Adopted by Tsunade [165-166] (Patreon)

Chapter 165: Adorable “Steam Princess” Hinata

“Natsume-sensei, did you do that on purpose?”

Naruto Uzumaki complained with a pout.

Hearing this, Sasuke Uchiha lifted his head, suspicion glinting in his eyes as well.

Even Hinata Hyuga thought so.

From her perspective, getting the bells had been far too easy, with hardly any obstruction.

That clearly didn’t match Natsume’s strength.

He had obviously gone easy on them.

But Naruto had another gripe, too.

Why did he and Sasuke end up soaked and gulping water, while Hinata got off scot-free?

“You’re blaming your teacher wrongly. That was the result of your teamwork.”

Natsume said with a straight face, spouting nonsense. “Without the two of you engaging me head-on, Hinata wouldn’t have gotten the bell.”

“Really?”

It sounded reasonable, but Naruto instinctively felt something was off.

Sasuke snorted softly, not buying it at all.

Still, after this test, he acknowledged Natsume’s strength.

The pressure Natsume put on him in battle far exceeded Kakashi Hatake’s.

It felt utterly powerless.

His proud Sharingan, Fire Style, or Lightning Style—he couldn’t even touch Natsume’s real body, let alone injure him.

In short, unexpectedly strong.

“It’s true. What would I gain by lying to you?”

Natsume shifted to a smiling expression, then praised them: “Through this test, I’ve grasped your level. You’re absolutely top-tier among your peers. I’m confident you’ll all achieve your dreams.”

“Hahaha!”

Naruto jumped up, pumped his fist, and declared, “I really am the man destined to become Hokage!”

“Drop the last few words.”

Natsume’s face changed as he hurried to correct him. “It’s ‘become Hokage,’ not ‘become the man of Hokage.’ Got it?”

“Huh?”

Naruto looked puzzled. “What’s the difference?”

“A big one.”

Natsume cut him off decisively. “If you want to be Hokage, then listen to me.”

“Uh, okay.”

Naruto didn’t get it, but he nodded anyway. “I’m going to become Hokage!”

“Idiot.”

Sasuke glanced at him and said.

Natsume was clearly teasing him—and enjoying it.

He didn’t think there was any difference between the two phrases.

“You two go change clothes. We’ll meet at Ichiraku Ramen.”

Natsume paused, then asked, “Naruto, are you sure you’re treating today?”

“Yeah.”

Naruto scratched his head. “Is there a problem?”

Why did Natsume seem so weird today?

First nitpicking “man of Hokage,” then asking if he’s treating.

He was frugal, sure, but he wasn’t broke.

A bowl or two of ramen—he could manage that.

“No problem.”

Natsume thought about how all three of his students were loaded.

Naruto inherited Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki’s estate.

Sasuke—no need to say—held the Uchiha clan’s wealth.

Hinata, the Hyuga heiress, had plenty of pocket money.

Yeah, treating to a meal wasn’t bankrupting anyone.

Though it might sting a bit.

“Off you go.”

Natsume waved his hand.

Sasuke and Naruto, both drenched like drowned rats, vanished in a blur.

As he drew back his gaze, he noticed Hinata looking at him, her pale eyes saying she had something to say.

“Don’t worry about eating.”

He reached out to pat her head. “Naruto’s loaded.”

“Mm.”

Hinata let out a small breath of relief.

She followed behind Natsume, eyes on his large hand.

Her heart pounded, but she didn’t dare step closer. Her hands twisted together nervously.

“Hinata.”

Seeing her fidget, Natsume took the initiative and held her small hand. “I had you graduate early. Do you blame me?”

Feeling the warmth of his hand, Hinata’s face went scarlet and her head swam.

Hearing his question, she barely managed to stay clear-headed, whispering, “N-no… I don’t. I’m really happy.”

She was introverted, yes, but she still had plenty of friends at school.

Graduating early left her reluctant to part.

But being with Natsume eased that melancholy.

Besides, she could still see her friends anytime.

It wasn’t like life and death.

“That’s good.”

Natsume smiled. “I was told to pick three students, and you came to mind.”

“Mm.”

Hinata quickly lowered her head, not daring to ask what she most wanted to know:

Now that she was his student, could their relationship go further?

After a moment’s inner struggle, she lifted her head and looked at his profile. “Natsume-nii, how did I do just now?”

“You were great.”

Natsume answered without thinking. “At your age, to already use Gentle Step Twin Lion Fists—an advanced secret art—so proficiently… you’re working very hard.”

Hinata unconsciously pressed her lips together and smiled.

Even though they saw each other daily, they didn’t spend long together. Most of the time, she trained quietly on her own.

“Then… were you doing it on purpose just now, Nii-san?”

Hinata, cheeks pink, gathered her courage to ask.

“I was.”

Natsume glanced down at her, and seeing her adorable expression, he added with a chuckle, “Hinata, you get a lot of special treatment from me.”

As the words fell, he felt her grip tighten around his hand.

If he hadn’t been supporting her, she might have fainted then and there.

Even so, she’d already turned into a steaming kettle of a girl.

Natsume didn’t keep teasing her, lest she actually pass out—that would make him no better than a creep.

After a moment, Hinata recovered a bit, though still very nervous.

As they walked, she kept sneaking careful peeks at him.

She might not have realized it.

But Natsume certainly did. His strength aside—no one could sneak looks at him without him noticing.

So sneaky. So cute.

He didn’t call her out. The two walked slowly onto the main street.

Hinata, startled like a rabbit, quickly let go of his hand.

Being alone was okay.

But in a crowd, she felt shy.

“S-sorry.”

Hinata stammered.

“No need to apologize.”

Natsume tousled her hair. “I don’t want others seeing you this cute anyway.”

“Eh?”

Hinata panicked, and before she realized it, they’d arrived at Ichiraku.

Noodles-maker Teuchi, in a white chef’s coat, smiled. “Natsume, you haven’t been around in a while.”

“Dad, there’s one more guest.”

Ayame gestured at the dazed Hinata.

“Sorry, sorry.”

Teuchi laughed and asked, “Hinata, what would you like?”

He remembered Hinata very clearly.

Who wouldn’t, after seeing a little girl down forty-six bowls of ramen in one go?

“I’ll have the same as Natsume-nii.”

Hinata snapped back to herself and answered instinctively.

“I knew it.”

Ayame gave a knowing look, then turned to Natsume. “What’ll it be, handsome?”

“Someone else is treating today.”

Natsume smiled. “He’ll be here soon.”

Ayame, a little dazzled by his smile, still blinked at that.

Treating Hinata?

 Bold move.

As she wondered who it could be, Naruto rushed in.

“Teuchi-ossan! Ayame-nee!”

“So you’re treating today?”

Ayame asked, somewhat impressed.

“Yeah, it’s me.”

Naruto nodded.

“Not surprising.”

Ayame stroked her chin. “Did you bring enough money today?”

“Of course!”

Naruto patted his bulging frog wallet.

“He’s treating. I’ll have a bonito-tomato ramen.”

Sasuke sat down without ceremony and ordered.

“No problem.”

Ayame blinked. What a cute kid—this’ll be a profitable day.

“Sensei, Hinata, order whatever you like.”

Naruto adjusted his forehead protector, fired up. “Teuchi-ossan, extra-large chashu spare rib ramen—I’m gonna pig out today!”

“Oh, you graduated, huh?”

Teuchi noticed his headband. “I knew you’d make a fine shinobi.”

“Thanks, Ossan!”

Naruto grinned.

“Tonkotsu ramen.”

Natsume skimmed the menu and said.

“I’ll have the same.”

Hinata chimed in.

“Just a moment.”

Teuchi turned around and got to work.

Soon, the bowls arrived.

Natsume casually handed Hinata a pair of chopsticks.

Sasuke twitched his lips and grabbed his own, even more convinced the test earlier had been staged.

Because Naruto’s bowl was extra-large, he finished last.

He rubbed his stomach and noticed Natsume and Sasuke had already stopped, while Hinata was on her second bowl.

At first, he didn’t think much of it. A girl who could eat two bowls wasn’t that rare.

By the third bowl, he felt something was off.

At the tenth bowl, his eyes were wider than Kurama’s.

And not just Naruto—Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki were shocked, too.

Minato couldn’t help himself. “Is she Choza’s?”

“What nonsense are you spouting?”

Kushina elbowed him. “Hinata’s Byakugan isn’t fake.”

“A girl who can eat this much—Naruto won’t be able to afford her.”

Minato sighed.

“Why would he have to?”

Kushina glared at him. “Didn’t you see? Hinata likes Natsume.”

“She does?”

Minato scratched his head.

“Dummy.”

Kushina chuckled despite herself.

They didn’t expect the tenth bowl to be just the beginning.

Hinata didn’t stop until her fiftieth.

Even the always composed Sasuke looked like he’d seen a ghost.

They had missed Ichiraku’s “big eater” event due to training, so they didn’t know about Hinata’s record.

Seeing it firsthand was unbelievable.

“Naruto.”

Ayame flashed a beautiful, gentle smile. “Since you graduated today, I’ll knock off the small change—3,200 ryō even.”

Naruto’s heart cracked as he nodded.

He suddenly felt glad they’d had ramen instead of barbecue—much cheaper this way.

Even so, based on a genin’s mission pay and split, he’d need to run a lot of D-ranks to earn it back.

Chapter 166: Tsunade’s New Approach

“Natsume-sensei, are we going out on a mission tomorrow?”

Naruto, already revived, asked excitedly.

Anyway, 3,000 ryō didn’t really matter to him.

That little sting faded fast.

“If you want cat-catching, weeding, and cow-milking D-ranks, I can pick them up for you.”

Natsume drawled.

“What about C-rank?”

Naruto boomed, “We’re so strong—no way we’re doing D-ranks.”

“By the rules, a genin squad can only take D-ranks at first.”

Seeing his disappointment, Natsume added, “But I’m the Hokage’s aide. Never mind C-rank—I can get you A-ranks.”

“Awesome!”

Naruto’s eyes lit up. “Then let’s go tomorrow!”

“No rush.”

Natsume shook his head. “Higher-level missions need the Hokage’s approval. Go prepare. I’ll let you know in a few days.”

Sasuke gave him a look, said nothing, and left.

“Natsume-sensei, the higher the better!”

Naruto shouted as he walked off.

Natsume smiled and looked away.

“Hinata, I’ll walk you home.”

“Mm.”

Hinata nodded, glanced around—too many people. She didn’t dare hold his hand, following with a hint of disappointment.

At the Hyuga compound gates, Hanabi Hyuga ran out.

“Onee-chan!”

She threw herself into Hinata’s arms and looked up. “Mom said you applied to graduate early. How’d it go?”

“It’s approved.”

Hinata pointed at her forehead protector.

“Wow! Let me see!”

Hanabi chirped.

Hinata took off the headband around her neck and handed it over.

Hanabi touched it like a treasure, face adorably tense.

“Hanabi.”

Natsume teased, “I’m a whole person standing here—didn’t you see me?”

“I saw you!”

Hanabi pouted. “But why are you with my sister?”

“I’m her squad leader.”

Arms folded, Natsume asked, “So are you going to be nicer to me now?”

Hanabi froze.

She knew what a squad leader was.

But she hadn’t expected it to be Natsume.

What a coincidence!

 “I’m sorry, Natsume-nii! That was my bad!”

Her pale eyes shifted, then she shouted with sincere earnestness.

Seeing this, Hinata’s lips curved into a smile.

“Little rascal.”

Natsume patted Hanabi’s head, then noticed Hinata’s expression and ruffled her hair too.

Can’t play favorites.

“Alright, I’m heading back.”

He waved and left.

…

Hokage’s office.

Tsunade looked up as Natsume came in. “Back this late?”

“Just ran a test.”

He came up to her. “All three students are pretty strong. Their future achievements won’t be beneath ours.”

“Oh? That high?”

Tsunade was surprised. “You’re not joking?”

She, fine—within normal ninja parameters.

But Natsume was different.

He’d inherited the Senju clan’s monstrous physique, plus Wood Release and Sage Mode—there were few in the entire shinobi world who could match him.

“Of course.”

Natsume smiled. “They’ll surprise you.”

Putting Hinata aside, Naruto and Sasuke alone—once they grew—would be terrifying.

And if their generous father, the Sage of Six Paths, acknowledged them and gave them an instant power-up on the spot…

Tsunade wasn’t fully convinced, but she nodded.

If it was as he said, then Konoha would be invincible.

“Since you’re back, let’s clock out.”

She stood and yawned. “I waited so long I got sleepy.”

“Sorry.”

Natsume quickly took her hand. “You don’t have to wait for me.”

“What are you talking about?”

Tsunade glared. “We’re family.”

Warmth flowed through him.

He swept her up by the waist, flashed the Flying Thunder God, and the two appeared at home.

Shizune glanced over, then looked away.

Cold dog food, smacked in her face.

Expressionless, she walked into the kitchen.

Soon, dinner was ready.

“How’s this?”

Natsume blew to cool it and held it to Tsunade’s lips.

“Pretty good.”

She ate happily, eyes on Natsume, delighted.

“…”

Shizune felt a barrage of critical hits.

The living room was spacious, but there was no room left for her.

Better not stay!

“Shizune, you eat too.”

Natsume noticed she’d put down her chopsticks. “I already had ramen, so you’ll have to eat more tonight.”

I’m already full!

Shizune screamed inwardly, smiled faintly outwardly, and said, “No problem.”

She downed two big bowls and ran for it that very night.

On the sofa—

Tsunade slipped off her slippers and rested her bare feet on Natsume’s thigh.

“Why do you have so many weird tastes?”

“What weird tastes?”

Natsume caressed her smooth instep.

Tsunade’s legs straightened reflexively, her dainty toes curling.

“Shizune—why did you tease her?”

“You were enjoying it too.”

He warmed her feet with both hands as he retorted.

“No, I wasn’t.”

She relaxed, voice content. “You started it. I couldn’t stop you in time.”

“Don’t think you can slander people just because you’re Hokage.”

He refused to admit anything.

“Stubborn.”

She nudged him lightly with her foot.

He caught her jade-white foot and kept kneading.

Feeling comfortable, Tsunade shifted her hips to settle in better.

Her eyes danced; she smiled. “You really are a foot-fetishist.”

“I’m not.”

He looked up at the gentle sway of her top as she breathed.

“I smell a lie.”

Tsunade sniffed lazily.

Natsume arched a brow, set her foot down, crouched, and brought his face close to hers, nearly nose to nose.

“Wait!”

Tsunade panicked. “This is the living room!”

Her breath tickled his face.

Her rare flustered look pleased him.

“What about it?”

He looked into her eyes, amused.

But Tsunade was no ordinary girl.

She steadied fast, raised a fist by his face, and said, “Don’t forget what you promised me.”

“Then what do I do?”

He changed tactics at once, clutching his chest. “Ah—I feel awful—I think I’m dying!”

“Don’t say that!”

Tsunade sat up straight, pinning him to the sofa back, expression fierce.

“I’ll remember.”

He swallowed.

“Thinking naughty thoughts again.”

 She rolled her eyes and, seeing his look, asked, “So what do you want to do?”

 “We can take another route.”

 He whispered a few words in her ear.

 “Pervert!”

 A vein bulged on her forehead, and she hammered down with a punch.

 Natsume flew off the sofa and hit the floor.

 “Why didn’t you dodge?”

 Tsunade, startled, hurried to help him up.

 “Why would I?”

 He wrapped an arm around her slender waist. “Don’t you owe me compensation?”

 “You’re impossible.”

 Her expression shifted, then she finally nodded.

 Because she thought of the future.

 During pregnancy, this might be the only way to help him.

 “Big sis, you’re the best!”

 Natsume had helped awaken Uzumaki Hinae’s eyes, but Tsunade was different.

 With her personality, there was no way she’d agree otherwise.

 This chance was like finding a path in desperation.

 He picked Tsunade up from behind, carried her into the room, and opened the window.

 Tsunade bit her lip. Her long legs lifted from the floor, her whole body supported by the one she loved.

 Her eyes turned hazy as she looked at the night sky. No moon—but the stars were bright.

Natsume set her down gently on the edge of the bed, his hands roaming her curves with familiar reverence.

Tsunade's breath hitched as he peeled away her clothes, layer by layer, exposing her flushed skin to the cool night air. Her swollen belly, a testament to their growing family, made her even more radiant in his eyes. He kissed her neck, trailing down her back, whispering assurances of how beautiful she was, how much he needed her. Tsunade arched into his touch, her initial hesitation melting into desire. She knew this was the safest way for them now, to avoid any risk to the pregnancy—and the thought of pleasing him like this sent a thrill through her.

He positioned her on all fours, her hands gripping the bedsheets as he knelt behind her.

Natsume's fingers, slick with a gentle lubricant he'd prepared, explored her entrance carefully, teasing and preparing her with slow, deliberate circles.

Tsunade moaned softly, her body relaxing under his expert care. "Natsume... be gentle," she murmured, though her voice carried a note of eager anticipation. He nodded, pressing kisses along her spine as he aligned himself. With a slow, controlled thrust, he entered her from behind, filling her in a way that was both intimate and intense.

The sensation was tight, overwhelming at first, but Tsunade pushed back against him, matching his rhythm as pleasure built.

Their bodies moved in sync, Natsume's hands steady on her hips, guiding her as he thrust deeper, each motion drawing gasps and sighs from her lips.

Sweat beaded on their skin, the room filling with the sounds of their shared passion—the slap of flesh, the ragged breaths, the occasional whisper of affection. Tsunade's fingers clenched the sheets tighter, her body trembling as waves of ecstasy washed over her. Natsume's pace quickened, his own release building, but he held back, focusing on her pleasure first. He reached around, his fingers finding her most sensitive spot, rubbing in firm circles that made her cry out, her climax crashing through her like a storm.

Only then did he let go, thrusting one final time as he spilled inside her, their bodies locked in a shuddering embrace.

After a long while—

 Her eyes suddenly lit up. She gripped Natsume’s arms.

 Huge, bright stars fell one after another, the whole sky seeming to tremble.

 “A meteor shower.”

 Natsume sighed.

 He hadn’t expected a spur-of-the-moment idea to lead to such a sight.

 Even an hour of waiting was worth it.

 “Time for a bath and bed.”

 Tsunade exhaled. She could still feel Natsume’s warmth pressed against her back.

 Holding her so long, their bodies felt feverish.

 Even a ninja’s stamina had limits.

 “Mm. Let’s go sightseeing again next time.”

 Natsume parted the golden strands stuck together by sweat.

 But before they moved, Tsunade turned to him with a mischievous glint in her eyes, her body still humming from their connection.

She slid down, her hands gently pushing him back onto the bed. "Let me take care of you first," she whispered, her voice husky with lingering desire.

Natsume watched, entranced, as she leaned in, her lips brushing against his spent length. She started slow, her tongue tracing the remnants of their passion, cleaning him with deliberate, sensual licks.

Her mouth enveloped him fully, warm and inviting, sucking gently to draw out every last trace while her hands massaged his thighs. Natsume groaned, his fingers threading through her hair as she worked, the act both tender and erotic.

She didn't rush, savoring the taste of him, her eyes locking with his in a moment of intimate vulnerability. When she finally pulled back, licking her lips with a satisfied smile, they both felt a deeper bond, the night air cooling their heated skin.

Night fell into peace.

…

A new day.

Natsume squinted.

The sunlight was bright.

He suddenly realized they’d been too busy to close the window last night.

He looked at Tsunade. She was still asleep.

He reached out and caressed her cheek.

After a moment, she sensed him, but didn’t open her eyes. Instead, she curled her shapely body into his arms.

Drowsy, she smiled from the heart. “Good morning.”

He steadied his thoughts, resisting temptation, and said softly, “Time to get up.”

Tsunade didn’t answer, resting her head on his shoulder, golden hair a tousled mess.

Neither of them cared.

Natsume stared, entranced.

After a long while, Tsunade finally woke properly. Unbothered, she rose, showing off a pink-smooth, curvy figure.

She glanced at him and slowly dressed.

“Are you torturing me on purpose?”

He tugged a corner of his mouth.

“I am.”

She smiled smugly. “Serves you right for being so over the top last night. Now suffer by yourself.”

Before Natsume could respond, she slipped out of the room.

“Wicked woman!”

He angrily ate two extra bowls of rice.

Under his resentful gaze, Tsunade tiptoed up and pecked the corner of his mouth.

“Morning, my little man.”