Adopted by Tsunade [83-84] (Patreon)

Chapter 83: Is There a Midnight Snack?

"Lord Takashi, you really did come prepared."

Terumi Mei slowly let out a breath.

Although she was only twenty years old, she had been trained as a Mizukage candidate since childhood; her abilities and vision far surpassed her peers.

She just hadn't expected that today's conversation would be led by Natsume.

Not only had she failed to gain the upper hand, but she also found herself quite accepting of the terms—or rather, the temptations—he'd offered.

If things were as Natsume said, these five shipping routes, even if he didn't take care of them, Kirigakure would have to.

Because they held enormous strategic significance.

And this could be a chance to change Kirigakure's traditions.

Once the sea routes opened, not only elite ninja would be needed, but also regular ninja.

In such a situation, a bloody rule seemed highly inappropriate.

Natsume looked at her sparkling eyes and couldn't help but chuckle.

Actually, the sea routes only seemed important right now.

Later on, their role wouldn't be as great.

Even if warships used chakra as shields, they couldn't withstand a Susanoo.

As for the future of Kirigakure, Natsume didn't really care.

He was just tying them to his ship for his own business convenience.

And, incidentally, to gradually take control.

Shipping was just the beginning.

Though only a beginning, it was enough to broaden Terumi Mei's horizons.

She never expected that combining maritime shipping with a shinobi village could have such an effect.

"This isn't something I can decide alone."

Terumi Mei calmed herself and said, "I need to report to Lord Mizukage."

Natsume frowned slightly at her words.

If Yagura wasn't controlled, he would definitely agree.

But Uchiha Obito wouldn't.

He was there to ruin Kirigakure, not develop it.

But Natsume had no reason to stop her.

After thinking it through, he realized that this wasn't a bad thing.

After being rebuffed, Terumi Mei would surely start to doubt Yagura.

If before it was tradition, what about now?

As Mizukage, not working for Kirigakure's good was suspicious.

When the time came, Natsume could guide her a bit more, and she'd find out the truth.

"Lord Takashi, I've learned a lot today; thank you."

Terumi Mei stood up and bowed slightly. "Once Lord Mizukage agrees, I'll come back to discuss the details."

"Alright."

Natsume watched her leave.

To be honest, Terumi Mei was very beautiful, but he didn't really like her hairstyle—it looked like a pine tree.

If he got the chance, he'd want her to switch to long straight hair.

…

That night.

Terumi Mei came again.

She didn't hide her emotions; her expression was grim.

The result was predictable.

"Sorry, Lord Takashi."

Terumi Mei forced a smile. "Lord Mizukage did not agree to your plan."

"Come in and let's talk."

Natsume pointed at the food on the table. "I was just having dinner. If you haven't eaten, join me."

Terumi Mei wasn't in the mood to eat, but she didn't refuse either and sat down.

"What was the reason?"

Natsume handed her a pair of chopsticks and asked.

"There was no reason."

A look of confusion appeared on Terumi Mei's delicate face. "That's what I can't understand."

After reporting the plan to Yagura, she'd been harshly rejected.

No explanation—she was simply thrown out.

Actually, she'd suspected Yagura before.

At first, he'd been fairly normal, but later, for some unknown reason, he'd become increasingly severe—or rather, bloodthirsty.

He even masterminded the destruction of the Kaguya clan, Kirigakure's strongest Kekkei Genkai ninja clan.

In short, since he took office, the village had been in decline, never prospering.

Now, even this great opportunity was rejected.

Terumi Mei was at a complete loss.

"I actually expected this."

Natsume gazed at the beautiful face of the young woman beside him and said, "So you don't need to worry."

"How could I not worry?"

Terumi Mei instinctively gripped her chopsticks. "Lord Mizukage should be the one who cares most about Kirigakure, but instead, he ignores everything."

After all, she was young and passionate.

Combined with today's setback, she lost her composure a bit.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have said this kind of thing to an outsider.

Also, she rather respected Natsume.

"What I mean is, you don't need to worry about Lord Mizukage. Kirigakure can still develop."

Natsume scooted back a bit and took out a permit. "The Daimyo of the Land of Water has already approved me to open new shipping routes."

Terumi Mei glanced at it, her brows slowly knitting together.

She understood Natsume's meaning.

Yagura's rejection could only affect the waters near Kirigakure.

But the farther seas were under the Land of Water's jurisdiction.

Natsume could set up shipping routes all around Kirigakure.

With the support of the Land of Water, he had nothing to fear.

But as for herself, if she helped him, it would mean defying Yagura's orders.

Terumi Mei bit her lip in frustration.

Natsume watched her, suddenly feeling the urge to smooth her lips with his finger.

He picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of fish, and slowly chewed.

"I issue commissions, and you take the missions. That's perfectly reasonable—even Lord Mizukage can't stop it."

Terumi Mei stared at him for a moment, then said, "I'll try to get Elder's support."

The most respected ninja in Kirigakure was Elder Genji.

In the original story, after Yagura's death, Genji temporarily took over as Mizukage, then passed the position to Terumi Mei.

But he wasn't power-hungry; he just wanted to train a successor.

During his tenure, he delegated all authority to Terumi Mei.

When the time was right, it was only natural for her to become Mizukage.

Genji was old.

Terumi Mei normally wouldn't bother him except for important matters.

With Genji's support, she would have the confidence to defy Yagura.

"Let's hope for good news."

Natsume nodded. "Don't look so gloomy—have some food."

"Thank you."

Terumi Mei gradually relaxed, suddenly smiled, and her usually cool face instantly looked more girlish.

"May I ask, Lord Takashi, why do you wear a mask?"

"Oh, that? When I was a child, I was playful and got injured, leaving a scar. I wear the mask so as not to scare others."

Natsume had already thought of an excuse.

"Sorry."

Terumi Mei felt a little embarrassed. "I didn't mean to pry."

"It's fine. It's not a taboo topic."

Natsume changed the subject. "I plan to issue the commissions first, then make a field inspection of the nearby shipping routes. Are you interested in coming along? You could protect me, and I promise the compensation will satisfy you."

"If Elder Genji agrees, I'll naturally ensure your safety."

Terumi Mei curled her lips in a faint smile.

After dinner.

Natsume saw her out, turned back to his room, and felt a bit unsatisfied.

After all, there had been someone else competing for food.

He thought for a moment and used Reverse Summoning to appear in Konoha, then snuck into Uzumaki Hinae's room.

"Don't wake Karin."

Natsume pressed his finger to her lips and whispered.

Uzumaki Hinae nodded.

"You seem nervous?"

 Natsume noticed her body was tense and asked knowingly.

 Uzumaki Hinae rolled her eyes helplessly—he was teasing her again.

 Didn't he know the reason for her nervousness?

 "Be good."

 Natsume gently stroked her soft waist and asked softly, "I'm hungry. Is there a midnight snack?"

 Uzumaki Hinae's cheeks flushed slightly. Her hands trembled as she slowly pulled aside the fabric of her top, exposing her full, soft breast.

Natsume's eyes darkened with desire. He leaned in, his breath hot against her skin. "Mmm, perfect," he murmured, before taking her nipple into his mouth.

Hinae gasped at the sensation. Natsume's tongue swirled around the sensitive bud, teasing it to hardness before he began to suckle in earnest. The gentle pull of his mouth sent shivers down her spine.

"Natsume..." she breathed, her fingers threading through his hair, holding him close.

He responded by sucking more firmly, drawing the sweet milk from her breast. Hinae moaned softly, her body melting into his embrace as he drank deeply of her essence.

The quiet night was now filled with the soft sounds of his suckling and her contented sighs. Natsume's hand caressed her other breast, kneading it gently as he continued to nurse.

Chapter 84: Blossoming Flower of Hope

At dawn, Natsume opened the door and saw Terumi Mei.

"Lord Takashi, Elder Genji has agreed to your plan."

She was slightly out of breath as she spoke, obviously having rushed over as soon as she got the news.

But her expression was relaxed.

It was clear she was very happy.

"That's good. I was worried I'd come away empty-handed."

Natsume smiled. "With people like you in Kirigakure, things are bound to change."

"It's all thanks to you, Lord Takashi."

Terumi Mei looked into his eyes and suddenly wanted to know what his face looked like under the mask.

From his voice, she could tell Natsume was young.

But he was experienced and spoke with sophistication, more like a mature middle-aged man.

The contradiction made her curious.

[Because of your actions, Terumi Mei's fate has changed. You gain 100 Fate Points.]

Why is it maxed out?

 That's not normal.

Is there something else I don't know about?

"Let's go issue the missions."

Natsume said calmly, "Please lead the way."

"No problem."

Terumi Mei walked ahead, suddenly noticing her bangs were a bit messy.

She instinctively straightened her waterfall-like brown hair.

Natsume followed behind, noticing her gesture.

He really wanted to ask who designed that hairstyle.

Soon, the two of them arrived at the mission hall.

"So many?"

Natsume's generosity shocked Terumi Mei.

Not only were many ninja needed, but the rewards were generous.

Just this batch was enough to match Kirigakure's yearly income.

As everyone marveled, someone quickly slipped away to report to the Mizukage's office.

Strength rules all.

Some people couldn't stand Yagura's bloody rule, but others were obsessed with it.

Thus, Kirigakure was roughly split into two factions.

One was the die-hard supporters of the Mizukage.

The other, led by Elder Genji and Terumi Mei, cared more about the village's future.

….

"Lord Mizukage, just now Terumi Mei took the wealthy Takashi from the Land of Water to the mission hall and issued a bunch of commissions, all related to sea shipping."

A Jonin reported respectfully.

"That Terumi Mei, she even dares to defy me."

Yagura's face was displeased. "Looks like Elder Genji has spoiled her too much."

"Lord Mizukage, should we kill her?"

The Jonin's face twisted with hatred.

After years of bloody tradition in Kirigakure, Kekkei Genkai ninja had it especially hard.

Not only ninja, but even ordinary villagers hated them.

Like Haku.

Because his mother awakened Ice Release, his father killed her.

You can see how dire their situation was.

Terumi Mei had both Lava and Boil Release. If Elder Genji hadn't protected her, she'd have died long ago.

The Jonin Eigi became Yagura's supporter because his brother died protecting him from a Uchiha with the Sharingan Kekkei Genkai.

With that as an excuse, he found redemption by slaughtering Kekkei Genkai ninja.

At Eigi's words, Yagura closed his eyes. After a moment, he said, "Leave it to you."

Uchiha Obito had just relayed his order.

She could be killed.

Terumi Mei had a good reputation with Kirigakure ninja.

Her death would only make things more chaotic.

And that's what Obito wanted.

Besides, he was tired of playing with Kirigakure.

All the famous Kekkei Genkai clans had been wiped out by him.

Kisame Hoshigaki and Jūzō Biwa had been tricked into joining Akatsuki.

The only strong ones left were Yagura, Ao, and Terumi Mei.

If they died, Obito could return to Akatsuki and focus on the Uchiha's affairs.

…

Mission Hall.

Because of Natsume's actions, it was bustling.

Ninja, for all their talk of the Will of Fire and such, ultimately did it for money.

Kirigakure's poor environment made everyone poor.

A generous client naturally caused a sensation.

And the missions didn't involve fighting—safety was emphasized.

After all, most people couldn't accept bloody rule.

Otherwise, there wouldn't be so many missing-nin, including the upper echelon Seven Ninja Swordsmen.

Terumi Mei watched the enthusiastic ninja, feeling tempted.

It had been a long time since Kirigakure had seen such excitement.

She saw hope.

And it was all thanks to Natsume.

She felt it was a pity he wasn't a Kirigakure ninja.

With his abilities, he could easily be a Mizukage advisor.

But he was just an ordinary person.

Terumi Mei sighed.

As the future Mizukage, she knew Kirigakure lacked two things most: money and talent.

Natsume had both, just not a suitable identity.

How could she get him to stay and help build Kirigakure?

"Terumi Mei."

Natsume turned and saw her daydreaming, so he called again. "What are you thinking about so seriously?"

"Sorry."

Terumi Mei snapped out of it, her face a little red at being caught.

"Nothing."

Natsume just smiled.

At least he'd enjoyed a nice view.

Terumi Mei might not match Tsunade, but she was far above most women.

And her dress was generous in all the right places.

It reminded him of a certain fan art he'd seen before crossing over.

The only pity was her brown hair blocked his view of her jade-like back.

Natsume composed himself. "For the next few days, I'll have to trouble you to accompany me."

This was the field inspection and protection they'd discussed before, so Terumi Mei agreed without hesitation.

Now, with Elder Genji's backing and Natsume's importance, she could even provide bodyguard services for free.

"Where are we going tomorrow?"

Terumi Mei asked.

"Of the five shipping routes, I'm most concerned about the eastern one."

Natsume thought for a moment. "Let's go to the Land of Whirlpools first."

The Land of Whirlpools was in a prime location.

West was the Land of Fire, east was the Land of Water, north was the Land of Hot Water, south was the Land of Bears.

All shipping routes converged there.

But its current state was complicated.

The powerful Uzumaki clan had founded Uzushiogakure there.

At its peak, it was just under the Five Great Nations.

The Uzumaki were close relatives of the Senju, and their relationship was deep.

But no one expected Uzushiogakure to be destroyed overnight, with only a few survivors.

The original manga didn't say who was responsible.

It only said that, fearing the Uzumaki's sealing techniques, many nations and ninja villages teamed up to attack.

Konoha's role was unclear.

Maybe they were too late to help.

In the end, all they took back was the next Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Kushina Uzumaki, a bunch of sealing jutsu, and the temple storing the Mask of the Shinigami.

…

Night fell.

In the forests outside the great metropolis of the Land of Fire.

The group chasing Kazuma set up camp under cover of darkness.

"Asuma, your turn on watch."

Tsunade woke up in her tent. She hadn't slept well and had been dreaming restlessly.

Sarutobi Asuma nodded, stood up, and looked like he wanted to say something.

"What is it?"

Tsunade glanced at him. "If you have something to say, say it."

"Lady Tsunade, while you were sleeping, you called out a name about ten times."

Asuma asked curiously, "Is this Natsume someone who owes you a lot of money?"

He'd left Konoha in a fit of pique, so after becoming one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, he hadn't returned and didn't know who Natsume was.

Tsunade was stunned, her lips moved as if to explain, but in the end, she said nothing.