Adopted by Tsunade [69-70] (Patreon)

Chapter 69: The Hyuga Heiress Runs Away from Home

"These colored contacts work well."

Natsume glanced at the mirror and deactivated his Mangekyo Sharingan.

If the eyes were transplanted, they'd have to stay activated all the time.

Just like Kakashi Hatake, who constantly drained his chakra and ended up exhausted.

Of course, it's also possible he just rewarded himself too much after reading Icha Icha Paradise.

After spending 50 Fate Points to transfer the Mangekyo Sharingan's powers, Natsume gained a unique ability:

Ocular Power.

Within certain limits, it can grow automatically or be trained.

Overuse, though, leads to vision loss or even blindness.

Usually, you only need chakra unless you're using ocular jutsu or Susanoo.

"Kabuto, I'll leave the rest to you."

Natsume turned to see Kabuto Yakushi fiddling with medical equipment.

"Mm."

Kabuto didn't even look up, but his eyes shone with excitement.

Finally, a chance to practice for real! Not only could he use Hashirama cells, but also his own poisons.

These chances weren't common.

Uchiha Shisui was gravely injured, so Natsume let Kabuto test the Hashirama cells on him.

He still had plenty left.

And even if he ran out, he could always trade with Orochimaru.

After the beating Orochimaru just took, Natsume doubted he'd dare try anything.

If Shisui didn't survive, that was actually a release for him.

As a certain hero of justice would say: drown in your ideals.

Konoha wasn't a place for Shisui.

His ideals were too unrealistic.

But Natsume still hoped he'd live—to serve as his tool.

He trusted Kabuto's skills.

Even though Kabuto never followed Orochimaru, he'd studied with Tsunade long enough.

Natsume didn't waste any more time and headed home.

…

"Where's sensei?"

He glanced around, not seeing Tsunade.

"She went to the Hokage's office," Shizune replied, amazed. "I heard a mysterious powerhouse appeared in the Forest of Death this morning and threatened Konoha, but the Hokage arrived in time with reinforcements and drove him off."

"As expected of the strongest Hokage!"

Natsume gave a thumbs-up. "With the Hokage around, Konoha will always prosper."

Shizune scratched her head.

Natsume sounded sincere, but somehow it felt a bit sarcastic?

Probably just her imagination.

With Tsunade gone, Natsume could only train by himself.

He went upstairs.

On the top floor were some things left by Hashirama and Tobirama Senju.

No forbidden jutsu, of course—those had all been taken by Konoha.

What was left was mostly trivial.

But still worth referencing.

Tobirama, who understood the Uchiha even better than the Uchiha themselves, left behind quite a bit of research on the Sharingan.

If he hadn't, Natsume would've had to figure something else out.

Luckily, he found what he wanted: ways to improve ocular power.

For example, the simplest: using the Sharingan to track fast-moving objects.

Why are the Uchiha so good at throwing ninja tools? This is one reason.

They train for it.

Natsume summarized the notes in one line:

"There's nothing to it—just practice."

It's all about repetitive training to accumulate experience.

It felt similar to training spiritual energy.

After putting the research away, Natsume thought of the Hyuga clan.

They were also ocular power users—surely they had materials too.

He thought it was worth comparing.

Normal Uchiha would never get their hands on Byakugan training methods.

But Natsume had a cute little insider.

He made hand seals and connected to Slug's vision, frowning.

After all this time, he'd figured out Hinata Hyuga's daily routine.

Aside from eating, she just trained.

Very monotonous.

It was nearly dusk—training had just ended, and dinner was soon.

Hinata was in her room, but injured.

Normally, a Hyuga medical ninja would treat her.

But with Hinata's personality, she might just endure without saying anything.

Natsume sighed.

He used Reverse Summoning.

Hinata was startled by the sudden smoke, but quickly realized who it was and put her hands behind her back.

"Natsume-nii…"

Her personality hadn't changed—she bowed her head and greeted him softly.

Her hands hurt, but for some reason, she felt sweet inside.

"Show me your hands."

Natsume looked at her petite body, wondering how anyone could bear to hurt such a cute girl.

"Eh?"

Hinata looked up, confused.

"Your hands."

Natsume squatted down, took her right hand from behind her back, and saw it was covered in bruises.

Feeling the warmth of his touch, Hinata's pale cheeks immediately turned rosy.

Seeing Natsume's expression, she tried to pull her hand back in panic, but couldn't.

"Why not see a medical ninja?"

Natsume frowned slightly.

"I… I was afraid… Father would be disappointed."

Hinata looked like she might faint, but mentioning her father woke her up a bit.

So that was it.

Natsume checked her left hand—also covered in bruises.

Hiashi Hyuga's high expectations had dramatically increased her training.

Only her personality could endure it.

Anyone else would at least complain.

"I'll take you to a skilled medical ninja."

He didn't mean Tsunade, but Nonou Yakushi.

"Out… outside?"

Hinata's eyes widened, conflicted. "Father… forbids me to go out. If he finds out, he'll be angry."

"Then let's make sure he doesn't."

Natsume smiled, unconcerned.

"But…"

Hinata was a good kid by nature, and Hiashi's strictness made her afraid to break the rules.

"What? Don't trust me?"

Natsume tilted his head.

"No, no! I trust you!"

Hinata suddenly spoke fluently, then realized what she said—her heart pounded, her face like a dewy rose.

Natsume made hand seals.

Shadow Clone plus Transformation Jutsu.

A second Hinata appeared.

"She can cover for you. How about it?"

Natsume pointed at the clone, grinning. "Ninjutsu is amazing."

Hinata curiously eyed the clone identical to her, then quietly said, "Sorry to trouble you, Natsume-nii."

If Hiashi heard that, Natsume would be a dead man.

To so easily take away the Hyuga heiress!

Reverse Summoning works only on contract partners.

For Hinata to leave was tricky.

But now, with Mangekyo Sharingan, it wasn't a problem.

Still, his first use of Mangekyo was to help the Hyuga heiress run away from home.

If Uchiha ninja knew, they'd probably evolve their Sharingan out of sheer anger.

Chapter 70: The First Scapegoat Kage—Shimura Danzo

"Climb on."

Natsume turned and crouched before her.

"Huh?"

Hinata didn't get it.

"We need to avoid your clan's guards, so it's best if I carry you."

He paused and smiled. "If you want me to hold you instead, that's fine too."

"N-no need…"

Hinata took a deep breath, stood on tiptoe, and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Natsume supported her and headed out.

Since the Cloud ninja kidnapping, Hyuga security had intensified.

Getting in or out was tough with all the patrols.

Natsume planned to use his Mangekyo Sharingan to exploit their movement to slip through the blind spots.

Hinata was tense and nervous, worried they'd be caught.

She wasn't worried for herself—she was afraid Natsume would get in trouble.

But riding on his back, feeling his warmth, her face flushed and her mind went blank.

She only snapped out of it when Natsume spoke.

Landing safely, Hinata instinctively looked around, her eyes bright.

Having been cooped up so long, even a regular street felt novel.

"Let's go."

Natsume led the way, Hinata following close behind.

He didn't hold her hand, afraid she might faint in public.

Soon, they arrived.

"An orphanage?"

Hinata froze at the sign.

"I meant Nonou Yakushi. She's off work today and didn't go to Konoha Hospital," Natsume explained. "I grew up here too—just call her 'Director' like I do."

Grew up here? So he's an orphan?

Hinata looked up at his gentle smile.

Despite such a sad past, he was always so optimistic around her.

"Natsume-nii!"

"Big brother!"

"I want candy!"

"Candy's boring, I want chips!"

As soon as Natsume entered, he was swarmed by kids.

He always brought them snacks when he visited.

"Don't fight, there's plenty for everyone."

He unsealed a scroll full of treats.

Hinata blinked.

If her gratitude before was just for being saved, now other feelings were stirring.

Natsume-nii really is a good person.

"Natsu—"

Nonou Yakushi came out, saw Hinata at the door, and recognized her instantly from her birthday party.

What's going on? No guards?

Natsume actually managed to bring her out alone?

Nonou's mind raced.

Could the Hyuga want him as a son-in-law? That'd fit their strict, traditional ways.

"Director, could you treat Hinata's hands?"

Natsume quickly asked.

Nonou nodded, giving him a satisfied look.

Good boy.

Unlike Tsunade, her attitude was purely that of a caring elder.

Seeing him with a girl—especially the Hyuga heiress—made her quite happy.

"Hinata-chan, let me see your hands."

Nonou squatted, voice gentle.

The adorable girl made her movements tender.

"Mm."

Hinata rolled up her sleeves, revealing two pale, delicate arms.

"Who did this?"

Nonou frowned.

"It was training with Father."

Hinata spoke normally with others around.

"Training should have limits."

Nonou sighed, her palms glowing green as she healed Hinata's arms; all bruises vanished.

"Thank you, Director!"

Hinata felt the warmth and quickly thanked her.

"What a good child."

Nonou patted her head, reluctant to let go.

Hinata shyly lowered her head.

After sending off the kids, Natsume approached. "Is she alright, Director?"

"Don't you trust me? Such minor injuries are nothing," Nonou smiled. "Alright, you two chat. I have work to do."

She tactfully left them alone.

"I'll show you around."

It'd be a waste not to, since she rarely got out.

Hinata hesitated, then nodded. She really didn't want to go back just yet.

There wasn't much to see near the orphanage.

Natsume didn't dare take Hinata anywhere crowded—if they ran into a Hyuga ninja, he'd be in trouble.

Would he survive being accused of kidnapping the Hyuga heiress?

"Wait a moment."

Natsume used Body Flicker and disappeared.

Hinata panicked, but he was back in a minute with his hands full of dango skewers.

He'd just bought out a whole shop, but it wasn't enough for Hinata.

In the original, dango was why Anko got so chubby.

But Hinata was different—she put on weight in all the right places.

She could eat as much as she wanted.

Natsume looked forward to seeing that.

Ahem.

For science—he wanted to see if eating more would boost her talent.

While the two wandered, the Hokage's office was tense.

…

Shimura Danzo's severed arm had been healed by Tsunade, but it couldn't be regrown.

Besides him, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, and Uchiha Fugaku were present.

All of Konoha's top brass had gathered.

After Jiraiya finished his report, Fugaku looked the worst.

First Sasuke disappeared, now Shisui.

Plus, news that Danzo and Orochimaru attacked Itachi.

It was pushing the Uchiha to their limit.

He finally stood firm:

"Hokage-sama, I want an explanation. Otherwise, I can't calm the Uchiha's anger."

His meaning was clear.

If you do nothing, the Uchiha might revolt.

"What do you mean?"

Danzo, already angry from losing an arm, exploded. "Are you threatening Konoha?!"

"Enough!"

Hiruzen slammed the table. "Haven't you done enough already? Is this really your place to speak?"

"I…"

Danzo shrank back, cowed by Hiruzen's glare.

He knew Hiruzen was truly furious.

"Orochimaru, where's Sasuke?"

Hiruzen turned to the silent Orochimaru.

"I didn't kidnap him—how should I know?" Orochimaru smiled. "Ask Danzo, he was in charge."

"???"

Danzo was speechless.

Passing the blame now?

But, actually… it was his fault.

"Danzo!"

Hiruzen's glare was sharp as a sword.

Given Danzo's past, he believed Orochimaru instantly.

But he also bore responsibility—he just hadn't acted directly.

"This has nothing to do with me," Danzo snapped back. "I always thought the Uchiha staged all this to air their grievances."

"You're spouting nonsense!" Fugaku was furious. "Why would I joke about my own son?"

At that moment, an ANBU flashed in.

"Hokage-sama, Uchiha Sasuke has been found at a waterfall in the Uchiha district. He's unharmed, just exhausted from overtraining."

The office quieted instantly.

"This is a setup!" Fugaku protested.

Danzo's accusation was too much.

He didn't want to be the next Scapegoat Kage.

"Enough!" Hiruzen glared at Danzo.

He sighed deeply, troubled.

"This isn't so simple."

Hiruzen spoke slowly. "Sasuke's disappearance was too coincidental—more likely the work of the mysterious powerhouse, trying to turn the four of us against each other for his gain."

It sounded reasonable, but was full of holes.

Orochimaru and Danzo had no objections—it worked in their favor.

Jiraiya, who'd seen the truth, frowned but stayed silent.

Orochimaru was his teammate and friend.

If found guilty, Orochimaru would be exiled or executed.

Jiraiya couldn't let that happen.

Homura and Koharu, as usual, kept quiet.

Not a single voice of reason?

Fugaku gritted his teeth. "Hokage-sama, Orochimaru and Danzo cannot just be let off with a disagreement."

He knew Danzo was likely behind Sasuke's disappearance, but had no proof.

The evidence actually pointed at them now.

But if there was no resolution, the Uchiha would almost certainly rebel.

Their pride wouldn't allow anything less.

Hiruzen knew this too.

He thought for a moment, then made his decision.

"Shisui's disappearance is largely due to Orochimaru and Danzo. As Konoha's leaders, they failed their duties. From today, they are to stay out of village affairs, and Root will be restructured. Once Shisui is found, they will personally apologize. If anything happens to Shisui, they will be punished accordingly."

"I object!" Danzo immediately protested.

He could tolerate the rest—it was just for show.

But to apologize in person? He'd rather die.

"I am the Hokage!"

Hiruzen's killing intent silenced him.

Danzo tensed, suddenly anxious.

His use of Wood Release was now known.

Hiruzen hadn't punished him yet—he was waiting to settle the Uchiha and the mysterious powerhouse first.

Danzo knew if he pushed again, he'd be in real trouble.

The drama had reached its peak.

Fugaku had nothing more to say.

He knew Hiruzen had gone as far as he could.

After all, he couldn't kill Orochimaru or Danzo.

"We'll leave it to you, Hokage-sama."

Fugaku's voice was low.

Hiruzen secretly breathed a sigh of relief—thank goodness Fugaku was clan head; he was easier to handle.

"Shisui is not just the Uchiha's genius, but a pillar of Konoha. We must find him at all costs. From today, a rescue team of ANBU and the Konoha Police, led by Fugaku, will search."

Hiruzen knew how to handle things.

"I'll join as well," Jiraiya said.

He'd once thought Shisui was the Child of Prophecy.

But now, it was clearly this mysterious powerhouse—with Wood Release and Mangekyo Sharingan.

Such a person, created by his own mistake…

Jiraiya felt deep regret toward the Great Toad Sage.

Instead of solving the problem, he'd made it worse.

"Fine," Hiruzen nodded, then added, "Now, let's discuss the mysterious powerhouse."

But no one knew any details.

They got nowhere and adjourned.

As everyone left, Hiruzen immediately ordered ANBU to summon Uchiha Itachi.

Even Danzo's Wood Release was put aside.

With Shisui missing, Itachi was the only bridge left.

"Itachi, don't let me down."

Hiruzen narrowed his eyes.

Actually, it wouldn't be hard to smooth things over.

He truly didn't know, and the Will of Fire hadn't been tainted.

Just blame Danzo.

With Itachi's faith in the Will of Fire, he'd understand.