"If you truly want something, you won't cling to the desire."
Natsume understood that all too well.
Still, he didn't stay behind.
Because Mei Terumī had matters she needed to handle.
After all, they had just arrived in Konoha Village, and tomorrow was the first stage of the Joint Chunin Exams—the written exam.
Besides, with so many from Kirigakure watching closely, Mei wouldn't go along with any reckless plans.
Unless it involved Neko or Ena Uzumaki and the others.
Those girls obeyed Natsume without question. Even the most embarrassing tasks, they would carry out.
But not Mei.
The Mizukage upheld a strong sense of dignity.
But that was also part of her charm.
Natsume made his way back to the Hokage's office.
The three ninja villages participating in the Joint Chunin Exams with the largest delegations were naturally Konoha, Kirigakure, and Sunagakure.
Beyond them, Amegakure drew the most attention.
It had long been known as a powerful village outside the Five Great Villages.
Mainly because of Hanzo the Demi-God.
While the world at large didn't know he was already dead, if you counted Akatsuki, then Amegakure could already rival or even surpass the Five Great Villages.
Amegakure didn't have many famous genin.
Only Hydrangea, Furong, and Water Lily—three names that stood out.
After being promoted to chunin, they were assigned high-level missions and all died.
Among them, Hydrangea was chosen by Nagato to become one of the Six Paths corpses.
Natsume suspected that Amegakure had deliberately sent them to their deaths.
After all, right after becoming chunin, their very first mission was an S-rank—it seemed quite unnatural.
Originally, these three had signed up for the second Joint Chunin Exams, but as a result of Natsume's influence, they were sent here instead.
Interestingly, their destiny values aligned with those of others.
Meaning they were destined to carry out those S-rank missions.
As the day wound down,
Natsume called Shizune over and said he needed to talk with the Mizukage, telling her and Tsunade not to wait for him for dinner.
Shizune didn't think anything of it.
Although she knew Natsume had a bit of a reputation with women, Mei lived far away in Kirigakure—how could they even stay in touch?
Even if there was something, the Mizukage wouldn't behave inappropriately with the Hokage.
Therefore, Shizune truly believed he was meeting Mei to discuss matters regarding the Joint Chunin Exams.
After she left, Natsume made his way to the courtyard prepared for Kirigakure's delegation.
He had already left a [Flying Thunder God Mark] inside the room earlier.
When the familiar gust of wind blew past, Mei's expression stiffened slightly, a flicker of helplessness in her heart.
So he actually came again, huh?
Oddly, she also felt a slight happiness.
Mei shot him a glare and said, "Is the Hokage too free these days?"
Seeing her sudden display of charm, Natsume replied, "Because I missed you."
Mei froze slightly.
A moment later, she smiled and said, "You're always saying sweet things. Can't you ever do something else?"
As soon as the words left her mouth, she suddenly realized how ambiguous they sounded.
Her original intention had been to tease him for only knowing flattery.
But… Mei cast a glance toward him.
And immediately saw him staring intently at her.
As though that layer of clothing couldn't block his gaze at all.
Mei instinctively lowered her head, her eyes shimmering with subtle allure.
To be honest, if not for her duties as the Mizukage, she genuinely wished to live together with Natsume.
Because it felt so mentally and physically pleasing.
Natsume reached out and gently stroked her cheek.
Mei Terumī wanted to turn her head away but resisted the urge, allowing him to continue.
"I haven't had anything to eat yet."
Natsume whispered into her ear, "Lord Mizukage, could I trouble you for something to eat?"
Mei Terumī blinked in surprise and instinctively replied, "I'll have someone prepare something for you."
Natsume shook his head. Before she could react, he lifted her into his arms and said, "You should cook for me yourself."
At this point, Mei finally understood what he meant.
In his embrace, she couldn't help but kick him once.
Her fair bare feet barely exerted any force—feeling more like a tickle than a kick.
Her reddish-brown hair cascaded down, and the soft, rosy hue of her bare skin met the cool air, making Mei feel slightly cold.
It was still early March, after all.
But soon enough, the chill turned into searing heat. Fine beads of sweat rolled from her forehead as she panted heavily, overwhelmed by the sensations.
It took nearly an hour before she finally regained her composure.
Natsume glanced at her alluring form before stepping into the bathroom.
He rinsed most of the lingering scent away, then returned to the room.
Terumī had yet to wake up.
Her eyes remained closed, her breathing steadily evening out.
He raised his hand, tidied her disheveled strands of hair, then left.
Back home.
Tsunade and Shizune had already finished eating, but since it was still early, they hadn't gone to sleep yet.
Natsume took off his shoes and walked into the living room.
"You're back."
Tsunade gave him a smile, asking casually, "What exactly did you talk about with Lord Mizukage?"
"Some matters regarding the Chunin Exams."
Natsume answered vaguely, "Since the second and third rounds were scheduled to be held in the Land of Water, we discussed some details."
"Why did you give Kiri Village the rights to host this event?"
Tsunade couldn't resist asking out of curiosity.
Previously, she had suggested hosting it in Konoha Village.
Because now Konoha truly had the capability and power.
But surprisingly, Natsume handed the opportunity away, leaving Tsunade puzzled.
"Oh, that."
Natsume had expected this question and answered without hesitation, "It's related to the Thousand Sunny Merchant Guild."
Tsunade arched a brow.
The Thousand Sunny Merchant Guild—the most prominent business organization in the ninja world over the past few years.
She naturally knew of it.
However, she didn't know that this guild was established by Natsume himself.
This chapter isn't finished yet!
She clearly remembered the earlier Gunma Bank and Gunma Casino.
Those two institutions still existed today.
Though their influence paled in comparison to that of the Thousand Sunny Merchant Guild.
Its growth in recent years hadn't been especially rapid.
Tsunade always believed it was because Natsume became Hokage and simply didn't have time to manage it.
"The Thousand Sunny Merchant Guild conducts extensive business in both the Land of Fire and the Land of Water, though its headquarters are located in the Land of Water."
Natsume explained, "This Joint Chunin Exam is sponsored by them—choosing Mist Village as the location will earn us an extra one hundred million ryo."
Tsunade couldn't help but sigh thoughtfully, "That's what I'd call rich."
One hundred million ryo was no small amount.
Being able to throw around such a sum so casually showed just how little money meant to them.
The location of the Chunin Exams wasn't particularly important.
If it had been her, she probably would've agreed too.
"Definitely quite wealthy."
Natsume smiled and said, "Though they're smart enough not to provoke Konoha Village."
Tsunade shot him a glare and said, "They're legitimate merchants, not ninjas."
Despite drinking alcohol and all, she was actually quite traditional for a ninja.
Ninjas actually had a strong sense of integrity when dealing with ordinary civilians or merchants.
They made their money through missions or bounties—never turning to robbery or looting.
"I know."
Natsume lay back on her thighs and stretched lazily, saying, "Sister, help me relax. I worked really hard today!"
"Alright, alright."
Tsunade's tone was affectionate as she chuckled and began gently massaging his head.
As a medical ninja, her skills were quite good.
Slightly less skilled than Kurenai Yuhi.
After all, Tsunade wasn't someone who waited on people hand and foot.
Natsume was an exception.
Not long after, Shizune stepped out of the bathroom wrapped in a bath towel.
Her gaze drifted to the living room, where she paused briefly.
It was rare to see Tsunade giving Natsume a massage.
Shizune walked over and greeted them.
Natsume's eyes lit up slightly.
Actually, Shizune had quite a nice figure; it's just that she always wore that plain black kimono.
Now, wearing only a towel, there was something subtly alluring about her.
Especially with her hair still wet, hanging down.
Faint water droplets clung to her pale neck and collarbones.
"Ms. Shizune, I'm so tired."
Natsume blinked playfully, hinting.
"You little brat!"
Tsunade pressed down hard immediately, gritting her teeth and saying, "You really know how to live it up!"
Natsume sucked in a breath sharply and said, "At this rate, I'll be even more tired."
Shizune hesitated for a moment before sitting on the sofa and pulling his legs into her lap.
Instantly, a wave of warmth and comfort washed over Natsume.
"Shizune, you too—don't spoil him like this."
Tsunade looked up helplessly, saying.
Shizune's face slightly flushed.
Because Natsume couldn't keep still.
One hand sneakily grabbed onto the towel.
Shizune glared at him.
Natsume grinned sheepishly.
That was just mutual appreciation.
A moment later, Shizune was already flustered.
"Enough!"
Tsunade sighed and said, "Go to sleep now."
Natsume stood up, hugging both their shoulders, and headed toward the bedroom.
The next morning.
The Konoha Ninja Academy was busier than ever before.
Genin from different ninja villages gathered.
They entered their respective classrooms according to protocol, preparing for the written exam.
Although Natsume had renovated the Ninja Academy, other villages hadn't.
To maintain fairness, he kept the exam questions almost identical to those in the original story.
"Sasuke-kun!"
Sakura Haruno spotted Sasuke Uchiha from afar and hurried over.
Behind her, her teammates, Kiba Inuzuka and Shino Aburame, shook their heads in resignation.
They'd long since gotten used to her fangirling.
It must be said that Sakura Haruno had performed exceptionally well on missions, saving their lives more than once.
Sasuke Uchiha twitched his lip slightly.
In contrast, Naruto Uzumaki smiled and greeted, "Sakura, long time no see."
Sakura quickly returned the greeting before stepping in front of Sasuke Uchiha.
However, Hinata Hyuga wasn't with them. Right now, she was still at home. That was because Natsume had stopped by to have breakfast with them. Otherwise, she would have gotten to the Ninja Academy much earlier.
"The first round of the ninja exam was a written test, which didn't allow spectators. That's why she hadn't planned to go."
As the team-leading teacher, he needed to show up and complete the formalities. Besides, he really ought to check in on them. Plus, why not hang out with Lord Mizukage for a bit?
"I will."
Hinata gently patted Hanabi Hyuga's head, then hurriedly followed Natsume, both heading toward the Ninja Academy.
Soon enough, they arrived at the exam room. Natsume's arrival caused quite a stir. After greeting everyone, he found his two students.
"Teacher," Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki said simultaneously.
"Hokage-sama," added Sakura Haruno and others shortly behind.
Natsume glanced around, noticing that the new generation of Ino–Shika–Cho trio hadn't shown up yet. Still, with Kabuto Yakushi around, there shouldn't be a problem.
"You should all go sign in," Natsume said with a smile. "Don't shame Konoha Village."
"Yes!"
Everyone immediately headed down the corridor.
This chapter isn't finished yet!
Suddenly, a green-clad figure appeared in the stairwell.
"Naruto!"
It was Rock Lee. He stretched out his right hand, exclaiming excitedly, "I'll be waiting for you in the third round!"
In the original version of the story, he challenged Sasuke Uchiha. Now, however, it was Naruto Uzumaki who he'd challenge. But since they'd sparred several times already, he wasn't in a rush anymore. He wanted to surprise Naruto with the Eight Gates technique in the third round.
"Then it's settled!"
Naruto gave a thumbs-up and flashed his trademark bright smile. Many people noticed that familiar name surface—Might Guy.
Truthfully, if Naruto trained under him, an even more exciting future might unfold. Combine Nine-Tailed Fox chakra with the Uzumaki bloodline, and his physical attributes were already off the charts. And learning the Eight Gates technique as well wouldn't be any less impressive than Rasengan or other jutsu.
But mastering this skill wasn't easy. Even Might Guy's famously relentless dedication from the original story was something few could ever hope to match. Plus, it took too much time.
Thankfully for Naruto, he already had built-in cheat abilities—he didn't need to go through all that.
Natsume turned away. After a short wait, he finally spotted Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akimichi rushing over together.
"Hokage-sama!" Seeing Natsume, they caught their breath and called out immediately.
"You ran all the way here?" Natsume arched a brow and asked.
"Our teacher took us for special training in the Death Forest last night."
Shikamaru Nara spoke with a look of utter misery.
It must have been exhausting enduring special training under Kabuto Yakushi.
But it must be said, even the famously lazy Shikamaru now carried a capable demeanor.
Natsume couldn't help but smirk slightly.
Kabuto Yakushi's personality was extremely serious.
He wasn't nearly as laid-back as Asuma Sarutobi.
Plus, he was a Medical Ninja.
He certainly knew how to keep them from slacking off.
"The exam is about to begin. You should head over," Natsume waved his hand and said.
The three quickly departed without further conversation.
However, Ino Yamanaka glanced back at him before leaving.
Natsume gestured for her to come closer.
Her delicate features brightened into a smile as she happily headed toward the examination hall.
In the original story, the first written exam allowed candidates to cheat.
Or more precisely, it tested the candidates' intelligence-gathering skills.
Natsume hadn't changed this approach either, letting chaos unfold among the examinees.
Worth mentioning, Naruto Uzumaki, influenced by Natsume's and his parents' teachings, had improved significantly compared to his original self in the story who used to submit blank papers.
This time, he actually completed more than half of the test.
Natsume didn't stay behind, instead heading to the temporary residence of the Kiri Village.
Mei Terumī sat inside the room flipping through documents.
Even after arriving in Konoha Village, she hadn't stopped working.
Although she had implemented some of Natsume's suggestions, tangible results hadn't emerged yet.
After all, Kiri lacked enough talent, and it needed time and space to grow.
"Venue layout?"
Standing behind her, Natsume took a glance.
Mei had already sensed his arrival, so she wasn't particularly surprised.
She nodded slightly and replied, "They're for aristocrats from different countries."
Mist Village was perpetually shrouded in fog, so the venue layout was especially important.
Without clear visibility, everything would be pointless.
Besides, with so many Daimyo and nobles present, if they weren't properly accommodated, future missions might fall through.
Not wanting to interrupt, Natsume leaned back on the sofa, waiting patiently.
[New Book Announcement] Check out the new book from esteemed author py, titled *I Can Digitize Spirit Guardians*. Interested readers may want to take a look.
Synopsis: Red moon hangs high, monsters run rampant, humans wield the power of "Spiritual Essence" to defend their territory, establishing sanctuaries beyond the demon tides — humanity's final Pure Land!
This is a world of transcendent spirit masters where everything possesses spirituality; spirit users can harness every existing spirit!
Elves, sacred beasts, spiritual artifacts, undead beings, even... deities!
Chen Guangming, a programmer who transmigrated into this world, awakened the special talent called "Spiritual Programming," gaining the power to manipulate all things using spiritual code!
From that point on, creatures once imagined only in dreams began to take form — dragons wielding transcendent data forces beyond comprehension, Order Dragon Lords who could initiate beginnings and endings, Chaos Sovereigns guided by benevolent will, and Abyssal Shadows imbued with infinite devouring power — ancient and eternal!
Sacrificing oneself to reshape the world — this is the ultimate destiny of a programmer!!
This chapter ends here
<><><><><><><><>
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
<><><><><><><><>