Adopted by Tsunade [139-140] (Patreon)

Chapter 139: Swimsuit Tsunade, Beach Desert Island

After settling things with Hyuga Hiashi, Natsume didn't pull any further tricks on the remaining candidates.

Having one Hyuga Hizashi was enough.

Besides, Natsume couldn't go around flexing force to every clan.

If Tsunade found out, he wouldn't be able to explain it away.

Of course, he would tell her in the future.

Right now, Natsume was young, which made things seem more alarming.

Give it a few more years and Tsunade would find it easier to accept.

…

Dusk.

Natsume returned to the Hokage's office.

"How'd it go? Smoothly?"

Tsunade looked up and, seeing him, stretched without any regard for image.

"It's all taken care of."

Natsume said casually, "And the Hyuga clan intends to have Lord Hyuga Hizashi serve as Hokage's secretary."

"Hmm?"

Tsunade paused mid-motion, her expression shifting.

Arms folded, she started weighing the Hyuga clan's intentions.

Secretary wasn't exactly a prized position.

The seven shinobi she'd picked were all chunin, not jonin.

Because she knew jonin wouldn't want to do such menial tasks.

That being the case, Hizashi's appearance was a bit strange.

Power grab?

Tsunade wasn't stupid; she thought of it quickly.

Hokage's secretary and Hokage's advisors were already very close to power.

Hiashi's status was as noble as Koharu Utatane's and Homura Mitokado's.

Tsunade pondered a moment but didn't refuse.

She already disliked those two old geezers. Having Hizashi there to disgust them wasn't bad.

"Sis, is there a problem?"

Seeing her look, Natsume thought she was going to disagree.

"No problem."

Tsunade crossed her smooth, long legs and smiled. "Looks like you really worked hard."

"So, is there any reward?"

Natsume seized the chance without hesitation.

When it's time to make a move, you make it—no hesitation.

Otherwise, it would be disrespectful to Tsunade.

"What kind of reward do you want?"

Tsunade's red lips parted slightly, eyes teasing and sultry.

For a moment, Natsume's heart stirred.

She wore the ceremonial robe, which should have been serious and dignified, yet on her it was somehow enticing.

Wicked woman, you really know how to play.

Natsume advanced by retreating. "As long as it's a reward from you, sis, anything is fine."

Tsunade's eyes rippled; she leaned back in the Hokage's chair, the setting sun outlining her alluring curves.

Under Natsume's expectant, nervous gaze, she spoke.

"Dinner—your big sis will cook."

"…?"

Natsume's heart stopped.

What kind of backstabbing reality was this?

"Let's go."

Tsunade set aside the documents, done worrying about all the hassle.

"Okay."

Natsume followed dejectedly.

They left the Hokage building.

The streets were almost empty.

Tsunade stopped.

"What's wrong?"

Natsume's gaze skimmed past her hips; he finally looked up and asked.

"There's no one around."

Tsunade extended her right hand, hinting.

Natsume stepped forward and took her soft hand at once.

"Sis, when are we going to the beach?"

"On my birthday."

Tsunade's lips curved in a smile; she seemed in a good mood.

Natsume perked up instantly.

Finally unlocking Tsunade's new skin.

Nice.

"I'm looking forward to your present."

Tsunade glanced at his expression. "If it's disappointing, you'd better be mentally prepared."

Natsume's smile froze.

Should he prepare a second gift?

Just in case he died on a deserted island.

…

Back home, Tsunade kept her word and personally cooked, rewarding Natsume with a meal.

Shizune sat off to the side, aggrieved like a kicked puppy.

Why am I the collateral damage?

…

The next day.

The seven secretaries led by Hyuga Hizashi arrived right on time.

Four men, three women.

A fairly balanced ratio.

Tsunade immediately shed two-thirds of her busywork and felt much more at ease.

The only ones displeased were Koharu and Homura.

They felt threatened.

Ordinary secretaries didn't bother them; they could command and order them around.

But Hizashi was different. He wouldn't listen to them—only to Tsunade.

That meant they lost part of their power.

Since many matters would no longer pass through their hands, they couldn't profit from them anymore.

Given their personalities, Natsume figured they'd soon mount a counterattack.

He'd play with them then.

Before that, he needed to enjoy his beach-desert-island holiday.

…

Clear skies.

"Sis, wear that kimono from last time."

Natsume took a greenish kimono from the wardrobe. "It's just the two of us on the island anyway."

"Not honest, are you!"

Tsunade flicked his forehead, then grabbed the kimono. "Out."

Natsume immediately scampered to the door.

He wanted to watch, but with her senses, he'd get caught easily.

For the sake of the swimsuit mission to come, he had to endure for now.

"Okay."

Tsunade opened the door. Black stockings, high heels—their rhythmic taps on the floor echoed.

"Sis, you're gorgeous!"

Natsume praised from the heart.

"All right, let's go."

Tsunade felt a bit uncomfortable—too tight-fitting.

Natsume summoned Katsuyu.

Reverse summoning activated.

They appeared on a beach.

Ahead lay the boundless blue sea; behind, a small deserted island.

"You came prepared."

Seeing the prepared beach chairs, Tsunade lay down without ceremony.

In an instant, her allure rivaled the distant surf.

"Sis, does the kimono feel a little out of place?"

Natsume feigned casual curiosity.

Tsunade squinted, turned on her side, and looked at him.

Her blonde hair shone in the sun; as she moved, her kimono's hem slid down naturally, revealing pale thighs.

"Out with it—why the big circle?"

She rolled her eyes at him.

"It's summer, and we're at the beach, so I prepared a swimsuit for you, sis."

Resolved to die if need be, Natsume presented his gift.

"Tsk."

Tsunade shot him a contemptuous look. "I knew you had ulterior motives. 'Celebrating my birthday'? You just want to see me in a swimsuit."

"No way! I just think you're so beautiful you should wear more kinds of outfits."

Even after being called out, Natsume kept a straight face.

Tsunade blinked, then burst into laughter.

Calling her beautiful—very pleasing.

But that stubborn mouth—very displeasing.

She crooked a finger. "Let me see."

Natsume hurried over.

"…"

Tsunade's face froze.

You call this a swimsuit?

Triangle bottoms and a sling top.

Her cheeks flushed; fist clenched, she thumped Natsume on the head.

"Ah!"

Natsume toppled, howling, "I'm injured! I demand compensation!"

He was a pro at playing the victim.

Tsunade twitched her lips.

I didn't even use force. You're really acting, huh.

If it were a normal swimsuit, she could wear it.

But this set was too shameful.

"In your dreams."

Ignoring him, she lay back down, eyes half-closed to the sky.

Natsume got up.

Mainly because the ground was hot.

He didn't get discouraged; the day was long. There'd be chances.

"Sis, milk tea."

Natsume produced smash-hit pearl milk tea from his previous life.

"What's this?"

Tsunade eyed the white, cloudy drink, a bit puzzled.

She didn't recall such a beverage in Konoha.

"My special. Try it."

He patted his chest. "Absolutely delicious."

Tsunade bit the straw and took a sip; her eyes lit up slightly.

Better than she expected.

She nodded in satisfaction, exhaled, and, relieved of Hokage duties, looked relaxed and languid.

Natsume admired her under the sun.

Every line was fit and sexy; every inch of skin warm and lustrous.

Paired with a kimono, it was irresistible to most men.

In a swimsuit, even better.

Natsume looked somewhat regretful.

"So quiet."

Tsunade spread her arms, sighing. "Aside from the wind and waves, nothing else. Nice."

As if all those past memories of blood and fire had vanished.

She felt a long-lost peace.

And it seemed that change began when she met Natsume.

"Yeah, it's pretty nice," Natsume agreed honestly. "Especially being alone with you."

"Since when did you get so smooth-tongued?"

Smiling without looking at him, Tsunade asked, "Do you know what I thought when I first saw you?"

"What was it?"

Natsume's curiosity was piqued.

"Exceptionally pretty."

Tsunade rambled, "I've never seen such a good-looking child. But what truly caught my interest was you saying you wanted to be Hokage. Before you, I'd heard it a lot. Especially from Nawaki."

Natsume was surprised.

Tsunade had never brought up Nawaki in front of him.

This was the first time.

It also meant he was now one of the most important people in her heart.

Otherwise she wouldn't mention her dead younger brother.

"At first I treated you as Nawaki. Would you mind?"

Turning on her side, Tsunade looked at Natsume with complex eyes. "In some ways, you two are a bit alike."

"I don't mind."

Natsume shook his head. "I'm an orphan. Meeting you was my luck. I don't care who you took me for."

At the same time, he silently apologized to Yakushi Nonou.

Dean, it's a crucial moment—I'll have to wrong you for now.

"Obedient as always."

Tsunade rolled her eyes. "Just not as naive as when you were little."

"How am I not?"

Natsume refused to admit it.

"Fake innocence."

Tsunade looked back out over the sea, spacing out.

Without Natsume, she would likely still be a wreck.

Either gambling night and day in some casino, or drinking herself senseless in some tavern.

Numbing herself to forget the past.

"Sis, you said you took me for Nawaki at first—what about now?"

Natsume keenly spotted the blind spot.

"Now?"

Tsunade froze, face warming, heart racing faster.

"Sis, you're blushing."

Natsume blurted.

"It's the sun."

She gave a reason, then glared at him. "Go prep lunch. I want grilled fish."

Natsume pulled a face.

Didn't get his wish, and now he had to do labor.

Tragic.

While Natsume went to the shore to catch fish, Tsunade sat up and looked at the swimsuit beside her.

She hesitated for a moment, sighed softly. "You win this time."

…

Natsume was quick at fishing.

Half an hour later, he came back with a big bucket—and froze.

Tsunade was in a boldly cut white swimsuit, a white round hat on her head, translucent gauze tied around her arms.

Arms folded, she lightly bit her sexy lower lip; her bright brown eyes were watery and flirtatious.

Natsume swallowed unconsciously.

Even more stunning than he'd imagined.

"Well? Start cooking!"

Tsunade glared at him in annoyance.

But paired with her flushed cheeks and that beautiful swimsuit, the glare had no effect.

Natsume, swallowing his pride, set up the grill.

Tsunade exhaled in relief.

She covered her face with both hands. Given her personality, those few seconds felt like years.

Natsume suddenly regretted not learning Fire Release.

Why was this taking so long?

Grilling fish had him so anxious he was about to unlock Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan.

"Sis, it's ready."

Natsume waved her over, eyes glued to her.

"…"

Face flushed, one arm across her chest, Tsunade came to the table.

She sat cross-legged.

All Natsume could see were those white straps.

"Got any booze?"

Her heart was racing; she needed alcohol to calm the turbulence.

"Yep."

Natsume had indeed prepared alcohol.

Tsunade loved to drink.

He opened a storage scroll and took out two bottles.

They clinked glasses, cup after cup.

Soon.

Tsunade was tipsy.

It was Natsume's first time drinking.

But he found his tolerance absurdly high.

Thinking it over, it was probably the Sage Body.

A physique comparable to the Sage of Six Paths—no way a little alcohol would do anything.

Bad news, Natsume thought—drinking won't be fun in the future.

Then again, now was the perfect time.

So… be a beast, or worse than a beast?

Tsunade tilted her head, eyes half-lidded, completely unguarded, irresistibly seductive.

"Keep drinking."

She stood, fell into Natsume's arms, groped for her cup, didn't find it, and lowered her head instead.

Their lips met in a heated crush, Tsunade's mouth parting eagerly as she pressed against Natsume with unrestrained hunger. Sweet, warm, soft—her tongue slipped past his lips, exploring deeply, tasting the lingering sake and something intoxicatingly her own. All sorts of flavors exploded in their mouths: the sharp bite of alcohol, the subtle salt of skin, the heady rush of desire.

After a long tangle of tongues, she slipped and fell.

Natsume caught her quickly.

"I… feel… sleepy."

Tsunade yawned, turned, hugged Natsume, and closed her eyes.

Moments later, she seemed to have a nightmare. With a pained sound, tears slid down.

Natsume couldn't bear it. Patting her shoulder, he whispered, "It'll be fine when you wake up."

Tsunade nodded, saying nothing.

But the nightmare lasted far longer than she expected, not easing until three hours later.

Night.

Natsume woke.

Maybe he'd slept in a bad position.

Tsunade, still caught by the nightmare, hadn't woken.

Her shapely body in the moonlight sparked all sorts of thoughts.

Natsume took out a silk scarf and wiped the sweat from her forehead.

A nightmare on her birthday—truly a shame.

Suddenly, Tsunade opened her eyes and burrowed into his arms.

She didn't speak, just pressed against him quietly.

A moment later, she rolled her eyes at him. "It's so late—aren't you tired?"

"I slept from noon till now. I'm full of energy."

Natsume lifted his chin toward the shoreline. "I could tear the place up again."

Tsunade frowned, annoyed by his bravado, pushed him away, and sat up.

Clenching her fist, she flared with power, snarling, "All you think about is fighting. Today big sis will teach you a lesson!"

"No, sis, mercy!"

Natsume resisted valiantly but lost, ending up bruised and battered, tormented all night.

They'd planned to return the next day.

But Natsume wanted more fun, so they stayed two extra days, leaving traces of themselves all over the island.

To commemorate the rare birthday, Natsume decided to turn it into a seaside villa, a place to visit with Tsunade whenever they felt like it.

With their delightful two-days-and-a-night trip over, it was back to everyday Hokage routines.

Natsume continued farming his Fate Points.

…

Ninja Academy.

Classes not yet dismissed.

Natsume stood at the door, peering in.

"Hey, your little hunk."

Haruno Sakura spotted Natsume first and nudged Yamanaka Ino's shoulder.

"What hunk?"

Ino didn't even look up. "No handsome guy can shake my resolve to study."

"It's Natsume."

"Huh?"

Ino turned immediately and saw Natsume at the door.

If they weren't in class, she would've sprinted over.

Last time Natsume visited the Yamanaka clan, she only found out afterward.

She regretted it deeply.

Even though he wasn't there for her—that regret remained.

"Tch."

Sakura said sourly, "Haven't even met him a few times and you're already that eager."

She saw Sasuke every day and had no progress.

She was so mad!

"You don't get it. That's love at first sight."

Ino huffed, her high blonde ponytail swishing with her motion.

Sakura gritted her teeth.

"Class dismissed."

Iruka smiled from the podium and announced the end of today's lessons.

In an instant, students bolted out the front and back doors like wild horses.

"Na—"

Ino was fast—but someone was faster.

Uzumaki Naruto.

"Hahaha."

Sakura laughed without a shred of dignity.

Nice one!

Naruto!

"…"

Ino shot her a glare. I won't be like you—fighting a guy over a guy, right?

At that moment, Naruto felt immense danger.

He turned instinctively and saw two girls staring at him.

"Big bro, let's go."

Naruto sensed trouble.

Natsume smiled, waved at the girls, and turned to leave.

He didn't have time to chat; he had to deal with Naruto's issue first.

"Naruto, do you know who your parents are?"

"Big bro, you know?"

Naruto lit up at once.

He'd asked everyone, but no one would tell him who his parents were.

"I can take you to meet them."

Natsume put a hand on his head. "Close your eyes. Don't worry about anything."

Getting into the Nine-Tails' seal space wasn't hard—especially for Natsume now.

Chapter 140: The Fourth Hokage and His Wife

The seal space was dark and damp.

Naruto opened his eyes with curiosity and exclaimed, "What a big fox!"

A massive head slammed into thick bars, making a booming clang.

The flame-red fox bared teeth larger than a human, malice surging. "Brat!"

Chakra roiled out in a dense mist, but it never touched Naruto.

Ever since Natsume had Uzumaki Hinae reinforce the seal, it couldn't leak chakra or see the outside world.

Shut in solitary, Kurama was even more violent than in the original.

"This… this fox can talk?"

Naruto jumped, then relaxed when he realized it couldn't get out.

"Brat! I'm not a fox!"

Kurama's roar echoed through the seal.

Its huge breath gusted over Naruto and Natsume.

"…"

Natsume casually raised a chakra barrier.

"If you're not a fox, what are you?"

With safety assured, Naruto's childlike curiosity surfaced.

"I… I'm the most powerful tailed beast!"

Kurama stumbled for a beat, then bellowed.

"Tailed beast?"

Naruto's face showed he was thinking, then realization struck. "You're the demon fox?"

His expression changed.

Before, he thought people calling him the demon fox meant him. Turns out it was an actual fox.

So he'd been suffering because of it?

"I am indeed the demon fox they speak of."

Kurama grinned ferociously. "Come closer, you two, and I'll tell you why I'm the demon fox."

Naruto stepped forward instinctively.

He did want to know.

He'd hated being called "demon fox" for so long.

"Naruto."

Natsume pressed a hand to his shoulder. "Stay here. Don't move."

He strolled ahead.

Kurama rejoiced inwardly.

Kids were easy to trick.

So easily lured in.

The last two Jinchuriki had been a pain.

Though Natsume wasn't a Jinchuriki, he seemed close to one.

Catch him, and he could threaten Naruto.

Maybe even get out.

As Natsume approached, Kurama's eyes grew fiercer. It slowly opened its mouth.

It couldn't get out, but at this close range, a little chakra could leak out to bind the kid.

"Big bro, careful!"

Sensing danger, Naruto shouted.

Natsume raised a hand, glanced at the seal.

If he remembered right, peeling off half the seal would trigger Minato to appear and stop it.

Kushina would show when Kurama rampaged, binding it with Adamantine Sealing Chains.

Irresponsible as they were in some ways, they still cared for Naruto.

Just entrusted him to the wrong people.

"Brat! You're dead!"

Kurama's grin widened; red chakra tentacles lashed toward Natsume at the bars.

It looked down with contempt. This generation of Jinchuriki was weak.

Natsume didn't dodge. He clapped his hands.

Sage Art: Wood Release: Wood Dragon Technique!

A green seed appeared suddenly.

Kurama paused, a sense of déjà vu.

Before it could react—

The chakra-fed seed sprouted, becoming a vine like a dragon that quickly bound Kurama.

"Aaagh!"

Kurama's body cracked and popped. "It hurts! It's killing me!"

In the original, Hashirama had used this to bind Kurama, making it wail.

The Wood Dragon's restraint was powerful and absorbed chakra.

"Damn brat! Aaagh!"

Kurama struggled to no avail.

It remembered the fear of being dominated by Hashirama.

That smiling man who yelled "Nine-Tails, you're too strong, need to be sealed!" while pinning it to the ground so it couldn't move.

Damn!

You've got Wood Release? Say so earlier.

We could've talked.

Now you've put me in a bind.

I am not begging a human!

"Let me go!"

Kurama's ears stood straight from the pain.

"Big bro, maybe let it go? It sounds kinda pitiful!"

Naruto covered his ears and shouted.

He did feel a little sorry—but mostly, it was too loud.

Natsume nodded and dispelled the Wood Dragon.

Kurama collapsed, eyes wary.

"Who… who are you?"

Much milder now.

"Natsume."

Natsume smiled. "That's Uzumaki Naruto over there. You know him, right?"

"I know."

Kurama rumbled. "I watched him grow up."

The malice was gone; it looked rather docile.

"Watched me grow up?"

Naruto blinked. "From where?"

"Here."

Kurama glanced at him, then, seeing Natsume's look, answered honestly, "Since you were born, your parents sealed me inside you."

"What?"

Naruto was dumbstruck.

He couldn't understand why his parents would do that.

The demon fox wasn't good—why put it in their child?

"Fourth Hokage, time to come out."

Natsume pressed his hand to the seal.

Naruto's face changed again—confused.

The Fourth Hokage is in my belly too?

What is going on?

Kurama was dumbfounded as well.

There was a back door, after all!

As soon as he touched the seal, another hand pressed from the other side.

The Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, appeared.

Classic flak jacket and white cloak.

"You're… Naruto?"

Minato looked puzzled.

Logically, only Naruto could be here and try to peel the seal.

Though Natsume's handsome looks rivaled his own, it was clearly a different style—not his son.

Plus the hair color and age didn't match.

If so, maybe Naruto had been captured?

"Over there."

Natsume pointed casually.

Minato turned and froze.

No need for an explanation—this one was his son.

They looked very alike.

Minato's heart tightened.

He and Naruto had only met once.

During the Nine-Tails incident, Naruto had just been born—an infant.

Now he was a lively boy.

All these years, he hadn't fulfilled his duty as a father, and now he didn't dare approach.

"Fourth Hokage?"

Naruto still didn't get what was happening—totally lost.

"You… don't know me?"

Minato, quick on the uptake, sensed the problem.

By rights, even if they hadn't met, Hiruzen Sarutobi would've told Naruto about him.

Why was he so flat and uncertain on hearing "Fourth Hokage"?

Unless he didn't know Minato was his father—just a stranger.

Minato's heart clenched.

What happened?

"I know you. You're the Fourth carved on Hokage Rock—Minato Namikaze."

Naruto's answer confirmed Minato's hunch.

Naruto had no idea about his lineage.

What were you doing, Third?

Minato looked at Naruto, emotions roiling.

He didn't know how to begin.

"Bring out Kushina."

Natsume broke the awkwardness.

"Who are you?"

Minato came to, wary again. "How do you know so much?"

"Sorry, forgot to introduce myself."

Natsume thought a moment. "I'm Fifth Hokage Tsunade's student, and a Senju who awakened Wood Release."

Minato was surprised.

He knew Tsunade's temperament and history.

If she'd wanted to be Hokage, it wouldn't have been his turn.

He didn't expect her to be the Fifth now.

More surprising was Natsume.

Senju.

With Wood Release.

The village would definitely treat him as a top talent.

He could see why Natsume could be here.

Wood Release countered Kurama.

With Natsume around, Naruto wouldn't risk going berserk.

"Bring out Kushina, and we'll talk about Naruto together."

Natsume added, "Don't worry about fading away."

He extended a hand; Yang Release chakra flowed into Minato, who couldn't help but look pleased.

The remnants Minato and Kushina had left behind wouldn't last long, which is why they hadn't appeared for Naruto all these years.

With Natsume's help, they could remain longer.

For him, it was a chance to make up for Naruto.

He didn't know he'd be Edo Tensei'd in the future.

"We need Kurama to go on a rampage for her to sense it."

Minato said, then realized something.

Where was Kurama?

How could such a big fox be this quiet?

He glanced into the depths and saw Kurama curled up in the farthest corner.

"???"

Minato had never seen it so obedient.

He almost thought he was under genjutsu.

"Kurama, rampage a bit."

Natsume raised a hand.

"What do you take me for, human?"

Kurama bristled.

You tell me to rampage, and I rampage?

I'm the mightiest tailed beast. Have some dignity.

"What was that?"

Natsume lifted his other hand.

Seeing those familiar clapped hands incoming, Kurama leaped up and opened its mouth.

Chakra gathered in torrents; a violent aura swept the space.

The next moment, golden chains bound it.

Kurama's lip twitched.

Called it.

So wronged! This is so wrong!

A red-haired woman appeared midair.

The chains came from her body.

A sealing art unique to the Uzumaki.

Adamantine Sealing Chains.

Also a tailed-beast nemesis.

In the shinobi world, sealing arts were rare non-kekkei genkai that could restrain tailed beasts.

"Eh? What's going on?"

Kushina landed, glanced at Minato and Natsume, then fixed on the utterly bewildered Naruto.

"Minato, is that… Naruto?"

"It is."

Minato nodded.

"He's grown… Naruto, I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you."

Kushina rushed over, hugged Naruto. "How are you living now?"

"Mom?"

Naruto jolted, subconsciously pushed her away, incredulous. "You're my mom?"

"???"

Kushina froze, turned to Minato. "What happened?"

"I'll explain."

Natsume stepped up, patted Naruto, giving a reassuring look, then raised his hand.

"I used a special method to extract Naruto's memories. You'll understand at a glance."

The "special method" was Fate Points.

Extraction wasn't expensive—ten points.

Two clear orbs sank into them.

…

Moments later, Kushina opened her eyes and lost her cool.

Her red hair flared; face fierce. "Third! What were you doing?! How could you treat Naruto like that?!"

Minato was a little better, but his face was dark.

He could have survived.

He had Flying Thunder God, after all.

But out of Hokage duty, trust in Hiruzen, and perhaps a hint of romantic fatalism, he went to his death.

Who knew Naruto would be treated like this?

Minato knew a Nine-Tails Jinchuriki couldn't live like a normal shinobi.

Likely he'd be confined like Kushina.

But Naruto's situation was beyond confinement.

He'd grown up amid malice.

Minato couldn't imagine how Naruto stayed positive and upbeat.

"Naruto! I'm sorry!"

Rage spent, Kushina hugged Naruto, tears flowing.

Minato felt burning embarrassment.

At the root, Naruto's plight was his doing.

He sealed half of Kurama into Naruto.

"Natsume, tell me—where are Jiraiya-sensei, Kakashi, and Genma Shiranui?"

Minato drew a deep breath to press down his anger.

Jiraiya was his teacher; Kakashi his student.

Genma Shiranui, Ryo Umino, and Iwashi Tatami were his Hokage guards.

He'd rested in peace because of them.

Plus, the one he trusted most: Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Yet none helped.

"Jiraiya's almost always away, barely returning. Kakashi fell into a slump after losing his teammates. As for your three guards, they've drifted from Konoha's power center and chose to stand aside."

Natsume paused. "And none of them could defy the Third's orders."

Minato clenched his fists.

The root of it was Hiruzen.

Others had reasons, but he didn't.

He hadn't treated Naruto as a hero's son, but as an indispensable weapon.

Kushina, with Mito and Minato shielding her, hadn't seen much darkness.

But Naruto, because they both died, was left utterly alone.

[Because of your actions, the fates of Uzumaki Naruto, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Namikaze Minato, and Uzumaki Kushina have changed. You gained 237 Fate Points.]

"I won't intrude on your family reunion. I'll head out."

Natsume glanced at Naruto.

His goal achieved, staying would be inappropriate.

This was their family—no place for him.

And the Fate Points told him enough. No need to worry.

"Natsume, thank you."

Minato said gratefully at once.

Without him, he and Kushina might have learned of Naruto's suffering much later.