Natsume pushed open the door and entered his office.
Tsunade had said she wanted to chat with Mikoto Uchiha, effectively excluding him.
With nothing else to do, he came here just to check on Konoha's current situation.
"Master."
Samui greeted him as she stood up.
She wore a women's business suit paired with a pencil skirt today.
Beneath the skirt, sheer black stockings subtly accentuated her toned, elegant legs.
Her gaze, set against her fair skin, carried a hint of flirtation.
Noticing his stare, a faint smile appeared on Samui's face.
Having been together for so many years, they had long since developed a deep mutual understanding.
She sat beside Natsume and asked, "Master, would you like me to give you a shoulder rub?"
As she spoke, she opened her arms.
Natsume didn't hold back either and immediately leaned into her embrace.
A soft fragrance filled the air.
Samui ran her slim fingers expertly through his hair, gently massaging his scalp.
With each rhythmic motion of her arms, her upper body gently swayed.
Natsume closed his eyes.
Before long, the main door opened and Mabo walked in.
Seeing the scene before her, she showed no surprise.
After placing the documents in her hand down, she approached the sofa.
Coming close behind Natsume's back, she skillfully pressed lightly on his shoulders.
"Master," Mabo spoke up, "Yugito and the others have returned."
Natsume immediately became alert.
Yugito was still serving as a team-leading teacher.
Her students remained Tayuya, Karin, and Hinata Hyuga.
Though they no longer needed to remain in a team, Natsume kept them together for safety.
Besides, there was no shortage of manpower now.
"Where are they?"
He inhaled deeply—the scent invigorating him further.
At his breath, Samui trembled faintly.
Still, her hands never faltered in their massage.
"Tayuya and Karin returned to the Land of Fire's Metropolis using the Flying Thunder God Transmission Formation," Mabo answered promptly.
The Flying Thunder God Transmission Formation was Natsume's modified version of the original technique.
Originally, Makibi, Ryo, and Tameike formed the Flying Thunder God Formation.
Building on this concept, Natsume replaced the human users with markers tied to the God Tree.
Therefore, at designated locations, ninja wearing Heavenly Network bracelets could activate the Flying Thunder God Transmission Formation.
Naturally, their return to the Land of Fire's Metropolis meant they were visiting Ena Uzumaki.
"Hinata has returned to the Hyuga clan. Yugito has already come back to the Hokage Building," Mabo continued.
"Mm."
Natsume gave a response, then suddenly remembered something and asked, "What day is it today?"
"The twenty-seventh."
Mabo thought for a moment and said,
"There are still three months left."
Natsume patted Samui's back, signaling her to stop.
He stepped away from her expansive hug and sat back on the sofa.
"Hey, what do you think Hinata would like as a gift?"
Natsume asked after a brief pause.
December twenty-seventh was Hinata Hyuga's eighteenth birthday.
But she had no idea what present to give.
"Master, why even bother with a gift?"
Samui smiled slightly. "We all know Hinata has feelings for you. Your presence alone would be the best gift of all."
As Natsume's closest secret techniques secretary and also Hinata's team-leading teacher, Yugito Nii's feelings were obvious to everyone—especially since she never tried to hide them.
"I get what you're saying, but I can't show up empty-handed either."
Natsume shook his head and replied.
"What about jewelry?"
Samui suggested. "Didn't Sunagakure send him plenty of gold dust this year?"
"That's true enough."
Natsume chuckled lightly.
Thanks to his influence, Rasa had survived. Although the Kazekage title was passed down to Temari, Sunagakure's environment remained unchanged, still relying on gold dust for income. During festivals and holidays, they sent him plenty of it. He'd left it all untouched so far—it already filled half a warehouse.
"Mabo, have someone craft me a few sets of jewelry," Natsume instructed. "Don't spare any expense on the other gems either."
"I understand."
Mabo nodded once.
"All right, you two keep busy."
Natsume stood up and said. "I'm going to pay the Hyuga clan a visit."
[Flying Thunder God Technique] activated.
He opened his eyes and found himself already inside Hinata's room.
A faint fragrance lingered in the air.
But Hinata wasn't there.
Natsume glanced around.
The room's arrangement remained familiar—tidy and neat.
There were no excessive decorations on the walls.
Inside were only a double bed, a bedside table, and a desk.
Natsume noticed a book on the desk and walked over.
He couldn't help but smile—the title read: *How to Be an Excellent Wife*.
Unsurprisingly, Hinata was the perfect devoted wife and mother.
Putting the book back down, Natsume walked to the window and looked out into the courtyard, where he spotted the two sisters sparring.
Hanabi was no longer that little girl; she had grown into an elegant young woman.
Well…
Still, she had a long way to go before reaching Hinata's level.
During their heated sparring session, Natsume couldn't help but worry about the durability of those white training outfits.
If one tore, it'd truly be a disgraceful sight.
Hanabi was talented and naturally stronger than most her age.
But thanks to Natsume, Hinata had awakened the Tenseigan early.
It was easy to predict who would emerge victorious between the two.
Still, as sisters, there was no need to be overly serious about winning or losing.
Even though Hanabi hated to admit defeat, she knew she couldn't beat her sister.
After about ten minutes, the spar ended.
"Sister, you let me win again!"
Hanabi pouted, crossing her arms.
"Hanabi is still young. In a few years, you'll catch up to your sister."
Hinata smiled gently.
"I'm not a child anymore!"
Hanabi Hyuga let out a soft snort and said, "I already know in my heart if I can catch up to Onee-sama or not."
"It's almost noon. Is there anything you'd like to eat?"
Hinata Hyuga deftly steered the conversation elsewhere.
"I want tempura."
Hanabi paused for a moment, then added, "No celery."
"Sister, go change into another outfit."
Hinata gently ruffled her hair and turned back toward her room.
When she opened the door, she froze.
"Hi there."
Natsume was sitting by the bed, greeting her.
"Natsume-nii!"
A look of surprise and delight immediately appeared on Hinata's face. "When did you arrive?"
"Just a while ago."
Natsume stood up and opened his arms.
A faint red flush spread across Hinata's delicate face.
She took a few quick steps forward and flung herself into his embrace.
Though they had kept in touch frequently over the years, her demeanor remained largely unchanged.
Thankfully, she no longer turned into a "steam maiden" like she used to.
"What gift would you like for your birthday this year?"
Natsume asked, stroking her smooth hair.
"There's no need."
Hinata held him tightly. "I've already received far too many gifts."
"No, it must happen."
Natsume shook his head. "This year is special—it's your eighteenth birthday."
"Then..."
Hinata's face suddenly turned beet red, and her voice quivered slightly. "Natsume-nii, could we get married on my birthday?"
<><><><><><><><>
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
<><><><><><><><>