Early Morning.
Natsume woke up.
He glanced at Tsunade in his arms and smiled faintly.
Her golden hair stuck to her face from sweat, lending her a uniquely alluring charm.
Natsume reached out and gently brushed them away.
"Don't!"
Tsunade caught his hand, her voice weary, "I was wrong. Let me go."
"Just go back to sleep."
A smug smile crossed Natsume's face as he said, "I'll come back at noon to cook for you."
Tsunade murmured in response and quickly fell asleep again.
Natsume quietly got up from the bed, didn't put on any clothes, and opened the door.
"You…"
Shizune immediately turned crimson and looked away.
"Ms. Shizune, help me bathe."
Natsume suddenly remembered that he had neglected her last night, so he gestured for her to come closer.
Shizune hesitated for a few seconds before stepping forward.
The two entered the bathroom.
Steam filled the room.
Shizune sat behind him, using a shower puff to wash his back.
In return, Natsume ran his hands across her back.
For a long while.
Beside Tsunade now lay another sleeping figure—Shizune.
Natsume stood in the living room, scratching his head.
Moments later, he summoned, "Black Cat."
Yugito Nii, wearing Anbu attire, appeared.
"You can help me take care of my daughter. You may leave once they both wake up."
Natsume casually instructed.
"Yes, Master."
Yugito Nii replied respectfully.
"And where is Samui?"
Natsume thought about the golden-furred cat.
"She's in the Hokage Office."
Yugito Nii explained, "Since you hadn't arrived yet today, I came here to await your orders."
"Good job."
Natsume reached out and ruffled her hair.
Yugito Nii said nothing. Instead, she closed her eyes in contentment, leaning into his touch.
"Come to think of it, in a couple of days, the Fourth Raikage should be arriving."
Natsume distinctly felt Yugito's body tense slightly.
She hadn't taken part in the last battle, so she didn't know the full story.
"What do you think we should do?"
Natsume removed her mask and gently pinched her cheeks.
"Master..."
Yugito wore a pleading look on her face.
Though she had long since surrendered body and soul to him, Kumogakure was still the place where she had grown up.
She couldn't just ignore it.
Knowing there was danger—even without knowing the full truth—she begged him first.
Truthfully, after so much time together, she already knew her master's nature quite well.
"Don't worry, I won't kill anyone."
Natsume kissed her lightly on the lips before speaking, "You and Samui will lead the negotiations. I'll give you the details when the time comes."
"Thank you, Master!"
Yugito immediately smiled.
"All right, help me take care of my daughter."
Natsume wasn't afraid that she'd talk about it.
After all, she carried a spy inside her—Two-Tailed Beast Matatabi.
As for whether Tsunade or Shizune noticing her might raise suspicion—it was only natural for the Hokage to have a few trusted subordinates.
[Flying Thunder God Technique] – Activated.
[Natsume]
Samui entered wearing Anbu attire.
Like Yugito, she wore a cat mask.
Though the patterns of their masks were slightly different.
Natsume gave her an up-and-down glance.
That Anbu outfit had practically turned into tight-fitting clothes on her body.
Her slim waist, the subtle curves beneath her clothing, and the gentle swell of her hips—
All of which emphasized her fullness and smooth curves.
[Golden Cat].
Natsume casually called out while sitting on the Hokage's chair.
He'd already sensed her aura.
The Hokage's bodyguard team was meant to be the personal protection unit for the Hokage.
But Natsume was very straightforward.
He only permitted Yugito Nii and Samui to get that close.
There was no need for anyone else, after all, during a real crisis, it might not even be clear who would end up protecting whom.
A gust of wind blew through.
Samui appeared wearing Anbu attire.
Like Yugito, she wore a cat mask.
Though the patterns of their masks were slightly different.
Natsume gave her an up-and-down glance.
That Anbu outfit had practically turned into tight-fitting clothes on her body.
Her slim waist, the subtle curves beneath her clothing, and the gentle swell of her hips—
All of which emphasized her fullness and smooth curves.
"Master."
Samui hesitated before addressing him, visibly uneasy with the term.
Natsume gave a brief pause.
That wasn't something he'd requested.
Looks like it was Yugito who had taught her that.
Natsume became curious—just what else had she been taught?
"I remember you have a younger brother."
"Yes."
Samui's body trembled slightly, causing subtle movements above.
"Would you like him to rejoin you?"
Natsume asked with a smile.
"Please spare him, Master."
Samui immediately knelt down.
Gravity pulled downward, straining the fabric of her jacket.
"You misunderstood."
Natsume shook his head and said, "I'm not saying I'll have him captured and brought here."
Samui lifted her eyes, filled with confusion.
"You'll understand soon enough."
Natsume didn't feel like explaining further.
Once Kurenai delivered the intelligence report, everything would become clear.
"Stand up."
Natsume waved his hand.
Samui silently rose.
Her heart remained uneasy from his words.
"Do you get along well with Mabo?"
Natsume suddenly thought of the dark-skinned kunoichi secretary and casually asked.
"Not bad."
Samui honestly replied, "She and Yugito are from the same generation, so we know each other pretty well."
Oh...
"I see."
Natsume nodded slightly.
He idly picked up a file from the desk, ready to scan through any updates.
Just then, Samui walked in front of him.
Under his confused gaze, she knelt on the ground, removed his shoes, and pulled his feet into her lap.
"I'll give you a foot massage."
Samui set her jaw and spoke with flushed cheeks.
She remembered what Yugito had told her about Natsume's habits.
If she could appease him, surely Atsui would remain safe.
Natsume had almost wanted to refuse, but she was just too... bold.
So he ended up saying nothing.
A few moments later, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in."
Natsume scooted the Hokage's chair closer to the office desk.
[Natsume]
Kurenai Yuhi walked in holding a file and spoke, "We've received intelligence reports indicating that Iwagakure and Kumogakure are planning a joint visit."
Natsume noticed that Samui's heart rate had quickened noticeably.
He gave a light chuckle. "Not exactly unexpected."
If they can't be beaten, negotiation is the only option.
If saving the Jinchuriki requires sacrifices, it's a cost we can accept.
"Who's coming?" Natsume casually asked.
"The Third Tsuchikage and the Fourth Raikage," answered Kurenai. Her tone carried a hint of surprise as she added, "I didn't expect them to willingly step right into our territory."
After yesterday's battle, she no longer regarded the Tsuchikage and Raikage as serious threats.
"Sister Kurenai, you say that like Konoha is some kind of bandit den," Natsume teased. "Since they've got the guts to come here, we won't be impolite either."
"I'll handle the arrangements."
Kurenai smiled awkwardly.
"What about Amegakure?"
Natsume asked again.
"No news yet," Kurenai paused slightly before asking solemnly, "Should we send someone to notify them?"
"Not yet." Natsume thought for a moment. "Just send a message via one of your ninja hawks and tell them to arrive earlier."
Kurenai accepted the order and turned to leave.
Suddenly, Natsume arched his brow.
He felt something wet against his toes.
(Chapter ends)
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