Adopted by Tsunade [67-68] (Patreon)

Chapter 67: I Will Launch in Gundam Form

"Karin, don't move."

Natsume placed his hand on her abdomen, channeling chakra inside.

A moment later, he nodded.

As expected of the Uzumaki clan—her chakra reserves were far greater than others her age.

From the original story, Karin had notable talent.

Without any guidance, she could use Kagura's Mind's Eye and Adamantine Sealing Chains.

Honestly, following Sasuke was incredibly unlucky for her.

Natsume recalled that Karin could even use Sage Mode.

In other words, she was a versatile ninja.

She could scout, heal, and use sealing techniques.

With proper training, she'd easily become an elite Jonin.

After explaining, Natsume let Karin sit down to begin chakra refinement.

He nodded approvingly and turned to open Uzumaki Hinae's room to check on her.

She was practicing the Yin Seal, completely naked—her bare breasts, exposed nipples, naked waist, hips, unshaven pink slit, and toned legs all visible in detail.

The view was captivating, delighting him.

Today was supposed to be the second round of the Chunin Exams.

But Sasuke's disappearance forced a delay.

So far, Orochimaru and Danzo Shimura had made no big moves.

It was Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Shisui who hadn't rested, searching everywhere.

Natsume entered the room.

Looking down, he could see the soft pink of Hinae's lips and the delicate expanse of her fair skin, glowing faintly in the cool air. Her shoulders were bare, rising and falling with each breath, and perhaps from the cold, her body was tense, shoulders trembling slightly.

Natsume's eyes flickered. He reached out, wrapping his arms around her slender, exposed waist, feeling the smoothness of her skin beneath his touch. As he pulled her close, he was surprised by the warmth radiating from her bare form.

Hinae opened her eyes, her cheeks flushed a deep rose, but she didn't resist. She looked at him with gentle eyes, arms instinctively crossing over her chest in a gesture of modesty.

After a moment, Natsume patted her head.

 "It's cold—put on some clothes," he murmured, his voice soft.

He stepped back but didn't leave, his eyes lingering for a moment as she hesitated, then reached for her clothes. Hinae, meeting his gaze, let the fabric slip over her shoulders and back, shrouding her in warmth again.

She glanced down at her feet.

 "Can I skip the socks?"

Natsume stroked his chin in playful consideration. Hinae, with a quiet smile, slipped the socks from her feet, revealing flawless legs and perfectly arched bare feet that pressed onto the cool wooden floor.

Each toe was round and pink, like crescent almonds.

By comparison, Tsunade's were a bit chubby.

But both were perfect in their own ways.

"Brother, I did it!"

Karin's voice startled the two.

Natsume didn't react much.

But Hinae turned red as a boiled lobster.

Natsume raised an eyebrow—he seemed to have discovered an interesting new way to tease.

He opened the door.

Karin was elated. "I can refine chakra now!"

"Not bad."

Natsume patted her red hair. "You really do have talent—keep it up."

"I will!" Karin clenched her fists. "Anyone who bullies you, I'll punch them to death!"

Natsume pinched her cheek, then looked at Hinae. "Watch her. I have to step out."

The Fate Ring told him Orochimaru was making his move, inviting Itachi to the Forest of Death.

He left at once, moving fast.

After leaving Konoha, he used the Transformation Jutsu, taking on the face he'd used in previous dealings with Orochimaru.

This time, he went in person.

The reason was simple.

Strength.

Now, he could temporarily exchange for a Sage Body—basically, get a Hashirama Experience Card.

He wasn't afraid of Orochimaru, or of having his identity exposed.

People change fast.

Natsume knew Orochimaru had always suspected him.

After all, he'd always used Wood Clones for meetings and trades, keeping his real self hidden.

It was hard to believe that was the work of a powerful ninja.

But now, he'd show them.

…

Forest of Death

Orochimaru hadn't waited long before Itachi arrived.

"Sensei."

Though they'd already broken ties privately, Itachi remained polite.

Orochimaru's status was just too high.

If he caused trouble, the rift between the Uchiha and Konoha would only widen.

"You've seen Yugao's Cursed Seal form. Now that you're in the Chunin Exams, I've prepared one for you too. It can greatly boost your power."

Orochimaru licked his lips, eyeing Itachi's neck as if he'd bite him the next moment.

"Sorry, I refuse."

Itachi didn't hesitate. "The Chunin Exams aren't a challenge for me. I don't need a cursed seal."

"You may not need it now. But you will."

Orochimaru wasn't surprised. "Yugao got the Earth Seal, but you'll get the Heaven Seal. Even a genius like you will benefit greatly."

"Sorry, I refuse."

Itachi's answer was firm.

Having seen Orochimaru control Yugao with the seal, he'd never let himself be a pawn.

What's the point of more power if you lose control of your body?

Yugao had no power or status, so she couldn't refuse Orochimaru.

But he was the Uchiha clan leader's son.

"A shame."

Orochimaru's smile turned sly. "Then I'll give the Heaven Seal to Sasuke."

"What did you say?! Where is Sasuke?!"

Itachi's calm shattered. His Sharingan flared, three tomoe spinning.

The Police Force, ANBU, and Root had searched all night with no leads.

Now, thinking back, it was obvious—there was a traitor.

Orochimaru ignored his killing intent. "If you care so much for Sasuke, why not take the Heaven Seal for him?"

The Heaven Seal boosted power, but also made someone Orochimaru's vessel.

Itachi hesitated.

"Don't listen to him!"

Shisui's voice rang out as he stepped between Itachi and Orochimaru.

Orochimaru wasn't surprised—he'd noticed Shisui's presence earlier.

"Oh? Don't you want to see Sasuke again?"

Orochimaru grinned maliciously. "He's your little brother, after all."

Itachi's killing intent surged again—Orochimaru had hit his limit.

"Let me handle this, Itachi."

Shisui patted his shoulder and stepped forward. "Orochimaru, you've seriously broken Konoha's rules. Aren't you afraid of the Hokage's punishment?"

"Fool."

Orochimaru sneered. "You're a Uchiha, but you believe in the Will of Fire? You're dragging your clan into the abyss."

"Impossible! The Hokage would never allow it!"

Shisui's anger showed.

If they couldn't talk it out, there was only one way.

Kotoamatsukami.

Shisui had two Kotoamatsukami—one permanent with a decades-long cooldown, and one temporary with a short cooldown but lost control if interrupted.

He planned to save the permanent one for Fugaku, so Orochimaru would get the temporary version.

All he needed was to save Sasuke.

"What are you doing here? Don't you know the Chunin Exams are postponed?"

Danzo Shimura appeared, eight Root Jonin behind him.

"Danzo, this doesn't concern you."

Orochimaru was cold. "Take your Root and leave."

"This is the exam site. As the supervisor, I can't let you cause trouble."

Danzo stepped between them, turning to Shisui. "What's going on?"

Shisui hesitated. He didn't know Danzo well.

In the original, he'd have trusted him.

But after Orochimaru, he only trusted Hiruzen Sarutobi.

While he thought, Danzo unwrapped his bandaged right arm.

Everyone thought it was crippled.

Only he and Orochimaru knew it had been restored with Hashirama cells and could use Wood Release.

Wood Release: Giant Spear Tree!

Danzo's right arm produced a giant tree, branches turning into spears and attacking Shisui.

Information is life.

With the element of surprise, Shisui couldn't dodge completely.

But Danzo made a fatal mistake.

In the original, Shisui self-destructed his eye with Kotoamatsukami; thus, Danzo aimed for his eye.

Now, unaware of the Mangekyo, Danzo aimed to kill.

"Shisui!"

Itachi's face twisted in pain and despair, his Sharingan flickering.

But he didn't awaken the Mangekyo—he was too young, lacking the physical foundation.

Just as Danzo was overjoyed, a massive green skeletal giant erupted skyward.

Its terrifying power shook everyone.

Susanoo!

I will launch in Gundam form.

Not far off, Jiraiya jumped up.

Such evil!

Even from this distance, he could feel the cold, terrifying aura.

Definitely not normal.

And Shisui's eyes weren't tomoe, but four-bladed shuriken shapes.

Jiraiya remembered the Great Toad Sage's prophecy.

This must be the special eyes foretold.

He was almost certain the prophecy meant Mangekyo Sharingan.

That power was just too terrifying.

He also noticed Danzo's Wood Release.

Recalling Konoha's old Wood Release experiments, he frowned.

But for now, the priority was Shisui.

Whatever his destiny, he couldn't let him leave Konoha.

Elsewhere, Natsume mused at the spectacle.

What a lively scene.

He hadn't expected Jiraiya to show up.

Was the Great Toad's prophecy really this accurate?

To foresee such a major event?

He was curious—what exactly was the prophecy?

Still, with Jiraiya here, there was no problem.

I'm invincible—do as you please.

"Orochimaru!"

Danzo roared, "Why didn't you tell me sooner?!"

If he'd known, he would have aimed straight for the eyes.

Of course, Orochimaru didn't want Danzo getting the Mangekyo.

He just wanted to drag Danzo down with him, to fool Hiruzen together.

If things went south, he'd just run.

But only after getting Shisui's Mangekyo.

Now it was his time to act.

Eight Branches Technique!

With a burst of smoke, a monster no smaller than Susanoo appeared.

Snow-white, with eight heads.

Danzo's eyes widened.

Orochimaru had mastered this forbidden jutsu?

Chapter 68: Acquiring Kotoamatsukami

Susanoo, the third power unlocked only with Mangekyo Sharingan, called the Power of God.

There were several forms, each with varying power.

Shisui used the first form—just the upper body, skeletal, no special weapons, only basic swords or fists.

Still, its defense was excellent—only overwhelmingly powerful attacks could break it.

Shisui, young and injured, was at his limit just using the first form.

He thought it'd be enough—until he saw Eight Branches Technique, easily as big as Susanoo.

Three years ago, in their first clash, Shisui narrowly won.

That time, Orochimaru hadn't used Eight Branches Technique—maybe he hadn't learned it, or didn't want to fight.

That gave Shisui the upper hand with Susanoo and genjutsu.

But now, a problem.

Such a huge body didn't fear first-form Susanoo.

And with eight heads and eyes, which one should he target?

If each had a separate system, he'd need to use Kotoamatsukami eight times—impossible.

Using it that many times in such a short span would leave him blind.

While he hesitated, Orochimaru attacked.

Eight tails wrapped Susanoo, eight heads lunged at Shisui.

Orochimaru's idea was simple: swallow him, and say he'd digested Shisui.

Danzo or Hiruzen wouldn't dare cut open his belly to check, right?

A thunderous crash.

Shisui, protected by Susanoo, withstood the attack, but the force shook him.

A few more hits and he'd be finished.

He had Susanoo grab four tails in each hand, prying them apart.

But Orochimaru used the tails to bind Susanoo's arms, resulting in a deadlock.

The eight heads struck again.

Shisui gritted his teeth, unleashing his ocular power.

Susanoo's right hand formed a forty-meter-long sword.

Even if it was just the basic version, that size was overwhelming.

He swept the blade horizontally, covering four heads.

Orochimaru was startled—too fast, too sudden, he couldn't dodge.

Clang!

No heads were cut off.

But the pain was intense.

All eight heads roared, attacking more ferociously.

Meanwhile, Danzo faced off with Itachi.

His eight Root Jonin set up a barrier around them, ready for any surprise from Hiruzen or others.

Danzo thought Itachi would be easy prey, but found him tricky.

Especially since he didn't want to waste any Sharingan on Itachi.

So he used Wood Release to fight.

From afar, Jiraiya was dumbfounded.

Everything he saw today was unexpected.

Shisui's Mangekyo.

Orochimaru's Eight Branches Technique.

Danzo's Wood Release.

He didn't know what to do.

After some thought, Jiraiya decided to stop the fight and save Shisui, then observe if he fit the prophecy.

He knew if this went on, it would become a war between Konoha and the Uchiha.

Jiraiya bit his thumb, pressed it to the ground, and summoned Fukasaku and Shima.

Such a crisis demanded Sage Mode.

His own Sage Mode didn't last, so he summoned the two elders for help.

"Jiraiya-boy…"

Fukasaku started to speak, but was immediately drawn to the battle—specifically, Shisui.

Those Mangekyo eyes radiated an evil aura.

"Are those the special eyes the Great Toad mentioned?"

"Maybe—but I'm not sure," Jiraiya replied, entering Sage Mode.

"I have to stop them. If Shisui dies, I can't investigate further. Please help me."

"No problem."

The two Sages leapt onto Jiraiya's shoulders.

Fusion!

Jiraiya took a deep breath, then entered the fray. "Stop!"

Orochimaru ignored him.

But Danzo and Itachi paused.

Danzo was annoyed by Jiraiya's appearance.

Itachi saw hope.

He knew if this continued, Shisui would have to use Kotoamatsukami.

But whether it would work on all eight of Orochimaru's heads was unknown.

Plus, there was Danzo and eight Root Jonin.

They were at a disadvantage.

With Jiraiya, things changed.

Compared to Orochimaru and Danzo, Jiraiya had the best reputation—a paragon of the Will of Fire, representing Hiruzen's line.

Itachi quickly explained, "Jiraiya-sama, Orochimaru and Danzo kidnapped my brother—that's why we fought."

Jiraiya was shocked.

He'd been tracking Shisui and Itachi lately.

He'd heard of Sasuke's disappearance, thinking it was another village's ninja.

"Orochimaru! Stop this!"

Jiraiya shouted.

Hearing him, Shisui paused his Kotoamatsukami attempt.

He'd tried basic genjutsu on one of the snake heads, but it didn't work.

Clearly, each head had a separate mind.

Maybe one was the main head.

But Shisui hadn't found it.

Also, like Itachi, he trusted Jiraiya—his reputation was well known.

And really, he had no choice.

Itachi hadn't awakened the Mangekyo, and Shisui couldn't upgrade Susanoo further.

More importantly, Shisui could never betray Konoha.

Orochimaru still didn't care.

Jiraiya narrowed his eyes and formed hand seals.

Sage Art: Goemon!

Jiraiya used oil, Fukasaku used Wind, Shima used Fire.

The mix produced flames that burned everything.

Orochimaru sensed danger, released Susanoo, and retreated.

His snake form was tough, but not enough to withstand Jiraiya's Sage Art.

After the flames died down, Jiraiya stood before Shisui.

In the middle of Eight Branches Technique, a snake head opened; Orochimaru's upper body emerged, face dark. "Jiraiya, what are you doing? Shisui attacked me—that's treason."

"I didn't! I'd never betray Konoha!" Shisui had dispersed Susanoo, shouting, "You threatened Itachi with Sasuke first!"

Susanoo consumed too much energy.

He didn't have Hashirama cells, and being young, lacked enough chakra and ocular power.

Maintaining it this long was the limit.

But he'd saved enough for Kotoamatsukami—just in case.

After Orochimaru and Danzo's ambush, he only half-trusted Jiraiya.

"This matter should be handled by the Hokage," Jiraiya said.

"It's already been handed to Root," Danzo retorted, citing Hiruzen's earlier order. "Jiraiya, you should help me detain the suspects."

Nice try.

Jiraiya and Orochimaru ignored him.

But now, things were at a standstill.

"What a show."

A slightly amused voice came.

Everyone turned instinctively.

A young man in a tiger mask was holding an unconscious, bloodied Shisui.

It was Natsume.

Shisui's attention had been on Orochimaru, Danzo, and Jiraiya, letting Natsume sneak up on him.

With his temporary Sage Body, Natsume's speed was monstrous—he knocked Shisui out cold.

He'd planned to appear as the leader of a mysterious organization, but realized he could impersonate Obito.

He could shift blame and gain Fate Points.

Would Itachi still want to cooperate with Obito after this?

Same for Orochimaru—he'd probably never join Akatsuki.

"Who are you?!"

"Let go of Shisui!"

Jiraiya and Itachi shouted.

Orochimaru recognized Natsume's voice, but since their dealings were secret, he wouldn't acknowledge him now.

He hadn't expected Natsume to appear and intervene.

But Orochimaru was excited, not worried.

This was Konoha, and with Jiraiya and Danzo, surely the three of them could take him?

Then, they'd know who he really was.

Danzo, though, saw an opportunity.

He vanished and reappeared behind Natsume.

His kunai, infused with Wind Release, stabbed into Natsume's body.

Danzo smiled.

Besides Wood Release, he excelled at Wind Release.

Speed was his forte.

And he figured, might as well try.

If it worked, great.

If not, could this masked man really keep him here?

He doubted it.

With Hashirama cells and Wood Release, few in the ninja world were stronger.

A clone?

Danzo saw no blood, abandoned the kunai, and reached for Shisui's eyes.

Mangekyo Sharingan was most important.

Suddenly, Natsume's Wood Clone transformed into vines, wrapping Danzo.

"Wood Release?!"

Danzo's heart skipped—he instinctively thought of Orochimaru.

"Ahhh! My hand!"

Next, he screamed.

The ground split.

Natsume appeared, chakra blade in hand, slicing off Danzo's right arm.

He'd seen the two Sharingan on that arm.

For Danzo, who could use Izanagi, that meant two lives.

So Natsume sealed the cheat first.

He suspected these eyes belonged to Uchiha Kagami.

Danzo and Natsume shared a teacher, but knowing Danzo's nature, Kagami's eyes could never have been left untouched.

Natsume suddenly had an idea.

After taking Shisui's Kotoamatsukami, he could implant Kagami's eyes.

Let him witness Itachi's massacre and the corruption of Konoha's leadership—would he awaken another Mangekyo?

Two close Mangekyo could fuse into Eternal Mangekyo.

The manga or databooks never said only siblings' eyes would work.

So it was worth a try.

If not, another Mangekyo was still great.

"Give it back!"

Danzo, clutching his severed arm, screamed in rage.

If it were a normal arm, he wouldn't care. But that one, made with Hashirama cells, let him use Izanagi.

The masked man clearly knew this, sealing it away at once.

It had to be Orochimaru!

Danzo's face twisted.

He was the only one who knew, and the masked man used Wood Release.

He instinctively turned, but Orochimaru had vanished.

Was it really him?

"Sorry, Orochimaru, but you can't have him."

Natsume turned to see a giant snake head trying to swallow Shisui.

Orochimaru ignored him.

In Yamata form, even Wood Release was no threat.

Natsume clapped his hands.

Sage Body: life force and physical energy of the Sage of Six Paths.

In simple terms—Yang Release.

Why was Hashirama's Wood Release so OP?

Because he used his life force, with Yang Release.

After exchanging for the temporary Sage Body, Natsume could use many Wood Release jutsu.

Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!

Massive chakra and life force erupted.

The earth split, countless trees bursting forth.

The forest was thrown into chaos.

Eight Branches Technique was instantly trapped by thick vines.

Natsume suddenly remembered Hashirama's line: "Nine-Tails, you're too strong, you must be sealed."

How sly.

The more honest, the more cunning.

The outer barrier collapsed—Danzo, Orochimaru, the Root Jonin—all were bound.

Only Jiraiya barely escaped.

He was stunned.

This was Hashirama's signature jutsu—the one that made him the strongest Hokage.

Now, a mysterious masked man was using it. Surreal.

Orochimaru, after a moment's shock, struggled desperately.

But it was useless.

How could he be so strong?

Orochimaru was relieved he hadn't fallen out with Natsume during their earlier dealings.

He realized he'd lost.

With Jiraiya and the masked man both involved, his plan to capture Shisui had failed.

He had one last card—Edo Tensei.

But normal Edo Tensei couldn't match the real thing.

He quickly gave up. Using it would make him a traitor for sure.

Natsume looked up—shadows were approaching.

He'd made too much noise creating a whole forest.

Jiraiya noticed too.

He gulped and formed hand seals.

Such a powerful enemy had to be stopped.

Sage Art: Goemon!

The flames erupted again.

The forest burned.

Jiraiya felt hope.

But as soon as it burned, the forest regrew, slowing the flames.

Natsume formed another seal.

Wood Release: Hotei Technique!

A giant wooden hand appeared before Jiraiya, slapping him away.

Hiruzen, Tsunade, and others arrived, witnessing the scene.

Sage Mode Jiraiya was swatted aside.

"Is that Wood Release? From the First Hokage?"

"How is this possible?!"

"Even Jiraiya and Orochimaru lost?"

"Who is this guy?"

Everyone was shocked.

Hiruzen's heart stopped.

He never expected to see this jutsu again.

Could it be Hashirama himself?

If he knew who'd stolen his "strongest Hokage" title, would he laugh?

Natsume glanced around and spotted Tsunade.

The grown-up was here—time for the kids to run.

His goal achieved, there was no need to waste more Fate Points.

No need to kill anyone—they were his resources.

Natsume gave a gentle push, making the trees surge, sweeping Orochimaru and the others away, forming a towering wooden wall.

"Attack!"

Hiruzen shouted.

The ninja with him fought their fear and unleashed ninjutsu.

Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu!

Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet!

Wind Style: Vacuum Great Sphere!

Countless jutsu struck the wall.

Those who could respond in time were all Jonin or Chunin.

So much chakra, mixed together, should have been unstoppable.

But the wooden wall remained intact.

"Hokage, he's gone."

Hiashi Hyuga, Byakugan active, was still in shock.

Hiruzen took a deep breath, surveying Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and one-armed Danzo. "Can anyone explain what just happened?"

Thankfully, the masked man hadn't turned against Konoha. Otherwise, there would've been a massacre.

…

A Grove Near Tanzaku Quarters.

Where Hinae usually trained.

Natsume set down the unconscious Shisui.

He planned to have Kabuto harvest the Mangekyo, then implant Kagami's Sharingan.

Eye transplants in the ninja world were as casual as curing a cold—no problem.

But to be safe, Kabuto would add a little extra, to prevent betrayal.

[Your actions have changed Shisui's fate—you gained 99 Fate Points.]

[Your actions have changed Danzo's fate—you gained 99 Fate Points.]

[Your actions have changed Hiruzen's fate—you gained 28 Fate Points.]

[Your actions have changed Orochimaru's fate—you gained 37 Fate Points.]

[Your actions have changed Obito's fate—you gained 27 Fate Points.]

[Your actions have changed Itachi's fate—you gained 16 Fate Points.]

Subtracting the points he spent to exchange for the Sage Body, Natsume was up 276 points.

A huge profit.

But he wouldn't replace Shisui's eyes himself.

Most people couldn't handle it.

Just look at Kakashi.

Natsume had the Fate Ring, so he could transfer the Mangekyo's powers directly to his own eyes.

No rejection, no pain, no wasted time.