Adopted by Tsunade [141-142] (Patreon)

Chapter 141: Cooking by the Creed

Natsume sent Uzumaki Naruto home.

Looking at the rather shabby room, he thought of Uchiha Sasuke.

With his help now, Naruto's relationship with Kurama should heat up quickly.

And he'd also obtained the thought-forms of Uzumaki Kushina and Namikaze Minato.

The former knows quite a lot about jinchuriki.

The latter goes without saying—rich combat experience and numerous jutsu.

In other words, Naruto now has two extra "plug-ins" compared to the original story.

By comparison, Uchiha Sasuke is in a tough spot.

If he doesn't find a way, he might never surpass Naruto in his life.

How to put it…

Sasuke is still quite young and has only just awakened a two-tomoe Sharingan.

Under normal circumstances, it's hard to advance quickly; the best path is to learn more jutsu.

Like Lightning Release.

Natsume had just been chatting with Minato and got reminded of something.

Hokage Guard.

The purpose of this position isn't really to protect the Hokage, but to train direct loyalists.

Like the Hokage Guard under the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama.

All of them were big names:

Hiruzen Sarutobi, Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, Torifu Akimichi, Kagami Uchiha, etc.

By the Fourth Hokage, it was much weaker:

Genma Shiranui, Iwashi Tatami, and Raidō Namiashi.

The reason they were shuffled out of Konoha's power center wasn't just that Minato died early—the main reason was their lack of power.

Their only notable value was that the three of them could jointly perform the Flying Thunder God.

After Tsunade became Hokage, she also chose guards.

Yep—still Genma and the same trio.

Most likely because of the Flying Thunder God and a lack of better candidates.

…

Natsume returned to the Hokage's office.

After making sure no one was inside, he pushed the door open.

With his relationship with Tsunade, there was no need to knock.

"Sis."

Natsume slipped to her side, dove into her arms, and rubbed his cheek against her.

"This is the office."

Tsunade lifted his chin with one hand and kicked him with her bare foot. "Behave."

"And you're lecturing me?"

Natsume glanced at her bare feet—she'd kicked off her high-heeled sandals—and said, "Not a shred of Hokage dignity."

"Hmph, I am the Hokage!"

Tsunade glared at him. "Whatever I do has its reasons. You just listen to me."

"Alright, my Hokage-sama, I have a memorial to present."

Natsume took out a proposal for a Hokage Secretariat and handed it to her.

"What did you write?"

Tsunade opened the file and fell into thought.

Bored, Natsume stood behind her and kneaded her shoulders.

"Elimination ranking and shift rotation are good—they'll trigger a sense of urgency and motivation."

Tsunade lifted her head, exposing her fair neck. "But this compensation system has never existed in Konoha. It's not quite appropriate."

"Why not?"

Looking at that deep cleavage, Natsume asked, "The seven ninja in the Hokage Secretariat are tied up by office work and can't take outside missions. If you don't pay them, why would they stick with the job long-term?"

The ninja system is frankly absurd.

As a ninja, you only get paid through missions.

Everything else is unpaid labor.

No wonder the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi kept hyping the Will of Fire.

Tsunade blinked. That actually made sense.

She turned back to the documents.

Natsume idly played with her silky blonde hair.

"I'll study this carefully."

After finishing, Tsunade looked genuinely surprised.

Individually, some items weren't impressive, but with Natsume's suggestions and combinations, it formed what looked like a workable management system.

If fully implemented, it would be much more efficient than before.

"I think you're more suited to be Hokage than I am."

Tsunade spoke from the heart.

"Hardly."

Natsume rested his chin on her shoulder. "I just summarized what I learned from Gunma Company."

Feeling his warm breath at her ear, Tsunade turned her head, uncomfortable.

Hearing him mention Gunma Company reminded her that he'd been sharp for a long time.

"Sis."

Natsume suddenly spun the Hokage chair so Tsunade faced him.

"What is it?"

She looked puzzled.

"Your birthday present was a little hasty, so here's a second one."

Natsume knelt on one knee and produced a diamond ring.

There are diamonds in the shinobi world.

In the original story, at Naruto's wedding, a rich lady gifted a blue crystal kunai made of colorful diamonds.

True extravagance.

Tsunade didn't blush like a maiden; she broke into a brilliant smile.

She extended her hand and spread her fingers.

Natsume took her left wrist and slid the ring onto her ring finger.

The diamond wasn't large—mainly for convenient wear.

Under the diamond, he'd engraved a Flying Thunder God mark.

Tsunade didn't yet know he could use FTG, but for safety, he had to set it.

And a diamond ring, well, it has special meaning from his previous life.

Wearing it on the ring finger signifies marriage.

"Thank you."

Tsunade stood and hugged him, leaning into his arms with infatuation. "I really like this gift."

"I also like the gift you gave me."

Natsume held her narrow waist.

"Can't you stop ruining the mood so casually?"

Tsunade balled her fist and thumped Natsume's back.

She didn't use much force; instead, she held him tighter.

The next moment, she shoved Natsume away, angry.

"Thinking nasty thoughts again!"

Tsunade sat back in the Hokage chair, arms crossed, exuding dominance. "If there's nothing else, go home and wait for me!"

Natsume mused that she really was extraordinary.

Pity Tsunade was still traditional and didn't dare do anything in the Hokage office.

"There's one more thing."

Setting aside distractions, Natsume reminded her, "Sis, now that you're Hokage, you should form a Hokage Guard Unit."

"I don't need protection."

Tsunade refused without hesitation. "I'd end up protecting them—too troublesome."

"True, but with a guard unit, you can order them to handle things."

Natsume explained, "And even the ANBU—you need to cultivate direct loyalists."

Tsunade fell into thought.

That was indeed something she'd overlooked.

How to put it…

She'd just ascended to Hokage and wasn't familiar with political infighting.

"Then you be my Hokage guard?"

Tsunade looked up, light-brown eyes full of expectation.

If he were her guard, he could stay by her side anytime—very nice.

Natsume wasn't having it—he was busy.

"Too dull—not my style. I do have picks though: Hatake Kakashi and Might Guy, how about them?"

Might Guy might change the tone drastically, but his strength was undeniable.

Kakashi is fifty-fifty with anyone, while Guy is an all-in one-for-one with anyone.

Even Uchiha Madara almost got caught.

And if Guy became Tsunade's guard, Natsume could justify teaching her the Eight Gates.

Her power would skyrocket.

Yin Seal, Byakugō, bodily activation, bodily regeneration, and Eight Gates.

Just imagining it is thrilling… cough, terrifying.

Natsume thought only his Sage body could withstand that unending onslaught.

"Mm, add Kurenai Yuhi and Shizune too."

All men won't do.

Although Kakashi and Guy aren't into women, just in case, bring in Shizune as an inside line.

Tsunade rubbed her chin, thinking.

Leaving Shizune aside, the other three hadn't served as jonin instructors yet.

Kakashi had been appointed, but had no students.

Thinking it over, they seemed quite suitable.

"Let them try."

Tsunade finally accepted Natsume's suggestion.

"I'll inform them."

At the door, Natsume said, "Sis, I'll be waiting at home."

"Stop spouting nonsense!"

Tsunade's heart fluttered; she rolled her eyes. "Go do it!"

Natsume left the Hokage building.

No need to look for Shizune; she'd agree.

In the original, she wore many hats: apprentice, guard, secretary, and general helper.

Natsume visited Kurenai first.

She agreed readily.

Kurenai came from an illusion-ninja clan, but it wasn't large.

And theoretically, Hokage guards are Hokage material.

Like Hiruzen.

At worst, you join Konoha's mid-to-high leadership.

Left were Might Guy and Hatake Kakashi.

In the original, neither married nor had kids—best buddies for life.

Natsume glanced at the sky; dusk had just set. Guy should be training outside the village.

He headed to the Forest of Death, activated his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan since no one was around, and quickly found his target.

"Three hundred twenty-one! Three hundred twenty-two! Three hundred twenty-three!"

A voice brimming with power and youth hit Natsume's ears.

There was Might Guy, in a green jumpsuit, running while doing a handstand.

Counting with each step.

"Hey, old man!"

Natsume called out.

"Yo, unfamiliar youth, what's up?"

Guy handstand-jogged toward him.

Quite a bizarre sight.

"The Hokage has an order for you."

Natsume raised a brow.

"What? The Hokage!"

Guy sprang up, did a full 360 in midair, and landed, face alight. "The Hokage is looking for me?"

Because of his father Might Duy's achievements, Hiruzen valued him.

But his personality is a problem for a ninja, so he mostly gets straightforward combat missions.

In reality, infiltration and assassination make up most ninja work.

But who dares assign those to him?

Compared to Kakashi, Guy is relatively idle.

He'd applied to ANBU—Hiruzen refused.

He'd applied to Root—Danzo refused.

Nowhere to vent his hot blood.

So his excitement was normal.

"The Hokage wants you as a Hokage guard—"

Before Natsume finished, Guy burst into tears.

"Boohoo! The Hokage wants me as a guard—I'm so moved! My youth is burning!"

He roared, "Triple the training today! I'm off!"

"…"

Watching Guy's retreating figure, Natsume was speechless.

I wasn't done talking!

He chuckled—no wonder he's Konoha's rare beast.

Guy is actually a great subordinate candidate.

Strong and loyal.

Just a little too hyper.

Natsume could already picture the Hokage building's tone changing completely.

He returned to the village and finally found Kakashi at home.

"Come in."

Kakashi sat on the windowsill, reading Icha Icha.

Natsume suspected the mask was to hide his blush.

"Natsume?"

Kakashi glanced up. "What brings you here?"

"The Hokage wants you as a Hokage guard."

"…"

Kakashi fell silent.

Given his background, Hiruzen, Minato, and now Tsunade had all looked after him.

He just didn't have much motivation.

"I'm already a jonin instructor—afraid I won't have time."

He shook his head—a roundabout refusal.

"You don't have good students yet, do you?"

Natsume made an offer. "If you become a Hokage guard, I'll have you mentor Uchiha Sasuke. How about it?"

Kakashi was tempted.

In today's Konoha, the best student for him would be Sasuke.

Because of the Sharingan.

He'd also worked with Itachi and knew his genius well.

As Itachi's brother, Sasuke wouldn't be far behind.

After a moment's hesitation, Kakashi agreed.

As an instructor, he did want to take on a disciple.

Faced with such a promising seedling, it was hard to refuse.

[Because of your actions, the fates of Might Guy, Kurenai Yuhi, Hatake Kakashi, and Uchiha Sasuke have changed. You gained a total of 37 Fate Points.]

Pretty low.

Not even ten per person.

But fair enough.

Not major changes.

…

By the time Natsume finished, dusk had darkened.

He went home.

Empty.

So he cooked.

Not long after—

Tsunade opened the door, changed shoes, and took off her ceremonial robe.

Not seeing Shizune, she knew she must be working overtime at Konoha Hospital.

She smiled and headed to the kitchen.

Natsume, in the middle of cooking, was enveloped in her soft embrace.

"What's for dinner?"

Free of her Hokage duties, Tsunade became languid.

Leaning on his shoulder, she savored the rare peace.

Natsume turned, wrapped an arm around her waist, and asked, "You… tell me?"

Tsunade didn't follow at first, but her light-brown eyes quickly softened, a blush blooming.

Natsume lifted her onto the counter. "Your cooking's awful—watch closely and learn. If once isn't enough, I'll teach you several times."

"Want to die?"

Tsunade flushed with anger and shame.

She raised her long, stockingless legs and unleashed a fierce, ironclad seven-day combo.

Natsume hissed.

What a wicked woman.

One teasing line and she's this ruthless—doesn't care if he gets hurt.

Chapter 142: Mikoto on the Offensive

Land of Water.

Kirigakure.

Natsume leaned by the window, listening to Mizukage Terumi Mei's report.

A different kind of experience.

"The five sea lanes have all officially begun construction."

Terumi flipped through documents, voice calm but inwardly tense.

Because she was about to stage the first major performance of her life.

Embarrassing, yes, but she'd promised Natsume—she had to follow through.

And—seven hundred million.

Natsume didn't pay it all at once, but in batches.

About fifty million each time; so far, only two hundred million had been received.

His explanation: too much cash flow at once would strain the trading company's operations.

Reasonable.

Terumi believed him.

"Although other trading houses tried to block us, once Kirigakure stepped in, everything was perfectly resolved."

Perfect indeed.

While ninja claim not to target civilians, that doesn't apply to most ninja.

Take ANBU.

They'll do anything.

With a little pressure from Terumi and the authority of the Land of Water, other companies obediently backed off the lanes.

If it were Natsume, he would've used softer methods.

Like partnerships to share risk and profit.

But in the Land of Water—none of his business.

Terumi reported for about half an hour before finishing.

"Hire a few chefs for me."

Natsume planned to move into fisheries and cuisine. "Preferably highly skilled and creative."

The Land of Water sits by the sea; working with seafood is easiest.

Add branding and noble cachet, and you can sell at exorbitant prices.

Like in his previous life's Japan: famous items—king crab, tuna, fugu.

More specifically, in 2019, a single bluefin tuna sold for 300 million yen.

In the shinobi world, with daimyo and nobles controlling the economy and living decadently, the same spectacle is reproducible.

Provided it's delicious and prestigious.

Natsume even considered seasoning it with genjutsu.

There's a thing called herd mentality.

If a daimyo says a fish is heavenly, other nobles and tycoons will praise it too, even if they think it's bad.

Natsume felt he was being kind, actually.

Targeting these vicious nobles specifically.

"Chefs?"

Terumi looked up, slender eyes puzzled. "What do you need so many chefs for?"

"Nothing big—sudden inspiration. I want them to help me develop some dishes."

Natsume said casually. "If you're interested, you can be the first tasting judge."

"Okay."

Curious about his plan, Terumi agreed.

"Done for now?"

Natsume's eyes sparkled. "How's the Mizukage's singing and dancing practice coming?"

Terumi's heart trembled—time for the show.

She stood, face cool as ever. "No problem."

"Can't wait."

Natsume hopped off the sill and sat in the Mizukage's seat. "You don't mind me sitting here, do you?"

Terumi's brow knit, but she said nothing.

By rights, no one but the Mizukage may sit there.

It's a provocation to Kirigakure.

But Natsume… forget it.

She inhaled and exhaled slowly, then began to dance in the middle of the office.

Her figure wasn't lacking.

Slimmer than Tsunade, but equally voluptuous.

In a blue dress, her movements traced perfect hip and waist lines.

The only slight pity: though her long legs wore fishnet stockings, white thigh-high guards covered them.

Not generous enough.

If the dance was a bit raw, the singing was much better.

Natsume mused she had idol potential.

In such a short time, she'd reached quite a level—impressive.

Song over, dance done.

Whether from fatigue or embarrassment, Terumi's cheeks were flushed.

"H-how was it?"

She asked nervously.

"Fantastic."

Natsume gave a thumbs up.

Terumi relaxed, a subtle joy rising inside.

Then she realized—

What am I happy about?

Her face heated uncontrollably.

Natsume was slightly taken aback; such an expression was rare.

Especially for a Mizukage.

"Anything else?"

Forcing down her flutter, Terumi said, "If not, I'm getting back to work. Please vacate the seat."

"Mm."

Natsume stood, gentlemanly, and offered a hand. "Mizukage, please."

After two seconds' hesitation, Terumi resumed her Mizukage composure and sat back down.

A delicate fragrance spread.

Natsume took a breath, said nothing more, and walked to the window.

"Mizukage, that outfit isn't suited for dancing. Next time I'll bring you something new."

He waved, and vanished.

"Next time?"

Terumi froze, then pouted like a girl. "Unreasonable man!"

As Mizukage, this was the first time someone gave her so little say.

He didn't even leave room to refuse—just decided.

…

Land of Waves, daimyo's residence.

In the courtyard, Tayuya practiced ninjutsu.

She still wore the kimono Natsume had given her, flute pressed to her lips.

With chakra flowing, three giant summons rose behind her. Humanoid, but grotesque.

One wielded a cudgel, one had demonic claws, one lacked arms.

Just then, Tayuya's eyes narrowed and the melody shifted.

Demonic Flute: Dreamlike Sound Lock!

Illusion triggered.

Natsume was bound and dangling in the air.

The three summons attacked.

"You're dead!"

Tayuya shouted, then froze.

Somehow, Natsume was behind her, and rapped her on the head.

"Ow!"

Eyes welling, Tayuya gritted her teeth. "Jerk!"

"Using genjutsu on me—nice try."

Natsume casually picked up her flute. "I'll borrow this for a few days. No punishment this time."

He turned away and headed for Uchiha Mikoto's room.

At the door, he knocked.

Moments later, Mikoto opened it, and upon seeing him, panicked like a startled rabbit and hurried to close the door.

"Aunt Mikoto, I brought the latest news about Sasuke."

Natsume knew her weak spot.

Sure enough, Mikoto mustered courage and reopened the door.

"Aunt Mikoto, am I that unwelcome?"

Natsume sat cross-legged and asked.

"N-no."

Mikoto knelt opposite him, hands rubbing over her lower belly, extremely nervous.

But since it concerned Sasuke, she forced herself to hold it together.

"Um… how is Sasuke now?"

"Yesterday I found him a teacher. You know Hatake Kakashi, right?"

Natsume lifted a teacup and sipped.

Mikoto's eyes lit up.

Kakashi—the genius among young ninja.

Famous not only in Konoha but also in other villages.

The Copy Ninja—everyone knows it.

Mikoto knew a bit more.

She knew that title came from the Sharingan.

Now that the Uchiha are gone, in all Konoha, the best teacher for Sasuke would be him.

"Thank you, Natsume."

Mikoto's gratitude was sincere.

"No need to thank me."

Natsume crooked a finger. "Come here."

Mikoto trembled, eyes full of panic and helplessness.

"Aunt Mikoto, if you don't want to awaken your eyes, I won't force you."

Natsume shrugged. "I'll leave now."

"Wait!"

Her pupils shrank, and she cried out, "I will!"

She bit her lip and prepared to stand.

"I don't like you being that tall."

Natsume shook his head and pressed his palm down in a lowering gesture.

Mikoto froze.

Since childhood, everyone around her had treated her with utmost respect—when had she ever suffered such humiliation?

"This is a necessary sacrifice for awakening."

Natsume said with a straight face, "Only like this can you trigger intense emotions."

Mikoto bent down on all fours and crawled to him.

Her cheeks were burning red.

"Do you want to see Sasuke?"

Natsume pinched her cheek and asked.

Mikoto instinctively nodded, then quickly shook her head.

"Alright, I'll respect your wish."

Natsume patted the tatami. "Sit."

Mikoto exhaled in relief and sat beside him.

"Do you know Water Release?"

Natsume spun Tayuya's flute between his fingers.

"No."

Mikoto answered, "I don't go out to fight much, so I only learned Fire Release and the Sharingan."

"Reasonable."

Natsume handed her the flute. "How about I teach you Water Release?"

Mikoto blinked, not understanding.

But she didn't dare defy him. She took the flute and nodded.

Natsume leaned to her ear and whispered the hand signs for a Water Release.

Mikoto flushed crimson.

"H-how can I?"

"Why not?"

Natsume ruffled her hair. "Be good. Listen to me."

"B-but… that kind of Water Release…"

Mikoto still resisted.

"Then practice it on your own."

Natsume stood. "Aunt Mikoto, don't forget your goal."

He left.

Mikoto clenched her teeth, gripped the flute, and began.

Natsume stood outside the window, appreciating her effort as she slid the flute into her pussy, masturbating with it, her juices coating the instrument in a smooth, flavorful sheen.

Her breaths grew ragged, her body trembling as waves of unwanted pleasure built within her. Finally, she arched her back, a muffled cry escaping her lips as she orgasmed intensely, her inner walls clenching around the flute, flooding it with her release.

Natsume used Transformation Jutsu to become Uchiha Fugaku.

"Mikoto, what are you doing?"

Natsume pushed the door open.

"N-no, it's not what it looks like!"

Mikoto froze, covered her face with both hands, her three-tomoe spinning wildly.

Then she realized the problem.

She raised her head, a killing chill wafting out.

"Who are you?!"

"Aunt Mikoto, congratulations."

Natsume returned to his own appearance. "Your strength has grown again."

Mikoto snapped back to herself and collapsed to the floor, the chill dissipating.

She lay down and cried.

Devastated, her tears soaked the casting implement—Tayuya's flute, still slick with her arousal.

"Don't cry."

Natsume patted her shoulder—then added, "Crying counts toward the time."

Mikoto lifted her tear-stained face.

"I know you don't want to see me. I'll go."

Natsume sighed. "No good deed goes unpunished. But remember to practice that Water Release three times a day. It'll help you."

He rose and walked to the door.

"Two more times."

He closed the door as he spoke, and thoughtfully laid a barrier so no one would notice her.

He then visited Uzumaki Hinae, chatted, and returned home.

The Land of Waves was under clear skies, but Konoha was pouring.

Natsume stroked his chin—should he bring Tsunade an umbrella?

But as Hokage, she probably didn't need him to.

Just then, a knock.

Rare indeed.

Tsunade and Shizune had keys and never knocked—so it was a guest.

It was daytime.

If they wanted Tsunade, they'd go to the Hokage building.

For Shizune, the hospital.

"Looking for me?"

Natsume opened the door and was surprised.

Yamanaka Ino.

She wore a purple crop top and shorts, revealing a toned belly and a narrow waist.

But she was a bit bedraggled now.

Rain had drenched her.

"Come in."

Natsume handed her a towel. "Why no umbrella?"

"It started raining halfway."

Ino blushed. "Sorry."

"Nothing to apologize for."

Natsume pointed to the bathroom. "Take a shower so you don't get sick. I'll grab you some of Shizune's clothes."

Tsunade's would never fit Ino.

Shizune's would be a bit big, but wearable.

"Thanks."

Ino wanted to refuse, but agreed.

Mainly to stay longer.

Water pattered.

Soon, Ino emerged.

She toweled her hair.

Soon after, she tied a single ponytail, the lively girl restored.

"What did you come to see me about?"

Natsume asked, looking her over.

As expected, Shizune's clothes were big, covering the little waist she prided herself on.

A pity.

"Um… Natsume, is Lady Tsunade taking apprentices?"

Ino was uncharacteristically shy.

"You want to apprentice?"

Natsume was surprised—yet it made sense.

In the original, she and Sakura became Tsunade's disciples.

He hadn't expected it to be years early.

"It's Sakura."

Ino explained, "She wants to learn medical ninjutsu, so I came to ask."

"And you? Want to learn?"

Natsume smiled.

Ino froze.

She hadn't thought about it.

Sakura wanted to heal Sasuke in the future.

She'd planned to ask at the hospital, but remembered Natsume was Tsunade's student, got impulsive, and came.

In hindsight, it was inappropriate.

Fortunately, Natsume wasn't angry. He even asked if she wanted to learn—how gentle.

If she apprenticed under Tsunade, wouldn't that make her his junior?

Ino wasn't a timid girl. Boldly, she said, "If it's your suggestion, I'll give it a try."