Training Ground No. 4 in Konoha.
"Are we being tricked by Teacher Natsume?" Naruto Uzumaki, lying on the ground like a slacker, asked listlessly.
He had been really excited since receiving the notice from Kurenai Yuhi yesterday.
He was still excited when he arrived at Training Ground No. 4.
But almost two hours had passed, and Natsume still hadn't shown up.
His enthusiasm cooled down a bit.
"No way," Hinata Hyuga defended. "Brother Natsume won't lie."
Sasuke Uchiha, standing on a tree with his hands in his pockets, remained expressionless, showing no change.
Although he was a bit impatient inside.
"The sun is already high in the sky," Naruto Uzumaki said. "If he doesn't come soon, it'll be lunchtime."
"Brother Natsume is the Hokage now. It's normal for him to be busy," Hinata Hyuga found an excuse for him again.
"Yeah, you're right," Naruto Uzumaki said, suddenly realizing. "The Hokage is really swamped with work."
"Morning," Natsume suddenly appeared on the training ground, startling Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha.
They didn't know the Flying Thunder God Technique[b]Flying Thunder God Technique[/b], so they just thought it was too abrupt.
"Teacher Natsume," Naruto Uzumaki did a backflip and stood in front of him, asking excitedly, "Is there a mission?"
Seeing this, Sasuke Uchiha also jumped down from the tree. He was quite looking forward to the mission.
After all, he had always stayed in Konoha Village, only fighting with a bunch of kids and never experiencing a real life - and - death battle.
In this way, it was impossible for him to defeat Itachi Uchiha.
"Yeah, and it's a Class S mission," Natsume thought for a while and said.
According to the generally recognized standard in the ninja world, a Class S mission involves state or ninja village secrets, with a bounty of up to one million Ryo. It involves wars, assassinations of important figures, or the suppression of ninja troops.
The Hokage is undoubtedly an important figure.
It's no problem to label it as a Class S mission.
"Class S?!" Naruto Uzumaki's eyes widened, and he couldn't help but exclaim.
As a ninja, he naturally knew what Class S meant.
Normally, Genin would never be able to get a Class S mission.
Because it's just a suicide mission.
Even Sasuke Uchiha, who was usually calm, showed a surprised expression when he heard this.
Only Hinata Hyuga was relatively calm.
In her opinion, whatever Natsume did was right.
She was in a state of blind trust.
"What is it?!" Naruto Uzumaki quickly showed an eager look.
With his personality, he didn't care about the hidden meaning at all. He would only be excited about being able to carry out a Class S mission.
Sasuke Uchiha was a bit helpless. As expected.
"Protect the Hokage to the Metropolis in the Land of Fire," Natsume said with a smile.
"Protect the Hokage. Isn't that protecting Teacher Natsume?" Naruto Uzumaki was stunned for a moment, showing a disappointed expression. "Then there won't be any danger."
When the Hokage goes out, there are the Anbu and the Hokage's bodyguard team.
They three Genin would just be tagging along.
"No, just the four of us," Natsume shook his head and said.
"Alright then!"
Naruto Uzumaki said full of motivation, "I'll protect the teacher."
Sasuke Uchiha frowned.
The Hokage is traveling alone.
The danger must be terrifying.
It's normal for the mission to be rated S-rank.
He instinctively clenched his fists. Initially a bit scared, he quickly regained his composure.
As a member of the Uchiha clan, he wouldn't fear any difficulties.
Natsume observed their expressions.
Overall, they were doing okay.
But in reality, it's hard to say.
In the original story, Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki, and Sakura Haruno, who were two years older than they are now, encountered Zabuza Momochi.
Their first battle was a disaster. They were so scared by the killing intent that they couldn't move.
Although their strength has improved significantly, they still haven't experienced a real battle.
Most likely, those coming to assassinate Natsume are ferocious wandering ninjas or rogue ninjas.
They won't show any mercy.
"You have an hour to prepare. Gather at the village gate later," Natsume reminded them. "Remember to bring your change of clothes and enough ninja tools."
"Sure!"
Naruto Uzumaki turned around and ran off in a hurry, as if a fierce dog was chasing him.
Sasuke Uchiha disappeared into the distance like a shadow.
"See you later, Brother Natsume," Hinata Hyuga said, nodding her little head before leaving obediently.
Natsume withdrew his gaze and returned to the Hokage's office.
He played with Tsunade this morning and didn't realize the time had flown, which made him late.
Now that he's leaving Konoha Village, he has to inform Kurenai Yuhi and the others, so they won't think that the Hokage has gone missing just two days after taking office.
Natsume casually picked up a document.
This is a list of ninjas that he asked Kurenai Yuhi to compile.
These are the people who supported Asuma Sarutobi in the previous Jonin meeting.
Most of them are Jonin from the Sarutobi and Shimura clans.
Natsume plans to assign them more dangerous missions in the future to openly weaken them.
"Thanks, Sister Kurenai," he said, putting down the document and looking at Kurenai Yuhi in the distance.
She's still wearing a pencil skirt and black stockings. With her serious yet delicate face, Natsume can't help but think of some office movies.
Cough.
It was just an accident.
Natsume said, "I'm planning to go to the Metropolis of the Land of Fire today. I'll trouble you to watch over things while I'm gone."
This chapter isn't finished yet!
Actually, with the current setup of the Hokage secretary team and the Hokage advisor group, the normal operation of Konoha won't be affected whether there is a Hokage or not.
"Understood!"
Kurenai Yuhi nodded and said, "I'll immediately inform Kakashi and Gai and have the Anbu escort you."
"No need," Natsume waved his hand. "I'll go alone."
"How can that be?" Kurenai Yuhi quickly refused. "It's too dangerous."
"Sister Kurenai, openly defying the Hokage's orders isn't what a secretary should do," Natsume said with a smile.
"I... I didn't mean that," Kurenai Yuhi said nervously, explaining, "I'm just worried about your safety."
"I get what you mean, but you should trust the Hokage."
Natsume blinked his eyes and said, "The Hokage is the strongest ninja in Konoha."
"Sorry."
Kurenai Yuhi felt that self - confidence and blushed a little. She nodded and said.
"No need to apologize."
Natsume waved his hand and asked, "Is there anything else?"
"Yes."
Kurenai Yuhi took out a letter from her bosom and said, "This is a personal letter from the Kazekage."
Natsume raised his eyebrows.
Rasa, the Kazekage?
In the original story, he was plotted against by Orochimaru and died a violent death.
After that, his identity was impersonated, and Sunagakure Village was involved in the so - called Konoha Destruction Plan.
In the end, Hiruzen Sarutobi died, Orochimaru lost his arms, and Gaara became the biggest winner and succeeded as the Kazekage.
Now, because of Natsume, Orochimaru still stayed in Konoha peacefully.
Naturally, Rasa didn't die.
For this, he even contributed ninety destiny points.
Natsume thought as he opened the envelope. He thought it was about the Chunin Exams, but it wasn't. It was about forming an alliance.
Right now, the relationship between Sunagakure Village and Konoha Village was nowhere near as close as in the original story. You could just say their relationship was okay.
In the Third Great Ninja War, the two villages didn't fight each other.
The reason was that Sunagakure Village was invaded by Kumogakure. As a result, it had no strength to expand externally.
After this war, the Land of Wind was quite dissatisfied and directly cut the financial support.
This was why Orochimaru's Konoha Destruction Plan, where he impersonated Rasa, went so smoothly.
Because Sunagakure Village was so poor.
Next - door Konoha Village was rolling in money. Naturally, they wouldn't miss such an opportunity.
After the plan failed, Sunagakure Village very decisively formed an alliance.
It was to rely on Konoha to relieve the survival pressure.
Natsume finished reading Rasa's personal letter and fell into deep thought.
If he didn't know Danzo Shimura was in Sunagakure Village, he might think it was a real alliance.
After all, Rasa was forced to engage in activities like a gold - miner (to earn money for the village) and was working hard every day to maintain the village's expenses.
But with Danzo Shimura involved, it was a bit different.
However, this was a good opportunity.
While showing their strength and winning over Sunagakure Village as an ally, Natsume, as the Hokage, would become very secure.
"Sister Kurenai, you go and write a reply."
Natsume thought silently for a while, then looked up and said, "Just say that Konoha Village agrees to form an alliance, and the specific details will be discussed later."
"Okay."
Kurenai Yuhi wasn't surprised.
Most folks would pick peace over war.
Natsume watched her back and stretched.
He got up and left the Hokage's office.
Since it was less than an hour, he didn't go to the village entrance but went to the Mizukage's office.
In more than three years, Kiri had become much wealthier.
Firstly, Mei Terumī ended Yagura Karatachi's bloody rule and gradually re - established connections with neighboring countries and ninja villages.
Secondly, the opening of five shipping lanes brought a lot of people.
Where there were people, there were business opportunities.
Kiri had thus become full of vitality.
However, it was not easy to heal the wounds.
The most fundamental problem still hadn't been solved, which was the shortage of ninjas.
Over the years, with the rule of The Third Mizukage and The Fourth Mizukage, a large number of ninjas had left Kiri.
It's impossible for Kiri to regain its former strength within three years.
"Good morning, Mizukage-sama."
Natsume unceremoniously sat on the office desk.
"It's already noon."
Mei Terumī glanced at him, not caring about his behavior at all.
Over the past few years, they had become quite familiar with each other.
They were just one step away from confessing their feelings.
But she thought it was fine as it was.
She was the Mizukage, and Natsume was the leader of an organization.
It was unlikely for them to be together.
"Why are you wearing this outfit again?"
Natsume sighed and said, "It doesn't show off your beauty at all."
After more than three years of training, Mei Terumī had become more mature and experienced, and had become a qualified Mizukage, approaching her in the original story.
"Humph, I'm the Mizukage, not your subordinate."
A faint chill appeared on Mei Terumī's delicate face as she said, "What I wear has nothing to do with you."
"What if I help you form an alliance with Konoha Village?"
Natsume asked with a smile.
The relationship between Konoha Village and Kiri was quite bad.
It was because of two actions during The Third Great Ninja War.
One was the sneak attack by the Seven Swords of the Bloody Mist.
The other was San's Self-Destruction.
As a result, Might Duy and Rin Nohara died.
Mei Terumī had previously proposed the idea of forming an alliance to the other Four Great Villages.
In her opinion, Kiri couldn't afford any more troubles.
But both Kumogakure and Konoha Village rejected her.
The former simply didn't want to form an alliance, while the latter did so because of the feud between the two villages.
Oh!
Natsume brought it up now, partly because he had become the Hokage, and also because another three years have passed.
As long as Kiri paid some price, forming an alliance wouldn't matter much.
"Can you do it?"
There was doubt in Mei Terumī's tone.
She had investigated Natsume.
There was no ninja named Natsume in Konoha Village, and he had no connection with the Thousand Sunny Merchant Guild.
Although he had said that he had connections there, she didn't fully believe it.
At most, she thought he did know some ninjas.
But forming an alliance was different.
It was impossible to succeed without the Hokage's approval.
"Of course I can."
Natsume sized up her snow-white neck and the graceful curves that rose and fell with her breathing as he spoke.
Mei Terumī noticed his unbridled gaze but didn't say anything.
She was already used to being stared at and didn't care about this little loss.
She was more concerned about whether what Natsume said was true or not.
Although she knew he was very capable, it was still impossible for him to influence the strongest village among the Five Great Villages, Konoha.
"Do you know that Konoha Village has a new Hokage recently?"
Natsume continued to ask.
"Yeah, I heard it's a disciple of Tsunade, named Natsume. He's very young."
Mei Terumī nodded and thought of a possibility. She asked, "Do you know him?"
"Don't you have a portrait of the new Hokage?"
Natsume didn't answer her question and asked another one.
"The portrait hasn't been sent back yet."
Mei Terumī explained, "Konoha Village is too far away from us. Before, Natsume wasn't particularly well-known, so we didn't pay much attention."
"I see."
Natsume finally understood why she was so calm when she saw him.
He lowered his head and leaned in close to her, almost touching her lips.
"What... are you doing?"
Mei Terumī instinctively leaned back and tilted her head, her heart pounding violently.
"To let you see what the new Hokage looks like up close."
Natsume would never admit that he just wanted to take advantage of her.
But seeing her embarrassed look, he was quite satisfied.
This meant she still had feelings for him.
"What did you say?!"
Mei Terumī came to her senses and immediately turned her head to stare at him.
So shocked that she didn't even notice how close they were.
Natsume could clearly feel her warm breath and a faint delicate fragrance.
"I'm the Hokage."
"..."
Mei Terumī's pupils shrank, and her rosy lips slightly parted, forgetting to close them.
It was a long while before she realized they were too close.
Her face suddenly turned a bit flushed. She turned her head again and said, "You... stop joking."
"Do you think just anyone can master the Flying Thunder God Technique[b]Flying Thunder God Technique[/b]?"
Natsume curled up the corners of his mouth and said, "If you don't believe me, I can take you to the Hokage's office."
Mei Terumī was stunned. Could it really be true?
This was just too absurd, wasn't it?
Looking at Natsume's overly handsome face, she couldn't help but be speechless.
"Give me a moment to calm down."
Mei Terumī didn't know how to treat Natsume now.
He was the Hokage. Then, in these past three years, did that mean she had betrayed Kiri?
So, the traitor was actually me, the Mizukage?
"What are the alliance conditions?"
Mei Terumī simply couldn't reject the benefits of forming an alliance.
Moreover, cooperating with Natsume, putting aside the risks, they had indeed gained a lot of benefits.
At least it had saved Kiri several years of development time.
If they formed an alliance now and the two villages stopped fighting, it was actually acceptable.
"The first condition is to return Ao's Byakugan to the Hyuga clan."
Natsume held up one finger and said. Well, by the way, he could also gain the favor of his future father-in-law, which would be a plus.
"Sure."
Mei Terumī pondered for a moment and nodded, saying.
The Byakugan wasn't as powerful as people imagined.
It didn't enhance Ao's strength significantly.
It was okay to return it to Konoha.
"Secondly, how about a kiss from Mizukage-sama? Her first kiss, perhaps?"
Natsume suddenly changed the topic, with a smile on his face.
"What are you talking about?!"
Mei Terumī blurted out instinctively, "That's impossible."
"Alright then."
Natsume was just teasing her. He didn't really mean to coerce her. "If you're not willing, I'll come up with another condition."
"Are you playing with me?"
Mei Terumī glared at him. But for some reason, seeing his easy - going attitude of giving up, she got really angry.
Am I not charming enough? Aren't I worth a bit more effort to persuade?
Thinking of this, she suddenly stood up and took a hard bite on Natsume's lips.
Four thousand words.
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