Adopted by Tsunade [153-154] (R18) (Patreon)

Chapter 153: Mikoto's Eruption

The Uchiha clan compound.

A place once bustling with life was now unusually quiet.

At dusk, only a single light was on.

"Sasuke, you're still too young. Don't be hasty."

Hatake Kakashi advised, "Chidori is still too early for you."

"I want to beat Naruto."

Uchiha Sasuke said expressionlessly.

Kakashi felt a bit helpless.

To be honest, he hadn't expected Uzumaki Naruto to be such a prodigy.

Even Uchiha Sasuke couldn't beat him—unbelievable.

With two-tomoe Sharingan, he could already match a chunin.

On top of that, with a jonin like him as teacher, and he still couldn't beat Naruto—downright unscientific.

While the two were talking, up on a utility pole not far away, Natsume made a side discovery.

He spotted Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame.

He'd seen the former, not the latter, but Kisame's distinctive looks made him easy to recognize.

Natsume was genuinely curious whether one of Kisame's parents had shark blood… or wasn't even human.

After all, maybe the ninja world doesn't have reproductive isolation.

Ahem.

Natsume reined in his wild thoughts and considered why the two had come to Konoha.

To capture the Nine-Tails?

Way too early.

According to the original plot, it'd be at least a few years from now.

Was it because of Uchiha Sasuke?
Natsume's interference had prevented Itachi from meeting his younger brother on the night of the massacre and casting Tsukuyomi.

So, is he back to "give a gift"?

Natsume narrowed his eyes, and suddenly thought of Uchiha Mikoto.

How could he miss something this entertaining?
Natsume vanished from where he stood and appeared at the daimyo residence in the Land of Waves.

He walked to Uchiha Mikoto's room, but didn't enter—he went to the window.

The scene inside came into view.

She was masturbating, her fingers buried deep inside her slick, aching pussy.

Uchiha Mikoto held a long, smooth flute between her thighs, using it like a makeshift dildo, her hands constantly weaving through the motions of sliding it in and out.

Maybe it was too hot—her face was flushed red, her chest heaving as she panted out heated breaths, her arousal dripping down her inner thighs.

Moments later, her body tensed, and her moans turned into a soft, ecstatic chant as she climaxed—her orgasm crashing over her in waves of shuddering pleasure.

Natsume appeared in front of her in an instant.

Uchiha Mikoto, like a startled bird, instantly grabbed the sheet to cover her exposed, glistening sex and the flute still slick with her juices.

"It's me."

Natsume reached out, stroked her fevered cheek, and said, "No need to be shy."

"I…I…"

Uchiha Mikoto was overcome with shame, her cheeks burning as she wanted to avert herself, but not daring to, her body still trembling from the aftershocks of her release.

"You've been very obedient. I'm pleased."

Natsume smiled, his eyes gleaming with dark amusement. "Today I'll take you to see your two sons."

"Two?"

Uchiha Mikoto's face changed drastically, her eyes widening in shock and fear. "What do you mean?"

"Exactly what you think. The two brothers are about to meet."

Natsume confirmed her guess, his voice smooth and teasing, knowing full well the turmoil it stirred in her.

Mikoto rose at once, her body still flushed from her earlier self-pleasure, not forgetting to hastily pull on a thin dress that clung to her sweat-dampened skin. The fabric did little to hide the curves of her full breasts or the lingering wetness between her thighs.

Because of her two sons, she couldn't care less that an outsider was present, her maternal instincts overriding any sense of modesty as she exposed herself briefly in her rush.

Natsume enjoyed quite a view, his gaze lingering hungrily on her naked form before the dress covered it—the swell of her hips, the dark patch of hair above her slick pussy, and the way her nipples hardened in the cool air.

"Hurry, take me!"

Mikoto grabbed his arm, anxious and desperate, her fingers digging into his sleeve.

"Is that how you ask for a favor?"

Natsume shook his head, a little disappointed, his lips curling into a predatory smirk. "Aunt Mikoto, that won't do."

"You…"

Mikoto gritted her teeth, her voice trembling with frustration and barely contained anger. "What exactly do you want?"

Her attitude was firmer than usual, a spark of defiance in her eyes despite the vulnerability of her situation.

"It's not about what I want—it's about what you should do."

Natsume handed the choice to her, stepping closer, his presence overwhelming as he towered over her.

He wanted to see how this gentle and kind beauty would act in such a situation, how far she would degrade herself for the sake of her family.

The next moment.

Uchiha Mikoto pressed her lips to his, her kiss tentative at first, a desperate offering born of necessity. Her soft mouth parted slightly, inviting him in as she tried to appease him.

She was about to flee when he caught her slippery tongue with his own, sucking it into his mouth and deepening the kiss with forceful hunger. His hands roamed her body, one sliding up her thigh under the dress to cup her still-damp pussy, his fingers teasing the swollen folds slick with her earlier arousal.

She tried to push him away, her palms pressing weakly against his chest, but she didn't have the strength or the will to truly resist. In the end, eyes brimming with tears that spilled down her flushed cheeks, she silently accepted, her body yielding as he pushed her back onto the bed.

Natsume broke the kiss, his breath hot against her ear. "That's better, Aunt Mikoto. Show me how obedient you can be."

He yanked the dress up over her hips, exposing her naked lower body once more. Her pussy was glistening, puffy from her masturbation, and he wasted no time in freeing his throbbing cock from his pants. It sprang out, thick and veined, already hard with anticipation. He rubbed the swollen head against her entrance, coating it in her juices as she whimpered beneath him.

"Please...," Mikoto whispered, her voice breaking, but her hips betrayed her, arching slightly toward him.

Natsume chuckled darkly, positioning himself at her slick opening. "You'll beg for more by the end." With a single, powerful thrust, he buried himself deep inside her, stretching her tight walls around his girth. She gasped, her nails digging into his shoulders as he filled her completely, the sensation overwhelming—a mix of shame, pain, and unwelcome pleasure.

He began to move, pounding into her with relentless rhythm, his hips slamming against hers. Each thrust drove deeper, his cock hitting that sensitive spot inside her that made her moan despite herself. Her breasts bounced with the force of it, nipples erect and begging for attention. Natsume leaned down, capturing one in his mouth, sucking hard while his hand pinched and twisted the other, drawing cries from her lips.

Mikoto's tears flowed freely now, mixing with the sweat on her skin, but her body responded traitorously—her pussy clenching around him, growing wetter with every invasion.

"No... ahh... stop..." she pleaded weakly, even as her legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer.

"You're so wet for me, Aunt Mikoto," Natsume growled, his pace quickening, the wet sounds of their coupling filling the room. He reached between them, his thumb finding her clit and rubbing it in firm circles, forcing waves of ecstasy through her resistant body. She bucked against him, her orgasm building against her will, her inner muscles fluttering around his shaft.

Finally, she shattered, her back arching as she came hard, her pussy spasming and squirting around his cock, soaking the sheets beneath them.

Natsume didn't stop, thrusting through her climax until he reached his own, burying himself to the hilt and flooding her with hot spurts of cum, marking her as his.

He pulled out slowly, watching his seed drip from her abused pussy, a satisfied grin on his face as she lay there, panting and broken, her body trembling from the aftershocks.

…

"Aunt Mikoto, brace yourself."

Three minutes later, Natsume spoke.

He performed the Flying Thunder God Technique.

The two reappeared in the Uchiha clan compound.

Natsume formed a seal and entered Sage Mode.

Then cast a barrier to avoid detection.

"Itachi!"

Sasuke had just sent Kakashi off when he saw the brother he thought of day and night.

He immediately activated his two-tomoe Sharingan and charged.

"My foolish little brother, you still don't understand the gap between us."

Itachi's eyes spun, Mangekyo Sharingan emerging. With ease, he clamped a hand around Sasuke's neck.

"Sasuke!"

Mikoto screamed.

Luckily Natsume had raised a barrier, or they'd be exposed.

He pressed her head down and pinched her chin. "Watch closely. If you rush in, you'll die."

Mikoto struggled; Sasuke struggled.

He was short of breath, but rage kept him moving.

"Why?!"

"Because of my capacity."

Itachi's calm voice sounded. "I want to test the limits of my capacity."

"What bull crap capacity?!"

Sasuke's tears flowed as he roared, "My brother wouldn't kill Father for such a stupid reason! Or slaughter the clan!"

"Naive."

Itachi's eyes spun again. "Then see it for yourself."

Tsukuyomi!

The scene in Sasuke's eyes changed rapidly, returning to the night of the massacre.

He watched Itachi kill everyone again and again.

"No!"

Sasuke cried out in pain.

Itachi showed no mercy, instead repeating it over and over.

"I beg you! Save Sasuke!"

Mikoto's eyes filled with tears as well.

She didn't know Itachi's ocular technique, but she could see Sasuke's agony.

Natsume shook his head.

Sharingan's awakening is like this.

Sasuke's ocular power was growing rapidly.

Aside from Naruto, the one he cared about most was Itachi.

His appearance now was indeed helpful.

"I can do anything!"

Mikoto, distraught, cried, "As long as you help, I'll do whatever you say from now on!"

Classic loss of reason from concern.

But for Natsume, quite a return.

"Wait here. Do not leave this barrier."

Natsume warned, "If you do, you'll bear the consequences."

Mikoto nodded immediately.

No matter how bold she might be, she wouldn't gamble with her son's life.

And she wasn't bold.

"Since when can rogue ninja show up in Konoha out in the open?"

Natsume slowly stepped out of the darkness and greeted, "Itachi, long time no see."

"Natsume."

Itachi said calmly, "Congratulations on becoming the Hokage's aide."

"Nothing worth congratulating."

Natsume pointed at Sasuke. "I suggest you let him go. He's a Konoha ninja. You aren't."

A flash of pain crossed Itachi's eyes.

That line hit a real nerve.

"Wait, Kisame."

Itachi shook his head. "No need."

"Why?"

Kisame, holding Samehada, bared a mouthful of fangs.

"Killing him only brings trouble."

Itachi dropped the now-unconscious Sasuke. "Let's go."

He didn't spare Natsume a glance.

In his view, Natsume posed no threat.

And Natsume didn't act.

Being able to so easily gain Mikoto's allegiance—pure profit.

He even felt like telling Itachi the truth right now.

Mikoto rushed out and hugged Sasuke.

"He's fine."

Natsume said casually.

In truth, only he knew Itachi wouldn't harm Sasuke.

Of course, there was one exception.

If Sasuke betrayed Konoha and went on a killing spree—

Itachi might deal a fatal blow.

After all, he didn't have Kotoamatsukami now.

"Sasuke."

Mikoto, reassured, breathed a sigh of relief and wouldn't let go.

"He should wake soon."

Natsume glanced over. "If you really care about him, leave now so he won't see you."

Mikoto's expression complicated, she finally let go.

She rose slowly. "Let's go."

Flying Thunder God.

They returned to the daimyo residence in the Land of Waves.

Seeing Mikoto's tear-streaked face, her eyes red and swollen from the emotional turmoil of reuniting with her sons and the lingering shame of their earlier encounter, Natsume softened, a rare flicker of something like compassion crossing his features.

He reached out, his fingers gently wiping away the salty trails from her cheeks, and said gently, "Don't blame me. Rest well."

But instead of obeying, Mikoto suddenly hugged him tightly, her arms wrapping around his neck as she pressed her body against his, her full breasts squishing against his chest through the thin fabric of her dress. The embrace was desperate, charged with pent-up frustration and desire.

As if a switch had flipped, she went from gentle waters to scalding surge—completely unhinged, her usual composure shattering like fragile glass. She pulled back just enough to crush her lips against his in a fierce, hungry kiss, her tongue invading his mouth with aggressive need, tasting him deeply as her hands clawed at his clothes.

All her emotions burst forth—rage, sorrow, lust, and a burning resolve. She'd been suppressed too long, her body and spirit caged by grief and manipulation, and after witnessing the two brothers today—Sasuke's pained eyes and the shadow of Itachi's betrayal—she could no longer hold onto reason. The floodgates opened, and she channeled it all into this raw, physical release.

At the end of the day, she was a normal woman, with desires and needs that had been ignored for far too long, now erupting in a torrent of passion.

More importantly, after seeing Sasuke again, she had made up her mind—she would do anything, even surrender her body and soul to this man if it meant gaining the strength she craved.

Mikoto's hands roamed urgently, tearing at Natsume's shirt to expose his toned chest, her nails raking down his skin and leaving red trails. She ground her hips against him, feeling the growing bulge in his pants press against her core, igniting a fire between her thighs.

Natsume, caught off guard but aroused by her sudden ferocity, responded in kind. He gripped her waist, lifting her effortlessly and carrying her to the nearby bed, tossing her onto the soft mattress. She didn't hesitate, scrambling to her knees and yanking her dress over her head, revealing her naked body—her heavy breasts swaying, nipples already hard and begging for attention, her pussy still slick from earlier, now aching anew with fresh arousal.

He stripped quickly, his thick cock springing free, veined and throbbing, pre-cum beading at the tip. Mikoto lunged forward, wrapping her lips around the head, sucking him deep into her mouth with desperate fervor. Her tongue swirled around his shaft, tasting the salty essence as she bobbed her head, taking him to the back of her throat and gagging slightly but not stopping. Saliva dripped down her chin, mixing with her tears, as she hollowed her cheeks and hummed around him, her hands stroking what her mouth couldn't reach.

Natsume groaned, his fingers tangling in her dark hair, guiding her rhythm as he thrust gently into her eager mouth. "That's it, Aunt Mikoto... show me how badly you want it." But she was in control now, pulling off with a wet pop and pushing him down onto his back. Straddling him, she positioned her dripping pussy over his cock, rubbing the swollen lips along his length to coat him in her juices.

With a determined glare, her eyes fierce and unwavering, she sank down onto him, impaling herself on his full girth in one swift motion. A sharp cry escaped her lips as he stretched her inner walls, filling her completely, the sensation a delicious burn that made her shiver. She began to ride him hard, her hips slamming down with forceful abandon, her breasts bouncing wildly as she ground her clit against his pelvis with each descent.

Natsume's hands gripped her ass, squeezing the firm flesh and helping her bounce, his thumbs spreading her cheeks to expose her puckered hole. He thrust up to meet her, their bodies slapping together in a symphony of wet, lewd sounds. Mikoto leaned forward, her nails digging into his chest as she moaned loudly, her pussy clenching around him like a vice, milking his cock with every roll of her hips.

"Harder~!" she demanded, her voice breaking into sobs of pleasure and release.

He obliged, flipping them over so he was on top, pinning her wrists above her head with one hand while the other mauled her breast, pinching the nipple until she arched beneath him. He pounded into her relentlessly, his cock pistoning in and out of her sopping wet cunt, the head battering against her cervix with each deep thrust. Mikoto's legs wrapped around his waist, heels digging into his back as she urged him on, her body writhing in ecstasy.

The pressure built rapidly, her orgasm crashing over her like a tidal wave. She screamed his name, her pussy spasming and squirting around his invading shaft, soaking his balls and the sheets. Natsume followed soon after, growling as he buried himself deep and unleashed thick ropes of cum inside her, flooding her womb with his hot seed until it overflowed, dripping out around where they were joined.

They collapsed together, panting and sweat-slicked, Mikoto's body trembling from the intensity. As the haze cleared, her resolve hardened even further—she would do anything.

As long as she could gain power to defeat Itachi.

...

A new day.

He opened his eyes to Mikoto's peaceful face.

She hadn't woken.

Given last night, it would be hard for her to endure.

Natsume rubbed his chin, mulling a question.

Did she awaken yesterday or not?

Not the special third eye—just her normal eyes.

Natsume got up and changed.

He waited for Mikoto to wake until afternoon.

She stirred, dazed. A moment later, yesterday came back to her.

Mikoto covered her face with both hands—shame, guilt, and even joy surged through her.

But why no awakening yet?
How far does it have to go?
Leaning against the wall, Mikoto looked lost.

Chapter 154: Cooperation with Orochimaru

"You're awake?"

Natsume entered with a bowl of porridge.

Mikoto, who'd been spacing out, jolted and hurriedly pulled the sheet up to cover herself.

Covering her ears to steal a bell.

Natsume smiled, set the porridge on the table. "Get up and eat."

The aroma made Mikoto's stomach growl.

She blushed in embarrassment.

No dinner last night, no breakfast today, and such exertion—she was starving.

She'd been too focused on the Mangekyo and had forgotten.

"C-could you step out first?"

Her voice was soft and weak.

That kind of tone with no threat, yet forced to beg.

Natsume stepped forward.

"P-please spare me."

Mikoto backed away until she hit the corner, nowhere to go—pitiful.

"Are you questioning my character?"

Natsume pinched her chin and looked her over. "Who forced who last night? Forgotten already?"

Mikoto froze.

It had indeed been her making the first move.

"I…I… that was…"

She stammered, not knowing what to say.

Reminded of last night, her blush spread to her ears.

"Sorry… I… have sinned."

Mikoto blurted out an apology.

"If you've sinned, put on new clothes."

Natsume produced a black nun outfit. "It'll lessen your sense of guilt."

He didn't tease further, turned, and closed the door.

Mikoto stared blankly at the outfit, then didn't refuse.

Her face flushed; she spun around, unused to it.

First time with black garter stockings.

The rest was fine.

She peeked outside—Natsume seemed to have left.

She picked up the porridge and took a sip.

Surprisingly good.

Worlds apart from last night's porridge.

Natsume went to say hi to Uzumaki Hinae, then returned to the room.

Mikoto had finished all the porridge.

Her lips now glossy and moist, not dry like last night.

Natsume took in her curves beneath the black habit—better than expected.

"Want more?"

He pointed at the bowl. "If you're not full, there's more."

Mikoto placed both hands on her lower belly and nodded sheepishly.

Natsume immediately brought two more bowls.

"Um… may I ask something?"

Mikoto licked her lips, swallowed porridge, and asked, "Why didn't I awaken the Mangekyo last night?"

"It's not that simple."

Natsume blinked and smiled. "Don't worry. We've got time. One day you'll awaken."

"…"

Mikoto's body stiffened.

She'd spent all her courage last night.

She'd hoped the ordeal would end quickly—turns out it was only beginning.

"There's no free lunch."

Natsume ruffled her hair. "So work hard, Aunt Mikoto."

Mikoto's rosy lips parted; she held back what she wanted to say and kept eating.

"From now on, go to Hinae. Have her help train your ocular power."

Natsume stood. "Your ocular power was forced up. That's not good for you."

"Okay."

Mikoto nodded.

She didn't really understand. Whatever Natsume said, she'd do.

"Remember to return the flute to Tayuya."

Natsume smiled. "She's been mad for a while. Don't tell her what you used it for."

Mikoto turned as red as a steaming kettle.

Mortified.

She wanted to crawl into a hole.

Natsume didn't linger. With Flying Thunder God, he returned home.

He changed into clean clothes and headed to the Hokage building.

Today was his first day as the Hokage's aide.

He was already late by a whole morning.

Thankfully, Shimura Danzo had set a precedent—he rarely came to the building, and when he did, it was to argue with Hiruzen.

Everyone was used to it.

Now there was a new aide. Being late? Small matter.

Natsume entered his office.

After yesterday's cleanup, it looked presentable.

He started work.

He didn't know how Danzo worked, but Tsunade had arranged everything for him.

So-called decision authority.

Matters preprocessed by the Hokage's secretary corps would go to him for decision.

That used to be the Hokage and the advisors' job.

But the two advisors were dead—only Tsunade remained.

If it were Hiruzen, he wouldn't share power.

Tsunade and Natsume didn't stand on ceremony.

With the secretary corps' support, it wasn't as busy as imagined.

His job was essentially stamping.

Approve? Stamp. Disapprove? Send back.

His efficiency was high; in under an hour, he was done.

"Take these to Sensei."

Natsume set down the seal and instructed.

An ANBU appeared and took the files.

With free time, Natsume set out to visit Orochimaru.

This time as Konoha's Hokage aide.

He'd proposed to Tsunade researching Wood Release.

But ordinary folks couldn't do this kind of experiment.

Without a leader, decades might pass with no results.

In all Konoha, the best suited was Orochimaru.

His research ability had been tested countless times—reliable.

The investigation into Danzo also implicated Orochimaru.

By Konoha rules, he could be sent to the Pure Land to meet the Sage of Six Paths.

But his identity was special, and his influence great.

Most importantly, Tsunade couldn't bring herself to do it.

The Sannin had grown up fighting side by side—the bond was strong.

Not killing him was fine, but letting him freeload resources—no.

Natsume hadn't cared before because the Hokage was Hiruzen.

Now it was Tsunade—his family.

In other words, Orochimaru was freeloading at his house.

Natsume hated freeloaders.

Unforgivable.

Orochimaru had to work.

Natsume left the Hokage building and headed to Orochimaru's residence.

At the door, he felt many prying gazes.

Snakes from Ryuchi Cave.

"Inform Lord Orochimaru that Hokage Aide Natsume seeks an audience."

He spoke casually and entered the hall.

Unexpectedly, there was someone else.

Anko Mitarashi.

Both hands full of six skewers of tri-color dango; on seeing Natsume, she was chewing, cheeks puffed.

"Natsume?"

She swallowed and grinned. "Feels like it's been ages."

"It has."

Natsume nodded. "Last time was three or four years ago, when we infiltrated the Cloud camp together."

"Want some?"

Anko offered a skewer.

"No."

Natsume waved. "Eat too much and you'll gain weight."

"It's fine. I don't gain weight."

Anko smiled confidently. "I eat them every year and keep the same weight."

Natsume thought: that's the curse mark at work.

When the day comes and Orochimaru bolts, you're done for.

"By the way, congrats on becoming the Hokage's aide."

Anko was excited. "If I mess up, cover for me."

"Your teacher is Lord Orochimaru. He won't let you get in trouble."

Natsume paused. "But I can cover you too."

Orochimaru might be cold, sly, and distant, but he was a good teacher.

He'd been great to Nawaki and Anko.

As for Sasuke, he hadn't treated him as a student, but a vessel.

"Yay!"

Anko beamed.

"Waiting for Lord Orochimaru?"

Though higher in rank, Natsume added honorifics in public to respect seniority.

"Mm. But sensei's busy lately. Not sure when he'll come."

Her smile dimmed. "I haven't seen him in a long time."

Busy—an excuse.

Natsume could guess Orochimaru's thoughts.

Anko just didn't fit his tastes in talent and temperament.

Still, he did care about her as a student.

"How about Yugao?"

Natsume thought of her two teammates.

Itachi had defected; Uzuki Yugao hadn't.

"Not sure."

Anko's expression faltered.

She really didn't know what Yugao was doing, but knew she stayed by Orochimaru's side.

So enviable.

Anko felt unwilling.

She was his first student in this period.

Why not treated accordingly?

Just then, she lit up with joy.

"Sensei, you're back?"

"Mm."

But Orochimaru's gaze fell on Natsume, ignoring Anko.

"I heard you learned Shikkotsu Forest's Sage Mode?"

Anko's smile froze.

Waaah, sensei, look at me.

"Got lucky."

Natsume gave her a consoling look, then answered Orochimaru.

"There's no 'luck' in learning Sage Mode."

Orochimaru licked his lips—interested.

There were only two known Sage Mode users.

Aside from that mysterious masked man he'd encountered, only Jiraiya and Natsume.

And Jiraiya's wasn't complete.

Though Orochimaru had developed the Heaven and Earth curse marks, they still lagged behind Sage Mode.

If Natsume would let him study it, he could gain something new.

"…"

Natsume could feel Orochimaru's gaze.

"Lord Orochimaru, I came for business."

Natsume shifted to the point.

"What is it?"

Orochimaru smiled indifferently.

Cold, but no intent to strike Natsume.

One, he'd be hard to beat.

Two, it would anger Tsunade.

Without absolute certainty, he wasn't inclined.

"Anko, please step out."

Natsume said, "This concerns Konoha's secrets."

Anko hesitated, a bit aggrieved, but said nothing.

She was a shinobi—she followed orders.

Natsume was no longer a junior—he was the Hokage's aide.

After Anko left, Orochimaru's aura grew colder.

He did value this student.

"Lord Orochimaru, I hope you'll lead the Wood Release experiments."

Natsume said evenly.

"Doesn't Konoha already have Hashirama cell transplant techniques?"

Orochimaru frowned.

"Teacher doesn't want transplants. She wants awakening."

Natsume explained.

"Awakening?"

Orochimaru sneered. "Has Tsunade grown naive since becoming Hokage?"

"Impossible?"

Natsume countered.

"Highly unlikely."

Orochimaru didn't explain, and dismissed him. "Tell Tsunade not to waste my time."

"As long as the chance isn't zero, it's worth trying."

Natsume smiled. "Your cooperation with Danzo has already come to light."

"Threatening me?"

A subtle change crossed Orochimaru's face; murderous intent filled the hall.

"Cooperation."

Natsume was calm. "Your experiments can't see the light. You need cover and resources."

"Interesting."

Orochimaru suddenly laughed. "Seems Tsunade doesn't know what you do behind her back."

Another Danzo.

Not impossible to cooperate.

There were things inconvenient for him to handle.

"As a condition, you'll not target Konoha ninja or civilians."

Natsume added, "But I can provide inmates from Konoha Prison."

"Deal."

For now, Orochimaru couldn't bear to give up Konoha, so he didn't refuse.

As for awakening Wood Release—he could just stall.

Major research taking years with no results was normal.

"To ensure cooperation, I'd like to assign someone to study under you. How about it?"

A sudden idea—Kabuto.

His best teacher would be Orochimaru.

If Kabuto learned, great.

If not, other measures—like Kotoamatsukami.

Orochimaru nodded, unconcerned.

"Pleasure working together."

Natsume bowed slightly and left.

"Sensei."

Anko ran in from outside.

"Anything else?"

Orochimaru glanced at her. "If not, head back."

"Sensei, I bought these tri-color dango for you."

Anko offered the remaining five skewers.

Orochimaru was silent for two seconds, then extended his long tongue and swallowed them—sticks and all.

Ghastly, but Anko still looked delighted.

…

Konoha Orphanage.

Kabuto wasn't experimenting today.

He'd hit a limit.

With Natsume handing him increasingly complex tasks, his knowledge base was falling short.

He'd obtained a lot of Orochimaru's techniques, but text was dead.

Clever as he was, he couldn't self-teach everything.

Tsunade was a good teacher.

But each had different specialties.

"Kabuto."

Natsume climbed onto the roof and sat beside him.

"My assistants?"

Kabuto glanced at him. "Honoka alone isn't enough."

To be fair, Honoka was competent at research.

But one person isn't two.

His current projects were mainly two:

Atavistic Otsutsuki chakra.

Kimimaro's Kekkei Genkai sickness.

Neither easy.

"Let's table assistants."

Natsume deflected and changed the subject. "I found you a teacher—Orochimaru."

"Orochimaru?"

Kabuto looked surprised. "Why would he agree?"

"He didn't, exactly."

Natsume briefly outlined the cooperation. "Just learn as much as you can."

If not, Mangekyo in a black room until he taught everything—then release.

"Mm."

Kabuto pushed his glasses up, a hint of excitement on his face.

Seeing Orochimaru's tech was a good thing.

"Do your best."

Natsume patted his shoulder. "I'll bring you more good stuff later."

He meant Shinnō.

Whether his medical forbidden arts or knowledge—they'd help.

As for safety, Natsume wasn't worried.

He'd left a token bought with Fate Points—if anything happened, he could rush over.

Also, Kabuto's loyalty issue.

Orochimaru had charisma, but not succubus-level.

And Natsume could verify via the Ring of Fate.

[Because of your actions, Yakushi Kabuto's fate has changed. You gained 37 Fate Points.]

Back at the Hokage building, Natsume heard the prompt.

Just as he expected, not many points.

Meaning Kabuto hadn't betrayed him.

He just learned under Orochimaru.

A knock sounded.

"Come in."

Natsume put down a file and looked up.

Kurenai Yuhi entered, wearing that bandage-wrapped red dress.

"Lord Natsume."

She bowed slightly. "The Hokage would like to see you."

"Miss Kurenai, no need to be so formal. Just call me Natsume."

He wasn't used to the honorific.

If he called her "aunt," that would be too much.

She wasn't even married.

"In that case, I'll oblige."

Kurenai smiled. "But only if there's no third party present."

She was a stickler for propriety.

In private, fine.

If others knew, it could cause unnecessary trouble.

The Yuhi clan was small.

They couldn't get carried away.

"Alright."

Natsume rose with a smile. "I'll go see Sensei."