Although Natsume liked Kurenai Yuhi's secretary outfit, it wasn't practical for missions outside the village. Instead, the Jonin vest from Konoha suited both travel and combat well.
"Hokage-sama."
Kurenai Yuhi slightly bowed upon seeing him and said, "I've already completed the registration. We can leave anytime."
Because there were two guards at the gate, she used the formal title Hokage-sama. Addressing him by name would only stir up unwanted gossip.
Kurenai Yuhi was an extremely smart woman who never caused trouble for Natsume.
"Mm."
Natsume nodded slightly after hearing her words and said, "We'll go."
The two became dark silhouettes, vanishing into the night after a few leaps.
After exiting the Death Forest, Natsume stopped.
"What's wrong?"
Kurenai Yuhi asked, puzzled.
If they had been elsewhere, she would've asked if there were enemies nearby. But here? No one would be foolish enough to lie in ambush.
"It's too far to run all the way," Natsume smiled and said. "I'll summon a mount."
The Land of Bears lies in the north of the Land of Wind, bordering both the Land of Demons and the Land of Earth. For an average ninja, it would take more than three days on foot. He couldn't afford to waste so much time traveling. Plus, running all the way would be dull.
"A mount?" Kurenai Yuhi blinked, confused.
What kind of mount? She hadn't thought about summoned beasts. To most ninja, summoned beasts are companions—not mounts. That wasn't entirely wrong either.
Most summoned creatures could speak and possessed considerable intelligence.
Natsume swiftly formed hand seals and slammed both hands onto the ground.
In a puff of smoke, a deep-blue-haired loli appeared.
It was none other than Ichikishimahime no Mikoto, one of the Three Serpent Goddesses.
Kurenai Yuhi's eyes widened involuntarily.
This is your mount?
As the Hokage's secretary, she naturally knew about the existence of the Three Serpent Goddesses. Though they were snakes in their true forms, using them as mounts was shocking—and wouldn't they refuse?
Kurenai Yuhi didn't know about the recent upheaval at Ryuchi Cave. In her mind, the Three Holy Places held an extremely high status. Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade's summoned beasts were treated with great respect in Konoha Village.
Ichikishimahime no Mikoto sighed internally.
She was a high-ranking member of Ryuchi Cave and shouldn't have been summonable by any contractee from there. But against Natsume, there was nothing she could do.
"Hokage-sama." Ichikishimahime no Mikoto's expression turned humble as she asked, "May I ask why you've summoned me?"
"I need to go to the Land of Bears." Natsume reached out and gently patted her head. "Would you mind giving us a ride?"
Ichikishimahime no Mikoto froze for a moment before fully understanding what he meant.
Her sharp fangs glinted, accompanied by her long pink tongue.
Anger flashed across her beautiful face.
In all her years, she had never heard such an outrageous request. Seriously asking her to be a mount? This wasn't just humiliating—it was an insult to serpents everywhere!
But when her eyes met his half-smile, her body froze, and a chill ran down her spine.
No matter how humiliated she felt, what could she really do?
Unless she had the courage to face death.
But she didn't.
Ichikishimahime no Mikoto clenched her jaw and revealed her true form—a massive bluish serpent.
Natsume leaped forward, landing right on top of her head.
The broad, flat surface of the serpent's head offered ample space.
[Wood Release: House with Four Pillars!]
Natsume quickly formed a series of hand seals.
He had never used this jutsu before.
The signature Wood Release technique of Yamato.
Chakra surged forth, transforming into wooden beams that sprouted from the ground and wove together into a small wooden structure.
"Sister Kurenai, come on up."
Natsume turned his head toward Kurenai Yuhi, who stood nearby.
"..."
Kurenai stared in stunned disbelief.
Could Wood Release actually be used like this?
We're out here carrying out missions, not for leisure!
She finally snapped back to reality after quite some time.
No way around it.
Had it been any other ninja, she would have reprimanded them for indulging instead of adhering to protocol.
But this was the Hokage.
Kurenai jumped onto the serpent's head and entered the wooden house.
Inside was simple—two rooms and a living area.
Kurenai glanced around before sitting down across from Natsume.
Ichikishimahime began moving the house forward smoothly.
It was fast, yet steady without any shaking.
As a high-ranking member of Ryuchi Cave, her strength was formidable by nature.
Controlling such movement was effortless.
She could never have imagined being put to use like this.
"Sister Kurenai, would you like something to drink?"
Natsume noticed how fascinated Kurenai looked, and couldn't help but smile as he asked.
"Anything is fine."
Kurenai answered without thinking.
She'd never experienced such luxury and wasn't quite sure how to respond.
The strict ninja code she once followed was now being tested.
"Anything is fine?"
Natsume thought for a moment, then asked again, "Sister Kurenai, do you prefer sweet drinks?"
"Yes."
Kurenai nodded. "I like sweet things more."
"Just a second."
Natsume vanished and reappeared moments later.
He carried two cups of coconut milk in his hands.
Being their own product, there was no cost involved.
"Thank you."
Kurenai accepted one and took a sip.
The flavor was unexpectedly pleasant.
She had never tried coconut milk before.
"By the way, Natsume, I picked up some intel on Star Village yesterday."
"Oh,"
Kurenai placed her cup down and said.
"Sister Kurenai, did you go through all the trouble alone?"
Natsume paused briefly—it wasn't something he had ordered.
"Not at all."
A smile bloomed at the corner of Kurenai's mouth as she said, "When going on a mission, we should always investigate thoroughly."
"In that case, please tell me what you found."
Seeing this, Natsume didn't want to ruin her goodwill.
The current acting leader of Star Village is a ninja named Akaboshi who serves as the interim Star Shadow.
The information Kurenai reported lined up almost perfectly with what Natsume remembered.
The one thing he hadn't anticipated was the death of the Third Hoshikage.
Now that he thought about it, it made sense.
The original story didn't mention when the Third Hoshikage had died.
By the time Naruto Uzumaki and others took on this mission, Akaboshi was already acting as Hoshikage.
"There may be something questionable about the Third Hoshikage's death."
After submitting the intelligence report, Kurenai Yuhi offered a speculative remark.
"What's your reasoning?"
Natsume couldn't help but raise his eyebrows slightly.
He knew why—because he had read the original story in his past life.
Kurenai was purely speculating.
"The Third Hoshikage died quite suddenly," Kurenai said cheerfully, turning to Natsume. "Plus, you're heading to Star Village now, so you must have a purpose."
"So your reasoning hinges on my being here, huh?"
Natsume smiled and said, "Sister Kurenai, you're sharper than I thought."
"Of course," Kurenai puffed out her chest with pride. "I'm not just an ornament in the Hokage's office."
"This time, our objective is the Star of Star Village."
Natsume didn't hide anything and explained. "You've read the documents—you know just how incredible it is."
Kurenai gave a slight nod but quickly realized something. "Wait—is that the power enhancement method you were talking about earlier?"
"Exactly," Natsume replied with confirmation. "The Star enhances chakra activity—it's a powerful booster. There are side effects, but I've already worked out how to neutralize them—no need to worry."
"Thank you," Kurenai's expression shifted slightly as she felt touched.
Natsume was the Hokage, yet he still took the time to help her personally.
It only deepened her feelings for him further.
Later that afternoon,
Natsume glanced outside the window at the familiar golden sands.
There was no doubt—they were in the Land of Wind.
But current Sunagakure wasn't particularly interesting anymore.
The trio from the original story had already become Konoha ninjas and were always hardworking.
Rasa...
Natsume thought deeply while stroking his chin.
Should he make Rasa step down?
Gaara became the Fifth Kazekage at around fifteen.
He'd become the youngest Kage in history.
The main reason was because Suna lacked suitable successors.
But Natsume wanted Temari to become the next Kazekage.
It would be quite fun having a cooperative Kage in charge.
"Recently, there has been some unrest in Sunagakure."
Noticing his expression, Kurenai suddenly remembered something and spoke up. "Because Kazekage Rasa performed poorly before and seemed powerless against Konoha, a faction wants to replace him."
Natsume looked thoughtful.
Something similar happened in the original story too—but back then, it wasn't directed at Rasa, it was aimed at Gaara.
He remembered names—Fuyuki and a monk called Hoichi.
"But since Rasa's power level is undeniable, things haven't escalated much."
Kurenai added.
Natsume nodded.
Fuyuki was a high-ranking member of Sunagakure, though his abilities weren't impressive.
Hoichi was a disciple of Bunpuku, the former Jinchuriki, and possessed specialized techniques created specifically to counter Jinchuriki and tailed beasts.
Others weren't particularly strong.
Against Rasa, they could only act behind the scenes.
In direct confrontation, they stood no chance.
As for whether Rasa would step down—there was zero possibility.
Unless Chiyo and Ebisu ordered it.
Ichikishimahime no Mikoto traveled northward.
By nightfall, she had passed through the Land of Wind and reached the Land of Bears.
"Let's find somewhere to rest."
Natsume wasn't the kind of ninja who would excessively exploit summoned beasts.
Although Ichikishimahime no Mikoto didn't seem particularly appreciative.
After the mobile wooden house came to a stop, Natsume ran back to Konoha Village again, ordered some takeout food, and had dinner with Kurenai Yuhi.
"Good night, Sister Kurenai."
Natsume closed the door.
Kurenai Yuhi went to another room.
The night was quiet, broken only by the occasional gusts of wind, chirping insects, and distant bird calls.
Kurenai Yuhi closed her eyes and fell asleep.
Not long later, she suddenly heard sobbing sounds.
Faintly mixed in were sounds of fighting.
She jolted upright, fully awake.
Focusing intently, Kurenai listened closely—the sounds seemed to be coming from the next room.
Her heartbeat stuttered.
Could enemies have come to assassinate the Hokage?
At this thought, she got off the bed and left her room.
The noise grew clearer.
Kurenai stopped walking.
There was something off about those sounds...
She reached Natsume's room door and glanced inside, immediately freezing on the spot.
Her delicate features flushed crimson.
Her heartbeat thudded loudly in her chest.
Inside the room, besides Natsume, there was also the Black Cat.
Yet at this moment, aside from still wearing the black cat mask, the rest of their clothes were scattered across the floor.
Kurenai Yuhi ought to have been furious.
Yet somehow, all she felt was shyness—and a fluttering warmth deep inside.
She hurried back to her own room.
Burying herself under the covers, she pulled the bedsheet over her head to muffle the sounds.
But the images playing in her mind refused to disappear.
[End of Chapter]
Heat rushed through her body, sweat forming on her brow.
After a long time, Kurenai Yuhi gradually regained her composure.
She lay there, staring at the ceiling, her expression troubled.
Earlier, she'd begun to suspect that Natsume wasn't the usual sort of hero.
But she hadn't expected him to go this far—this utterly shocking distance.
Kurenai sighed deeply.
She didn't know what to do.
Should she realize Natsume is a playboy and keep her distance?
It seemed like something she couldn't actually bring herself to do.
But continuing as before felt oddly awkward.
Dazed and confused, she eventually drifted back to sleep.
Morning arrived.
Natsume woke up.
He had done it intentionally last night—to test Kurenai's reaction.
And it turned out even better than he'd expected.
He had braced himself for a complete breakdown in their relationship.
If that happened, he'd simply wipe Kurenai's memory of the incident, pretending nothing ever occurred.
Perhaps it was due to the influence of this world.
After all, among nobles, having multiple wives and concubines was perfectly normal.
Or perhaps Kurenai genuinely enjoyed her current lifestyle and didn't want to give it up.
Either way, he'd taken another step toward his goal.
Thinking this, Natsume affectionately patted Yugito Nii's head and said, "Once you're awake, make sure to get something to eat."
He got dressed and walked into the living room.
Kurenai Yuhi hadn't woken up yet.
He ran to Konoha Village once more and bought two bowls of ramen.
"Kurenai-sis,"
Natsume knocked on the door and called, "Time to get up and eat."
Soon after, the door opened.
Kurenai Yuhi looked at him for a moment, then quickly lowered her gaze.
Last night's scene replayed in her mind again.
Her face turned slightly red.
It had been too much.
For a moment, she was genuinely impressed by the Black Cat's dedication.
But who could it be?
Kurenai Yuhi couldn't think of anyone matching that description.
In her mind, no kunoichi with jonin-level strength would go to such extremes.
"Big sister Kurenai, didn't you sleep well last night?"
Natsume handed her the chopsticks and asked, "You look tired. Maybe you should rest a bit longer?"
"No... no need."
Kurenai snapped back to reality, shook her head, and instinctively replied, "It won't affect anything."
She hesitated briefly after saying that.
Just then, she had slipped back into her secretary persona.
Maybe she'd grown too accustomed to it.
"You're sure it's fine?"
Natsume arched a brow and said, "Being late or early doesn't really matter anyway."
Kurenai shook her head again.
She picked up the chopsticks, lifted a clump of ramen noodles, and slurped them.
"Here."
Natsume glanced over.
A bit of broth had dripped onto Kurenai's lips.
"Thanks."
Kurenai accepted a tissue and wiped her mouth.
Had last night not happened, she might have grown even fonder of Natsume.
Now, a slight unease lingered in her heart.
Although she understood, she found it hard to accept sharing him with other women.
Seeing this, Natsume actually felt somewhat pleased.
If she hadn't firmly opposed it, that meant there was still a chance.
The more he thought about it, the more he felt like a bit of a jerk.
Natsume coughed lightly and said, "By the way, we won't head to Star Village first. Instead, we'll go somewhere called Hell's Valley."
Kurenai paused briefly and asked, "Why go there?"
"A few years ago, Star Village exiled a powerful ninja named Natsu,"
Natsume simply explained, "By cooperating with her, we'll have grounds to intervene in Star Village's affairs."
Worth mentioning was that Natsu, from the original story, was yet another red-haired mature woman.
He couldn't help suspecting the author had a thing for redheads.
Why so many redheads?
"Mm."
Kurenai responded softly.
Although she was curious how Natsume had obtained that intelligence.
Normally, information would pass through her hands before reaching the Hokage.
Still, she didn't ask.
That was simply how she handled things as a secretary.
Four thousand words. P.S. A new dual-release original novel has been released—feel free to check it out if interested. Same style.
[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
<><><><><><><><>