Adopted by Tsunade [127-128] (Patreon)

Chapter 127: Ino the Little Flower Seller

Konoha Ninja Hospital.

"Sasuke-kun, I heard that…"

Sakura hesitated, not daring to continue. She looked at the bruised and swollen Sasuke and snapped, "This is just too much!"

"I'm fine."

Although Sasuke was still gloomy, after being thoroughly beaten up by Naruto, he had at least clarified his goal going forward.

He would train hard, defeat Itachi, and ask him why he could bring himself to kill their father.

Because of Natsume's intervention, Mikoto and the others were missing rather than dead, so he had one more reason to keep living.

To find the remaining Uchiha clan members who escaped last night.

"As for these injuries, Naruto gave them to me."

Sasuke disdained lying, even if it was pretty embarrassing.

"???"

Sakura and Ino turned in unison to look at Naruto.

"Uh… uh…"

Naruto hadn't expected this to come up and didn't know what to say for a moment.

"Hey! Naruto! I need an explanation!"

Sakura sprang to her feet, a vein bulging on her forehead like a mama tiger guarding her cub. "Sasuke-kun just went through all that—how could you hit him?!"

Sasuke almost wanted to laugh, but it tugged at his bruised face and he hissed in pain.

"Sasuke-kun!"

Sakura hurried up to him, fussing. "Does anything hurt?"

"It's nothing."

Sasuke's voice was flat. "Don't blame Naruto either. I asked for it."

"???"

Sakura's brain went into overdrive.

Don't blame Naruto?
Asked for it?
What on earth did you guys do while I was gone?

Damn it!

In her mind Sakura angrily pummeled Naruto back and forth.

Ino, however, couldn't help curling her lips into a smile.

With Naruto's personality, he absolutely wouldn't beat Sasuke for no reason.

And for Sasuke to be this calm after his clan was massacred must have something to do with that fight.

Naruto looks like a goof, but he's actually really thoughtful.

"Well, isn't this lively."

Natsume opened the ward door, saw the four of them, and smiled.

Ino's eyes brightened, and she stood up reflexively, wanting to speak but holding back.

Not the best time to chat.

"Sasuke, I bought you some apples."

Natsume set the fruit basket on the bedside cabinet.

"I'll peel one!"

Spotting an opening, Sakura immediately took an apple and a paring knife and started peeling it on the spot.

"Why didn't you have a medical ninja come by?"

Natsume glanced at Sasuke and asked.

"The nurse-sis said the medical nin are busy and need a bit before they can come."

Naruto answered quickly. "And we came too early—some of them aren't even on shift yet."

It was early indeed.

As soon as Sasuke woke up, they'd fought.

Natsume was about to pull strings to call Shizune when the ward door opened again.

"Director?"

He stood up to greet her. "Why are you here?"

Yakushi Nonou was currently Konoha Hospital's deputy director.

Strictly speaking, for Sasuke's superficial injuries, any ordinary medical ninja would do.

Even just meds would fix it in a few days.

"I should be asking you that."

Nonou smiled gently, glanced over Sakura and the others, and sighed, "You always manage to get along with the kids so well."

"Big bro, who is she?" Naruto asked curiously.

"Yakushi Nonou, the deputy director of Konoha Hospital and the head of the orphanage."

Natsume introduced, "I grew up in the orphanage, so we're close."

Orphanage?

The other four in the room reacted differently.

It was Naruto's first time hearing this.

Previously, Natsume had seemed so warm and sunny that you couldn't tell. Plus, with such big businesses, Naruto had assumed he came from rich family.

Now he felt a sudden kinship.

Because they were both orphans.

Ino's heart tightened.

A natural motherly instinct made her feel sympathy.

So pitiful.

She wanted to hug him and comfort him.

Ahem.

Ino blushed and quickly averted her gaze.

"Enough talk, I need to treat Sasuke."

Nonou stepped forward, put both hands over Sasuke's battered face.

Green chakra flowed, and soon his face was back to normal.

Watching this, Sakura wished she could take his place.

A sudden flash of inspiration hit her—why not learn medical ninjutsu?

Then she could… hehe… treat Sasuke-kun every day.

"Get ready."

Nonou withdrew her hands. "The Hokage will be here soon."

Sasuke remained very calm, not showing much emotion toward Hiruzen Sarutobi.

But Naruto's expression changed slightly.

He'd heard rumors that morning.

That the Uchiha clan was wiped out because they killed Hiruzen's son, Sarutobi Seinosuke, first.

True or false?

Naruto couldn't tell.

He actually quite liked Sarutobi Seinosuke.

He'd taught him for a while and hadn't held back—he was very earnest.

It was a pity they'd never meet again.

Naruto fell silent.

He had planned to see Sasuke first, then Seinosuke.

But then they fought and lost time.

Natsume didn't want to see Hiruzen's hypocritical act.

So he left with Nonou.

"Director, how have you been lately?"

"Pretty good."

Nonou sighed softly.

She didn't tell Natsume that she had been a Root spy.

She had been unable to help herself.

But after Natsume took Tsunade as his teacher and transferred Nonou to Konoha Hospital, the Hokage had granted a special exemption and removed her spy status.

Danzo was angry, sure, but he wouldn't fall out with Hiruzen over Yakushi Nonou.

Besides, Tsunade was involved.

The orphanage had also been rebuilt thanks to Kabuto.

In short, thanks to Natsume, she was now living freely.

"A little girl is looking for you."

Nonou caught sight of Ino running out of the ward and smiled. "I'll head back to the office. But let me give you a piece of advice—best to choose one, or you'll have problems."

She remembered the last little girl Natsume had brought—Hyūga Hinata.

The Hyūga main family's eldest daughter was not someone an ordinary person could handle.

Not to mention adding another girl on top.

"Director, you misunderstand. I've only met Ino twice."

Natsume hurried to explain.

I'm not a lolicon!
Really!

Nonou smiled without replying and turned to leave.

Natsume tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Great—he had the feeling his image had collapsed in the director's mind.

"Hello, I'm Ino."

Seeing Nonou gone, Ino hurried forward.

Though she was naturally bold, she still had a blush of excitement and shyness.

"Why the sudden self-introduction?"

Natsume blinked, then smiled. "Haven't we already met? Did you forget?"

"No, no!"

Flustered by his words, Ino rushed to explain. "The first time we met was a bit rushed, so we didn't formally introduce ourselves."

"No need to worry."

Looking at her cute face, Natsume suddenly thought of Hinata.

But the two girls' personalities couldn't be more different.

"My mother told me you must observe proper manners when dealing with others."

Ino thought on her feet to justify herself.

Good thing Sakura wasn't here, or she'd have coughed blood.

She had never seen Ino show "proper manners."

"As expected of someone from a great clan."

Natsume didn't call her out. "Actually, you don't need to introduce yourself. I'd already heard your name."

"Really?"

Ino looked up in surprise.

Wow, he's so handsome.

The thought came naturally.

"Mhm."

Natsume nodded. "You, Akimichi Chōji, and Nara Shikamaru are the new generation's Ino–Shika–Chō. It won't be long before you're as famous across the ninja world as your fathers."

Ino instantly beamed.

He has me in his heart—happy!

Don't blame her for not being reserved.

Love of beauty is human nature, regardless of gender.

Girls facing a handsome guy are like guys facing a beautiful girl—same reaction.

"I'm heading out. Want to come along?"

Natsume tossed out the invitation casually.

"Yes!"

Ino didn't hesitate at all.

As if pausing for even a second would be disrespecting good looks.

"Weren't you here to see Sasuke?"

Natsume couldn't help laughing. "Isn't it bad to just bail?"

"I came with Sakura. She likes Sasuke."

Ino immediately sold out her best friend.

"Then let's swing by your place."

Natsume's words made Ino's eyes go wide and her face turn crimson.

Isn't that a bit too fast?!

"Sorry, I mean your shop—I want to buy some flowers."

Seeing her expression, Natsume quickly clarified.

"Oh, oh."

Ino sighed in relief, then got excited again.

When it came to flowers, that was her forte—she had to seize the chance to show off.

The Ino–Shika–Chō clans each had their own businesses.

The Yamanaka clan sold flowers.

The Nara clan sold medicine.

The Akimichi clan had a lot going on.

After all, they all ate like champions.

Without some real skills, they'd have starved long ago.

Most great clans had their own industries.

And those were usually run by ordinary clan members.

Those with ninja talent didn't need to work the family business.

Ino's case was rarer—she ran a flower shop herself.

Mainly because her mother was a civilian.

Before long, the two arrived at the Yamanaka Flower Shop.

"Mom."

Ino called toward the register on the first floor as she entered.

"Ino, you're back so soon?"

Yamanaka Misa stood up and, seeing Natsume, paused. "Brought a classmate today?"

"No."

Ino explained, "He's Naruto's older brother—he's here to buy flowers."

Naruto has an older brother?

Misa blinked, carefully studying her daughter's expression. "What kind of flowers?"

"You don't need to worry—I'll handle it."

Ino quickly waved her off, afraid her mom would steal her thunder.

"Oh."

Misa gave her a meaningful smile.

"Different flowers suit different occasions. Who are you buying for?"

Ino didn't notice her mother's look. She turned to Natsume, asking as she walked.

"For a funeral."

Natsume said casually. "I'm buying them for my teacher."

They'd be needed for both Fugaku's funeral and Sarutobi Seinosuke's.

Even if he didn't go, Tsunade would.

Of course, he was buying them now because he happened to meet Ino and decided on the spot.

"For funerals, we usually use white flowers—white chrysanthemums, white lilies, and white carnations."

Ino explained expertly.

"Then white chrysanthemums."

Natsume scanned the shelves. "I'll take all the ones in the shop."

"Huh?"

Ino looked up. "Is this for Sasuke?"

That many flowers couldn't be for one person—it had to be for a group.

Only the Uchiha fit.

"Mhm."

Natsume nodded. "Please have them delivered to my teacher's place."

"Please leave the address."

Ino quickly pulled out pen and paper and handed them over as if she'd been prepared.

"You don't know who my teacher is?"

Natsume remembered he was fairly well known.

Hiruzen had even publicized him.

But that was three or four years ago.

She had been younger and might not remember.

"Um… sorry."

Ino flustered—she really didn't know.

"You're too polite. No need to apologize for that."

Natsume smiled as he wrote the address. "Just don't forget next time. Come hang out if you're free."

"Okay!"

Ino was happy again.

And he invited her to hang out.

She glanced down at the address and froze—it was Lady Tsunade's home.

In Konoha, her fame required no explanation.

Most kunoichi saw Tsunade as their idol.

Including Ino.

She was buzzing with excitement.

Two happy things stacked together—more than double the joy.

"See you next time, then."

Natsume paused, smiled, and said goodbye.

His shadow clone had dispelled and returned.

It had found Orochimaru's secret base.

Because of Natsume's actions, Orochimaru hadn't defected yet.

But whether it was taking in kekkei genkai geniuses or running experiments, he needed a much more open space.

And that place couldn't be in Konoha.

Leaving the flower shop, Natsume found a secluded spot and used the Flying Thunder God.

He appeared in the wilderness.

This was the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rice Fields.

Natsume formed seals and entered Sage Mode.

His sensory perception spread.

About ten meters underground was a massive hollow—forming a hall or, rather, a secret base.

Orochimaru wasn't there.

But there were many ninja presences.

Natsume was looking for Uchiha Shin.

After planning to draw Orochimaru out, he had considered what Orochimaru valued most.

He had already studied curse marks, Living Corpse Reincarnation, and Wood Release, so Jūgo or Yamato weren't that meaningful anymore.

That left the thing he resented most—Mangekyō Sharingan.

Seeing Shimura Danzō's new arm had reminded him of Uchiha Shin.

The guy had even awakened Mangekyō—useful consumables, you might say.

Chapter 128: Orochimaru Gets Reverse-Stolen

Natsume didn't know the entry to Orochimaru's secret base.

But he had his ways.

Sage Art: Water Release—Water Severing Wave!
Natsume formed seals and spat a column of water.

Highly compressed, it was sharper and tougher than a blade.

In an instant, it sliced into the ground like tofu, carving out a tunnel.

…

"What's that sound?"

Jūgo turned his head instinctively.

In the original timeline, he met Kaguya Kimimaro first, then joined Orochimaru.

But because of Natsume, he was found early and missed that friend.

As for Kimimaro, Natsume had spent Fate Points to look for him.

Unexpectedly, he was in Uzushio.

His earlier plan to take over that country with Terumī Mei wasn't unrelated to Kimimaro.

"I'll go check."

Jūgo glanced at the massive glass wall structure.

"Go."

Guren nodded.

Jūgo was young, but ridiculously gifted.

He possessed an innate Sage Transformation constitution.

Under Orochimaru's tutelage, he'd gotten more stable and stronger rapidly.

Guren, meanwhile, wielded a special Crystal Release.

She had lost her home and family early and only survived after meeting Orochimaru.

Thus she was his diehard follower and even willingly a vessel for his Living Corpse Reincarnation.

In the original, she'd even gotten jealous of Sasuke because his arrival knocked her from top candidate vessel to second.

Their main role here was to guard the base.

Especially the dozens of children.

The orange-haired Jūgo walked toward the sound expressionlessly.

The moment he noticed Natsume, he clutched his head and his skin rapidly darkened.

Strange features sprouted across his face, back, and arms.

He didn't look human.

Jūgo's heart clenched, his pupils shrinking.

Because of his constitution, he couldn't control his curse state freely. In areas with high natural energy, he would automatically go into a Sage-like transformation.

Which meant the man in front of him had Sage chakra so dense it was overwhelming.

"Hoh, a Xenos."

Natsume blinked.

So ugly!

Curse transformations could be many things—but they were ugly.

With what little reason he had left consumed, Jūgo snarled and charged his enemy.

Natsume clenched his fist.

Sage Art: Monstrous Strength!

Boom.

Jūgo flew back even faster.

He shot across half the hall and slammed into the glass wall.

"Wha—Jūgo?"

Guren was shocked.

Jūgo in curse state hadn't even lasted a minute?
She rushed forward.

Jūgo fell to the floor, a trail of blood on the glass.

He spat out a mouthful of blood with bits of organ in it.

"R-run!"

Jūgo shoved Guren hard and barked, "Take Uchiha Shin and get out of here!"

Too strong!
Way too strong!

He and Guren were absolutely no match. The only option was to flee with Orochimaru's most important test subject, Uchiha Shin.

"Sorry, anyone can go—but Uchiha Shin can't."

Natsume stepped into the glass hall.

In the distance was an arena-like structure.

He could make out children inside.

Guren didn't hesitate—her hands flew into seals.

Crystal Release: Jade Crystal Prison!
Crystals sprouted at Natsume's feet, clear with a pink tint, encasing him.

Seeing him trapped, Guren quietly exhaled.

Just as she was about to help Jūgo retreat, the crystal suddenly cracked.

"How is that possible?"

It was her first time seeing someone brute-force break her crystal.

Crystal Release: Brilliant Dragon's Light!
She madly wove seals, pouring out all her chakra.

A massive crystal encased her and Jūgo.

But just defending was meaningless.

A bright laser lanced from the crystal's core.

In the original, she'd blinded the Three-Tails with this jutsu.

Natsume's body blurred and he appeared behind them.

No need to clash head-on.

Sage Art: Water Release—Water Severing Wave!
The water stream slit the crystal.

Before Guren could react, Natsume kicked her, slamming her into the wall.

"Where is Uchiha Shin?"

Natsume looked down at the fallen Guren.

"Kill me! I won't tell you!"

Guren showed no fear, displaying her loyalty to Orochimaru.

Infiltration, interrogation, captured kunoichi—

Put those three together and it's dangerous.

Natsume shoved the thought away.

He was a proper man.

No weird stuff.

Ahem.

He crouched, Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan opening.

Guren went slack.

"He's in Arena Room No. 1."

"Thanks for the intel. But you'll have to forget you saw my eyes for a while."

Natsume activated Yomi-no-Izumi memory seal.

This dojutsu could make someone forget a specific memory for a set time.

The duration depended on ocular power.

Natsume set it to a year.

He had plenty of juice.

Upgrading to Eternal Mangekyō had removed the side effects—no blindness.

Which let him use ocular jutsu more freely.

"Guren, what are you doing?"

Jūgo, facing away, hadn't seen the Eternal Mangekyō, but he'd heard her.

"Traitor! You betrayed Lord Orochimaru!"

"No, I didn't!"

Guren came to, but couldn't recall what had just happened. She stared in horror. "What did you do?!"

Natsume didn't answer.

He considered whether to take Guren.

But she was too loyal to Orochimaru. Without Kotoamatsukami, she'd be hard to turn.

Forget it—don't waste Kotoamatsukami.

He already had Shisui and Izumi as subordinates; he wasn't short on people.

And, to be honest, he didn't find Guren particularly pretty.

Natsume turned to the glass wall.

Orochimaru had invested a lot—this glass was tough.

But everything has limits.

Sage Art: Monstrous Strength!

He shattered the glass with a punch.

Standing before Door No. 1, his eyes narrowed.

In the next moment, a figure appeared behind him, thrusting a kunai at extreme speed.

Natsume turned to see a pair of three-tomoe Sharingan.

He casually caught the attacker's wrist and, with a sage-powered kick, sent Uchiha Shin flying.

"Die!"

Wracked with pain, Shin glared with his Sharingan and shouted.

Demonic Illusion: Shackling Stakes!

"Three tomoe isn't enough."

Natsume snapped the genjutsu like a twig.

"How… how is that possible?!"

Shin looked shattered.

Natsume paused.

He suddenly remembered that although Shin wasn't a Uchiha clansman, he was a spiritual Uchiha.

He worshiped—no, was obsessed with—Itachi.

Natsume's casual dismissal had crushed him.

Kinda funny.

Natsume knocked Shin out with a tap and strolled out of the base.

He didn't use Flying Thunder God.

Otherwise, Orochimaru wouldn't be able to trace him.