Natsume did not take part in the peace negotiations.
Considering the Third Raikage's temper, however, he assigned the Hokage's bodyguard unit to monitor the situation.
With Kakashi Hatake, Might Guy, and others stationed there, even if he tried to start a fight, it wouldn't escalate into anything serious.
Theoretically speaking, there was no need for Natsume to intervene personally.
Of course, judging from the fluctuations of their battle, he could arrive instantly and stop it.
Natsume left the Hokage Building and arrived at the Fire Country's capital city.
He glanced at the sky—it was just past noon, and the timing couldn't have been better.
Walking through the quiet backyard of the Daimyo's Mansion, he suddenly heard a sharp whistling sound.
Natsume curved his lips slightly, shifted his body slightly sideways, and easily dodged the incoming kunai.
"Tch!"
Tayuya shot him a glare, lips pursed in frustration.
She was no longer that little girl—she had blossomed into a beautiful young woman. In a few years, she'd likely be just as striking as Karin.
"Your skills are slipping," Natsume chuckled lightly. "Have you finally lost your taste for killing me?"
"That's not true at all!"
Tayuya denied it outright. "Hmph, I just can't beat you."
Natsume stepped closer and extended his hand.
Her instinct was to pull away, but she held her ground.
That warm, large hand settled on her crimson hair, making her slightly turn her head aside.
"You're unusually compliant today—I'm not sure I like it," Natsume said, arching a brow.
"I'm just accepting defeat gracefully!" Tayuya blushed furiously. "Don't misunderstand me!"
Just then, the door nearby opened.
It was Mikoto Uchiha.
She had just heard Tayuya's voice and immediately knew it must be Natsume.
"…"
Tayuya stiffened instantly.
Getting caught in such an embarrassing moment left her mortified.
With a puff, she disappeared.
"That girl's got spirit," Natsume shrugged and looked toward Mikoto Uchiha.
She wore a loose kimono, but her rounded belly was unmistakable.
Not long from now, Natsume's second daughter would soon be born.
"You really are something else," Mikoto let out a light snort. "Tayuya is still just a little girl, and you tease her too much."
"Where? When did I do that?"
Natsume walked forward. "Back in the day, you don't know how bad-tempered she used to be. She's actually grown up quite a lot."
"Is that so?"
Mikoto clearly didn't buy it.
From her own experience, no matter how mischievous Tayuya might be, she couldn't compare to Natsume.
"You deserve a slap."
Natsume gave her back a light pat and asked, "So you don't trust me?"
"I do trust you."
Mikoto paused briefly, then embraced him softly and said gently.
"Now that sounds better."
Natsume casually closed the door, let his head rest in her lap, curled up sideways on the sofa, and asked, "How have you been lately?"
"Very well."
Mikoto reached out her hand and started giving him a light shoulder rub. "I feel like I'm being coddled so much I've turned into a total couch potato."
Right now, the Land of Fire was under Ena Uzumaki and Yukie Kazahana's control.
Both of them knew Mikoto was expecting, so they never let her lift a finger.
She had food brought at the snap of his fingers and clothes handed to her without lifting a finger herself.
Even though she had once been the clan leader's wife, she had never lived in such luxury before.
"It's only right."
Natsume leapt across the snowy peaks and smiled at her. "As long as you're enjoying it, there's nothing else you need to worry about."
"Mm."
Mikoto Uchiha nodded slightly before asking, "Why did you come today?"
"There is something."
Natsume hesitated briefly before answering. "But it's not urgent. I'll talk about it later."
"Is it about Itachi?"
Mikoto Uchiha couldn't help but smile as she asked, "What's there to hide? Are you worried I can't handle it?"
"I am," Natsume honestly replied.
"You really are strange," Mikoto sighed. "Before, when you tortured me endlessly, you didn't seem to care, yet now you protect me constantly."
"Cough, cough."
Natsume sat up straighter and said, "Things are just different now."
But reminded by her words, he realized that this matter regarding Itachi Uchiha wasn't particularly shocking after all.
After all, Mikoto Uchiha had already awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan.
Her mental strength had long been proven.
"You're such a bad man," Mikoto said with a warm smile, gently patting her belly. "Don't grow up to be like him."
Natsume felt like he had seen this exact scene somewhere before.
It was similar to what Tsunade had once said.
"Do I really seem that bad?" Natsume pouted, clearly displeased.
"You do, but I like it." Mikoto replied directly. She already understood Natsume's personality well enough to speak frankly.
"I don't know whether I should feel sad or happy."
Natsume leaned forward playfully, aiming for the corner of her mouth as a teasing retaliation.
He only pulled back when her face flushed and her eyes grew moist.
"Alright, I'll just say it straight: Itachi Uchiha has already been captured."
Natsume reached out and gently stroked her cheek.
When he finished speaking, her body trembled slightly.
Yet she didn't show much emotional reaction.
In truth, Mikoto Uchiha had already foreseen this day.
With Natsume's power, it was only a matter of time before Itachi Uchiha was captured.
If it was always meant to happen, why be surprised?
"What about Sasuke?"
Mikoto snuggled closer to him.
"Sasuke personally defeated Itachi Uchiha."
Natsume wrapped an arm around her waist and smiled, "Don't worry—he said he'll wait for your return to handle everything."
"Sasuke has really grown up," Mikoto murmured, feeling warmth in her heart.
"Yeah."
Natsume replied softly. "So from now on, just focus on resting and taking care of yourself."
"I'll help relieve your stress." Mikoto lowered her gaze and said with a slight blush.
"Forget it," Natsume brushed a hand through her hair gently. "You need to take care of yourself. Besides, someone next door is already growing impatient."
Mikoto immediately understood; he was referring to Kaguya Ōtsutsuki.
She recalled Kaguya's breathtaking beauty and figure and nodded slightly.
Honestly, she couldn't measure up. Plus, she was already pregnant.
"Let's have dinner together tonight."
Natsume stood up and said, "Go let Yukie Kazahana know to prepare something."
As he left the room, he saw Kaguya otsutsuki. Without a word, she bent down and scooped him up.
Truthfully, as Natsume kept growing taller, only Kaguya could still pull this off. Everyone else had fallen behind his height.
But that was fine—Yotsuba-sama had her own unique charm.
After a fierce battle, Natsume gave Kaguya the reward he had promised.
There were still many more rewards to give, but he couldn't help it—he had others to take care of too.
Later, Ena Uzumaki and Yukie Kazahana also joined in.
If the situation had allowed, Mikoto Uchiha would've helped her dear friend beat up that player too.
A new day arrived.
Natsume, who had stayed up all night, returned to the Hokage's office.
He let out a yawn.
He glanced at his desk—nothing urgent today—then opened the door to his room, planning to catch a quick nap.
"Master."
Yugito Nii suddenly appeared.
Without waiting for Natsume to say anything, she removed her outfit and slid under the covers.
The once-cold bed quickly grew warm.
Chapter ends.
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