanged. "But now, destruction outweighs peace."

"How?"

Jiraiya was shocked. "Great Toad Sage, know why?"

"Don't know."

The Great Toad Sage shook its head. "But speed up finding the Child of Prophecy."

Jiraiya smiled bitterly.

Knowing nothing, how to speed up?

The ninja world is huge; finding the Child is like a needle in a haystack.

"One more prophecy."

The Great Toad Sage opened its squinted eyes, showing rare seriousness. "I dreamed of Mount Myoboku's destruction."

"? ? ?"

Jiraiya and Shima Sage showed shock.

Mount Myoboku's history was ancient, so old they didn't know its origin.

Its location special, not in the ninja world.

Entry only via reverse summoning.

Thus, no matter the chaos, it never affected Mount Myoboku, let alone destruction.

"Great Toad Sage, is destruction what I think?"

Jiraiya asked uneasily.

"All toads will die, including me."

The Great Toad Sage puffed its pipe, smoke rings drifting in the hall.

"Great Lord, impossible?"

Shima Sage was horrified. "Even the Sage of Six Paths might not destroy Mount Myoboku—who has such power?"

"Don't know."

The Great Toad Sage shook its head.

"..."

Shima Sage and Jiraiya were speechless.

You're so good at prophecies, but can't see who kills you?

"But I have a clue."

The Great Toad Sage recalled. "He has special eyes."

"Eyes?"

Jiraiya first thought of bloodline limits.

Like Sharingan and Byakugan.

Or his temporary disciple Nagato's eyes.

But unlikely—those are the Sage of Six Paths' eyes.

"Little Jiraiya, this person is evil; find and kill him early, or Mount Myoboku ceases to exist."

Involving its safety, the Great Toad Sage wasn't calm.

"I understand, Great Toad Sage."

Jiraiya nodded gravely.

Destroying Mount Myoboku—what power?

Even if found, could he kill him?

He didn't know, but he'd complete the task even at the cost of death.

Leaving the hall, Jiraiya felt lost.

Where to start?

He stroked his chin, deciding to check the Konoha.

Not that he distrusted Uchiha or Hyuga, but special eyes—they were famous for it.

Their clans totaled thousands; maybe a bad apple.

Besides, Jiraiya wanted to see Naruto.

Busy with the prophecy, he didn't know how his grand-disciple was.

But with teacher Sarutobi Hiruzen, Jiraiya believed he'd be fine.

As Hokage, he'd treat the hero's son well.

Even as Nine-Tails jinchuriki, at most keep it secret, like Uzumaki Mito and Kushina.

Jiraiya sighed.

Poor kid, orphaned at birth.

"Shima Boss, any toads near Konoha that can reverse summon?"

Jiraiya asked.

"Yes."

Shima Sage nodded. "I'll contact it."

Soon, with smoke, Jiraiya returned to the Konoha.

….

"Boss knows me well."

Jiraiya looked around, realizing he was at Konoha Hot Springs, smiled, and rubbed his hands excitedly.

"First a soak, then find little Naruto. Hehe, beauties, I'm coming!"