Due to the Hyuga clan meeting and the Chunin Exams held earlier than usual, Natsume had gained 7,240 Destiny Points.
Primarily, it was the former that contributed—especially the fates of Hizashi Hyuga, Neji Hyuga, and others, which had drastically changed.
The latter didn't contribute much individually, but because so many people were involved, it still contributed significantly in total.
Time dragged slowly.
Before long, spring arrived.
Over this past month, Natsume hadn't been very busy.
He had simply been commuting repeatedly between the Land of Fire and Konoha Village.
The metropolis he constructed based on his past life's knowledge had finally been completed.
Although it couldn't compare to major cities, it now had the charm of a tier-two or tier-three city.
For the ninja world, the impact was beyond words.
Every person who entered the Land of Fire would marvel at the grandeur of this new metropolis.
In contrast, Konoha Village itself hadn't changed much.
Mainly, its internal layout had undergone some modifications.
Other than that, there wasn't much else touched.
Besides the construction of the metropolis in the Land of Fire, there was another matter.
Yukie Kazahana had become pregnant as she hoped.
She intended for her child to become the Daimyo.
Natsume agreed immediately.
It was only right to have someone succeed him in governance.
To be honest, he simply felt too lazy.
He didn't want the burden of governing.
If a suitable Hokage emerged in Konoha, he planned to retire and enjoy the rest of his life.
But who exactly would succeed him still needed careful consideration.
Truthfully speaking, he favored the current generation—like Naruto Uzumaki's peers.
This generation as a whole, not any particular individual.
In his eyes, he didn't mind who became Hokage—whether it was Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Hinata Hyuga, or anyone else.
After all, Konoha already possessed a solid foundation.
And it was nowhere near reaching its peak yet.
In a few more years, things would become even more shocking.
A new day.
March 1st.
At Konoha's village entrance, the atmosphere was lively.
"When are they coming?"
Kanpo was pacing in circles while looking into the distance, his tone filled with impatience.
"What's the rush?" Temari frowned slightly and said, "Stop walking around—it's annoying."
"We haven't seen them in half a year. Don't you miss them too?" Kanpo stopped walking and sighed.
Previously, whenever they left the village for missions, they'd usually return within two or three weeks, at most a month.
Ever since joining Konoha, they could only visit home once a year.
Temari fell silent.
Though Sunagakure had harsh conditions, it was still their hometown.
Of course she missed it.
Even Gaara felt the same.
If he had the choice, he would definitely return to Sunagakure.
After being disciplined by Natsume and completing long-term missions, Gaara's personality closely resembled his later self from the original story.
His temper had mellowed—he had returned to being more or less normal again.
"You shouldn't get your hopes up either," Temari regained her composure and replied.
"Today, our guide is Baki-sensei. Kazekage-sama won't be coming personally."
Rasa was their father, but due to various reasons, their relationship wasn't particularly close.
"Well, seeing our teacher will still be nice," Kanpo smiled, then asked curiously, "I heard recently some people have been opposing Kazekage-sama?"
"There have been some, yes."
Temari gave a slight nod. "They think Lord Kazekage is too obedient to Konoha."
"What a bunch of idiots!"
Kankuro immediately cursed. "Have they not seen the Hokage's power? How can they even have such thoughts?"
Upon hearing this, Temari couldn't help but tremble.
Even though it had been a long time, she still hadn't been able to forget.
At night, she often dreamed about Natsume's Senju Kannon.
Unbelievably powerful and impossible to resist.
"Sorry."
Seeing her reaction, Kankuro quickly apologized.
"It's fine."
Temari waved her hand. "The matters of Sunagakure should be handled by Lord Kazekage himself. We don't need to worry about them."
"Yeah."
Kankuro let out a light snort. "No matter how much they oppose him, it's pointless anyway."
"They just stir up trouble within Sunagakure."
Temari scoffed disdainfully. "If they truly have the guts, they should go cause trouble for the Hokage. Blaming Lord Kazekage instead of addressing the root of the problem is truly cowardly."
"They've arrived."
Gaara interrupted their conversation in a calm voice.
They lifted their heads and gazed into the distance.
A group of ninja wearing Sunagakure forehead protectors came into view.
Leading them was Jonin Baki.
Most of the ones following him were Genin here for this year's Chunin Exams.
Kazekage Rasa and the Land of Wind's Daimyo weren't present.
They would arrive for the third round.
But not in Konoha—this round would be held in Kiri.
"Long time no see."
Spotting the trio, Baki excused himself from his group and approached them to greet.
"Teacher."
Kankuro and Temari said in unison.
Gaara simply glanced at him but didn't react.
Baki was already used to this and didn't take offense.
Actually, he felt more joy and bitterness than anything else.
Sunagakure's three great geniuses serving under Konoha.
As a proud Jonin, Baki found it humiliating.
But what could he do?
Victory decides everything—if you can't win, there's nothing more to discuss.
He was well aware of the inner politics back in Sunagakure.
They were just a bunch of power-hungry schemers.
Even if they somehow overthrew Rasa, things wouldn't improve.
Because the root cause wasn't being addressed.
Pushing his complex feelings aside, Baki asked.
"Not bad."
Temari thought for a moment before answering.
That was actually the truth.
Their current instructor was Kakashi Hatake.
Konoha's legendary Copy Ninja, known for mastering over a thousand jutsu.
He took them seriously and was genuinely willing to teach—unlike certain instructors who barely paid attention to their students.
Later, Sasuke Uchiha joined them temporarily as a teammate.
He had a rather arrogant demeanor. After fighting Gaara, however, he acknowledged him.
Though his attitude toward the two of them wasn't particularly warm, his strength was indeed formidable. Mission success came effortlessly with him, no matter how difficult the task.
In terms of workload, it turned out to be even easier than when they were in Sunagakure.
"Hearing that gives me peace of mind."
Baki exhaled with relief.
Considering their position, if they were mistreated in Konoha, there'd be little Sunagakure could do.
He could only think it was fortunate that the Kazekage wasn't petty-minded. But the real reason might simply be that he didn't care.
Baki sighed inwardly before speaking up, "Let's head for Konoha Village."
"Mm."
As they walked, Temari asked, "We got your notice saying we're participating in the Chūnin Exams too."
"This is the Kazekage's order," Baki explained. "Competing as Suna ninjas will remind everyone you're not from Konoha."
"I see."
Temari understood immediately.
The three of them had stayed in Konoha for far too long.
People in Suna had probably stopped seeing them as one of their own by now.
After such a long time, who's to say they wouldn't return to Suna, take high positions, and then betray them?
How do I even put this…
It made sense to be worried.
But the power gap between the villages was massive.
Were they even needed as spies anymore?
Natsume alone could wipe them all out single-handedly.
So all those worries were pointless anyway.
"If we run into any Konoha ninja, do we hold back?"
Kanpo couldn't help asking.
"Try not to kill anyone," Baki replied after a pause. "Fight when you must. Or else it'd make Suna look weak."
She tried to sound nonchalant, but there was no other way.
Their conversation ended there.
They had already reached the streets of Konoha.
Bystanders were pointing and whispering among themselves.
Seemed like they were discussing something.
Younger Suna Genin bristled at the stares.
But before coming here, Kazekage Rasa had strictly warned them not to cause any trouble—otherwise they'd be branded as rogue ninjas.
So they had no choice but to endure.
"Welcome, everyone from Suna."
Coming to greet them was Hatake Kakashi, sent by Natsume, and Rin Nohara, currently in the state of Impure World Reincarnation.
Naturally, Kakashi had been Kanpo, Gaara, and Temari's jonin-sensei, so it made sense for him to come.
Rin was just tagging along for sightseeing.
Rin Nohara had been revived for quite some time, and many people already knew about her existence.
Besides that, Natsume had another goal in mind—
To make sure Obito Uchiha sensed her presence. Time to bring down this furious, hotheaded kid.
"Teacher Kakashi."
Kanpo, Temari, and Gaara greeted him.
Baki was suddenly caught off guard—and a bit bitter.
Gaara barely acknowledged him before.
Who would've thought he'd now call Hatake Kakashi "teacher" right in front of him.
That was kind of… pathetic, honestly.
Baki actually understood.
After all, Kakashi was from Konoha and trained under the Fourth Hokage.
He and Natsume were practically of the same bloodline.
"Please follow me."
Hatake Kakashi smiled and said, "Your lodgings are ready. We'll head to Kiri in two days."
"Thank you."
Baki nodded slightly.
The group followed Hatake Kakashi away.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office…
Natsume stood at the doorway, watching Kurenai Yuhi.
She was folding an outfit.
A couple of days ago, Natsume took a bath, and she brought the clothes back to wash them again.
Kurenai Yuhi was wearing a pencil skirt, and when she leaned forward, her curves were on full display.
A lovely pear-shaped silhouette.
Natsume found the view extremely pleasing.
After neatly putting away the clothes, Kurenai turned around and shot him a glare.
She had already caught Natsume's mischievous stare.
But since they were both on the job, she chose not to react.
Or maybe she had long since gotten used to it.
Time to get back to work, Hokage-sama.
Kurenai walked up to Natsume, stopping right in front of him.
Because he was blocking the doorway.
Hard at work.
Arching a brow, Natsume leaned in close to her face.
Her heartbeat quickened instantly.
She moistened her lips but didn't move away.
Letting out a soft sigh, she melted into Natsume's arms.
They didn't part until several minutes later.
Her lipstick had already faded.
Taking a deep breath, Kurenai sat on the edge of the bed and pulled out her lipstick to retouch it.
Seeing this, Natsume decided not to tease her further.
Once she finished touching up her makeup, Kurenai resumed her composed demeanor as the Hokage's capable secretary.
Glancing at the documents, she reported, The group from Kirigakure has arrived outside the Death Forest. You should prepare to welcome them.
Normally, the Hokage wouldn't need to go in person.
But this time, Lady Mizukage Mei Terumī herself had come along.
So Natsume couldn't afford to slack off.
After all, their relationship was one of mutual understanding.
Even aside from that, etiquette required him to show proper respect by going in person.
Hm.
Natsume gave a slight nod. Wait a moment.
Kurenai rushed over, pulling out a tissue and wiping his mouth. You've got lipstick all over you, she said.
Natsume kissed her cheek again and said, Now there's no more lipstick.
Kurenai hadn't expected him to act so suddenly.
By the time she snapped out of it, Natsume had already left the Hokage's office.
Moments later, a faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she muttered to herself, Hmph, what a player.
At the entrance of Konoha Village.
Natsume came alone.
Mainly because bringing Kurenai along wouldn't be appropriate.
Otherwise, if the Mizukage got jealous, she might just flood Konoha with water ninjutsu—which would definitely be interesting.
Natsume considered bringing a few of the Hokage's bodyguards.
But most of them were female ninja.
Like Yugao Uzuki and Anko Mitarashi.
So better not bring anyone along.
After all, showing up in person was the highest form of respect.
Soon after, a group of people came into his view.
Leading the way was Mei Terumī.
Beside her walked Zabuza Momochi and Haku.
Behind them followed Chojuro, Suigetsu Hozuki, and a group of genin.
Ao wasn't present, likely remaining behind to oversee Kirigakure.
After all, someone venerable and respected needed to maintain order.
Truthfully, Natsume hadn't expected Mei Terumī to come in person.
Since this was only the first round.
Moreover, the second and third rounds would be held in the Land of Water.
Good afternoon, Lord Mizukage.
Clad in ceremonial robes, Natsume stepped forward with a smile.
Taking advantage of everyone else's distraction, he even sent her a flirty wink.
Mei Terumī reciprocated with a wordless response.
It was unheard of for anyone to address her so familiarly as "Lord Mizukage."
It was an obvious flirtation.
And with so many people around, she feared drawing attention.
Logically, there was nothing wrong with the Mizukage falling in love or even getting married—no one could fault her for it.
But if it involved both the Mizukage and the Hokage, it would certainly stir up a storm.
Mei did not want this relationship to negatively affect Mist's current progress.
Her face stayed cold as she said, "Hokage-sama, pleasure to meet you."
Natsume understood her reasoning all too well and chose to comply.
Otherwise, angering her might cost him the Mizukage entirely.
"I'll show you to your temporary residence," Natsume said with a smile.
Mei Terumī gave a slight nod.
Soon, they arrived at their destination—a rather spacious courtyard.
"Out of all the ninja villages, your accommodations are the best," Natsume remarked.
He cast a glance toward Zabuza Momochi and the others nearby, ensuring no one was watching, then leaned close and whispered in her ear.
His warm breath sent a shiver down Mei's spine.
With a roll of her eyes, she muttered, "That's only expected of you."
"This isn't for Mist—it's just for you," Natsume corrected, arching a brow slightly.
A strange flutter stirred in Mei Terumī's chest, though she maintained her composure. "Then thank you," she replied tonelessly.
"You're welcome," Natsume murmured, brushing his lips against the corner of her mouth before whispering, "Just collecting some interest now—I'll return for the principal later tonight."
Mei stiffened instantly, her cheeks coloring slightly.
Glancing instinctively around, she hissed, "What do you think you're doing? If someone catches us, this could escalate fast!"
"Relax, nothing will happen," Natsume chuckled lightly. "You doubt my skills? And from your reaction earlier, you didn't exactly hate it. Don't you find the risk thrilling?"
"Jerk!"
Mei immediately pinched his side, hard. "Don't even *think* about coming to my room tonight—or I swear, you're dead!"
Four thousand words.
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