Natsume showed up again at the snack shop.
There were still two women at home.
He planned to bring some back.
As for his daughter Senka, who was still very young, he decided not to let her eat it for now.
After packing two boxes, Natsume activated the Flying Thunder God Technique and appeared at his doorstep.
He opened the door, took off his shoes, and walked into the living room.
Tsunade sat on the sofa, watching TV with great interest.
Senka was sleeping in the stroller nearby.
Smelling the aroma, Tsunade turned around, glanced over, and said, "I want a stick of Three-Colored Takoyaki."
Natsume opened the plastic box and handed it to her.
"Why'd you think of buying this stuff today?"
Tsunade opened her mouth, bit off a meatball, chewed a few times, and asked.
"I went to the academy."
Natsume replied offhandedly.
"Oh, did you go see your little 'sister' again?"
Tsunade smiled and asked, "How's she doing?"
"She's a genius."
Natsume picked up a wooden stick, poked a takoyaki ball onto it, and popped it into his mouth.
Even though he had already eaten before, his constitution—similar to Hinata Hyuga's—required him to eat constantly.
Still, he never experienced unbearable hunger.
Thanks to his abundant chakra reserves.
Hinata was different.
Without a Sage Body, despite her talent, she had to constantly eat just to keep going.
"No wonder they're from the Hyuga clan," Tsunade said thoughtfully. "So many prodigies packed into one clan—just like the Uchiha."
"Still, the Uchiha have the edge," Natsume shook his head.
Evolving the Byakugan into the Tenseigan was just too big a leap.
If it evolved gradually like the Sharingan, things would be much simpler.
Unfortunately, such a path doesn't exist yet.
"That's true," Tsunade thought of Sasuke Uchiha.
Already at jonin level by the age of twelve.
"By the way, your three apprentices are still genin," Tsunade suggested. "I think we should hold a Joint Chunin Exams."
The main goal of the Joint Chunin Exams was to showcase the next generation's strength to other nations, helping secure more missions.
In short, it was a display of military strength.
Right now, Konoha was definitely well-suited to host such an event.
Genin like Uchiha Sasuke were already incredibly strong, and it had been ages since the last Joint Chunin Exams.
Plus, considering Natsume's recent achievements.
No matter how you looked at it,
hosting one could bring plenty of benefits.
Natsume paused briefly, somewhat surprised that Tsunade had brought up the Chunin Exams.
But when he thought about it, it actually made sense.
The original story's version of the Joint Chunin Exams likely wouldn't happen again.
With Hiruzen Sarutobi retired and Orochimaru buried in his experiments,
there wouldn't be any surprises.
In that case, holding it anytime seemed perfectly doable.
It could even be a chance for everyone to enjoy themselves.
Iwagakure and Kumogakure would probably sit this one out anyway.
It was still unclear how Amegakure would respond?
Natsume rubbed his chin.
This Chunin Exams might even push them to act sooner than planned.
Even if nothing came of it, he could always suggest it himself as an organization member.
"I'll consider it."
Natsume bit into an octopus ball and leaned toward Tsunade, slipping a piece into her mouth. "A reward for you," he said.
She shot him a glare but still didn't waste the food.
Not long after, Shizune returned.
Natsume casually handed her a skewer of Three-Colored Meatballs. "Hard work."
A smile curved at the corner of Shizune's mouth. "At least you've got some conscience left."
During this time, following Natsume's orders, she had been renovating the Ninja Academy and training three students.
She had become far busier than before.
"I've always had a conscience."
Natsume pushed back.
Even if he was a little cold-hearted, he hadn't mistreated her.
Shizune glanced at him but remained silent.
With Tsunade around, she seldom flirted with Natsume.
That would be too awkward.
"I'll go prepare dinner,"
Shizune finished the last of her Three-Colored Meatballs and said, "We can't just survive on snacks."
"Don't make too much this time."
Tsunade peeked over, saying, "Otherwise, we might not finish it all."
Natsume always bought way too much.
Shizune gave a slight nod and turned toward the kitchen.
Half an hour later, dinner began.
After finishing their meal and taking a bath, Natsume went to Shizune's room.
He helped ease her stress before heading out.
Natsume quietly slipped under the covers, only to be embraced by Tsunade.
"Did I wake you up?"
"No, I wasn't asleep."
Tsunade's face slightly flushed, her eyes hazy as she said, "I was waiting for you."
Natsume immediately understood.
Two hours later, he reached out and brushed a golden strand of hair from her forehead. "Goodnight."
A new day began.
"Morning, Sister Kurenai."
Natsume pushed open the door and saw Kurenai Yuhi sitting by the coffee table brewing tea.
Her movements were far more refined and elaborate than before.
He hesitated slightly, impressed that she'd actually taken time to study tea-making.
No wonder she was such a capable Hokage secretary.
Now, he just wondered when she'd expand her duties again.
"Natsume."
Kurenai Yuhi stood up, lifting the teacup. "Test it."
Under her watchful gaze, Natsume took a sip.
How could he put it?
The taste was about the same.
But he couldn't overlook Kurenai Yuhi's effort.
Natsume smiled. "Sister Kurenai, your tea-brewing skills are genuinely great."
This mini-chapter isn't over yet—more excitement coming!
Hearing his words, Kurenai Yuhi let out a relieved sigh and asked, "What about the taste?"
"Taste? Even better."
Natsume said sincerely, "Perfect aroma, color, and flavor. No flaws at all."
"Don't exaggerate so much."
Kurenai Yuhi instinctively tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
Although she knew Natsume was just flattering her, she couldn't help smiling.
"The Hokage never lies."
Natsume said with feigned seriousness.
Kurenai Yuhi glared at him right away.
Yet there was something charming about the glare—soft yet inviting.
Natsume couldn't help but feel stirred inside.
He playfully shifted his gaze. "I noticed yesterday that one of the financial reports looked suspicious."
Kurenai Yuhi was taken aback by his words and quickly leaned closer. "Let me see. Maybe someone downstairs inputted the wrong data."
Natsume casually picked up a file.
Kurenai Yuhi instinctively looked over, but soon froze.
Because this wasn't a financial statement.
She was about to speak when he suddenly kissed her.
"Mmmph!"
Without thinking, Kurenai threw her arms around Natsume.
They finally pulled apart after a long moment.
True to her name, Kurenai's face turned crimson as she gasped for air.
Natsume lightly ran his hand down her black stockings and smiled, "Earlier it was my mistake. The financial statements are fine."
Kurenai let out a light snort, then slapped his hand in frustration and said, "Don't joke around with work matters!"
"So does that mean I don't need an excuse anymore?"
Natsume quickly caught the key point.
"..."
Kurenai sputtered, at a loss for words. A few seconds later, she angrily replied, "That's not what I meant!"
"In that case, okay."
Natsume sighed.
Seeing this, Kurenai pouted.
He was clearly the one who benefited, yet he looked as if he'd been wronged?
She grabbed his still-wandering hand and retorted, "Your words and actions don't match at all."
"Cough cough."
Natsume flipped his hand to hold hers and said, "It's because Sister Kurenai is just too attractive."
"You're just smooth with your words!"
Kurenai pulled her hand away and said, "I have work to do now, Lord Hokage!"
"Hard work."
Natsume smiled and gave her cheek another kiss.
Kurenai realized what had happened, giving him a helpless, playful glare.
She let out a breath, adjusted her appearance by the door, and left the Hokage's office.
Natsume leaned back in his chair and casually gestured closer.
The black cat materialized and curled obediently into his arms.
An hour later, Natsume stretched lazily.
He picked up the exhausted black cat, carried her to the room behind his office, and set her down so she could rest.
Then Natsume took a bath to wash off the lingering scents.
Before long, knocking sounded at the door.
It was Hinata Hyuga.
After closing the door, she softly said, "Nii-san."
"It's you, Hinata."
Natsume stood up, walked toward the sofa, patted it, and said, "Sit down and chat."
Blushing slightly, Hinata sat close beside him.
She caught a faint trace of his scent.
Did he just take a bath?
Hinata instantly felt a bit dazed.
"What's up?"
Natsume looked at her. Seeing her cute expression, he reached out and pinched her cheek.
The warm touch brought Hinata back to her senses.
Trying to stay composed, she said, "Yesterday, I had several branch family members test the improved Caged Bird Seal. It worked flawlessly."
Not that anyone doubted it would.
After all, it was blessed by Kaguya Otsutsuki herself.
"My father and I plan to begin the branch family's transition soon."
Hinata Hyuga gained momentum as she spoke, "When that happens, the Elder will be isolated. No one will support him during the next clan meeting."
The branch family supported Hiromasa Hyuga not out of loyalty, but rather due to a sense of grievance or imbalance.
Now that Hinata has granted them freedom, they have naturally turned against the main house.
"Mm."
Natsume gave a slight nod before warning, "After being freed from the Caged Bird Seal, people from the branch family might develop other intentions."
"Father mentioned this too."
Hinata lifted her head with confidence. "But as long as you're here, Brother Natsume, everything will be fine."
She was the Hokage's apprentice, and Hanabi Hyuga was the Hokage's sister.
Hizashi Hyuga was still the Hokage's advisor.
If the branch family weren't foolish, they wouldn't dare to rebel.
"Even so, we should stay cautious."
Natsume patted her head gently. "We need to watch for betrayal."
Hinata averted her gaze but tilted her head upward, savoring the warmth of his hand on her hair.
"If the Elder still won't listen at the clan meeting, we'll have no choice but to arrest him."
"How do you plan to deal with him?" Natsume arched a brow.
"Lock him up forever?"
"That's what Father suggested."
Hinata answered, "But if Brother Natsume has another way to handle him, that would also be acceptable."
"Alright then."
Natsume recalled having asked Kabuto Yakushi to find someone with the Byakugan. "You can send him to ANBU later."
"Okay."
Hinata agreed without hesitation.
Even if Natsume decided to kill Hiromasa Hyuga, she wouldn't say anything.
Others like Hiashi Hyuga wouldn't object either.
Ohhh!
"You're such a good girl."
Natsume stroked her smooth hair and asked, "When is the clan meeting?"
"Sunday."
Hinata's eyes lit up. "Will you come, Brother Natsume?"
"Of course."
Natsume smiled. "I can't wait to see you show off your full power, Hinata."
Upon hearing that, Hinata's face flushed slightly as she whispered, "I... I won't disappoint you."
"I'm looking forward to it."
Natsume pulled back his hand and said, "After this matter, you can take the Chunin Exams and go on missions when you have time."
Hinata nodded eagerly, her face lighting up with anticipation.
She had been training at home this whole time.
While she never voiced any complaints, she deeply missed the days of going out with Natsume.
Their conversation ended there.
Hinata left on her own, worried she might be taking up too much of Natsume's time and affecting his work.
Natsume didn't stop her.
Mainly because she had no real responsibilities in the Hokage's office yet.
And she couldn't behave like Neko either.
After all, she was still very young.
She still had at least six or seven years to wait before she could take on real responsibilities—just like Ino Yamanaka.
But Natsume was young too, so it didn't bother him much.
He picked up the file on his office desk and couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
It was about Jiraiya.
After finishing his teaching duties, he hadn't left Konoha Village—instead, he took up stalking.
Every day secretly observing Naruto Uzumaki was no small task, so he approached it with unwavering dedication.
Natsume had a general idea of his thoughts.
He wanted to confirm whether Naruto truly was the Child of the Prophecy.
But now that the Great Toad Sage was dead, even if he confirmed it, there was nothing he could do.
He was at a complete loss about what to do next.
For now, he had no choice but to take things one step at a time.
Natsume put down the documents.
He wasn't interested in Jiraiya's affairs.
He recalled what Tsunade had brought up last night about the Joint Chunin Exams.
Perhaps it was time to shake things up.
Kiri.
Mizukage's Office.
Natsume appeared behind Mei Terumī.
Due to the spatial fluctuations, she already knew he had arrived, but chose not to acknowledge him.
The next second, she felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her waist.
And suddenly, they were flying freely between snowy mountains.
Mei's face flushed crimson as she gasped, "What are you doing?"
She was worried someone might see them.
"A day without seeing you feels like three autumns apart."
Natsume kissed her cheek and asked playfully, "Lord Mizukage, have you missed me?"
"Not at all."
Of course Mei wouldn't admit it. She grabbed Natsume's hand and said, "Let go!"
"Orders from the Mizukage must be followed immediately."
Chuckling, Natsume let go of her.
He came here for a reason, so for now, he'd spare Mei.
Mei blinked in confusion, giving him a puzzled look.
That wasn't like him.
"The Leaf plans to hold a Joint Chunin Exam. Are you interested?"
Natsume casually sat on top of the Mizukage's office desk right in front of her.
Mei sighed helplessly, yet nonetheless leaned in closer.
She began weighing the feasibility of the Chunin Exams.
To be honest, Mist's younger generation was fairly average.
Only Chojuro and Suigetsu Hozuki stood out.
Especially the latter.
Thanks to Natsume's influence, Orochimaru and Sasuke Uchiha had not turned against Konoha.
Therefore, Suigetsu Hozuki's fate wasn't as tragic as it had been in the original narrative.
Mei hesitated slightly.
The Joint Chunin Exams were a significant stage for demonstration.
If successful, this would bring many benefits to Kiri, increasing mission opportunities substantially.
But she was worried something might go wrong.
End of Chapter (Approx. 4000 words).
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