Adopted by Tsunade [143-144] (Patreon)

Chapter 143: Tsunade's New Disciple, Ino

In the original story, both Haruno Sakura and Yamanaka Ino are Tsunade's disciples.

But the former is formal, the latter is temporary.

In the end Sakura learned the Yin Seal and the Strength of a Hundred Technique, while Ino learned only the Mystical Palm Technique and didn't continue.

Judging by the results, the former clearly had greater talent as a medical ninja.

But the fact that Ino could learn the Mystical Palm already proves her talent isn't bad.

It's just that she studied too broadly, and with her clan's secret techniques there was no need to specialize in medical ninjutsu.

After all, the Yin Seal and Strength of a Hundred are extremely time-consuming.

Sakura took three years.

Ino couldn't possibly afford that much time.

Because she's the new generation's Ino–Shika–Cho.

She has to coordinate with Akimichi Choji and Nara Shikamaru.

This made Natsume think of Hyuga Hinata.

She, too, learned the Mystical Palm.

And likewise stopped there, without learning other medical ninjutsu.

In Natsume's view, the Byakugan is best suited for long-range combat and medical ninjutsu.

After all, it sees far, and sees through.

In these two areas, it has huge advantages.

For example, Kaguya Otsutsuki's Eighty Gods Vacuum Attack.

Hinata has the talent to develop new techniques.

Naturally Natsume won't let her waste it; he'll have her try long-range Gentle Fist.

Creating a remote acupoint-striking technique is feasible.

After finishing a cup of tea, Ino took her leave.

She's still young; she won't stay overnight and worry her family.

But that's also an advantage.

She now has enough time to learn the Yin Seal and the Strength of a Hundred.

If Tsunade takes a disciple—discounting Natsume's influence—she'd likely only take one.

Because she's too busy.

And she already has too many disciples.

Ino hails from the Yamanaka clan, backed by Ino–Shika–Cho.

Her odds are much higher than Sakura's.

Though the latter is indeed talented.

Natsume plans to have Nonō Yakushi take a disciple.

And he can harvest the fate points of three people—an absolute win.

Though he also has a little selfishness: he prefers Ino.

When Tsunade got home, Natsume told her about taking a disciple.

Her gaze was full of suspicion.

In the end, Natsume worked hard all night to get her to agree.

…

Hokage Office.

Tsunade processed documents while Natsume massaged her shoulders from behind.

Before long, there was a knock.

"Come in."

Tsunade looked up and, in passing, kicked Natsume to make him take two steps back and stop massaging.

So others wouldn't see and form a bad impression.

As Hokage, treating a subordinate like that is not acceptable.

But Natsume has dignity too.

So he reached out and stroked the arch of her bare foot a couple of times before retreating behind her.

Tsunade rolled her eyes at him, then quickly restored the Hokage's authority, sitting upright.

"Lord Hokage."

In came Yamanaka Inoichi.

One of the previous generation's Ino–Shika–Cho, captain of Konoha's Analysis Unit, idol to many intelligence ninja.

He's also Ino's father.

"May I ask why you summoned me, Lord Hokage?"

Inoichi gave a slight bow and asked.

He's humble by nature, a rare good subordinate.

Every Hokage has praised him.

In fact, due to the tight alliance of the Ino–Shika–Cho clans, as long as they don't betray Konoha, they'll always be Konoha's ninja clans.

This brings up Hiruzen Sarutobi's maneuver:

He made Asuma Sarutobi the sensei leading Ino, Choji, and Shikamaru.

And the Sarutobi clan also serves as witness for the Ino–Shika–Cho's "Earring Oath."

The so-called Earring Oath is that each generation of Ino–Shika–Cho wears matching earrings as a symbol of their alliance.

In other words, the Sarutobi clan is bound together with the three clans of Ino–Shika–Cho.

"I've met your daughter, Yamanaka Ino; she has quite some talent."

Without Hiruzen's habit of beating around the bush, Tsunade spoke directly: "I intend to take her as my disciple. What do you think?"

"Take her as a disciple?"

Inoichi froze, then burst into joy. "It would be her honor to become Lord Hokage's disciple."

Even if Tsunade's strength were mediocre, the title "Disciple of the Hokage" alone would benefit Ino immensely.

Plus she's the Yamanaka heir—her status in Konoha would be nearly unmatched.

Inoichi would certainly not refuse such a pie falling from the sky.

"Go inform her and have her come see me."

Tsunade wasn't surprised. Her taking Ino as a disciple is already giving Yamanaka tremendous face.

Because it's such a great benefit.

In the original story, Sakura ascended in one step thanks to this.

Her strength and status surpassed the average ninja by far.

"Yes!"

Barely able to contain his excitement, Inoichi turned and left at once; he didn't even bother with office hours and ran straight to the Ninja Academy.

…

Ino was in class, but it didn't matter.

As the Yamanaka clan head and Analysis Unit captain, his presence alone would make the teaching chunin tremble.

Afraid they might do something wrong and get dragged off for interrogation.

And the kind that invades your mind.

"Why are you here?"

Under the stares of her classmates, Ino stepped out of the classroom.

"Lord Hokage wants to take you as a disciple!"

Inoichi came straight out with it, face full of joy. "You must work hard!"

Ino was stunned, hardly daring to believe it.

So fast?
She had just told Natsume yesterday, and today it was already decided.

And doesn't the Hokage test prospective disciples?

What if she doesn't have enough talent?
Ino's clever; she quickly sensed something off.

"Um… is Sakura included?"

"Sakura? No."

Still elated, Inoichi said, "Come with me now to see the Hokage."

Ino froze for two seconds.

Could it really be Natsume-kun helping?
And only helping her.

Her feelings were complicated.

A little sweet, and a little guilty.

Sweet, because she realized Natsume truly treats her differently.

Guilty, because she didn't help Sakura.

"Let's go."

Inoichi urged.

"Mm."

Ino pulled herself together.

Tsunade has always been her idol; she's long wanted to meet her.

Now she not only has the chance—she'll become her disciple.

Double happiness.

…

Hokage Office.

"Are you happy?"

Tsunade asked a bit testily, "Since when did you get so close with Ino?"

Natsume stepped up, turned, pecked her lips, and smiled: "A little sour."

Tsunade's brow furrowed. She put him in a headlock and ground her knuckles into his skull.

"Wipe that smirk off—serves you right!"

"Mercy, Lord Hokage!"

Because of the posture, Natsume had already fallen into the abyss.

He gazed into the abyss, and the abyss exuded a faint fragrance.

A knock sounded.

Tsunade hurriedly let go, straightened her clothes, but still annoyed, slipped on her heels and stomped on him a few times.

"Sis, stomp all you want!"

Natsume said at once. "As long as you're happy."

He has a Sage Body anyway.

And Tsunade didn't use force.

The door opened.

Inoichi entered again.

This time with a blonde girl—Yamanaka Ino.

She saw Natsume at first glance.

A bit surprised.

But remembering he's Tsunade's disciple, it made sense.

"Lord Hokage."

Inoichi and Ino spoke in unison.

"Mm."

Tsunade nodded calmly. "Ino, from now on, call me sensei."

"Yes!"

Ino's voice carried obvious excitement, and the look she gave Tsunade barely hid her adoration.

Tsunade was used to that look and thought nothing of it.

After a moment's thought, she asked, "At your age, you haven't studied medical ninjutsu yet, have you?"

Ino nodded. "They don't teach it at the Academy."

Though the Yamanaka could hire a medical ninja to tutor her, they'd prioritize clan secret arts.

"Go to the office next door and find your senior, Shizune. Start with the basics for a while."

Tsunade pointed right—where the Hokage Guard Platoon's office is.

On the left is the Hokage Secretarial Corps.

Originally the two advisors' office, now relocated—which made Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado furious enough to vomit blood.

But Tsunade was delighted.

This was Natsume's suggestion.

Tsunade had long been disgusted by those two fossils and agreed immediately.

But she didn't understand them.

After this humiliation, Utatane and Mitokado would surely act.

And they'd most likely find Shimura Danzo.

Because they could shift the blame.

Danzo, stripped of power, constantly schemes to return.

He once attempted to assassinate Hiruzen—bold indeed.

Now, with two Hokage Advisors backing him, what's a mere Tsunade to fear?
And in terms of overall strength, Hiruzen was stronger.

Danzo is unwilling to let a junior like Tsunade be Hokage.

When the time comes, Natsume will lend a hand to achieve his goal:

Force Shimura Danzo to defect.

In the process of his defection, Koharu and Homura "accidentally die"—quite reasonable, no?

If Danzo stays in Konoha, it's hard to harvest fate points.

As for the two advisors' fate points, Natsume doesn't even want it.

Making Tsunade happy is enough.

Besides, killing them also yields fate points—just a one-off.

"Yes!"

Ino wanted to ask about Sakura but felt it improper.

She decided to ask Natsume later what was going on.

She left the Hokage Office and entered the adjacent Hokage Guard office.

Only…the vibe here was weird.

A green spandex uncle was frog-jumping back and forth, shouting about youthful passion.

A white-haired masked weirdo was reading the indecent novel Icha Icha Paradise.

A fierce-looking big sister was practicing medical ninjutsu on a big rooster.

Only Kurenai Yuhi was relatively normal, poring over documents.

But in a sense, being unfazed in such an environment is also odd.

"Um… which one is Senior Shizune?"

Ino hesitated two seconds and asked.

Shizune casually knocked out the practice rooster, turned, and looked Ino up and down.

Hmm, quite cute.

"You're Ino, right?"

Shizune washed the blood from her hands. "I've already prepared books for you—in the corner."

Ino froze.

She had already noticed the mountain of books in the corner.

She thought it was various Konoha files, but it turned out to be for her.

I regret this a little. What do I do?

Ino bit her lip. At this point, backing down was impossible.

Otherwise, she'd be disrespecting the Hokage.

Chapter 144: Make kage Great Again

After Inoichi and Ino left, the Hokage Office grew quiet again.

Natsume leaned close to Tsunade's smooth cheek and said, "Thanks."

"No need to thank me. She's the Yamanaka heir—taking her as a disciple strengthens ties with Ino–Shika–Cho."

Tsunade analyzed coolly. "Quite beneficial for me, freshly seated as Hokage."

Natsume savored the soft feel and nodded.

That's a Hokage's calculus.

Tsunade isn't as power-hungry as Hiruzen, but she still does what needs doing.

In the original, she took Sakura not only for talent but also because of Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha.

Now that those two teammates are absent, Tsunade would hardly notice Sakura.

Because Sakura has no background.

Maybe her ancestors once prospered and left a family crest.

Or maybe it's just the author's mistake—forgetting their own setup mid-writing.

But this is the real Hokage world now.

With her current unremarkable performance, Sakura has no chance of becoming the Hokage's disciple.

Natsume brushed a kiss across Tsunade's cheek. "I thought last night's effort moved you."

"You!"

Tsunade turned, a blush of anger coloring her face. She glared. "Do you have a death wish?"

"Don't be mad."

Natsume raised his hands. "Tonight I'll let you vent however you like."

"Behave yourself here!"

Tsunade laughed in exasperation and flicked his forehead hard.

"—Tch!"

Natsume sucked in a breath and apologized obediently. "Sorry, Lord Hokage."

"Honestly."

Tsunade reached out and rubbed his forehead. "I have work to handle. Don't distract me."

In the end, she softened.

"What is it? The Uchiha inheritance distribution?"

Natsume caught her hand. "I can help."

"The Uchiha inheritance is under Sasuke's management."

Tsunade pulled her hand back, flipped out a file. "It's about the Konoha Police Department. The whole village is in an uproar."

Oh right—he'd forgotten that institution.

Back then, the Second Hokage, Tobirama, established the Police Department and entrusted it to the Uchiha.

At first it had tremendous authority—responsible for internal security and defense of Konoha.

In theory, broader than the ANBU and Root's remit.

But after Hiruzen and Danzo's maneuvers, the Uchiha lost power and were forced to move out of their compound.

The Police Department they managed was reduced to an ordinary institution.

Its day-to-day became handling civilian disputes.

The more it went that way, the worse their reputation grew.

Now the Uchiha are gone, and the Police Department is an empty shell.

Many clans are tempted.

The Sarutobi, Shimura, Hyuga, Inuzuka, and so on.

A starved camel is still bigger than a horse.

So is this agency.

Taking control would certainly benefit a clan's development and prosperity.

And someone does need to take over.

"Yeah, it's tricky."

Natsume glanced through it and understood Tsunade's headache.

With so many clans, whoever gets it offends the rest.

"Sis, I have an idea."

Natsume thought for a moment. "Why not split the Police Department into two? One handles civilian affairs; the other handles Konoha's security."

"Why the sudden thought?"

It was Tsunade's first time hearing such a proposal.

"Because having ninja handle civilian matters is an uneven match—it breeds misunderstanding."

Natsume laid it out. "The Uchiha's awful reputation likely owes something to this."

Tsunade froze.

The more she thought about it, the more sense it made.

She tilted her head at Natsume. "I suspect you have a Yin Seal like me."

As in: he might look young but is actually an old monster.

"Sis, you watched me grow up."

Natsume stressed the last words.

Tsunade's face stiffened. She rolled her eyes. "Why are you so unruly these days?"

"It's because you're too charming."

He stole another peck on her cheek.

Tsunade turned her face, the corner of her mouth twitching upward before she resumed Hokage dignity.

"And after splitting it?"

"The Police Department is a Konoha institution, not a private one. Best is to involve every clan."

Natsume paused. "As for how to select people to balance things—that's up to your skill, Sis."

That suggestion was within Tsunade's expectations.

She'd thought of it too.

Her hesitation was about management.

So many clans crammed together—big problem.

You need someone who can command the room.

"Flip to the last page."

Tsunade pointed at the file.

Natsume did and couldn't help but grin.

An institution needs a head, of course.

The Sarutobi clan proposed Asuma Sarutobi.

The Shimura clan proposed Danzo Shimura.

Their schemes couldn't be more obvious.

Asuma—a seemingly rebellious ninja whose life path has been laid out by Hiruzen:

Guardian of the Fire Daimyo and teacher of the new Ino–Shika–Cho.

And his girlfriend—

Kurenai Yuhi, an ordinary genin-to-jonin illusionist who somehow became sensei to Hyuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba, and Aburame Shino.

Incredible.

She specializes in genjutsu; her three students are all recon-type.

No connection at all.

If Asuma were a bit stronger, he could already be penciled in for the Hokage seat.

As for Danzo—at his age, still angling to be Police Chief.

Clearly a curved path back to power.

Root may be disbanded and its members functioning as normal ninja, but trained as they were, they still obey Danzo.

Disbanded, but not truly.

"Who should I pick?"

Tsunade rubbed her temples and sighed.

"The best choice is someone with extremely high prestige, a strong Will of Fire, solid strength, and a civilian background."

Natsume set the file down. "Any candidates, Sis?"

"Jiraiya and Orochimaru—but that's impossible."

Tsunade shook her head. "Beyond them, no third candidate."

"There is one."

Natsume thought for a moment. "Maruboshi Kosuke."

"Maruboshi Kosuke?"

Tsunade blinked, then nodded in realization.

A legendary genin.

He's lived through the Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Hokage.

Tobirama taught him Water Style; Hiruzen taught him ninjutsu; Minato once bandaged his wounds.

And Tsunade will have ordered him to defend Konoha.

Though that hasn't happened yet.

"Not bad. He can indeed serve as Police Chief."

Tsunade exhaled, mood improving. "You did well today. Your big sis will reward you."

Natsume grinned.

"Don't make that weird face—it's ugly!"

Tsunade glared and kneaded his cheeks.

She couldn't help but smile herself, lips curving into a pretty arc.

"Go back to your files."

Tsunade stood and planted a quick peck on his forehead.

By "files," she meant Konoha's historical paperwork.

Having Natsume read them—ostensibly to pave the way for his future as Hokage.

So when he suggested Maruboshi Kosuke, Tsunade wasn't surprised.

"Mm."

Natsume had business anyway, so he went along. "Call me if you need me."

Tsunade blinked and clicked her tongue.

"…?"

"I'm being serious," Natsume added firmly. "What's with that reaction?"

"Well, you've been misbehaving lately."

She knew there'd been a misunderstanding, but she didn't act coy—just waved a hand. "Go on."

Natsume left the Hokage Office.

…

"Natsume-kun."

Ino called from not far away.

She was hugging a stack of materials, almost covering her head.

"You're here to ask about Sakura, right?"

Natsume guessed why she was waiting. "Have her go to Konoha Hospital and find Director Nonou."

"Thank you!"

Ino breathed a sigh of relief.

Though it's not Tsunade, Nonō Yakushi is no slouch—she's a top-tier medical ninja, more than enough to teach Sakura.

Clever as she is, she couldn't guess the twists behind this.

She was helping Sakura purely out of friendship.

That's the taste of youth.

Natsume glanced at the books she was carrying and smiled. "Shizune's quite capable. Don't think she's torturing you."

"Of course not!"

Ino shook her head, full of spirit. "I'll work hard!"

Her long bangs and high ponytail swayed with her.

"Um… I have a question."

Natsume reached out and brushed aside her bangs, revealing her right eye. "Doesn't that usually block your vision?"

Ino's body stiffened. Her eyes darted away, her face flushing.

"Sorry."

Natsume withdrew his hand. "I just think your eyes are pretty—it's a pity to cover them."

In his previous life, he'd thought young Ino's long bangs didn't look great.

Though as she grew, her figure and looks could carry it.

From anyone else, those words would be harassment.

But paired with Natsume's face, Ino's blush deepened and she grew flustered.

Very softly, she said, "If Natsume-kun doesn't like it, I'll change it."

She hugged the materials and hurried back into the office.

Natsume sighed. "Youth is wonderful."

[Because of your actions, the fates of Yamanaka Ino, Haruno Sakura, Nonō Yakushi, and Maruboshi Kosuke have changed. You gained a total of 199 Fate Points.]

More than he expected.

Perhaps because Sakura and Ino have many scenes in the original.

Especially the former, one of the heroines.

Satisfied, Natsume walked over to the nearby Hokage Secretarial Office.

"It's Natsume."

Hyuga Hiashi greeted him first.

Hiashi hadn't told anyone Natsume's true strength.

But to avoid any accidents dragging the Hyuga in—

He told Hinata's uncle, Hyuga Hizashi, that Natsume was the reason he could be Hokage Secretary.

How to put it?

It was useless.

Hizashi didn't care.

He thought the Hokage Secretary was a thankless job.

Above him are the Hokage and the advisors.

He's just a gofer.

But after actually doing it, he found the power far greater than he'd imagined.

They now manage nearly two-thirds of village affairs—virtually sidelining the advisors completely.

Because of this, Hizashi had repeatedly been scolded by Koharu and Homura for "overstepping."

He shot back that he was following the Hokage's orders.

These last few days, Hizashi had been having a great time.

In the Hyuga, he's branch family. With the Caged Bird, life is suffocating.

He even has to watch his own son, Neji, get used as a punching bag.

And he has no freedom.

Whatever missions, all arranged by the main family.

But here, he's a manager, with real power.

Plenty of ninja and clans who once looked down on him now greet him warmly for various errands.

Thus, Natsume counts as his benefactor.

Plus, Natsume is the Hokage's disciple, so his attitude is naturally very good.

"Uncle Hizashi, I need a favor."

Natsume stated his purpose. "Any missing or dead ninja in the village recently?"

"Quite a few."

Hizashi thought a moment. "Ninja is a high-risk job. People get into trouble every day."

"Mm."

Natsume nodded. "Find and compile them for me."

If he wants Danzo to defect, he needs decisive evidence.

Like the Hashirama cell experiments.

Given Root's darkness, it's definitely not just one experiment—there are many.

Natsume's plan is to find a pretext—say, missing ninja—pin the blame on Danzo, then open an investigation.

Hiruzen might endure scrutiny, but Danzo can't.

Even dragging out the old Hashirama cell experiments would damn Danzo forever.

Now it depends on whether Koharu and Homura can hold back.

With that in mind, Natsume lowered his voice. "Uncle Hizashi, another favor?"

"What is it?"

Hizashi, puzzled by the secrecy, still said, "Tell me. If I can help, I will."

"Those two advisors must be giving you trouble lately, right?"

After his confirmation, Natsume said, "Don't be polite—lay into them. Make it as infuriating as possible."

"That's… not great, is it?"

Hizashi hesitated.

Previously he'd talked back, but only by citing the Hokage's orders, not pushing it.

"If anything happens, I'll take responsibility."

Natsume paused. "If you still have doubts, consult the Hyuga clan head."

Hizashi's eyes widened.

That seemed to imply a lot.

Could it be that his brother had reached some agreement with Natsume?
"Alright."

Hizashi agreed first.

But after all, those two are Hokage Advisors.

Their power may have waned, but they're not to be underestimated.

If he offends them rashly, it could affect the Hyuga.

The branch family might suffer punishment from the main family.

So he'd only act after asking Hiashi.

"Thanks."

With the missing and deceased ninja reports in hand, Natsume left the office.

As for Hiashi—if he knows what's good for him, he'll agree.