Adopted by Tsunade [169-170] (Patreon)

Chapter 169: Pencil Skirt, Black Stockings, Sunset Red

"Lord Hokage."

Hyuga Hiashi and the others immediately stood to greet him.

"It's fine, keep at it."

After waving his hand, Natsume introduced, "Uncle Hiashi, this is Yamanaka Ino."

"Lady Tsunade's little disciple, eh."

Hyuga Hiashi chuckled. "I've heard of you."

"Uncle Hiashi."

Yamanaka Ino behaved with the poise of a proper lady.

In truth, as the Yamanaka clan's young miss and future heir, she'd been specially trained in etiquette.

In front of outsiders, she could tuck away her real personality at any time.

"Please find someone to teach her how to become a qualified Hokage's secretary."

Natsume didn't beat around the bush.

"No problem."

Hyuga Hiashi was slightly taken aback, then nodded.

He figured Natsume had begun cultivating his own faction.

As the youngest Hokage, while no one said it outright, there wasn't full buy-in behind the scenes.

He believed Natsume's move was a bid to rope in the Yamanaka clan and curry favor with the Ino–Shika–Cho trio.

It never occurred to him that it was simply because Natsume didn't want to keep seeing his uncle face.

"In a couple of days, I'll have someone take over your job."

Natsume smiled. "Then you'll become a Hokage advisor."

"Thank you, Lord Hokage!"

Hyuga Hiashi could barely contain his excitement.

In theory, a Hokage advisor is second only to the Hokage.

They're absolute high-level leadership in Konoha.

However, Natsume's idea of a Hokage advisor was nothing like Hiashi imagined.

There wouldn't be that much power.

And the number would increase, ultimately becoming Konoha's board of directors, only deciding major issues.

But compared to being a secretary, it was indeed a promotion.

At least no more menial chores.

"Lord Hokage, who'll be taking over for me?"

Once calm, Hyuga Hiashi asked.

"Should be Kurenai Yuhi."

Natsume hadn't told her yet, but the chances of refusal were slim.

Hyuga Hiashi was a bit surprised.

He'd thought it would be a jonin from a clan.

For example, the Sarutobi.

That would win their support.

Kurenai, though, was the epitome of no background.

Her father, Yuhi Shinku, died in the Nine-Tails' rampage; there's no second ninja in her family now.

In other words, she offers no political leverage to the Hokage.

Hyuga Hiashi reconsidered; this didn't fit Natsume's style.

Maybe it was to win over non-clan ninjas.

The more he thought, the more it made sense.

He couldn't help but sigh that, though young, Natsume's methods were no worse than the Third, Sarutobi Hiruzen.

He'd felt this keenly these past years.

After all, he'd witnessed many of the Hokage Building's changes first-hand.

If not for the Caged Bird, he'd pledge his loyalty.

Following such a Hokage wouldn't be a loss.

Natsume didn't know what Hyuga Hiashi was thinking. After a few words with him, he greeted Yamanaka Ino, then turned to leave.

As Hokage, he couldn't stay here all day.

"Soku."

At his call, a female ninja in ANBU uniform with a mask and flowing hair appeared before him.

Soku had served as Tsunade's guard in the original story.

She had excellent observation and analytical skills.

And was quite young, only a few years older than him.

"Go fetch Kurenai Yuhi."

Natsume returned to the Hokage's office.

He had barely sat down when Kurenai knocked and entered.

"Lord Hokage, what did you need me for?"

"Kurenai, there's no one else here; no need to be so formal."

Natsume waved. "Just talk like we usually do."

Hearing that, Kurenai showed a faint smile.

Even after becoming Hokage, Natsume hadn't really changed.

For her, that was good.

"Uncle Hiashi will soon serve as a Hokage advisor, so I want you to head the Hokage secretarial team. What do you think?"

Natsume leaned back, relaxed.

"No problem at all."

Kurenai's eyes lit up; she nodded quickly.

Though the secretary team's salary can't match the Hokage Guard, it's still 100,000 ryo per month.

Stacked with her other pay, that's not a small sum.

Even without missions, Kurenai would do fine.

"Thanks, Lord Natsume."

"You're welcome."

Natsume smiled. "Kurenai, go find Uncle Hiashi."

"Yes!"

Kurenai took a deep breath, bowed deeply, and left.

Natsume nodded in satisfaction.

Next, he'd head to the Fire Country's metropolis to meet the Daimyo.

…

Dusk.

A knock sounded.

Natsume paused; one second later and he would've Flying Thunder God'd out to clock off.

"Come in."

He sat back down.

Kurenai entered with a file.

Natsume's eyes lit up.

She'd changed outfits.

A black pencil skirt and black stockings.

A standard secretary look.

Such attire existed in the ninja world.

For example, the Fourth Raikage's secretary, Mabui—she dressed like that all the time.

He hadn't expected Kurenai to switch too.

But it was great.

Much nicer than her previous clothes.

"Lord Natsume, take a look at this document."

Kurenai bent down to hand him the file.

The motion pulled her black-sheathed long legs taut, outlining a fine curve.

Natsume glanced.

Way better than looking at that grumpy old man Hyuga Hiashi, right?

And that guy always had a bitter face.

Being Hokage sure is nice.

After so much effort to become Hokage, time to enjoy it.

He opened the file and chuckled. "Am I worth only this much?"

Kurenai froze, worry on her face. "Lord Natsume, this isn't a joke. A 100-million-ryo bounty is enough to make plenty risk it all."

Indeed, as soon as Natsume became Hokage, the black market abruptly raised his bounty to 100 million ryo.

Equivalent to three Sarutobi Asumas.

Oh wait—since Sarutobi Hiruzen retired, Asuma's price dropped to 3.5 million.

Tragic.

One hundred million… how to put it?

Just barely.

Actually a bit unworthy of the title.

He was Hokage, one of only five Kage in the ninja world.

"Can we trace who posted it?"

Natsume asked casually.

"No."

Kurenai shook her head. "The black market has deep backing, likely supported by the Five Great Nations."

That wasn't wrong.

Though the original story never stated it, the black market's existence clearly challenged the Five Great Villages—or stole their business.

Ninjas earn money through missions.

The black market uses the same model, competing to a degree.

Also, the black market's regulars are mostly missing-nin from each village.

In other words, it funds them.

Such an organization is spread across countries and hasn't been crushed by ninja villages.

The backing is obvious—most likely the five great countries.

Not necessarily the daimyo themselves, but certainly the nobility.

Ninja villages sometimes have lines they won't cross.

The black market doesn't—and often posts bounties on Five Village ninjas.

"Ignore it."

Natsume set the file down. "Killing me isn't so easy."

"In Konoha, there's no need to worry."

Kurenai reminded him, "But in a few days you'll go to the Fire Country's metropolis. Bring enough hands."

"It is indeed a perfect opportunity for an assassination."

Natsume stroked his chin, thinking he could bring Uzumaki Naruto and the others for some live training.

"Kurenai, notify my three students to meet at Training Ground 4 tomorrow morning."

"Ah—okay."

The sudden topic shift left Kurenai a bit slow to react.

"That's all."

Natsume stood, then paused. "Kurenai, the new outfit really suits you."

Kurenai blinked at his disappearing figure, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

Mm, looks like it worked well.

After things fell through with Sarutobi Asuma, facing a high-quality man like Natsume, it'd be a lie to say she felt nothing.

Even if not love, he's easy on the eyes.

And now he's Hokage.

Of course, Kurenai wasn't a casual woman—she let things happen naturally, so she did nothing over the line.

She also worried about backfiring and harming their current good rapport, which would be a loss.

…

Natsume returned home.

Changing shoes at the door, he saw Tsunade on the sofa, a flask in her right hand.

"Why are you drinking?"

Natsume frowned, then looked to Shizune. "Shizune-nee, didn't I tell you to keep an eye on her?"

"This isn't alcohol—it's juice."

Tsunade lounged, licking her moist lips. The smile on her cheeks turned a touch more seductive. "Try it."

"…"

Natsume strongly suspected she was baiting him.

He stepped over, sat beside her, and leaned in to kiss her deeply, tasting the smooth, soft sweetness of her lips.

Tsunade froze, then pushed him away. "Shizune's still here."

"Nope, I'm not."

Shizune had vanished, leaving only her words echoing in the air.

"Sweet and tangy."

Natsume grinned. "Which shop sells this juice?"

"I forgot."

Parched, Tsunade took another swig. "Just bought it randomly on the street."

"Oh."

Natsume leaned back, slipped an arm around her. "Let me have another sip."

Tsunade shot him a look, took a drink, then tilted her head up and pressed her lips to his in a soft, lingering kiss, sharing the sweet juice between them.

"The sweet part isn't the orange juice—it's you."

Natsume smacked his lips.

"Talking nonsense again."

Tsunade snorted lightly. "How's your first day as Hokage?"

"Alright, nothing special."

Natsume stared at her dewy red lips, smiling.

"Stop drinking—you'll finish it all."

Her eyes flowed, a hint of charm on her face. She pushed Natsume away. "Go check if Shizune's cooking."

"Okay."

He headed to the kitchen, opened the door, and saw a pig.

"I found this pet on the street today."

Shizune glanced at him. "Her name is Tonton."

"Picked up?"

Natsume was surprised.

The original never mentioned her origin.

"Mm."

Shizune nodded. "Go keep Lady Tsunade company—dinner's almost ready."

She was very considerate.

Natsume was shooed back to the sofa.

Seeing him, Tsunade smiled brightly. "The orange juice is finished."

"No worries, there's other juice."

Natsume lowered his head and licked her ear. "You'll find out tonight."

Chapter 170: The Mizukage's First Kiss

Konoha's Training Ground 4.

"Did Natsume-sensei trick us?"

Uzumaki Naruto asked listlessly.

He'd received Kurenai's notice yesterday and had been excited.

He still was when he got here.

But almost two hours had passed and Natsume hadn't shown.

His enthusiasm cooled.

"He wouldn't."

Hyuga Hinata defended him. "Natsume-nii wouldn't lie."

Perched in a tree, Uchiha Sasuke stood hands-in-pockets, expressionless.

Though inwardly a bit impatient.

"The sun's high already."

Naruto flopped on the ground like a salted fish. "If he doesn't come, it'll be lunchtime."

"Natsume-nii is Hokage now. It's normal to be busy."

Hinata found him another excuse.

"Right, that's true."

Naruto brightened. "Hokage is swamped."

"Morning."

Natsume appeared in an instant, startling Naruto and Sasuke.

They didn't know the Flying Thunder God; it just felt too sudden.

"Natsume-sensei!"

Naruto sprang up. "Do we have a mission?"

Sasuke leapt down too. He looked forward to missions.

He'd stayed in Konoha all along, only brawling with brats, never a real life-and-death fight.

That way, he could never defeat Uchiha Itachi.

"Mm, and it's S-rank."

Natsume thought a moment.

By the ninja world's standards, S-rank missions involve national or village secrets, bounties in the millions, wars, assassinations of key figures, or subjugating ninja units.

A Hokage is a key figure.

Marking it S-rank was fair.

"S-rank?!"

Naruto's eyes widened.

As a ninja, he knew what S-rank meant.

Under normal circumstances, genin absolutely don't take S-rank missions.

It's pure suicide.

Even the always-cool Sasuke looked surprised.

Only Hinata stayed calm.

To her, whatever Natsume did was right.

A sort of blind trust.

"What is it?!"

Naruto's eyes burned.

Given his nature, he wouldn't care about the subtext—just the thrill.

Sasuke sighed inwardly—of course.

"Protect the Hokage to the Fire Country's metropolis."

Natsume smiled.

"Protect the Hokage… isn't that just protecting you, Natsume-sensei?"

Naruto blinked, disappointed. "Where's the danger in that?"

A Hokage travels with ANBU plus the Guard.

As three genin, they'd be background extras.

"No—just the four of us."

Natsume shook his head.

"That works!"

Naruto was fired up. "I'll protect sensei!"

Sasuke frowned.

Hokage traveling alone.

The danger would be tremendous.

S-rank made sense.

He clenched his fists by reflex—fear flickered—then steadied.

As a Uchiha, he wouldn't fear hardship.

Natsume read their faces.

Overall, not bad.

But reality can differ.

In the original, two years older Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura met Momochi Zabuza.

Their first battle was awful; they froze at killing intent.

Now they were stronger, but still lacked real combat.

And those who'd come to assassinate him were likely vicious rogues or missing-nin.

They wouldn't hold back.

"You have an hour to prepare. Meet at the village gate. Bring a change of clothes and plenty of tools."

"Got it!"

Naruto bolted like a fierce dog was chasing him.

Sasuke melted into shadow.

"Natsume-nii, see you later."

Hinata bobbed her head and left.

Natsume returned to the Hokage's office.

He'd horsed around with Tsunade that morning and lost track of time, causing his lateness.

Now that he'd leave Konoha, he needed to inform Kurenai and others—so they wouldn't think the new Hokage vanished within two days.

He picked up a dossier.

This was the ninja list he'd asked Kurenai to compile.

The jonin who'd supported Sarutobi Asuma at the last meeting.

Mostly Sarutobi and Shimura clan jonin.

Natsume planned to assign them more dangerous missions later, openly weakening them.

"Thanks, Kurenai."

He set the file down and looked at Kurenai nearby.

Still the pencil skirt with black stockings, paired with her stern, refined face—it reminded Natsume of a few office movies.

Ahem.

Pure coincidence.

"I plan to head to the Fire Country's metropolis today. While I'm gone, please keep an eye on things."

Given the current secretary-plus-advisor setup, the village could run fine even without the Hokage present.

"Understood!"

Kurenai nodded. "I'll notify Kakashi and Gai and have ANBU accompany you."

"No need."

Natsume waved. "I'll go alone."

"That won't do."

Kurenai refused at once. "It's too dangerous."

"Kurenai, openly defying the Hokage isn't what a secretary should do."

Natsume smiled.

"I… that's not what I meant."

Kurenai flustered. "I'm worried about your safety."

"I get it. But you need to trust the Hokage."

Natsume winked. "The Hokage is Konoha's strongest ninja."

"Sorry."

Sensing that confidence, Kurenai blushed and nodded.

"No need to apologize."

Natsume waved. "Anything else?"

"Yes."

Kurenai took out a letter. "A personal letter from the Kazekage."

Natsume raised a brow.

Rasa?

In the original, Orochimaru schemed against him and he died.

Then he was impersonated, dragging Sunagakure into the Konoha Destruction Plan.

Sarutobi Hiruzen died; Orochimaru lost his arms; Gaara became the big winner, succeeding as Kazekage.

Now, because of Natsume, Orochimaru was still quietly in Konoha.

Naturally, Rasa didn't die.

He'd even contributed ninety points of Fate.

Natsume opened the envelope expecting the chunin exams—but it was about an alliance.

At this time, Suna and Konoha weren't as close as in the original—just average relations.

In the Third Ninja War, they hadn't fought each other.

Suna had been invaded by Kumo and couldn't expand outward.

After the war, the Wind Daimyo was displeased and cut funding.

That's why Orochimaru, posing as Rasa, pulled off the Konoha Destruction Plan so smoothly.

Suna was too poor.

Next door, Konoha was rolling in money—given the chance, of course they took it.

After the plan failed, Suna decisively allied with Konoha to ease survival pressure.

Natsume finished reading Rasa's letter and fell into thought.

If he didn't know Shimura Danzo was in Suna, he might believe the alliance was sincere.

After all, Rasa had been forced into being a gold miner to keep the village afloat.

But with Danzo added in, it felt different.

Still, this was a good opportunity.

Show force and secure Suna as an ally; Natsume's Hokage seat would be much steadier.

"Kurenai, send a reply."

After thinking a moment, he said, "Tell them Konoha agrees to an alliance—details to be discussed."

"Okay."

Kurenai wasn't surprised.

Most prefer peace over war.

Natsume admired her departing silhouette and stretched.

He left the Hokage's office.

With some time before the hour, he didn't go to the gate; instead, he headed to the Mizukage's office.

…

In just over three years, Kirigakure had grown wealthier.

One, Terumi Mei ended Yagura's bloody rule and gradually reconnected with neighboring countries and villages.

Two, five shipping routes opened, bringing plenty of traffic.

Where people go, business follows.

Kirigakure was bustling again.

But healing takes time.

The core problem remained: too few ninjas.

Under the Third and Fourth Mizukage, they'd lost many.

Restoring their former strength within three years was impossible.

"Morning, Lady Mizukage."

Natsume sat on her desk without ceremony.

"It's already noon."

Terumi Mei shot him a glance, unconcerned by his manners.

They'd grown quite close these years.

Only a thin layer of window paper left.

She thought it fine as is.

She was Mizukage; Natsume was head of some organization.

Being together wasn't realistic.

"Why that outfit again?"

Natsume sighed. "It really doesn't show off your beauty."

After three years of tempering, Terumi Mei had grown more mature and seasoned, a qualified Mizukage—close to her original self.

"Hmph. I'm Mizukage, not your subordinate."

Her exquisite face cooled. "What I wear is none of your business."

"What if I help you forge an alliance with Konoha?"

Natsume grinned.

Konoha and Kiri's relationship was poor.

Because of two events in the Third War:

The Seven Ninja Swordsmen's ambush.

And Three-Tails' self-destruction.

Might Duy and Nohara Rin died.

Mei had proposed alliances to the other four villages.

She felt Kiri couldn't take more turmoil.

But Kumo and Konoha refused.

The former simply didn't want to; the latter because of old grudges.

Natsume brought it up now—besides him being Hokage—also because three years had passed.

As long as Kiri paid a price, an alliance wouldn't be out of the question.

"Can you?"

Mei sounded doubtful.

She'd investigated Natsume.

Konoha had no ninja named Takashi, nor ties to the Sunny Sea Shipping Company.

He'd claimed to have connections, but she hadn't fully believed it.

Alliance is different.

It can't happen without the Hokage.

"Of course."

Natsume's eyes traced her pale neck and the graceful rise and fall of her breathing.

Mei noticed his unrestrained gaze but said nothing.

She was used to it by now, and didn't mind this much loss.

She cared more whether his words were true.

Though he was capable, he couldn't command the strongest of the Five Villages.

"Konoha has a new Hokage recently, you know?"

Natsume asked.

"Mm. I heard it's Tsunade's disciple, very young, named Natsume."

Mei nodded, then considered a possibility. "You know him?"

"Don't you have a portrait of the new Hokage?"

Natsume didn't answer, but asked.

"It hasn't arrived yet."

Mei explained, "Konoha is far; and Natsume wasn't very famous before. We didn't pay attention."

"I see."

No wonder she'd been so calm seeing him.

He leaned down, face close, nearly kissing her.

"What… are you doing?"

Mei leaned back by reflex, head tilting aside, heart pounding.

"So you can get a clear look at the new Hokage."

Natsume wouldn't admit he just wanted a little advantage.

But her fluster pleased him.

It showed she had feelings for him.

"What did you say?!"

Mei snapped her head around and stared at him.

Too shocked to mind how close they were.

Natsume could feel her warm breath and faint fragrance.

"I am the Hokage."

"…"

Mei's pupils shrank; her rosy lips parted and forgot to close.

After a long beat, she realized how close they were.

Her face flushed; she turned away. "D-Don't joke."

"You think the Flying Thunder God is something anyone can access?"

Natsume's lips curled. "If you don't believe me, I can take you to the Hokage's office."

Mei froze.

Could it be true?
Too outrageous.

She looked at his overly handsome face, speechless.

"Give me a moment."

She no longer knew how to deal with Natsume.

If he was the Hokage, then over the past three years… had she betrayed Kirigakure?
So the traitor was me?

And the Mizukage, no less.

"What are your terms?"

In the end, Mei couldn't refuse the benefits of an alliance.

And working with Natsume—risk aside—had yielded many gains.

At least it saved Kiri years of development.

If they allied now and stopped fighting Konoha, that was acceptable.

"First, return Ao's Byakugan to the Hyuga."

Natsume raised one finger.

Mm, and win some favor from his future father-in-law.

"Fine."

Mei pondered, then nodded.

Byakugan wasn't as powerful as imagined.

It didn't boost Ao that much.

Returning it to Konoha was okay.

"Second… how about the Mizukage's first kiss?"

Natsume suddenly shifted tone, smiling.

"What are you talking about?!"

Mei blurted, "That's impossible."

"Alright."

He'd only said it to tease her; he hadn't meant to coerce her. "If you don't want to, I'll change the condition."

"Are you toying with me?"

Mei glared, but for some reason, seeing him give up so lightly irritated her.

Am I that unattractive? Not worth a second ask?
Thinking that, she suddenly stood and bit his lips hard.