Adopted by Tsunade [95-96] (Patreon)

Chapter 95: Tsunade's Determination

"Running pretty fast, huh?" Natsume chuckled softly.

Even in Sage Mode, he couldn't sense Obito anymore. This could only mean he was out of range. The Kamui technique was truly unmatched for escaping.

"Damn it!" Ao suddenly shouted. "Everyone, fall back now!"

Natsume immediately turned to look. Not far away, Isobu was filled with unstable chakra, as if about to explode at any moment. A Tailed Beast self-destruction?

Natsume's expression tightened. That Obito was really causing trouble.

After Ao's command, the other Hidden Mist ninja frantically scattered. Only Genji and Mei Terumi remained still, forming hand seals to try minimizing the damage. But with the power of a Tailed Beast's self-destruction, they likely wouldn't survive.

Natsume didn't hesitate any longer. While Ao's Byakugan couldn't instantly release the genjutsu, his Mangekyo Sharingan could. Previously worried about being detected, now no one was paying attention to him.

Natsume immediately formed hand seals. "Release!"

Yagura's body suddenly jolted as he regained consciousness. Various memories flooded his mind, his face showing complex emotions of shock, shame, and anger, like a revolving lantern.

"Mizukage!" Natsume called out loudly, "Control the chakra inside you immediately!"

Yagura came to his senses, realizing the problem, and quickly formed seals.

"The genjutsu is broken!" Ao shouted excitedly, thinking it was his achievement.

Mei Terumi was slightly startled. How did Natsume notice the control was released before Ao? But now wasn't the time to ponder this - she watched Yagura warily.

The chaotic chakra gradually receded. Yagura had prevented the Three-Tails from self-destructing. He was, after all, a perfect jinchuriki. But the fact that he had been controlled was undeniable.

Thinking of how the Hidden Mist had been nearly destroyed because of him over these years, Yagura suddenly aged considerably.

"Lord Mizukage, are you awake?" Genji asked, stepping forward with his cane.

"I'm sorry, Elder Genji," Yagura said with guilt. "I'm no longer worthy to be Mizukage. I've committed too many wrongs."

"Those who do wrong must be punished," Genji exercised his role as an elder. "From today forward, Mei Terumi will serve as Mizukage. You will no longer interfere in Hidden Mist affairs, and wait for a new jinchuriki to appear."

Though somewhat rushed, the upcoming matters indeed weren't suitable for Yagura's involvement. Having Mei in charge would be better, and would help her build authority for a quick transition.

"I have no objections," Yagura nodded.

Though controlled, he hadn't lost consciousness, so he knew Mei was truly a qualified candidate. Originally there had been many talented members among the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, but they were all forced into becoming missing-nin because of him.

His sins couldn't be cleansed even if he was executed. But as the Three-Tails jinchuriki, that had to be put aside for now.

Mei was surprised by this. Though she knew she would become Mizukage, she hadn't expected this day to come so soon. At twenty years old, she was undoubtedly now the youngest Kage.

…

Later that night, Mei finally had time to meet with Natsume privately.

"Thank you for your help tonight."

"No need for thanks - I've already received my payment," Natsume said, referring to Mei's agreement to work for him for a year.

"Even so, the Hidden Mist got the better end of that deal," Mei couldn't imagine how devastating it would have been without Natsume's help. Compared to that, working for a year was quite a bargain.

"Your company's plans for new shipping routes will continue once the Mizukage's office is rebuilt," Mei offered, showing her sincerity. Though she suspected there might be issues behind the new routes, as Natsume said, he already had the Water Country's approval. Plus, the Hidden Mist desperately needed money - they couldn't afford to offend this super-wealthy backer. They might need his help again later.

"No problem," Natsume nodded and said, "In that case, I'll head back during this time."

The Mizukage's office and surrounding buildings would take at least a month to rebuild. He naturally had no reason to stay and wait.

"When will you leave?"

Mei wasn't concerned, knowing they'd meet again.

"Tonight," Natsume explained with a smile. "The sooner I leave, the sooner I'll return."

He turned to walk out.

"Wait," Mei suddenly called out to him, stepping forward and unconsciously swallowing.

"Can I see your real face?"

"You really want to see?" Natsume stopped, saying, "It's quite ugly."

"That's fine," Mei had acted on impulse, but somehow hearing him say it was ugly gave her an inexplicable feeling of disappointment.

Natsume reached for his mask, slowly removing it.

"You..." Mei's eyes widened, and after a moment, she said softly, "You lied to me."

In an instant, she went from the imposing Mizukage back to a somewhat coquettish young woman.

"I wanted to see how you'd react," Natsume laughed, saying, "It was quite interesting, and quite cute."

This was the use of psychological expectations - lower them first, then raise them.

Mei's body trembled as she shot him an unsatisfied look. But when she met his teasing gaze, she suddenly felt like electricity coursed through her.

Long after Natsume had left, she came back to her senses, feeling her racing heart.

"What is this feeling?" Mei murmured to herself.

…

Under the same night sky, in a forest outside the Fire Country metropolis:

"It's finally over," Asuma sighed as he pulled out a pack of cigarettes.

"Don't smoke," Tsunade glared at him, saying, "Of all the things to learn from your old man, why smoking?"

"I won't, I won't," Asuma quickly put away the cigarettes, showing a placating smile. He knew well about Tsunade's fierce temper. Especially lately, it had become more extreme. Kazuma had a chance to escape but was beaten to unrecognizable pieces by her. Anyone who saw that scene would use one word: brutal.

"Are you staying to continue as a Guardian Ninja, or coming back to the Konoha with me?" Tsunade asked casually while poking at the campfire.

"Back to the Konoha," Asuma said solemnly. "I left because I argued with the old man. I thought the 'King' meant the Daimyo, but he said I didn't understand what 'King' meant."

The "King" refers to the most crucial piece in shogi that determines victory or defeat.

"Do you understand now?" Tsunade looked up at his prematurely aged face and asked.

"After what happened with Kazuma, I've gained new insight. I believe it refers to the present and future," Asuma showed an enlightened expression, saying, "In the present, protecting loved ones and comrades. In the future, protecting our next generation."

Tsunade unconsciously looked at the necklace on her chest.

What is my "King"?

Being apart from Natsume for so long, she finally understood that emotions could accumulate with time and distance.

She wanted to run away, but couldn't.

Because it's impossible to deceive one's own heart.

"Whether present or future, you are my King."

In this moment, Tsunade was filled with determination.

Chapter 96: Severe Punishment

"Tch, so you're not dead after all."

Tayuya stood in the doorway. Though she felt relieved seeing him, her face showed disappointment.

"Ugh, how many times do I have to tell you - don't touch my hair!" she snapped the next moment, glaring at Natsume like an angry mother cat, baring her little fangs fiercely.

"I'm teaching you a lesson," Natsume said with a smile. "When you're weak, others can do whatever they want with you."

"I'll kill you!" Tayuya raged impotently.

Natsume pressed his finger against her forehead, keeping her at bay while her short arms flailed uselessly.

"Alright, pack up. We're leaving," Natsume said, stepping past her.

Tayuya found this strange. Traveling at night?

A theory formed in her mind: "Hey, did you lose a fight and now you're running away in the night?"

"Is that really how weak you think I am?" Natsume brought his hand down in a chop.

"Ow, that hurts!" Tayuya clutched her head.

….

Thirty minutes later, they boarded the ship provided by the Gunma Company.

"I'm hungry. Let's eat," Natsume yawned. "Want some?"

"I don't want any!" Tayuya blurted out angrily.

She soon regretted it deeply.

Natsume cooked a table full of delicious dishes, then tied her to a chair and wouldn't let her have a single bite.

"Baka! This is bullshit!" Tayuya cursed, refusing to give in.

"Still so energetic?" Natsume smiled, putting down his chopsticks. "Why haven't you tried to assassinate me these past couple days?"

"Hmph, I'm waiting for the right moment!" Tayuya turned her head away.

"Is that so?" Natsume stood and released her water bonds. "Then eat up. I'll be waiting for your assassination attempt tonight."

Tayuya immediately grabbed her chopsticks and started wolfing down the food.

That night, Natsume closed his eyes, waiting for the would-be assassin.

After a while, Tayuya quietly slipped into the room.

The light came on.

"Your stealth skills are terrible," Natsume commented.

Tayuya froze, her red hair bristling with rage at his words.

"You've already failed." Natsume casually touched a point on her body, blocking her chakra. Thanks to Orochimaru's data, he understood the curse mark better than she did.

"Time for punishment." He picked Tayuya up and sat her on a chair before crouching down.

He grabbed her right foot, removed the white sock, and began tickling her sole with his fingers.

Tayuya burst into involuntary laughter.

"You... hahaha... bastard!"

"I'll kill you!"

"Please... hahaha... stop!"

Soon she couldn't take it anymore, her other foot kicking wildly as tears formed in her eyes.

Natsume finally let go after a few more minutes.

Tayuya slumped in the chair, her eyes dull.

Eventually she stood up angrily, declaring: "I'll definitely kill you!"

She grabbed her sock and limped away hatefully.

Natsume wore a satisfied expression. Life was good.

Just then, a puff of smoke revealed a slug the size of a fist.

"Lord Natsume," the slug looked up. "Lady Tsunade has departed for Konoha. She should arrive in about two days."

Natsume's eyes widened excitedly. He had missed her after so long.

"Thank you," he said gratefully.

The slug had practically become his inside source now. Perhaps because it found him more interesting than other contractors.

Natsume stroked his chin thoughtfully. Tsunade didn't know he knew of her movements.

Should he prepare a surprise?

…

The next morning, Natsume awoke.

After sailing through the night, they weren't far from the Land of Waves.

Leaving his room, he heard the melodious sound of a flute.

It was Tayuya practicing.

Clearly last night's punishment had given her endless motivation.

Now she was focused solely on getting stronger to turn the tables.

Tayuya excelled at summoning beasts and genjutsu, both controlled through her flute as a medium.

It was more like the sound-based ninja techniques of the Hidden Sound Village that Orochimaru had casually created.

But how to put it...

The Hidden Sound Village was mainly created to fund research.

Orochimaru hadn't put much effort into developing sound techniques, so they remained largely unexplored.

Even with the curse mark, Tayuya's limit would only be that of an ordinary jonin.

While being a jonin wasn't bad, it clearly didn't meet Natsume's standards.

As for how to strengthen her, they would need to focus on genjutsu and summoning techniques.

Especially the latter.

Besides the three great sage regions, there were other impressive summoning beasts.

Though they couldn't compare to piloting mechs, they were still sufficient.

In the afternoon, the ship docked at the Land of Waves port.

Natsume took Tayuya to the daimyo's residence.

Since the daimyo was now under control, it had become the headquarters of the Gunma Company.

Hinae and Karin had also moved there.

However, the transfer of power hadn't yet taken place.

The reason was simple.

Hinae was still getting familiar with everything.

The Land of Waves was small, just an island.

The daimyo's residence wasn't far.

Ten minutes later, Natsume and Tayuya entered the courtyard.

Karin was practicing ninjutsu in the training ground, while Hinae was in the study.

No need to guess who to see first.

"Tayuya, wait here."

After saying this, Natsume slipped into the room.

Hinae was reviewing various documents from the Gunma Company.

Learning she would become its leader, she was very happy and serious about it.

Seven years had passed since Natsume rescued her.

But she still hadn't been able to help much.

Now finally having official work, she burst forth with unprecedented enthusiasm.

Natsume silently ran behind her, lifted her hair, and gently blew on her neck.

Hinae's heart fluttered, immediately knowing who it was, and didn't stop him.

"What are you reading?"

Natsume whispered in her ear, his arms encircling her waist.

"The... company documents."

Hinae bit her pink lips lightly, a faint blush appearing on her face.

"How long have you been reading?"

Natsume reached out his hand, sliding across her delicate oval face, finally gripping her chin.

"Two hours."

Hinae opened her mouth to answer.

Natsume's thumb took the opportunity to slip in, pressing down on her tongue.

"Good girl."

He smiled and withdrew his thumb, glistening with moisture.

Hinae lowered her head to continue reading.

"You must be tired after so long. Let me give you a massage."

Natsume stood up, walked in front of her, crouched down, disappearing from her line of sight.

He raised an eyebrow.

Hinae was very obedient today, wearing a red form-fitting qipao.

Most eye-catching were her waist and hip curves, and her beautiful legs in flesh-colored stockings.

Natsume began his work.

"Mmmmm..." Hinae's soft moans filled the air as Natsume's skilled hands worked their magic, kneading her supple flesh. Her breath hitched as his fingers traced delicate patterns across her sensitive skin.

"N-Natsume..." she whimpered, her body trembling beneath his touch. The thin silk of her qipao did little to hide her arousal as her nipples stiffened into hard peaks, dampening the fabric. To his surprise, small wet spots began forming where her breasts strained against the red silk.

"You're... leaking," he murmured in fascination, watching as drops of creamy white liquid seeped through the delicate material. Unable to resist, he lowered his head and wrapped his lips around one hardened peak, sucking gently through the silk.

"Ahhh!" Hinae cried out, arching her back as pleasure coursed through her. Her hands flew to his head, fingers tangling in his hair as he continued to nurse at her breast. The sweet taste of her milk filled his mouth as he suckled harder, drawing more of the warm liquid from her body.

"Please... more..." she begged breathlessly, holding him closer. Natsume obliged, alternating between her breasts as he drank deeply of her essence. Her thighs squeezed together as waves of arousal washed over her with each pull of his mouth.

The wet sounds of his sucking mixed with her desperate moans echoed through the room. Her body writhed beneath him as he feasted on her milk, his tongue swirling around her sensitive nipples between deep draws that made her gasp and shudder.

"You taste so sweet," he growled against her skin, his voice thick with desire. "I could drink from you forever." His words made her whimper as another gush of milk flowed into his eager mouth.

Hinae's head fell back, lost in the intense sensations as Natsume continued to nurse from her breasts. Her fingers clutched at his shoulders, her stockinged legs trembling as pleasure built within her core. The massage forgotten, they remained locked together in this intimate embrace, connected by the flow of her sweet milk into his hungry mouth...

As a result, dinner was delayed by an hour.

Because two more dishes were added.