The Ninja Academy.
Grade Six, Class A.
Students who had passed the Three Basic Body Techniques assessment gathered, chatting animatedly.
"I wonder who my teammates are going to be?"
Sakura Haruno leaned on her desk, speaking in a bored tone.
"You were top of the class in theory. Your teammates shouldn't be too bad either."
Ino Yamanaka also arrived at the classroom today.
After becoming Tsunade's apprentice, she had been studying Medical Ninjutsu under Shizune.
She rarely attended school anymore.
The knowledge taught here was no longer sufficient for her.
Sakura was in a similar situation.
However, since Nonou Yakushi was quite busy, Sakura ended up returning to school far more often.
"Mm."
Sakura Haruno responded weakly before saying, "Sasuke-kun naturally didn't come again."
"He's already graduated, so of course he wouldn't come."
Ino Yamanaka smiled slightly, comforting her. "Now that you're a Genin, your chances of running into him will increase. You might even end up carrying out missions together one day."
Generally speaking, missions were completed in teams.
But there were exceptions.
For example, if a mission was particularly difficult, multiple squads could combine forces.
There was another situation as well.
If a member of a team temporarily couldn't participate due to certain reasons,
they'd be temporarily reassigned to another squad until their teammate returned.
"It's mostly up to luck."
Suddenly raising her head, Sakura Haruno asked, "How's your job going as the Hokage's secretary?"
"I'm still learning."
Ino Yamanaka sighed internally.
Although she occasionally flirts with Natsume, her progress remained fairly modest.
But that was understandable.
She was busy studying.
Meanwhile, Natsume, as Hokage, was naturally swamped with work.
"Why do you ask?"
Ino Yamanaka arched a brow and said, "I won't play favorites just for your sake, you know."
Sakura smirked and replied, "That's just reasonable personnel adjustments within my duties."
"If this were back then, I might have been able to help. But not anymore."
Ino Yamanaka raised her hand and said, "Now all the missions are dispatched via bracelets."
"Oh, right! I almost forgot about it."
Sakura Haruno glanced at it twice and said, "I heard this bracelet has lots of functions. Can't you even exchange jutsu through it?"
"Yeah, exactly."
Ino Yamanaka received the Heavenly Network Log-in Device early because she was interning as Hokage's secretary.
Of course, it was now called a Mission Bracelet.
"In the future, when you go on missions, everything will be much easier—whether taking them or completing them."
Ino explained, "Ninjas who perform outstandingly during missions will receive additional points. These points can be used to exchange things like jutsu—the rewards you mentioned."
"Are there secret techniques available?"
Upon hearing this, Sakura Haruno perked up immediately.
Studying under Nonou Yakushi all these years had given her considerable worldly experience.
She clearly understood the difference. There was a sharp divide between ninja from clans and civilian-born ninja.
The gap mainly lay in Kekkei Genkai and secret techniques.
Especially after witnessing the power shown by Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki.
Although just a little, it was enough to leave her in the dust.
Even Yamanaka Ino, after training the Yin Sealing Art, had pulled ahead significantly.
The scenario from the original story where they ended in a draw during the Chunin Exams probably wouldn't happen again.
"You have access to both standard secret techniques and advanced ninjutsu."
Yamanaka Ino nodded and said, "But if you want to trade for them, you'll have to work really hard."
"Of course."
Haruno Sakura flashed a radiant smile and sighed thoughtfully, "Hokage-sama really is the greatest Hokage of all time."
Among previous Hokages, few were willing to open up so many jutsu and secret techniques to non-clan ninja.
Unless you displayed extraordinary talent—
Like Jiraiya or Orochimaru, for example.
Otherwise, most civilian-born ninja struggled to learn even basic ninjutsu.
Normally, mastering the Three Basic Body Techniques was enough to become a genin.
Mastering one or two B-ranked ninjutsu could get someone promoted to chunin.
As for the Joint Chunin Exams from the original story, that was a special case.
That event was basically an exhibition for outsiders, naturally raising the intensity to the maximum level.
If they strictly followed the standards of the Joint Chunin Exams, Konoha wouldn't have many qualified chunin candidates to begin with.
"Will Hokage-sama come today?"
Akimichi Choji, who had been quietly munching on potato chips, finally spoke up.
Ever since Akimichi Shito joined the Hokage's bodyguard team, the Akimichi clan's status had risen significantly, which made them even more respectful of the Hokage.
Now that we're talking about Natsume, Nara Shikamaru, who had been dozing on his desk, also lifted his head curiously.
After all, the Hokage was already the idol of this generation of young ninja.
And right now, Natsume's reputation was at its peak.
Countless people saw him as their role model.
Nara Shikamaru, however, wasn't one of them.
His personality stayed just as lazy as always.
In the original storyline, Asuma Sarutobi's death was what pushed him to become more serious.
But currently, they weren't close at all.
"He will come."
Yesterday, Yamanaka Ino had seen Natsume's schedule through Kurenai Yuhi, so she spoke confidently.
Those nearby became slightly excited upon hearing this.
They were the top students of their class—maybe even getting a rare opportunity for a personal meeting.
"I want to tell him personally that my dream is to become a Hokage just like him!"
Kiba Inuzuka said excitedly.
Beneath his feet, Akamaru barked once, though not very enthusiastically.
Even the dog understood how impossible that dream seemed.
"Oh…"
"I think becoming a member of the Hokage's bodyguard team is already pretty amazing."
Akimichi Choji spoke up.
"What do you mean? If you're gonna dream, you should aim higher!"
Kiba Inuzuka grinned confidently, "Anything's possible."
"You..."
Aburame Shino had barely started speaking when Umino Iruka walked into the classroom.
He looked like he wanted to say more, but held back, eventually choosing to remain silent.
"Congratulations everyone for becoming true ninja."
Umino Iruka tapped the chalkboard, smiling as he pulled out a sheet of paper with a list, "I'll call the names of those who should go meet their team-leading teachers."
Sakura Haruno and others immediately grew tense.
Everyone knew how important it was to have a good team leader.
Whether it was for safety or the pursuit of knowledge, a good teacher could greatly influence a student's development.
Ino Yamanaka showed no signs of nervousness.
She had already found out in advance who her teacher would be.
Kabuto Yakushi.
Her nominal senior apprentice sibling.
"Team 8: Kiba Inuzuka, Shino Aburame, and Sakura Haruno."
Iruka Umino paused before continuing, "Your teacher is waiting outside the classroom."
"From now on, let's work hard together."
Sakura felt relieved.
Her two teammates were already quite impressive.
Except for Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki, who had already graduated, they were only slightly inferior to the Ino–Shika–Cho trio.
But those three were a permanent, inseparable trio.
"Yamanaka, I'll go first."
With that farewell, Sakura left the classroom along with her two teammates and a dog.
Meeting Shizune only made her more excited.
Although she hadn't become Tsunade's direct apprentice, being accepted into the master's lineage as a great-grandstudent still meant she had been formally recognized.
Yet soon, she thought of an issue.
Wouldn't this make her one generation lower than Ino Yamanaka?
Back in the classroom, the class assignment announcements resumed.
"Team 10: Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akimichi."
Iruka read from the list.
This team selection was practically a given.
Everyone in Konoha knew about the Ino–Shika–Cho combo—only together could their full potential be unleashed.
Therefore, unless under special circumstances, they were always grouped like this.
"Let's go."
Ino took the lead in leaving the classroom.
Shikamaru Nara walked slowly behind.
The three quickly met their team-leading teacher.
Kabuto Yakushi.
Except for Ino Yamanaka, both Shikamaru and Choji wore expressions of confusion.
They had never seen Kabuto before.
However, they were soon drawn to another person nearby.
"Hokage-sama."
Shikamaru and the others greeted simultaneously.
Because there were outsiders present, Ino also addressed him as Hokage-sama instead of calling him Natsume privately.
Natsume wasn't playing favorites; he visited each ninja squad in person.
However, this was his real body while the others were shadow clones.
He did this partly to polish his public image.
"Congratulations on your graduation. I hope you will become excellent ninjas in the future."
Natsume glanced at the three students before locking eyes with Ino.
Ino didn't show any shyness. Instead, her lips curled into a distinctly youthful, girlish smile.
"This is Kabuto Yakushi. A highly capable ninja. You'll come to understand why soon enough."
Natsume withdrew his gaze and smiled. "The rest is up to you and your team. I won't hold you back—my presence here is complete."
He vanished before their very eyes.
Kabuto twitched his lip.
Never in his wildest dreams had he expected to become a team-leading teacher.
But now that he was here, he might as well give it some real effort.
After all, he hadn't ventured beyond Konoha in a long time.
At the Uchiha Clan Estate,
With Sasuke Uchiha having graduated early, there were no other Uchiha among this year's graduates.
As a result, the estate felt unusually quiet.
Natsume rapped lightly on the door.
Since Mikoto Uchiha got pregnant, Natsume no longer teleports into the room unexpectedly. He mainly wants to avoid frightening her.
The door swung open swiftly.
"What brings you here today?" Mikoto Uchiha saw Natsume and asked with some surprise.
"I've finished my work at the Ninja Academy." Natsume took her hand, stepped into the room, and shut the door behind them.
He sat on the sofa and pulled Mikoto naturally into his arms. She leaned against him, a faint smile appearing on her face. She likes this feeling.
"You're already four months along, right?" Natsume played with her slender fingers as he asked.
"Mm." Mikoto instinctively glanced at her abdomen. It had slightly rounded outward, forming a soft curve.
"Planning to visit the Land of Fire's Metropolis anytime soon?" Natsume emphasized, "You'll be amazed at how much it's transformed."
"If you say so, then I'm really looking forward to it." Mikoto smiled warmly.
"You'll like it." Natsume raised an eyebrow. "How about tomorrow then?"
Mikoto looked at him. "Have you told Sasuke yet?"
Natsume felt somewhat surprised she chose the date so quickly. He had expected her to push it back. After all, once Mikoto left, Sasuke would be left without anyone to look after him.
"I did." Mikoto gave a thoughtful sigh. "He understands. Never thought that Sasuke has grown up so fast."
"How quickly the kids grow up."
This chapter isn't over—more excitement ahead!
Natsume thought of his daughter Senka. Now she could walk independently, but her talent remains uncertain. Earlier, Mikoto once used Mangekyo Sharingan on Tsunade, which probably made Senka inherit both parents' talents. But there was no clear indication of that. So far, nothing obvious had emerged. Senka is still very young, and Tsunade doesn't want her starting training too early. That might interfere with normal development.
"Mm." Mikoto gave a complicated nod. She thought of Itachi Uchiha. He grew up too fast and never met the right people. If only things had been different—if Natsume had been Hokage back then—perhaps the Uchiha clan wouldn't have fallen into such a situation. Unfortunately, there's no such thing as "if."
Natsume didn't know her thoughts. Seeing her space out, he assumed she might not feel like leaving.
"Then I'll make sure Sasuke visits you from time to time."
"Thank you." Mikoto snapped back and replied instinctively.
"Even thanking me like this with us?" Natsume teasingly patted her bottom.
Mikoto shivered involuntarily. A tingling sensation shot through her. She instinctively looked at Natsume, her eyes revealing apology and tender vulnerability.
"I'm hungry," Natsume raised an eyebrow. "Let's eat."
Mikoto stiffened abruptly, her gaze dropped downward. Her face flushed crimson instantly. She shifted slightly and whispered, "Be careful."
The room was instantly filled with warmth during winter.
Perhaps it was because she was leaving, but Mikoto Uchiha was in unusually high spirits today—an unusual sight, indeed.
This reminded Natsume of the distant past, [Awaken the Sharingan].
Back then, it had been negative emotions—now replaced by positive ones.
In the afternoon.
After a hearty meal, Natsume returned to the Hokage's office.
Kurenai had already sorted through the documents.
She glanced at Natsume, who wore a cheerful expression, and pouted slightly. "Hokage-sama," she said, "the office is for working."
"Sister Kurenai."
Natsume noticed her somewhat resentful tone and chuckled. "Come on, give me a hug."
"…"
Kurenai ignored his teasing, placed the documents in front of him, and said, "Time to fulfill your duties as Hokage."
"Fine."
Natsume obediently gave a slight nod.
As she watched him flip through the documents, a beautiful smile curled her lips.
What if he was the Hokage?
He still ended up listening to her anyway.
But that familiar fragrance annoyed her slightly.
Looks like the black cat isn't the only one.
She'd thought he was a good man—never expecting him to be such a playboy.
Kurenai sighed softly.
Guess she'd messed things up.
Even sold the rest of her life to him.
Thinking this, she walked behind him and wrapped her arms gently around his head, giving it a soft massage.
Natsume paused briefly but didn't hold back—he leaned into her embrace.
Resting against her warm, soft body, naturally, he no longer had any desire to deal with paperwork.
Good thing he'd just come back from Mikoto Uchiha, so he didn't think about anything else and closed his eyes contentedly.
Kurenai's hands moved to his forehead.
Gazing down at his handsome face, a faint, almost imperceptible smile graced her lips.
Soon enough—
She leaned closer and sank her teeth into the corner of his mouth.
"That's your punishment."
Seeing his eyes fly open, Kurenai let out a light snort and spoke.
"…"
Natsume now realized the problem.
It's just that Mikoto's scent was too pleasant.
But Kurenai's reaction also made him realize something.
Let the Hokage's Secretary Handle It—it might not be long before that saying came true.
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