"Natsume."
Kurenai Yuhi, holding a pile of clothes, asked, "Should I put this in the room?"
Natsume reached out and touched them. They were completely dry, with a faint floral fragrance.
He could easily picture how carefully Kurenai had handled it.
"Sister Kurenai, thanks," Natsume said with a smile. "Just leave it inside."
Seeing his charming smile, Kurenai couldn't help but smile too.
For no apparent reason, she suddenly felt a surge of happiness.
She turned and stepped into the waiting room behind her.
Since there was no closet, she placed the neatly folded clothes by the bedside.
Noticing the quilt was slightly wrinkled, she smoothed it out and neatly refolded it.
After finishing, Kurenai stood up, gazing at the neatly arranged bed for a moment.
Originally, she had planned—
To marry someone who loved her, have a child, and live happily ever after.
Just like now—tidying his bedding and clothing.
However, her plans had been thrown into chaos by Natsume's presence.
Kurenai already had a premonition that she would struggle to live an ordinary woman's life anymore.
But perhaps she would live a more dignified life instead.
She wasn't sure which kind of life was better.
But she did find it difficult to walk away from her current life.
To give up her position as Hokage's secretary, return to being a ninja, and continuously travel around on missions,
And either die or retire honorably.
Truthfully, she didn't enjoy this lifestyle.
Kurenai left the room and closed the door softly.
She glanced at Natsume and asked, "Should I get you some coffee?"
"No need for coffee during the daytime,"
Natsume lifted his head, looking at her. "How about a cup of hot tea instead?"
Hearing this, Kurenai gracefully walked toward the coffee table.
Bending down slightly, the striking curves beneath her pencil skirt became even more noticeable.
Her long legs, wrapped in black stockings, were clearly visible to Natsume.
Not bad at all.
Natsume thought inwardly.
Once the tea was ready, Kurenai turned around and slightly frowned.
She caught the appreciative look on Natsume's face.
Recalling what she had just done, she shot him a glare.
"Enjoying the view?"
She placed the teacup in front of him.
Her smooth cleavage shifted slightly under the pull of gravity,
Almost breaking free from its cloth constraints.
Natsume was sure she had done it on purpose.
Because she paused a little longer than necessary.
"Sister Kurenai, you're stunning as always," Natsume sincerely remarked.
"Charming flatterer."
Kurenai shifted her gaze away, letting out a soft scoff.
"Want to try?"
Raising an eyebrow, Natsume gripped the teacup.
Try?
At first, Kurenai didn't understand.
Until Natsume licked the corner of his mouth.
Then she caught on to what he meant.
Kurenai pursed her lips, her face instantly blushing.
Her eyes shimmered slightly.
But hesitation dominated.
Truthfully, she kind of liked that feeling.
Yet feminine dignity prevented her from taking initiative.
Seeing this, Natsume smiled.
This remark not only failed to upset Kurenai, but actually made her consider it.
That much was obvious.
He took a sip of tea and said, "Hmm, Sister Kurenai's tea tastes great."
Kurenai Yuhi suddenly felt a bit embarrassed upon hearing this.
She had simply brewed it casually, without using any special techniques. Maybe she should take time to learn someday.
"As long as you like it," Kurenai replied after regaining her composure.
"I really like it," Natsume said, staring intently at her.
Kurenai hesitated for a moment, realizing what he meant.
Her heart raced with confusion.
"If there's nothing else, I'll go handle some work first,"
Feeling his intense gaze, Kurenai continued, noticing how the air around them seemed to warm, causing a thin layer of sweat on her forehead.
After leaving the Hokage's office and closing the door behind her, she finally felt much cooler.
Natsume turned his gaze elsewhere.
He took another sip of tea, also feeling a slight warmth.
"Black Cat," Natsume called out.
Instantly, a black silhouette appeared by his feet.
A rich, floral fragrance filled the air.
Natsume sniffed slightly, finding the scent somewhat familiar.
Suddenly, he remembered where he had smelled it before—Mikoto Uchiha.
Natsume couldn't help but smile.
How did this cat sneak the perfume from its female master?
Alternatively, it might have been left by Mikoto herself.
Now that she was pregnant and had gone to the Land of Fire's Metropolis, the perfume would naturally be unused.
It made sense for Black Cat to be temporarily staying with her and receiving the perfume.
Natsume extended his hand and gently rubbed the top of her head.
Her fur was quite soft.
"Meow~"
The soft mewing sound of Black Cat entered Natsume's ears.
His eyes narrowed slightly as he increased the pressure of his hand.
Black Cat curled up on his thighs, her delicate mouth slightly parted, clearly enjoying the massage.
Natsume felt pleased while petting the cat.
Her body felt soft yet firm.
Very comfortable and soft.
After a while, Natsume stopped his motion.
It couldn't be helped—being Hokage kept him occupied.
Meanwhile, Black Cat secretly rolled her eyes.
She knew just how hardworking Hokage Natsume truly was every day.
"Red Sister really knows how to get things done," Natsume mused, flipping through some documents.
Only a day had passed, yet the Ninja Academy had already begun renovations.
Within half a month, classes could start following Natsume's vision.
This chapter isn't over yet!
But teachers were a major issue.
After expanding the Ninja Academy, there weren't enough instructors.
However, Chunin rank was acceptable.
Konoha Village didn't have many Jonin, but had plenty of Chunin and Genin.
In the original story, over ten thousand were available.
Natsume planned to have Kurenai select dozens of those particularly skilled in theory, then provide them with training so they'd be ready to teach.
"Noticing Black Cat gulping down water, Natsume warned.
Right after he spoke, she coughed.
Seeing this, Natsume gently stroked her soft cheek.
Black Cat shivered slightly, lifted her head to glance at him,
Then ran back into his embrace.
The sudden weight made Natsume a bit uneasy.
Exhaling softly, he muttered, "Don't block my view."
The Black Cat listened and lowered her body.
Natsume went back to flipping through the documents.
By noon, he had finished reading everything.
"Sat too long, my legs are a bit numb."
Natsume stood up and shook himself.
But the Black Cat in his arms flinched.
She let out several loud meows.
She rolled her eyes in clear displeasure at Natsume's sudden movement.
"Don't be mad. I'll give you a bath."
Natsume picked up the Black Cat and walked into the room.
He changed into the outfit that Kurenai Yuhi had just returned. Instantly, he felt much more refreshed.
There seemed to be a calming effect within the floral scent she wore.
Natsume sighed thoughtfully again—just how dedicated and capable the Hokage's secretary was.
From work to daily life, she excelled in every aspect.
Normally, he'd eat lunch either at the Hokage Building or back home.
But not today.
Natsume placed the Black Cat inside the covers to rest, then he headed toward the Mizukage's office.
Mei Terumī propped her chin up on one hand, her eyes fixed on the paperwork atop the desk, her brows knitted together, seemingly quite troubled.
When she sensed someone approaching, Mei lifted her head and saw Natsume.
She paused briefly.
After all, Natsume rarely stopped by at noon.
"What're you looking at?"
Natsume leaned forward and picked up the documents from the table.
Mei hesitated a moment before instinctively reaching to grab them back—but missed completely.
She frowned. "This is classified information from the Hidden Mist Village. You're an outsider; you can't see it."
"Outsider? You should call me Master."
Natsume arched a brow as he spoke.
Mei fell silent right away.
Letting out a light snort, she reluctantly murmured "Master" so quickly that Natsume almost missed it.
He stepped closer, pinched her chin a bit harder.
A flicker of panic flashed across Mei's eyes.
Worried he might suddenly lean down.
Yet strangely enough, there was also a sense of anticipation.
Unfortunately, nothing happened.
Natsume let go and said, "Your mouth works fine."
Coming to her senses, Mei glared at him. "Give those papers back!"
"Fine."
Natsume had already read through them, so he readily handed them over.
Mei pursed her lips, unsure what else to say.
Then parted them slightly to ask, "Why did you come here anyway?"
"Nothing special."
Natsume replied casually, "I just wanted to try lunch from your Hidden Mist Village today."
That wasn't an answer she'd expected.
Looking at him and noticing his serious demeanor, she said, "Then I'll treat you."
"No need for such trouble."
Natsume waved his hand. "Just give me whatever you usually eat."
Mei blinked but didn't argue further.
She rose and walked to the door, calling out, "Haku, bring two lunch boxes."
Not long after, Haku appeared before her, holding two lunch boxes.
Instinctively, he glanced toward the Mizukage's Office.
When his eyes landed on Natsume, understanding dawned on him.
Without a word, he vanished again.
"Hope you like it."
Mei closed the door and gave one lunch box to Natsume.
"Not bad."
Natsume opened the lunch box and said, "It looks great."
Since it was prepared for the Mizukage, it had to be done with care.
It wasn't extravagant, but it was well-balanced.
Rice, a fried egg, pickles, and okonomiyaki.
Mei Terumī glanced at him, hesitating for a moment. Rather than sit at the Mizukage's usual seat, she moved to the sofa.
"Do you want some water?"
She set the lunch box on the coffee table and asked.
"I can get my own."
Natsume glanced around and picked up the Mizukage's glass from the desk.
"That's mine," Mei Terumī said, spotting it. "There are other clean ones."
"It's perfectly clean."
Natsume took a sip, smacked his lips, and said, "It's a bit sweet too."
"..."
Her face flushed slightly, Mei Terumī picked up her chopsticks, ignored him, and began eating.
Natsume smiled, filled the cup with water, returned to the sofa, and sat beside her.
"Drink together."
He placed the cup in front of her and said.
Mei Terumī's hands paused momentarily before continuing to eat.
They both ate mostly in silence.
A sudden hush settled between them.
Midway through her meal, Mei Terumī instinctively reached for the glass and took a sip.
She froze for a moment, her face reddening.
She'd gotten so used to it that she forgot—this glass had been his today.
But maybe it wasn't a big deal.
Once she accepted it, Mei Terumī slid the glass closer to Natsume's hand.
But this chapter isn't over yet!
Seeing this, Natsume also picked it up and took a drink.
Lunch ended.
Mei Terumī picked up the lunch box, walked to the door, and handed it to Haku.
Turning back, she found Natsume leaning on the couch with his eyes closed.
"Come here."
Natsume extended his hand and said.
Her heart skipped a beat instantly.
After hesitating briefly, she grasped his hand.
With a gentle tug, he pulled her into his arms.
Mei Terumī stiffened her body.
As she tried to struggle, she sighed inwardly and gave up.
Thus, she completely fell into his embrace.
Her long legs instinctively braced beneath her to keep her balance.
The warm sensation made Mei Terumī's cheeks flush.
It wasn't unfamiliar, but now it felt different.
Somehow, the atmosphere had grown more intimate.
Natsume wrapped both arms around her waist.
A faint scent lingered around him.
Her fragrance was different from Black Cat's.
It seemed lighter somehow.
Maybe because she was still a girl.
Natsume, usually reckless, held back.
Mei Terumī's face burned as her heart raced, waiting for something—but instead, she felt surprised.
After a pause, she suddenly turned to face him head-on.
Natsume was somewhat taken aback.
But looking at the appealing red lips before him, he had no reason to hold back.
Mei Terumī's body stiffened, her pupils constricted.
Instinctively, she wrapped both arms around Natsume's neck to prevent herself from slipping due to losing strength.
Long after, Mei Terumī nestled her face against his shoulder, breathing softly.
Although she was a powerful individual, Mei Terumī still appeared visibly weakened after being deprived of oxygen for several minutes.
Yet, if there was anyone who felt even more uneasy, it was Natsume.
If they were out camping in the wild, he could easily set up a tent.
Suddenly, a crimson blush spread across Mei Terumī's face, her eyes brimming with panic and hesitation.
After a moment, she took a deep breath before speaking, "Go to my place."
Natsume hesitated for a moment, then suddenly understood what she meant.
[Flying Thunder God Technique]!
In an instant, they reappeared inside a dimly lit room.
To any observer, Mei Terumī looked like a lamb walking into the tiger's den.
Within the span of just one hour, she was utterly exhausted, pleading for mercy.
Her face flushed crimson, and combined with her husky, electrifying voice, she seemed as though she were utterly intoxicated.
But it was Natsume who had truly imbibed the sake.
This cask of maiden's wedding wine was indeed excellent.
As night settled over the land, Natsume glanced at Mei Terumī, fast asleep on the bed.
Her long, reddish-brown hair was messily sprawled across the floor, alongside a trail of scattered garments—both undergarments and outerwear alike.
He bent down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.
Mei Terumī didn't stir.
She wouldn't wake up for quite some time.
Such extreme fatigue often rendered one unconscious for hours.
Natsume left the room and made his way to the kitchen.
After preparing a meal, he took a quick shower before heading home.
Upon arriving home, he received a soft chime from the Tamaki of Destiny.
[Due to your influence, Mei Terumī's destiny has changed. You have gained 100 destiny points.]
Not bad at all—an impressive gain.
Natsume opened the door.
He arrived just in time for dinner.
Deep into the night, Mei Terumī stirred awake.
She felt sore and aching all over.
The person beside her was gone, and a flicker of disappointment crossed her face.
She switched on the light and saw the note left by Natsume:
"The meal is ready. Eat when you wake up, then take a good shower and rest."
Mei Terumī pouted slightly.
At least he had some decency—
though not much.
After all, on such an important night, he dared to leave her behind.
That was unforgivable.
Mei Terumī gritted her teeth, plotting to give him a proper lesson next time.
She rested for a while before slowly getting out of bed,
nearly losing her balance.
Her body trembled slightly, and her brow furrowed deeply, her anger toward Natsume only intensifying.
Mei Terumī walked to the kitchen and found the dinner he had prepared.
It was surprisingly delicious.
As she ate, memories of her earlier actions kept resurfacing, her face gradually turning red again.
Beneath the warm glow of the lamp, she resembled a fully bloomed crimson rose.
Four thousand words. P.S. The new book has already reached eighty thousand words—fellow readers are welcome to take a look.
(End of this 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
<><><><><><><><>