"Master."
Yugito Nii appeared before Natsume.
With no one else present, she addressed him as Master.
This had become a habit during their time playing the [Black Cat Shooter] game in the Land of Waves.
How to put it?
Natsume didn't consider himself a cold-hearted person.
Since he had taken full control of Yugito Nii, body and soul,
and there was absolutely no chance of betrayal now, he truly trusted her.
Though he found it a little awkward to admit.
Ultimately, Yugito's situation was all because of Natsume.
"Naruto Uzumaki refused Jiraiya's offer to become his disciple."
Kneeling on one knee before him, Yugito raised her head to speak.
"Not surprised at all."
Natsume smiled slightly and reached out to ruffle her hair. "Good job."
Yugito hesitated briefly, apparently not expecting to hear those two words from him.
"It's only my duty."
She replied after regaining her composure.
That response immediately brought Kumogakure to mind.
It reminded her of her conversations with the Fourth Raikage.
"Should I continue watching them?"
Pushing aside her stray thoughts, Yugito asked.
"Not bad. You're starting to look like part of the Hokage's personal guard,"
Natsume expressed satisfaction with her attitude. "No need for surveillance. Naruto is the type who sticks to his choices once he makes them."
"Any other tasks?"
Yugito nodded and asked, "If not, I'll withdraw first."
"I'm planning to visit Star Village. You can follow secretly when I go."
Natsume intended to go together with Kurenai Yuhi.
Bringing Yugito along also meant he'd have someone to play games with.
"Hmm."
Yugito softly responded, stood up, then disappeared without a trace.
Star Village, located in the Land of Bears,
was the only ninja village outside the Five Great Villages bold enough to use the title 'Kage'.
Because of a meteorite from outer space, they developed dangerously inflated ambitions.
They even believed they could replace the Five Great Villages using this meteorite.
Actually, this meteorite did possess extraordinary properties.
It could enhance chakra activity, allowing users to shape their chakra into various forms more flexibly.
That was [Kujaku].
In the original story, it proved to be quite powerful.
But there were side effects.
The radiation from the meteorite caused them to grow stronger with cultivation, yet also shortened their lifespan dramatically.
It could be described as a power boost that drained their lives.
As for the meteorite's origin, the original story never explained its origins.
In the ninja world, any mysterious object either relates to local Sage Arts or extraterrestrial Otsutsuki Clan.
Since this meteorite fell from the sky, it was likely tied to the latter.
In other words, it might belong to Kaguya Otsutsuki.
And as her lover, Natsume taking it would seem perfectly reasonable.
Plus, it could help gain some destiny points.
There were many supporting characters in Star Village specifically mentioned in the original story.
Especially one ninja named Natsu.
She was the most gifted genius in Star Village's history, having mastered [Kujaku]'s deepest techniques.
Thus, she realized the meteorite had dangerous side effects.
She and her husband Hotarubi, who carried the meteorite—known as the Star—were discovered and exiled by the Third Hoshikage.
Eventually, Hotarubi perished due to the side effects, leaving Natsu alone to protect the Star Village.
Time passed.
The Third Hoshikage realized the meteorite's dangers and decided to stop using it.
However, Akaboshi, an elite Jonin, refused and assassinated him, becoming the acting Hoshikage and continuing the training.
The situation was finally resolved when they met our protagonist, Naruto Uzumaki.
Besides the issue with the meteorite, Natsume had taken an interest in Natsu.
Don't misunderstand—it wasn't about flaunting his imperial heritage again.
Rather, he thought Natsu's strength was quite impressive.
He intended for her to become the next Hoshikage of the Star Village while annexing the Land of Bears.
It would be even better if those side effects could be eliminated.
Natsume set down the documents and massaged his forehead.
The main storyline should still be a while away.
Therefore, there's no legitimate reason to interfere.
Then, he would just intervene forcefully.
After all, the Star Village couldn't really object.
"Call Kurenai over."
Thinking this, Natsume spoke.
"Yes."
Ni Yugito immediately appeared and exited.
Previously, Anbu had been waiting outside the door.
With Ni Yugito present, there was no longer a need for extra precautions.
After all, many things were not meant for outsiders to know.
Not long after, Kurenai Yuhi stepped through the doorway.
"Natsume, did you call for me?"
"Sister Kurenai, what if I offered you a chance to grow stronger?"
Natsume asked with a smile.
"I'd definitely take it."
Kurenai replied without hesitation, then hesitated slightly before asking, "But… is it truly possible for me to grow stronger anymore?"
In terms of genjutsu, she had worked hard enough. Facing regular Jonins was no problem.
But ordinary ninja had limits.
She had witnessed Yakumo Kurama's abilities and the power of the Sharingan, making her painfully aware of her own limits.
It was difficult for her to improve further.
Because she lacked a Kekkei Genkai.
Improvement meant nothing more than mastering more genjutsu techniques and gaining experience through repetition.
But against bloodline limits, those efforts felt pale and powerless.
"It's possible."
"Don't you trust me, Sister Kurenai?" Natsume countered.
"Of course not."
Kurenai answered immediately.
"Then tomorrow, come with me on a mission."
This chapter isn't finished yet!
Natsume picked up the documents regarding the Star Village and handed them to her.
"Alright," Kurenai said, accepting the documents without glancing at them. "If both of us are going out, who will temporarily manage the village?"
"Hizashi Hyuga," Natsume decided after a moment. "It's just for a day—it doesn't really matter."
"Okay."
Kurenai's expression softened as she smiled. "Natsume, thank you."
"So… how are you going to thank me, Kurenai-nee-san?"
Natsume winked playfully—it wasn't a hint anymore, but a clear suggestion.
Kurenai froze in place as her face slowly turned crimson.
Don't let her composed demeanor fool you—when it came to love, she was still a pure-hearted young woman.
Every kiss they'd shared so far had been stolen in secret.
Now asking her to do something similar made her momentarily flustered and shy.
After waiting a while, Natsume didn't push any further and said, "Sister Kurenai, don't worry about it. I was just joking."
Kurenai Yuhi bit her lip, then suddenly leaned forward.
Across the office desk, she bent down and hugged Natsume.
The softness of her body and the faint taste of lipstick startled him slightly.
Natsume stiffened for a moment.
Such a perfect opportunity—there was no way he'd let it slip away.
He immediately wrapped his arms around her waist in response.
For a long time, Kurenai finally let go of Natsume.
Her body went limp as she sank into his arms, her head resting on his shoulder, breathing heavily.
Natsume held her in silence.
"That... uh..."
Suddenly, Kurenai felt something stirring, her face turned crimson red, and she abruptly pulled away from his embrace.
Without another word, she turned and fled.
For her, it had just been too intense.
"Black Cat."
Natsume leaned back against the Hokage's chair and spoke, "Help me get cleaned up."
Yugito Nii appeared and knelt to begin cleaning up.
Kurenai's lipstick had smeared quite a bit onto Natsume's outfit.
Two hours later.
Natsume looked at Yugito Nii, who had clearly overworked herself, and granted her permission to leave early today.
In fact, he even acted as her personal driver and took her home himself.
That is, the Uchiha clan's residence.
"Na... shi—"
Mikoto Uchiha spotted the two of them.
But seeing Black Cat completely naked, she closed her mouth again.
She couldn't help but feel a little envious.
Yugito Nii could be by Natsume's side anytime, doing whatever she pleased.
But she couldn't.
After tucking Black Cat into bed, Natsume gently patted her head and said, "Rest well."
Half-asleep, Yugito Nii managed a faint "Okay" before slipping into unconsciousness from exhaustion.
Natsume turned and left, closing the door behind him.
"Is she okay?"
Standing at the doorway, Mikoto asked.
"She's fine."
Natsume walked closer, pulling her into his arms, and said, "How could anything happen to her?"
Yugito Nii was a Jinchuriki.
And a Jinchuriki's recovery ability needed no explanation.
Besides Kaguya Otsutsuki, the one person Natsume liked most was Yugito Nii.
Mainly because of her high resistance.
"Auntie Mikoto, how have you been lately?"
Looking down at her, Natsume spoke softly, "You need to take good care of yourself during this time."
"I'm doing great."
With her face pressed against his chest, Mikoto smiled slightly, saying, "Our baby is perfectly fine too."
"After some time, you should go to the Land of Snow or the Land of Waves."
Natsume reached out, gently caressing their unborn child.
At this, Mikoto hesitated for a moment.
But soon understood the reason.
If she stayed in Konoha, someone might find out.
At that point, many troubles would inevitably follow.
Mikoto also didn't want to shame the Uchiha Clan.
"Alright."
After thinking briefly, she replied, "Let me go to the Land of Waves. It's been a long time since I last saw Ena."
Mikoto Uchiha and Ena Uzumaki shared a good relationship.
After all, they had once fought side by side.
"She's currently in the Land of Fire."
Natsume raised an eyebrow and said, "Then you should go too. It would help ease her burden."
"Why is she in the Land of Fire?"
Mikoto asked with some confusion.
As far as Mikoto knew, Ena had never left the Land of Waves.
Natsume briefly explained the situation.
Mikoto's lips parted slightly in surprise.
What Natsume had done was completely unthinkable to her.
In her eyes, Konoha Village served the Fire Daimyo.
Even the Hokage was appointed by him.
Natsume's actions were truly shocking.
However, after her initial shock, she could understand.
He had always been bold and reckless.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have ended up like this herself.
Thinking for a moment, Mikoto said, "I don't know much about business, but I can learn."
"You're really planning to help her?"
Natsume couldn't help pinching her cheek and said, "You're pregnant—you should rest, understand?"
Mikoto blushed lightly and nodded.
"Are you staying today?"
She lifted her head, her eyes filled with expectation.
"There's still time. I'll stay a little longer."
Natsume glanced at the sky and replied.
"Mm."
Mikoto immediately smiled and asked, "What would you like to eat tonight? I'll make it for you."
Natsume whispered something into her ear.
[This chapter isn't over yet!]
Mikoto instantly wore an expression of hesitation and realization.
That way of eating… how did he even think of it?
[A feast for the eyes indeed!]
Natsume enjoyed a legendary meal from his past life.
Two hours later, full and satisfied, he left the Uchiha clan compound.
The sky had already begun to darken.
Rather than use the Flying Thunder God Technique, he walked down the road.
"Natsume-sensei."
It was Naruto Uzumaki's voice.
Natsume stopped in his tracks.
"Hokage-sama."
Following closely behind was Jiraiya.
He offered a greeting with a complicated expression.
"Naruto, are you studying hard under Jiraiya-san?"
Natsume gave him a quick glance and asked.
"Of course!"
Naruto grinned, saying, "I'm working really hard. I promise I'll achieve results that will satisfy you."
Seeing this, Jiraiya felt mixed emotions.
He could clearly see the quiet admiration in Naruto's eyes for Natsume.
It was just like between himself and Minato Namikaze.
In other words, he truly came too late.
Unfortunately.
Jiraiya had previously approached Hiruzen Sarutobi, requesting to take Naruto Uzumaki as his disciple.
But back then, he was refused.
And since he was busy with the prophecy on Mount Myoboku, he didn't insist too much.
Thinking back now, he deeply regretted it.
Natsume looked at the energetic Naruto and couldn't help but smile.
Still full of spirit, as always.
The three exchanged a few more words before parting ways.
Natsume returned home.
Tsunade was training [Wood Release] in the courtyard.
He didn't disturb her.
"Welcome back."
Shizune smiled the moment she saw him and said,
"Ms. Shizune, shouldn't you come over and give me a hug first?"
Natsume stood his ground and said.
Shizune paused briefly, slightly taken aback.
Her cheeks flushed faintly.
But then she remembered that they'd already done far more embarrassing things together.
There was no reason to be embarrassed now.
She quickly walked over and hugged Natsume.
"You reek."
Shizune wrinkled her nose and said.
Natsume stiffened—he'd forgotten to take a bath again.
He whispered, "Don't tell Tsunade. I'll make it up to you tonight."
Shizune immediately turned her head away, stammering, "I... I..."
Her expression shifted instantly as she caught Natsume's hand mid-motion on her thigh.
"W-Wait… until tonight."
With that, Shizune hurried off toward the kitchen.
Natsume exhaled.
Only Shizune would react like this.
If it had been Tsunade, things could've gotten out of hand.
Actually, Shizune clearly understood her own position.
Her feelings for Natsume were quite complicated.
Sometimes, she felt like she was merely his subordinate.
But perhaps due to her personality.
She decided this kind of life wasn't so bad after all.
After all, she hadn't planned on getting married anyway.
Natsume went to take a quick shower.
When he returned to the living room, Tsunade was still outside in the courtyard.
So he played with his daughter, Senka, for a while.
After dinner, Tsunade didn't go off to train but instead watched TV.
Natsume, meanwhile, helped Shizune bathe—an early reward.
"You two, be quieter!"
Tsunade glanced at the sleeping Senka, erected a barrier, then dashed into the bathroom—ready for her own little session.
A new day had come.
Natsume arrived at Konoha Village's gates.
Kurenai Yuhi was already there, waiting.
She'd swapped her usual coat and pencil skirt for the Konoha Jonin vest—for once.
Still, one couldn't deny—it didn't look good on her.
Four thousand words. I took a short break yesterday—I went out for my birthday and came back too late.
(End of Chapter)
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>