Konoha: From the Moment Tsunade Adopted Me – Chapter 331: I Want to Choose You
Of all those excited about the wedding, the Hyuga clan stood out the most.
When Hiashi Hyuga heard the news, he hurried to meet Natsume.
Of course, it wasn't to confront him for not informing them beforehand.
Instead, he offered to have the Hyuga clan oversee every detail of the wedding and cover all associated costs.
Natsume didn't refuse.
Despite his own wealth, refusing the father-in-law's offer would've been impolite.
Besides, the Hyuga were steeped in tradition—they were considered nobility among ninja clans.
Though Natsume disliked complicated formalities, exceptions had to be made depending on the occasion.
A more elaborate wedding wasn't a bad thing after all.
As the date approached, Konoha Village welcomed many guests attending the ceremony.
Natsume assigned Kurenai Yuhi to handle the arrangements.
Except for delegations from Kirigakure and Sunagakure—
He planned to visit them in person as a gesture of respect toward these crucial allies.
Although all hidden villages had submitted to him, they were categorized into different tiers.
Kirigakure and Sunagakure ranked at the top.
The former was obvious—Mizukage Mei Terumī was truly close to him.
As for the latter, though Natsume hadn't formed any personal bond with Temari, she remained highly cooperative.
On the other hand, Kumogakure and Iwagakure only feigned obedience while secretly waiting for opportunities.
At the first sign of weakness from Konoha, betrayal was inevitable.
Natsume was well aware of this.
But he chose not to act—yet.
It would serve as valuable training for the next generation.
Plus, it was another chance to earn more destiny points.
Inside the Hokage's Office.
Konan knocked gently and waited for a response before entering.
She once walked in unannounced and saw something… inappropriate.
That left her deeply embarrassed.
Since then, she'd come to understand Natsume's personality better.
Given that nobles in powerful nations often had multiple concubines, Konan thought nothing of it.
Still, her previous favorable impression of him completely collapsed.
In her eyes, he was just like any other indulgent nobleman—
Only perhaps possessing greater talent and strength.
"Please enter."
A familiar female voice responded.
It came from Samui.
Konan pushed open the door and stepped inside.
Natsume sat at the Hokage's desk, Samui standing behind him. No one else was there.
"Hokage-sama."
Konan stepped forward when suddenly she sensed a unique aura.
Instinctively, she glanced downward.
She didn't see anything—but she knew Mabo was there too.
"Kazekage Temari from Sunagakure has arrived at the village entrance."
Samui reported flatly.
"I'll head out right away."
Natsume gave a slight nod.
He had previously instructed his secretaries to notify him immediately upon Temari or Mei Terumī's arrival.
Konan bowed slightly and turned to leave.
Shortly after she departed, Mabo materialized.
Her skin today appeared unusually pale—unevenly so.
Seeing this, Samui stepped forward to help her dear friend fix it up.
Natsume watched the sisters share a tender moment, stepping out of the Hokage Office with a refreshed mood.
At Konoha's village gate,
Temari, dressed in the ceremonial robe of the Kazekage, awaited patiently.
Gaara and Kankuro stood beside her.
As for Sunagakure, its number of powerful individuals surpassed even the original story.
Thanks to the presence of Sasori of the Red Sand.
Losing Shukaku had little impact on Gaara's strength.
After becoming Kazekage, Temari's strength also improved.
Chiyo was still alive, too—although elderly, she had not lost her abilities.
Only Kanpo was so unfortunate.
In the original story, he was incredibly lucky, inheriting Sasori of the Red Sand's legacy and gaining many puppets.
This time, however, that opportunity was lost.
"Hokage-sama."
When she saw Natsume, Temari immediately stepped forward to greet him.
Gaara and Kankuro followed suit.
Frankly speaking, considering their current status, they appeared overly humble.
If any passionate youths from Sunagakure were present, they probably wouldn't have been able to hold back.
"Long time no see."
Natsume glanced at them with a smile. "Kakashi was supposed to come, but unfortunately he's away right now. However, he'll be back soon."
"We'll go see him once our teacher returns."
Temari replied with a slight smile.
After serving so long as Kazekage, her fiery temper had completely faded, replaced by composure and capability.
"Accommodations for Sunagakure have already been arranged."
Natsume nodded slightly and said, "I'll take you there."
"Thank you for the trouble, Hokage-sama."
Temari felt somewhat surprised.
Given Konoha's current power, they could easily ignore Sunagakure entirely.
Had marriage changed him?
Led by Natsume, the group arrived at a grand hotel.
Konoha had developed remarkably well by then; someone unfamiliar might mistake it for a modern city from a past life.
In truth, the Sunagakure shinobi were deeply shocked.
Even Temari, who visited frequently, found the changes overwhelming.
Let alone those visiting for the first time.
The stark contrast made Sunagakure seem like nothing more than a shabby hut.
"If anything comes up, feel free to look for me at the Hokage Building."
As Natsume prepared to leave, Temari called him back.
"Hokage-sama."
Temari walked out from the crowd before speaking. "Do you remember what you said before—that if I became Kazekage, I would marry a Konoha ninja?"
"I remember."
Hearing this, Natsume smiled and asked playfully, "So, who is the lucky guy this time?"
He'd only said it casually back then.
Mainly because he thought if he wouldn't take her, Sunagakure shouldn't benefit either.
Chapter Not Finished Yet!!!
"Would you accept… me?"
Taking a deep breath, Temari asked tentatively.
Unlike in the original story, she held no particular affection for any of Konoha's ninjas.
If marriage was necessary, she might as well choose the most beneficial option.
And as for him being married already? That wasn't really a problem.
Polygamy wasn't rare among influential figures in the ninja world.
Nobles and aristocrats often had multiple wives.
To Temari, marrying someone as strong as Natsume was perfectly acceptable.
As long as she married him, peace for Sunagakure would be guaranteed—at least during her lifetime.
"…"
Natsume looked surprised.
He hadn't expected Temari to actually name him.
Although upon reflection he understood her reasoning, it still felt awkward.
"If you married me, we might not hold an actual ceremony."
Natsume thought for a moment and said, "In that case, your goal might not be achieved."
Temari fell into brief silence.
Mere private words wouldn't produce the desired effect.
Ultimately, it depended entirely on Natsume's nature.
If he chose to abandon her, no one would ever know.
Even with a wedding ceremony, he could still walk away.
But Temari believed Natsume wasn't inherently cruel.
He hadn't shown ruthlessness in many situations.
Someone else might have already wiped Sunagakure off the map, turning it into part of Konoha by now.
"You can think it over properly," Natsume smiled as he spoke.
His attitude toward Temari was indifferent.
But if she truly offered herself, well, that might work too.
After all, he wasn't some moral paragon like Liu Xiaohui.
In the afternoon,
Natsume arrived once again at Konoha Village's entrance.
This time, Mei Terumī came to greet him.
She walked at the front.
Behind her stood Zabuza Momochi, Chojuro, Haku, and others from the Mist.
"Lord Mizukage, we've been eagerly awaiting your arrival."
Natsume stepped forward voluntarily and greeted them with a smile.
This kind of attitude actually startled everyone from Mist Village.
It was just too enthusiastic.
"You better act properly!" Mei Terumī walked forward and glared at him.
"The real trouble is still coming," Natsume whispered softly.
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