Among the Five Great Villages, excluding Konoha, the most prosperous was Kirigakure.
This success stemmed not only from cooperation with the Thousand Sunny Merchant Guild and Kiri's rich marine resources but also from Mei Terumī's decisive leadership.
In just a short time, it had undergone a complete transformation compared to before.
Natsume would occasionally visit Kirigakure to meet with Mei Terumī.
Usually staying for only a day.
Their relationship was naturally intimate.
If she received a wedding invitation, who knows how she'd react.
But this matter couldn't be kept hidden forever.
As Natsume pondered, he suddenly felt a pleasant sensation.
No need to think twice—he knew it was Samui.
One of her signature shoulder-rub techniques.
Natsume called it [The Twin Peaks Strike].
"Master, it seems you have something bothering you?"
Samui's soft hands gently pressed against his temples.
"There is something I need to do."
Natsume slightly leaned back, resting against her, speaking softly.
"Can I help?"
Samui tilted her head down slightly, gazing at him.
"Then I'll have you write the invitation."
Natsume thought for a moment. Since it couldn't be avoided, there was no need to avoid it.
Of course, as for Mei Terumī, he'd probably need to go in person.
"What invitation?"
Samui asked, puzzled.
"The wedding invitation—for me and Hinata."
Natsume replied casually.
"Marriage?"
A look of surprise briefly appeared on Samui's face before she said, "Congratulations, Master."
She was fully aware of her place.
She had never considered marriage herself.
Spending the rest of her life in Konoha was all she needed.
"Thank you."
Natsume smiled and said, "Send invitations to all the other ninja villages besides Konoha."
"I understand."
Samui nodded.
Given Konoha's current influence and Natsume's reputation, they'd come even without an invitation.
Otherwise, they might be eliminated under some pretext or another.
"For Kumogakure, you three will go together."
Natsume slightly lifted his head, trying to see Samui's face, but it was blocked by an unknown peak.
Yet he could feel her excitement.
Samui's mature body couldn't help but tremble slightly.
It had been a long time since her last return to Kumogakure.
If it were Yugito Nii and Mabo, it'd be fine—they were orphans.
But she wasn't. She still had family.
Though the Heavenly Network allowed them to talk often and even meet virtually in games, it wasn't the same as being there.
"Thank you, Master!"
Samui took a deep breath and said.
"You can return whenever you have time."
Natsume waved dismissively.
Truthfully, he had never restricted their freedom.
As long as it didn't interfere with work.
As for escaping—that was impossible.
Unless one fled beyond the ninja world itself.
Natsume lingered a moment longer in her massage before getting up to leave.
Activating the Flying Thunder God Technique.
He had already arrived at the Mizukage's office.
Feeling the familiar spatial fluctuation, Mei's lips curved into a faint smile—then it vanished.
She lifted her head to look at the Natsume standing before her.
"Hokage-sama, what brings you here today?"
Mei Terumī asked in a calm tone.
"Been a few days; you've gotten even more beautiful."
Natsume let his gaze trail over her.
Six years had passed, and Mei was no longer the girl she once was.
Now, she was the composed and capable leader of Kirigakure.
"Smooth talker."
Mei suddenly smiled.
"Just stating a fact."
Natsume leaned in and sat on the Mizukage's office desk. From his higher vantage point, the view was unbeatable.
Mei was still wearing that blue dress.
According to her, it was her official attire as Mizukage.
Of course, off-duty, she dressed more freely.
Though Mei often mocked the clothes Natsume picked out, she always ended up wearing them anyway.
"Don't I know you well enough by now?"
Mei shot him a glare and said, "You start flattering me the second we meet. What's really going on?"
"Just don't get angry."
Natsume took her hand and said.
"Angry?"
Mei's emerald eyes flickered.
"My wedding to Hinata."
Natsume said directly.
The next instant, he felt a sharp pain shoot through his hand.
Mei had tightly gripped his hand.
And the pressure only increased.
"Congratulations then."
Mei let go of his hand with feigned indifference.
"..."
Natsume knew this would happen.
But it had gone slightly better than he'd expected.
He looked at Mei's pink lips and suddenly leaned forward.
"You…"
Mei tried to retreat but was too late.
Her lips were captured by his.
Just seeing Natsume again made her furious.
Instinctively, she bared her sharp teeth and bit down hard.
Natsume winced in pain but handled it fine.
With his current physical constitution, such minor damage wasn't significant.
Still, he had to play the part.
A short while later, seeing his expression, Mei softened involuntarily and released him, the kiss deepened.
The [Flying Thunder God Technique] was unleashed.
In an instant, they returned to the bedroom.
As the familiar room came into view, Mei's cheeks flushed faintly.
But thinking about the wedding, her anger flared up again.
"You bastard!"
Mei glared at Natsume and shouted, "I'll kill you!"
She poured her full strength into attacking him.
This time, it was even scarier than before.
Ohhh—!
Natsume couldn't even resist.
Yet Mei, being human, started to tire within ten minutes of dominating him.
Three hours later, exhausted, she fell asleep, too exhausted to so much as lift a finger.
Natsume bent down and kissed her forehead gently. "Rest well."
He returned to the Hokage's office, where Samui was busy drafting wedding invitations.
Kurenai Yuhi and Mabo sat beside her.
As for Yugito Nii, she enjoyed her role as team leader and had stepped down from her duties as Hokage's bodyguard and secretary.
However, whenever she had free time, she would make her way straight to the Hokage's office.
"Hokage-sama."
Kurenai stepped forward, wrinkling her nose slightly, and remarked with dissatisfaction, "You're certainly keeping yourself busy—even with your upcoming wedding, you haven't slowed down at all."
Natsume was caught in the act and suddenly felt a bit embarrassed.
"Go take a shower."
Kurenai Yuhi took his hand and started heading toward the bathroom, saying, "If others notice, it'll be my failure as your secretary."
Samui and Mabo exchanged glances, then smiled.
But soon enough, they couldn't keep smiling.
Kurenai's voice came from the bathroom.
"You bastard! Pervert!"
At first, her voice was full of energy, but soon it grew weaker, likely from exhaustion.
"Shall we move somewhere else to work?"
Even with her dark complexion, Mabo couldn't hide the blush creeping onto her face.
"How about the secretary's office then?"
Samui wasn't nearly as flustered, although it did affect their productivity.
After the two left, the Hokage's office returned to silence, save for the occasional noise.
By evening, all the wedding invitations were completed.
The next day.
Konoha Village and the entire ninja world buzzed with excitement.
Natsume and Hinata Hyuga would be getting married on December 27th.
This was unquestionably the biggest news of the moment.
Neither of them held an ordinary status.
In no time, everyone who had received an invitation began preparing wedding gifts.
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