Adopted by Tsunade [245-246] (Patreon)

Chapter 245 – New Year, There Will Be Good Pregnancy Luck

Early morning.

It was snowing outside the window.

Konoha Village looked a bit gloomy.

But today was the New Year Festival, and the atmosphere was unusually lively.

The weather didn’t affect the New Year at all.

Tsunade was fast asleep.

Because she was pregnant, she didn’t cling to him like an octopus the way she used to.

She was lying on the bed. The slightly dim light fell on her, yet it still couldn’t hide her beauty.

Natsume leaned in, kissed her cheek, and said, “Time to get up.”

Tsunade’s eyelashes trembled; she didn’t open her eyes and asked, “Why are you here?”

She remembered that last night Natsume went to Shizune’s room.

“Did you sleep yourself stupid?”

Natsume played with her small hand. The soft feel gave a warmth that was hard to describe.

“Oh.”

Tsunade sobered up a little.

Natsume always sneaked back in during the second half of the night.

Even though she had told him many times that he didn’t have to, it never had any effect.

That just made Shizune seem a bit pitiful.

Natsume simply felt that sleeping with Tsunade was more comfortable.

After all, she was a luscious beauty.

“Today’s the New Year Festival, what gift do you want?”

Natsume stuck his head out from under the blanket and asked.

“I don’t really want anything.”

Tsunade squinted at him and said, “I’ve already gotten everything I want. Just come back tonight and watch the fireworks with me.”

“Mm.”

Natsume put on his clothes, nodded, and asked, “What do you want for breakfast?”

“Ramen.”

Tsunade closed her eyes again and said, “Call me later.”

Natsume shook his head helplessly.

This really was a total do-nothing lifestyle.

But thinking carefully, that was exactly how she was in the original story.

When she was Hokage, she was only a bit more diligent.

Natsume opened the door and headed to the bathroom.

“So early?”

He found Shizune already in the kitchen making breakfast.

“Just a habit.”

Shizune glanced at him, her face slightly red.

Unless she was completely exhausted, she always went to bed early and got up early.

“Sis says she wants ramen.”

Natsume smiled, then went into the bathroom.

The toothpaste had already been squeezed onto the brush, and the cup was filled with hot water.

He paused for a second, then understood it was Shizune’s doing.

Her personality was very different from Tsunade’s; she was closer to Hinae.

Quiet and gentle.

Before, Natsume never received this kind of treatment.

But recently, his status had skyrocketed.

When Natsume finished washing up, the ramen was just about ready.

Ramen didn’t take long anyway.

Natsume went to call Tsunade to get up.

A dozen minutes later, breakfast was already over.

“Go early and come back early.”

Tsunade cupped his face, gave him a peck on the lips, then let go and said, “Shizune.”

“Huh?”

Shizune was stunned for a moment, but quickly understood what she meant. Her cheeks flushed bright red. “N-no need…”

Natsume took a few steps forward and pulled Shizune into his arms.

Their lips met.

Shizune’s body obviously stiffened.

She still wasn’t used to being too intimate with Natsume.

Even if they already knew each other inside and out, with Tsunade around, she just felt embarrassed.

“I’m heading out then.”

Natsume didn’t go any further.

Otherwise, he really wouldn’t have enough time today.

Time management really was an art.

He activated the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Natsume appeared at the mansion of the daimyō of the Land of Waves.

Because it was the New Year Festival, the decorations around them were clearly different.

Hinae was standing in the courtyard directing people.

Natsume thought for a moment and chose not to disturb her.

He turned around and walked toward his own backyard.

“Where’s the cat?”

Natsume pushed open the door but didn’t see the black cat he was raising.

He raised an eyebrow. With his sharp hearing, he caught the sound of water running in the bathroom.

Bathing in broad daylight?

Puzzled, Natsume walked to the bathroom door.

“Meow… meow meow… meow…”

Amid the sound of rushing water came a string of meows.

Suppressed, yet with a hint of pleasure.

Natsume opened the door.

Yugito’s body reflexively froze, curling up into a tight ball on the bathroom floor, her lithe, toned form glistening with water. Her blonde hair clung to her shoulders, and her piercing eyes widened in surprise. She'd been caught mid-act, one hand still lingering between her thighs, the other bracing against the wet tiles.

“Did I scare you?”

Natsume squatted behind her and gently stroked her slick back, his fingers tracing the curve of her spine down to the small of her back.

She arched under his touch, a low, rumbling purr escaping her throat as she leaned into him, her skin hot and flushed from both the water and her earlier self-indulgence.

Then he picked up a bath towel and started scrubbing.

He was very experienced when it came to bathing.

His hands moved with deliberate care, lathering soap over her athletic body, starting from her neck and working downward.

He massaged the suds into her skin, his palms gliding over her firm breasts, teasing her hardened nipples with slow, circular motions that made her gasp and bite her lip.

As he reached her toned abdomen, Yugito let out a muffled mewl, her body tensing and then relaxing as his fingers brushed lower, dipping between her legs to explore the slick heat there.

Natsume's touch was firm yet teasing, circling her swollen clit with the towel, applying just enough pressure to send jolts of pleasure through her. He worked her thoroughly, from the nape of her neck to the soles of her feet, but lingered longest on her most intimate areas—sliding soapy fingers along her folds, parting them gently to rinse away the evidence of her arousal while stoking it anew.

She was dripping with more than just water, her hips bucking involuntarily as he plunged two fingers inside her, curling them to hit that sensitive spot that made her arms dig into his arm.

The steam-filled room amplifying every wet slap and breathless cry. He brought her to the brink, her inner walls clenching around him, but pulled back just before she could tip over the edge.

He washed her thoroughly from head to toe, until she was completely clean—and utterly spent.

In the end, all four of her limbs were trembling as she left the bathroom, her legs unsteady and her body still humming with unfulfilled need, as if every nerve ending was alight from his expert teasing.

Natsume hadn’t done anything else  but the way he'd edged her relentlessly left her aching and desperate for more.

As for the look Yugito gave him, it was as if she wanted to eat him alive.

Natsume appeared in Hinae’s room.

 He lay down on the bed, closed his eyes, and waited.

 Because that was how it was every previous year.

 Not long after, Hinae pushed the door open.

 Seeing him, she immediately smiled.

 She climbed under the covers, stuck her head out, lay on top of Natsume, and asked, “How long have you been here?”

 A gentle fragrance filled his nose.

 Natsume’s spirit jolted. “I just gave that cat a bath.”

 “No wonder your clothes are wet.”

 Hinae’s face showed sudden understanding. “If you don’t dry off, you’ll catch a cold.”

 She slid back under the covers.

 Natsume closed his eyes.

 As expected of a good wife and loving mother.

With tender care, Hinae began to attend to him, her warm breath and soft lips tracing a path along his damp skin, lingering on the firm contours of his chest and the taut lines of his abdomen.

She moved lower, her delicate fingers brushing against the smooth, heated length of his manhood, which stirred and swelled under her touch, its velvety tip glistening with anticipation.

Her mouth enveloped him in a gentle, rhythmic embrace, her full lips gliding along his rigid shaft, drawing away the chill with each loving caress.

Her tongue danced with exquisite delicacy over the sensitive ridges and the throbbing head, coaxing waves of pleasure that left him utterly dry and flushed with heat.

Her devotion evident in every subtle motion, until he felt a profound release building, spilling forth in a moment of shared ecstasy as her throat welcomed the warm essence of his climax.

Not content to stop there, she shifted gracefully, straddling him with effortless poise.

Her lithe body, with its graceful curves—soft, rounded breasts crowned by pert nipples that brushed against his skin, and the gentle swell of her hips—aligned perfectly with his.

She guided his still-firm manhood into her welcoming warmth, her silken folds parting to envelop him fully, her inner depths slick and inviting, pulsing with desire around his girth.

She moved atop him in a harmonious rhythm, her hips swaying like a gentle tide, rising and falling in perfect union, their forms merging in a dance of passion.

Her breasts swayed with each motion, the rosy peaks hardening further as she arched her back, her feminine core clenching rhythmically around him, drawing him deeper into her velvety embrace.

She leaned forward, her hair cascading like a veil, her breaths mingling with his as they reached the pinnacle together, her body trembling in ecstasy, waves of fulfillment washing over them both as her intimate nectar mingled with his renewed release.

Soon, his entire body, top to bottom, felt extremely dry.

 Not only that, he was also left with the same fragrance as hers.

 “Feel a lot better now?”

Hinae asked wearily.

 “Yeah.”

 Natsume rubbed her hair and asked, “Do you want any gift this year?”

 “No need.”

 Hinae looked at him, her eyes shining. “I’ve already gotten everything I want.”

 The answer was almost exactly the same as Tsunade’s.

 Natsume suddenly smiled. “Thank you. I’m very satisfied with the gift you gave me.”

 A blush spread over Uzumaki Hinae’s delicate face. “Do you… want more gifts?”

 “You really don’t know what’s good for you.”

 Natsume smacked her upturned butt lightly. “One gift is enough. We’ll talk about the next one later.”

…

A moment later, he appeared in the Land of Snow.

“What are you reading?”

Natsume found Kaguya in the study.

“Monsters.”

Kaguya answered briefly.

“Monsters? How come you’re interested in that?”

Natsume leaned in to take a look. The title on the page was “The Tengu and the Child.”

“Not interested.”

Kaguya shook her head. “I have no interest.”

“Then why are you reading it?”

Natsume took the book from her hand and flipped two more pages. His eyes lit up.

“Eight-Foot Woman and the Child.”

Mm, another child.

According to legend, tengu abduct lost children.

Eight-Foot Woman was even more brutal, giving them a serious curse before swallowing them.

“When you come, I lose interest.”

Kaguya stood up, looking down at him. The corner of her mouth curled.

She really did look like the legendary Eight-Foot Woman, baring her fangs and pouncing on him.

“I… still have things to do.”

Natsume was being smothered, but he still managed to painfully get his request out.

Kaguya nodded.

She activated Amenominaka.

Natsume once again started his journey of suffering.

However, Kaguya was relatively easy to appease.

Her mind was too pure and simple.

Aside from chakra, there was only Natsume.

Nothing else mattered.

…

Natsume pushed open Mikoto’s door, his legs trembling.

No one was there.

He didn’t mind. He closed his eyes and took a nap.

A moment later.

Mikoto lifted the blanket and lay on her side, looking at him.

There was a faint strange smell.

She bit her lip and, for some reason, felt a little jealous.

He’d only come at noon.

That meant she wasn’t the first, and probably not even the second.

Mikoto reached out and wrapped her arm around him, leaning against him, feeling an inexplicable sense of peace.

Rationally, she knew she was doing something wrong.

But humans are like this—staying rational is a luxury.

Natsume hugged the mature, soft sillow and asked, “Do you have any thoughts about Sasuke awakening his eyes?”

“Thoughts?”

Mikoto looked at him, puzzled.

“Even though Satori is sealed inside Sasuke, he still needs emotional stimulus to awaken his eyes.”

Curled up in her warm embrace, Natsume explained.

“Won’t Satori be enough?”

Mikoto was slightly stunned.

“From what I can see right now, probably not.”

Natsume shook his head. “And you know Sasuke. He won’t wait that long.”

“But how do we give him emotional stimulus?”

Mikoto frowned, no longer caring about Natsume’s wandering hands.

Emotion basically boiled down to negative and positive.

From her own experience, negative emotions were much more intense.

For example, the death of the person you care about the most.

But Mikoto naturally wasn’t as heartless as Uchiha Itachi.

Besides, the person Sasuke cares about most is her, and then maybe his best friend Naruto.

No matter how you looked at it, she couldn’t go killing anyone.

Positive emotions were even harder.

Promotion, a raise, confession, marriage, and so on.

Sasuke lacked none of that.

What he wanted most was to improve his strength—

Which meant awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan.

If that desire were fulfilled, he’d naturally have a huge emotional shock.

But that was like a nesting-doll paradox.

“Too extreme a method, and you definitely won’t accept it.”

Natsume pretended to think. “What sort of thing could make Sasuke truly astonished?”

Mikoto stayed silent.

She couldn’t think of anything.

But soon, she noticed Natsume’s expression.

After all these years, she had some understanding of him.

“You already have an idea, don’t you?”

Mikoto couldn’t help but ask.

“New Year brings good pregnancy fortune.”

Natsume’s gaze dropped down to her taut belly.

“…”

Mikoto’s body went rigid.

She immediately understood what Natsume meant.

It really was a good plan.

No one had to die, and it could even expand the Uchiha clan.

Mikoto let out a helpless sigh.

She hooked her arms around Natsume’s neck and moved in.

In an instant, the flames of war ignited.

Mikoto let out a soft moan and activated her Mangekyō Sharingan.

Amatsumika!

Two hours later.

Mikoto’s face was flushed, her eyes hazy. She stared blankly at the ceiling, looking completely out of it.

Both hands rested over her abdomen, and she remained silent for a long time.

How to put it…

If she were truly against it, she wouldn’t have agreed so easily.

It was simply that she was already deeply ensnared and couldn’t pull herself out.

Sasuke was just an excuse.

Natsume took a shower, then went home.

Strictly speaking, he should have gone to visit Hinata and Ino.

But he was truly exhausted today.

Besides, they would definitely be spending the New Year Festival with their families. If he went, he’d just ruin the atmosphere.

After all, he was the Hokage. His status was what it was.

“Sis.”

Natsume changed his shoes and stepped into the living room. “I bought takoyaki for you.”

Tsunade was sitting on the sofa, watching TV.

She had changed into a yukata.

The New Year Festival was essentially a fireworks festival.

Wearing yukata was tradition.

“Smells so good.”

Tsunade took the takoyaki and took a bite. “But not as good as the ones you make.”

“Just make do with it.”

Natsume sat beside her. “Shizune’s not back yet?”

“N…o.”

Tsunade chewed the takoyaki and answered in broken phrases.

“Is the hospital busy today too?”

Natsume took her hand in his.

“She didn’t go to the hospital. She said she was going out on a mission.”

Tsunade shot him a sideways glance.

A mission?

Natsume froze for a moment, then understood Shizune’s intention.

There really were missions during the New Year Festival—that much was true.

With so many commissions, there would always be some that required holiday overtime.

But if Shizune didn’t want to accept a mission, she could simply refuse.

So her real aim was to let Natsume and Tsunade have some time alone.

“When’s she coming back?”

Natsume thought he should buy her a gift to make it up to her.

“Tomorrow.”

Tsunade finished the takoyaki; it was a little salty, so she said, “Go get me a glass of water.”

“Perfect, I’m thirsty too.”

Natsume got up with a smile.

“If you’re thirsty, there’s fresh milk in the fridge.”

Tsunade’s cheeks reddened. “There was too much, so I left two cups for you.”

Natsume was stunned.

Then he quickly understood what she meant.

He drank it often.

Though in the past, it was always Hinae.

Natsume opened the fridge. Sure enough, there were two cups.

He took out one and poured Tsunade a glass of water.

“Don’t drink that in front of me!”

Tsunade glared at him.

“What’s there to be shy about?”

Natsume took a sip. “It’s really sweet.”

“…”

Tsunade was done with him.

Even though it wasn’t her first time witnessing this, she still felt her mind couldn’t quite keep up.

“Want to try it?”

Natsume asked casually.

“You pervert!”

Tsunade exploded. “I am not drinking that!”

“Calm down.”

Natsume quickly set the cup down and wrapped an arm around her waist.

“Behave yourself!”

Tsunade immediately burst into giggles. “That tickles, stop scratching!”

“Then don’t be mad.”

Natsume stopped.

Mainly because she was laughing so hard she was almost doubling over, and that seemed risky.

“I’m not angry.”

Tsunade calmed down. “I’m long used to your crazy, unreliable antics.”

“That’s good.”

Natsume leaned against her and changed the topic. “Our daughter’s going to be born soon. Got a name yet?”

“Speaking of that, should she take the Senju surname?”

Tsunade looked at him seriously.

“Up to you.”

Natsume didn’t mind either way.

“Forget it then.”

Tsunade thought for a moment. “Let’s call her Natsuko (Summer Child).”

“Mm, not bad.”

Natsume stroked his chin. “We’ll go with that for now.”

Chapter 246 – Sasuke’s Eye-Awakening Plan

Senju Natsuko.

Tsunade was quite satisfied with this name.

Because it contained the character “Natsu” (summer, same as Natsume’s “Natsu”).

It would naturally remind people of Natsume.

For now, their relationship couldn’t be made public.

Having a similar name was already pretty good.

“I wonder what her personality will be like?”

Tsunade stroked her belly with a face full of happiness.

“It’d be best if she’s like you.”

Natsume leaned in, putting his hand over her stomach as well.

“She can’t be too much like me.”

Tsunade thought for a moment. “She has to inherit your good points too.”

“She will.”

Natsume smiled and gently squeezed her hand. “She’s our child, after all.”

Tsunade didn’t say anything more and leaned on his shoulder.

The two of them watched TV together.

…

Night fell.

After dinner, Natsume and Tsunade went up to the roof.

It was still snowing in Konoha, and the wind was cold.

Fortunately, chakra was all-purpose.

He casually raised a barrier around them, and the two waited for the fireworks to start.

Soon, the sky lit up.

Colors splashed across it like ink.

Tsunade leaned quietly in Natsume’s arms, saying nothing.

To her, having such a complete life was already a gift from the heavens.

She couldn’t ask for more.

The night sky dimmed again.

“Let’s go back.”

Tsunade wrapped her arms around his neck.

Natsume carefully picked her up and carried her back to the room.

That was the end of the New Year Festival.

…

The next day.

Natsume went to the Hokage building.

People greeted him all along the way.

He returned their greetings one by one.

Racking up a wave of favorability in public.

Kurenai knocked on the door, and after getting permission, entered.

As usual, she was wearing a hip-hugging skirt. Maybe because she’d rushed over, the upper button wasn’t fastened, revealing a deep valley of cleavage.

“Lord Natsume.”

Kurenai greeted him with a smile. “How was your day yesterday?”

“Pretty good.”

Natsume asked in return, “What about you? It must’ve been tough yesterday, right?”

“Not really.”

Kurenai’s heart warmed at his words.

She had actually been a little upset that he hadn’t come to the Hokage building yesterday.

Not that she blamed him for not working—she just felt a bit lost because she hadn’t seen him.

Now that he’d asked after her like this, that feeling suddenly vanished.

“This is for you.”

Natsume took out a jewelry box.

“For me?”

Kurenai was surprised, but she didn’t refuse.

She opened it. Inside was a necklace studded with red gemstones.

“I saw it in a shop yesterday and thought it would really suit you, Kurenai.”

Natsume smiled.

“Thank you.”

Kurenai looked at him, a bit dazed. “I really like it.”

A moment later, she froze slightly, then looked embarrassed.

“I forgot to prepare a gift for you.”

“It’s fine.”

Natsume waved. “You don’t have to get me anything. I already have too many. There’s no space at home.”

“That’s not the same.”

Kurenai’s expression turned stern. “Other people are other people.”

“If you really want to give something, don’t spend too much.”

Seeing she insisted, Natsume smiled. “If it’s a spiritual reward, that’s best.”

Kurenai blinked.

A spiritual reward?

Was he hinting at something?

Before she could respond, Natsume asked, “Is there anything special to report from yesterday?”

“There is one thing.”

Kurenai instantly shifted into secretary mode and handed him a file. “It’s from Konoha Hospital.”

A hint of surprise flashed in Natsume’s eyes.

What business could Konoha Hospital have?

He opened the file and found that the White Zetsu cell technology Orochimaru had given them was causing a sensation.

Natsume could understand.

With limb regeneration, Konoha shinobi’s survival rates would rise again.

Of course, the hospital wasn’t trying to brag about how miraculous the White Zetsu cell tech was. They just hoped Orochimaru himself could come teach it.

Because it wasn’t easy to master.

“Let Kabuto handle it.”

Natsume thought for a moment and ordered.

“Kabuto?”

Kurenai needed a few seconds to remember who that was.

Mainly because Kabuto had been a homebody for years, barely showing his face.

She could remember him only because she was a competent secretary.

“Is he up to it?”

There was clear doubt in her voice.

Natsume could understand her reaction.

“He won’t let you down.”

Kurenai nodded.

She didn’t trust Kabuto, but she trusted Natsume.

“I’ll go notify him then.”

Kurenai gave a slight bow and turned to leave.

Natsume casually flipped through some documents on his desk.

After a long while, he stretched.

He’d already dealt with yesterday’s matters and had some free time.

He thought of Terumi Mei.

So he used Flying Thunder God and appeared directly in the Mizukage’s office.

…

“What are you here for?”

Terumi Mei looked up and asked.

For some reason, Natsume could hear a touch of resentment in her voice.

Thinking about it, he realized he hadn’t seen her in a while.

Terumi Mei was currently in that early dating phase.

But he’d left her hanging for so long, so of course she was upset.

“I came to see you.”

Natsume calmly smiled. “Am I not welcome?”

“Not welcome.”

Terumi Mei snorted softly. “I’m very busy. Not like you, so free.”

The resentment didn’t lessen.

Natsume sat on the Mizukage’s desk. “I’m Hokage. I’m busy too.”

“At least you’re freer than me.”

Terumi Mei pouted.

“Why are we comparing this?”

Natsume spread his hands. “We’re both just corporate drones. It sucks either way.”

“I’m the Mizukage, not a corporate drone.”

Terumi Mei clearly didn’t like that description. Her tone went cold.

Natsume didn’t argue.

She really was a career woman type.

Unlike him, who was more of a slacker.

“How’s the new Jinchūriki?”

Natsume quickly changed the subject. “If there are problems, there’s a warranty.”

“So far, nothing.”

Terumi Mei gave him a helpless glance. “Can you be serious?”

“Be serious?”

Natsume hopped off the desk. “You should be fulfilling your duties as a maid.”

Terumi Mei was speechless.

Apparently, there was no way to see him acting properly.

She shook her head, locked the office door, and went to sit on the sofa.

Natsume naturally laid his head on her soft thighs.

Terumi Mei put her hands on his head and started massaging.

“Master, how’s this pressure?”

“Just right.”

Natsume watched her serious expression and couldn’t help smiling. “You really are suited to being a maid.”

“…”

Terumi Mei froze for a second, then protested, “If I didn’t owe you money, who would want to be your maid?”

“Paying off debts is only right.”

Natsume turned his face, pressing it gently against her belly and taking a whiff. “You smell nice.”

“Don’t… say stuff like that!”

Terumi Mei, flustered and angry, unconsciously used more force with her hands.

“Hey, that hurts!”

Natsume grumbled. “A maid like you deserves a good whipping from her master.”

“You started it.”

Terumi Mei’s hands softened again, though the blush on her face didn’t fade.

Because she could feel Natsume’s steady, rhythmic breathing.

It made her very self-conscious.

“I just praised you for being a qualified maid, and now your true colors show.”

Natsume sighed. “You’ve still got a long way to go.”

“…”

Terumi Mei didn’t know what to say.

Forget it, it is what it is.

What was done was done.

Natsume shifted a bit and lay back straight.

“Why so quiet?”

“Nothing to say.”

Terumi Mei’s hands had moved to his face.

It was surprisingly soft.

As expected of a young body.

“You look like you’re thinking bad thoughts.”

Natsume narrowed his eyes.

“I’m not.”

Her heart skipped a beat. Terumi Mei quickly denied it.

“You’re massaging me wrong.”

Natsume raised an eyebrow.

“…”

Terumi Mei was speechless.

How could he be so sharp about something like this—

He could even tell the technique changed.

Why didn’t he put that perception to proper use?
“No problem.”

After two seconds of silence, Terumi Mei said, “It’s a new method I learned.”

She definitely wasn’t going to admit anything.

Natsume stopped teasing her and simply enjoyed the massage.

After a long time, his breathing became even, as if he’d fallen asleep.

Terumi Mei looked down at him and the corners of her lips curled slightly.

He looked best like this.

She thought of the past.

Falling asleep in his arms had probably been the most peaceful rest of her life.

Without a single worry.

Terumi Mei pressed her lips together.

If only Natsume were a shinobi of Kirigakure; she wouldn’t have to worry about anything.

They could be together and get married.

She stared at him, dazed.

Only when Natsume opened his eyes did she hurriedly look away.

“Looks like it’s about time to clock out.”

Natsume sat up and glanced out the window.

“Next time…”

Terumi Mei hesitated, words catching in her throat.

“What, can’t bear to have me leave?”

Natsume leaned in close.

“Of course not.”

Terumi Mei pushed him away, pretending to be calm.

“Alright then.”

Natsume disappeared on the spot.

Terumi Mei froze.

A moment later, she stomped her foot.

She didn’t even know what she was mad about.

Just that she was mad.

…

Natsume returned to the Hokage office.

He found Kurenai sleeping on the sofa.

He rubbed his chin.

It felt like he ought to do something at a time like this.

But he lost his chance.

Because Kurenai had already woken.

She was a shinobi, after all.

No way someone could get so close without her noticing—unless Natsume intentionally suppressed his presence.

“Sorry.”

Kurenai blushed.

“It’s fine.”

Natsume sat on the sofa. “Kurenai, you’ve been working too hard.”

He reached out and started massaging her feet.

Kurenai clearly hadn’t expected such a bold move.

By the time she reacted, it was too late.

“Should I take off your stockings?”

Natsume asked casually.

“N-no need.”

Kurenai shook her head quickly.

She wasn’t wearing thigh-highs, but garter stockings.

How was she supposed to take them off?
Besides, she thought it would be way too rude to be barefoot in front of the Hokage.

After a short while, Kurenai couldn’t help asking, “Lord Natsume, that’s… enough, right?”

Seeing her shy and flustered expression, Natsume smiled. “Kurenai can massage me; I can massage you too, can’t I?”

“T-that’s… different.”

Kurenai hesitated for a few seconds, withdrew her black-silk feet, and put her heels back on. “I’m the Hokage’s secretary.”

“Oh?”

The corner of Natsume’s mouth lifted. “What if I ordered you to?”

Kurenai froze.

She clearly hadn’t expected Natsume to abuse his authority like that.

She met his eyes, then quickly looked away. After a moment, she whispered, “I’ll follow your orders.”

“Anything at all?” Natsume pressed.

Kurenai’s body trembled. “D-depends on the situation.”

“Kurenai.”

Natsume chuckled. “You don’t look like your usual self right now.”

“I… I’m going to head out.”

Kurenai fled in a panic.

Natsume stood up and clapped his hands.

Teasing a pretty secretary felt great.

It was already dusk outside.

He got off work on time and went home.

Shizune also returned from her mission.

The gift Natsume gave her was a teddy bear.

Childish as it was, Shizune still accepted it happily.

…

Another day.

Natsume was leaning back in the Hokage’s chair, doing nothing, when someone knocked on the door.

It was Mikoto.

Her expression looked heavy. After closing the door, she went straight to the point. “I… I’m pregnant…”

“Come here, Mikoto.”

Natsume wasn’t surprised.

Once she had used her eye technique, it was already decided.

So he wasn’t as excited as when he’d heard about Tsunade’s pregnancy.

Still, he was quite happy.

Mikoto sighed inwardly and walked over.

Natsume pulled her into his arms and said softly, “I’m sorry.”

Mikoto was puzzled.

She didn’t know why he was apologizing.

But moments later, she understood.

She took a deep breath and blinked. “I… I did it of my own will.”

As soon as she said it, her face flushed red, all the way to her ears.

Natsume paused, noticing the heat of her skin, then smiled.

“Mikoto, is that really how you feel?”

“Mm.”

Mikoto curled up in his arms, resigned.

“Thank you.”

Natsume stroked her smooth black hair.

“It’s… all for Sasuke.”

Mikoto blurted out.

But her heart was pounding.

Maybe she really was a terrible woman.

She sighed inwardly.

She had thought she’d always be a virtuous wife and mother, but never expected to become like this.

If she were twenty years younger and fell for Natsume, it might have been pretty nice.

Mikoto calmed her restless thoughts and asked, “So just telling Sasuke the news will be enough?”

“I don’t think so.”

Natsume shook his head and explained his plan.

He wanted to use Kurama Yakumo’s kekkei genkai to pull Uchiha Sasuke into a genjutsu.

Of course, she was still young and not strong enough, so he’d add his own Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan as well.

Awakening eyes via genjutsu.

Normally, that wouldn’t work.

Otherwise, the Uchiha clan would have flattened the ninja world long ago.

First, ordinary genjutsu doesn’t work on the Sharingan.

Second, even Mangekyō techniques like Tsukuyomi have limited effect.

But Kurama Yakumo was different.

Her illusionary world was theoretically real.

It should be quite difficult for Sasuke to tell the difference.

Plus, his most trusted person, Mikoto, would be involved.

Would he realize he was in a genjutsu?
Natsume didn’t think so.