Adopted by Tsunade [115-116] (Patreon)

Chapter 115: Idle Moments in a Tender Bower, Listening to Music

Kurama Yakumo.

No wonder.

Natsume finally remembered this ninja clan with a special genjutsu kekkei genkai.

The Kurama clan.

Once, their fame rivaled even the Uchiha.

Their kekkei genkai is outrageous.

First, it can dominate a person's five senses.

Second, it can create an illusory world and, so long as she wills it, turn illusion into reality.

For example, damage inflicted on objects or the human body within the illusion can be reflected in reality.

Setting aside the Mangekyō Sharingan, the Kurama clan indeed seemed even more promising than the Uchiha.

But the greater the power, the harder the awakening.

After so many years, the Kurama have declined into an ordinary minor clan, with almost no one awakening this terrifying kekkei genkai.

Kurama Yakumo is the last, and the most powerful in history.

So powerful that a Yin Release monster, Ido, was born from her heart.

In the original story, only with the help of Kurenai Yūhi, Uzumaki Naruto, and others did Kurama Yakumo manage to kill Ido and return to normal.

"Are you a student at the Ninja Academy? Why aren't you in class?"

Natsume watched her. If not for the wrong place and time, he would have liked to open his Mangekyō Sharingan to take a look at what Ido actually looked like.

"I'm not."

Kurama Yakumo's eyes dimmed, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. "I've been frail since childhood. It's hard for me to become a ninja."

As expected, Natsume thought.

Because Ido's birth siphoned away so much of her energy, she became weak and sickly.

You could call it a blessing in disguise.

But it must be said, if used properly, Kurama Yakumo's potential is immeasurable.

Natsume felt the itch to recruit another member.

Only, she's too young.

His Heaven's Mandate was fast becoming a haven for problem children.

Forget it—if fate brings her, don't miss the chance.

"Anything is possible."

Natsume crouched down, unhurried. "My teacher is Tsunade. Interested in letting her take a look at you?"

Kurama Yakumo is a Konoha ninja.

He couldn't lure her to the Land of Waves.

The best way was to keep her by his side.

Have the professional, Tsunade, assess her first. Then he'd take her as a disciple and deal with Ido.

And Ido is a good thing, actually.

Such dense Yin Release would absolutely benefit his Mangekyō Sharingan.

"Lady Tsunade?!"

Kurama Yakumo suddenly grew excited, her small face filled with hope and longing.

Tsunade's name needs no introduction.

One of the Legendary Sannin, the strongest medical ninja.

If it's her, maybe she really could cure this ailment.

"Correct."

Natsume nodded. "If you trust me, how about coming with me now?"

"Okay!"

Kurama Yakumo agreed without hesitation.

Becoming a ninja is her greatest dream.

Now that the opportunity was before her, she absolutely couldn't miss it.

Natsume took her home.

…

"Natsume, who's this?"

Shizune was sunk into the sofa, looking completely sprawled out.

Natsume knew she must have just returned from performing surgery at the ninja hospital.

She was always like this.

When too tired, she'd watch some TV.

"Kurama Yakumo."

Natsume paused, then added, "Shizune-nee, could you give her an examination?"

"An exam? What's wrong with her?"

Shizune perked up, interested. "Come here, let big sis have a look."

Kurama Yakumo instinctively looked to Natsume, a little flustered.

"Go on."

Natsume reassured her. "Don't worry."

Only then did Kurama Yakumo step forward.

Shizune chuckled meaningfully.

My junior really is something.

Top-tier at charming little girls.

She reached out and began examining Kurama Yakumo.

The easy smile on her face gradually turned grave.

Outwardly there was nothing wrong, but inside she was riddled with wounds.

And deep within her body there was a cold, shadowy aura that made Shizune feel very ill at ease.

"Are you unable to control your own power?"

Shizune stopped and asked.

Kurama Yakumo's eyes lit up at once, nodding vigorously.

It was her first time meeting a ninja who could point out her problem within minutes.

"It's a kekkei genkai, isn't it?"

Shizune, surprised, also felt a bit of awe.

A kekkei genkai this strong is rare—so strong the body can't support it.

"Can it be treated?"

Kurama Yakumo asked urgently.

"I'm not sure."

Seeing the light in her eyes dim in an instant, Shizune hurried to add, "We'll have to wait for Lady Tsunade to return to say for sure, but I think there's a good chance."

Kurama Yakumo exhaled in relief, a bit of color returning to her pale face.

"Shizune-nee, keep an eye on her. I'm going out to train."

Natsume knew Tsunade wouldn't be back until dusk, so he didn't stay to wait.

A moment later, he appeared in the Land of Waves.

This is what they call idling away in a gentle bower, listening to music.

And he did, in fact, have business to handle.

…

The Daimyō's residence, Land of Waves.

"Karin, do you like this pot of flowers?"

Hinae cradled a red rose.

"Mm, it's pretty."

Karin looked up from her book and answered.

But moments later, confusion crossed her face.

"But roses symbolize love. Usually only boyfriends and girlfriends buy them, right? Mom, why did you buy them?"

Karin's innocent tone made Hinae's expression flash with panic.

"If it looks nice, you can buy it. Don't overthink it."

She tried to sound perfectly calm, but there was still a tremor in her voice.

"'The late emperor laid the foundation…'"

Luckily, Karin paid it no mind and continued reading loudly.

It was an assignment Natsume had given her last time.

Though very dull, she endured for the sake of earning her big brother's praise.

Hinae let out a breath of relief.

If Karin found out, she'd be mortified.

The next instant, her body jolted, nearly crying out.

"It's me."

"Um… Karin," Hinae whispered urgently, her body already responding to Natsume's proximity.

Natsume glanced at Karin in the distance, a wicked glint in his eye. This used to be Hinae's office, but for Karin's convenience, she'd remodeled a corner into a reading nook about five or six meters away. Because Karin was reading aloud, she hadn't noticed his arrival.

Seizing the opportunity, Natsume wrapped his strong arms around Hinae's soft waist, pulling her flush against him. His breath was hot on her neck as he nuzzled her silk-smooth skin, eliciting a shiver of desire. He couldn't help but smile at her reaction.

Hinae's body went stiff in his arms, torn between intense arousal and paralyzing fear of discovery.

"So fragrant," Natsume murmured, inhaling deeply.

"It's… the scent of roses," Hinae breathed, her voice barely audible. If Natsume didn't listen closely, he wouldn't have heard over the pounding of their hearts.

"Doesn't seem like it," he teased, tilting his head to trail his nose along her neck and collarbone. His hands roamed lower, caressing her curves through her thin dress.

Hinae's resolve melted like ice cream on a hot summer day.

"Don't..." she whimpered half-heartedly, clinging to the last thread of clarity even as her body betrayed her.

Unable to resist any longer, her jade-white, delicate arms hooked around Natsume's neck. Her long legs—sheer white stockings hugging them enticingly—lifted off the floor as she wrapped them around his waist.

Natsume turned and slipped through the inner door, carrying his willing captive to a more private location.

Once inside, clothes were hastily shed as hands and mouths explored feverishly. Natsume's fingers danced across Hinae's most sensitive areas, drawing out breathy moans that she struggled to muffle.

Their bodies joined in a passionate frenzy, rocking together in perfect rhythm. Hinae bit down on Natsume's shoulder to stifle her cries of ecstasy as waves of pleasure washed over her again and again.

Natsume followed soon after, burying his face in her hair to muffle his own groan of release.

A long while later, thoroughly satisfied and delightfully disheveled, Hinae collapsed into a chair. Her face burned crimson, mind blissfully blank save for the lingering afterglow.

…

"Huh? Natsume-oniisan?"

Karin suddenly noticed Hinae was gone, replaced by Natsume.

She wasn't disappointed; instead, she beamed and ran up to him. "I can recite it now!"

Natsume picked her up. "Then I'll test you."

Chapter 116: The Beginning of the Uchiha Rebellion

Hokage Tower.

The atmosphere was tense.

Tsunade slammed a fist onto the desk.

She held back enough not to smash it, but cracks spread across the surface.

The gust from her blow sent her jacket fluttering back.

She glared at Koharu Utatane and barked, "Are you done yet? If you agree, then agree. If you don't, then don't. What's with all the useless chatter?!"

"Tsunade! Is that how you speak to your elders?"

Koharu's face darkened as she demanded.

"Tsunade, Koharu's only thinking of your good. Let's talk this out," Homura Mitokado tried to mediate, then added in a paternal tone, "And you really should rein in that temper of yours."

"Cut the nonsense!"

Tsunade gave them no face. "There are no elders or juniors here. We're all advisors!"

Homura and Koharu exchanged a look.

They both saw each other's irritation.

These days, Tsunade had been too forceful.

Normally, they could use many matters to glean some benefits.

For instance, cozying up to various shinobi or clans to build interest networks.

At their age, they had little left to pursue—only to secure conveniences for their families and descendants.

But Tsunade was different: swift and decisive, adamant about fairness.

It reduced them to unfeeling wage laborers.

Homura and Koharu suddenly recalled Danzo Shimura's recent visit.

He wanted their support to become Hokage.

At the time, they hadn't agreed.

Because in their view, Danzo's chances were low.

Even with Orochimaru's support, it would be difficult.

But if Tsunade became Hokage, they would suffer.

Might as well give it to Danzo.

At least they knew each other's bottom lines.

Things wouldn't get so stiff.

Just then, there was a knock.

"Honored Advisors, the Hokage requests your presence."

An Anbu bowed.

Koharu and Homura had been itching to leave and rose immediately.

Tsunade snorted but had to follow.

…

Hokage's office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura were both present.

There was also an unexpected face.

Uchiha Itachi.

He was half-kneeling, head lowered, expression unreadable.

Tsunade narrowed her eyes, sensing trouble.

"The Uchiha clan plans to rebel. They'll move tonight."

Itachi, in a low voice, laid out the Uchiha plan in full.

Under the pretext of the Konoha Police Force, Uchiha Fugaku would bring the clan's elite to meet Hiruzen, then seize him.

Then, using orders in the Hokage's name, they would summon Danzo, Koharu, and others, capturing Konoha's leadership in one fell swoop.

Outwardly, nothing would change; afterward Hiruzen would cede the Hokage's seat to Uchiha Fugaku.

In short, seize Konoha at minimal cost.

To be honest, if Shisui's Kotoamatsukami were still in play, this might have been possible.

But now he was gone.

And Itachi, who inherited his will, intended to protect Konoha at any cost.

After hearing this, reactions in the office varied.

Tsunade folded her arms, frowning, unable to think of a good solution.

At this point, options were few.

Even if her grandfather, Hashirama Senju, were resurrected, he could only suppress the situation with overwhelming force.

Koharu and Homura were a bit surprised, but not much.

Whether the Uchiha lived or died didn't affect them.

Danzo rejoiced inwardly—his moment had come. A mountain of Sharingan beckoned.

And with Orochimaru, he held a trump card.

He might even oust Hiruzen; double joy, how delightful.

Of course, the reason Danzo trusted Orochimaru this time was that Orochimaru had helped him attach another arm.

And had gifted him a pair of three-tomoe Sharingan.

Sincerity, indeed.

"Hiruzen."

Danzo wore a face of solemn duty. "The Uchiha have made their choice. They betrayed Konoha first. It's time for us to decide—strike first."

"No."

Hiruzen's face was grave as he raised a hand, rejecting the proposal. "The Uchiha are a founding clan of Konoha, with countless merits. We cannot abandon them for a moment's folly."

Itachi's body trembled, emotions complicated.

Even now, the Hokage wouldn't harden his heart. He truly embodied the Will of Fire to the utmost.

If Father and the others had embraced that ideal, would things have come to this?

"Hiruzen! If this continues, Konoha will suffer!"

Danzo suddenly raised his voice. "As Hokage, you can't favor a single clan!"

He even considered exposing the matter of Sarutobi Seinosuke to prod his vacillating old partner.

"Enough! I am the Hokage!"

Hiruzen declared, firm as iron. "I will not permit an attack on our own people!"

"You—!"

Danzo nearly spat blood.

Damn you, playing the saint again?

And I'm the one to take the blame!

Hiruzen ignored him, looking to the silent Itachi.

After a few seconds, he spoke slowly. "Itachi, go back and stabilize them as best you can. I'll find a way. If I can't, tonight I'll go to the Uchiha compound myself and speak with your father."

"Understood."

Itachi bowed slightly. "I'll stall until the Hokage arrives."

"You may go."

Hiruzen waved him off, then looked at the others. "Let's discuss our countermeasures."

"You'll regret this, Hiruzen!"

Danzo turned on his heel and left without hesitation.

Soon, he caught up with Uchiha Itachi—and Orochimaru, who had appeared.

"The old man is still so indecisive," Orochimaru sneered, noticing Danzo's expression.

Itachi frowned, a flash of killing intent in his eyes.

Shisui's demise was directly tied to Danzo and Orochimaru.

But he could not kill them.

It would harm Konoha.

The same went for the Uchiha rebellion.

"I'll handle them. But you must ensure that Sasuke's future in Konoha is treated properly."

Itachi's voice was cold.

Leaving Sasuke behind and preserving the clan's name—this was the last he could do.

He would bear all the sins.

"Rest assured, I always keep my promises."

Danzo forced an ugly smile. "And we know you haven't betrayed Konoha. In time, I will clear your name."

"My affairs don't concern you. Just take care of Sasuke."

Itachi shook his head calmly. "If anything goes wrong, I'll come back for you."

In that instant, he raised his head, Mangekyō Sharingan opening.

The surrounding air seemed sucked away. Danzo felt suffocated—death closing in.

Instinctively, he clenched his fists.

Damn you!

I'll be sure to 'take care' of your little brother.