Adopted by Tsunade [261-262] (Patreon)

Chapter 261 – Snake Princesses Just Like Humans

Natsume had already given his word.

But Hiashi clearly couldn't make up his mind.

If he lost control of the Caged Bird Seal, if there were no longer main and branch families, could he still sit firmly as clan head?
Even if he could, what about his descendants?

When the moment truly arrived, Hiashi instead fell into hesitation.

In the original story, he was actually quite indecisive too.

A bit similar to Uchiha Fugaku.

Only, he was much luckier.

Because the Caged Bird was controllable.

The Sharingan, on the other hand, was like a ticking time bomb.

In the end, it was what led Uchiha Fugaku down the road of no return.

"Uncle Hiashi, come find me again after you've decided."

Natsume didn't waste more words.

The result had actually already been decided long ago.

If Hiashi knew how to read the situation, he'd be able to step down with dignity.

After all, he was the father of Hinata and Hanabi.

If he kept dragging his feet, he couldn't blame Natsume for being ruthless.

From the Hokage's standpoint, abolishing the Caged Bird was actually more beneficial to Konoha's overall strength.

Competition breeds motivation.

Right now, the Hyūga clan was like a stagnant pond, clinging to past glory and tradition, unwilling to change.

After Hiashi left, Natsume thought of the Tenseigan.

Previously, he had ordered Kabuto to research how to replicate the chakra of the Ōtsutsuki clan.

He had even helped him gather things like Kimimaro, Hashirama cells, and White Zetsu.

Unfortunately, the difficulty was too high.

There still weren't any real results.

Natsume considered whether he should have him stop.

After all, Natsume had a much easier and faster method himself.

He thought it over, then decided to let it go. Kabuto had already researched it for so long.

It was his life's work.

Still, Natsume could lend him a hand.

…

That afternoon.

Natsume summoned Kurenai.

He glanced at her stocking-wrapped legs and asked with a smile, "Changed to a new pair of stockings?"

Kurenai couldn't help pouting. "Since they ripped, of course I had to change."

"What a pity."
Natsume stroked his chin. "I think torn stockings make Kurenai even sexier."

"…?"

Kurenai was momentarily at a loss for words.

She'd finally realized this young Hokage wasn't as pure as he looked on the surface.

Not that she disliked it.

Her eyes glimmered as she joked, "If you like them that much, I'll give you the old pair."

Learning bad things already, huh.

Natsume nodded. "Sure."

Kurenai froze.

She had only meant to tease him.

After all, what normal person would want someone else's used stockings?

"What? Is Kurenai going back on her word?"

Natsume crossed his arms, smiling cheerfully.

People in this world really were a bit simple.

Being teased like this, Kurenai's face instantly flushed bright red.

She hesitated, finally taking the stockings out, stammering, "You… you're going to use them for something bad…"

"What bad thing?"

Natsume accepted them. They were still warm.

"J-just…"

Kurenai's expression grew even more unnatural.

"A masked robbery?"

Natsume burst out laughing.

"…"

Kurenai stomped her foot, half angry, half ashamed.

She finally realized Natsume was just messing with her.

"Hokage-sama, what did you call me here for?"

Kurenai forcibly changed the subject, her expression serious.

Only the lingering blush on her face betrayed her true mood.

"I'll give you a gift first, as an apology."

Natsume took out a square gift box and handed it over.

Kurenai blinked.

Apology?

She hadn't actually been angry.

If anything, the banter made her feel closer to Natsume.

But she didn't refuse. She walked over and accepted the gift.

"Thank you."

A small smile tugged at Kurenai's lips.

"You deserve it," Natsume said, praising sincerely. "Kurenai, being my secretary is hard work."

"So, what's the real business?"

Kurenai hugged the gift box and asked with a smile.

"Keep an eye on the Hyūga clan. Report any unusual movements to me."

Natsume didn't trust Hiashi much—or rather, he didn't trust his personality.

When something happened, Hiashi might try to resolve it internally again.

"Understood."

Kurenai nodded.

She didn't ask why.

After leaving the Hokage's office, she opened the gift box in the hallway.

Seeing the black stockings inside, her face instantly reddened. She quickly snapped the lid shut.

"Hmph, so he's that kind of guy too…"

Still hugging the box, Kurenai returned to her own office.

…

Natsume headed to the research building.

"Hokage-sama."

Ichikishimahime hurriedly greeted him.

"How old are you?"

Natsume gave her petite loli form a once-over, curious.

"Over two hundred, I think," Ichikishimahime replied. "I've forgotten the exact number."

"The human form transformation of Ryūchi Cave really is amazing. It's so realistic."

Natsume squatted down, gently pinching her chin and turning her face left and right, marveling.

"It's identical to a human."

Ichikishimahime wasn't used to being physically controlled and instinctively turned her face away.

"Where are the other two snake princesses?"

Letting go of her chin, Natsume started kneading her cheeks.

Just as she'd said, the texture felt no different from human skin.

In a way, this was basically a youkai.

"They went to check if any other ninjas have talent for Sage Mode, as you instructed."

Ichikishimahime forced herself to endure the discomfort and answered.

If it were anyone else, she would have devoured him whole long ago.

She certainly wouldn't allow such impudent behavior.

"Any discoveries?"

Natsume asked with some expectation.

"None so far."

Ichikishimahime shook her head.

"A shame."

Natsume sighed, then asked, "How's Kabuto doing?"

"He's very talented."

When she mentioned Kabuto, even Ichikishimahime sounded a bit surprised.

There really hadn't been many contractors in history who could compare to him.

His progress in Sage Mode was extremely fast.

Natsume straightened up and paused at the doorway.

He turned to look at Ichikishimahime. "I have another question. How long is your tongue?"

"…?"

She was puzzled, but still answered, "Eighteen centimeters."

Natsume raised an eyebrow.

He pushed the door open and walked into the room.

"How does it feel?"

"Better than ever."

Kabuto opened his eyes. "Sage Mode is incredible. I should have learned it earlier."

"Now that you've learned Sage Mode, can you improve Orochimaru's curse mark?"

Natsume explained, "If you can reduce the side effects to a certain level, it'll be a powerful tool for most shinobi."

"That's true."

Kabuto thought for a moment. "It'll be difficult, but I should be able to lower the side effects by quite a bit."

"Try it when you have time."

Natsume extended his hand, chakra gathering in his palm.

Kabuto was confused at first, then his expression turned to shock.

He stood up. "What kind of chakra is that?!"

Even with his strength, he actually felt a sense of mortal danger.

The amount of chakra wasn't even at a genin's level.

But its power was absurdly high.

"Ōtsutsuki chakra."

Natsume smiled.

"How do you have that?"

Kabuto's eyes went wide. He leaned in to examine closely.

"Just a fortunate coincidence," Natsume said, cutting the output. "I'll leave this chakra with you. It should last quite a while."

"Excellent. With this, my research will speed up."

Kabuto looked excited, then added after a pause, "I also need a pair of Byakugan."

"No problem."

Natsume thought, How convenient.

Clan elder Hyūga Hiroshi's eyes.

He might as well give up on them.

Better to put them to use than let them go to waste.

Kabuto didn't ask whose Byakugan they were.

To him, it didn't matter.

In that regard, he was actually quite similar to Orochimaru.

Speaking of which, Natsume did have something he needed Orochimaru's help with.

He closed the door and left the lab.

"Hokage-sama."

Ichikishimahime was still waiting outside.

There was always a certain chance of partial snakeification when training Sage Mode.

She had to guarantee Kabuto's safety.

If something happened, it was Ryūchi Cave that would suffer.

"Good work."

Natsume reached out and patted her head.

Ichikishimahime could only cooperate.

…

Orochimaru's residence.

The place had already been completely converted into a laboratory.

No one would complain.

Unlike before, there was no need to hide.

Jiraiya frowned as he stared at the unconscious middle-aged man nearby.

"Orochimaru, what are you doing?"

"Experimenting."

Orochimaru shot him a sidelong glance.

"You know this violates Konoha regulations, right?"

Hearing Orochimaru's nonchalant tone, Jiraiya's face darkened.

"The Hokage approved it."

Orochimaru licked his lips. "Which is why Natsume's more likable than the old man ever was."

it'd be even better if he could use Natsume himself as an experimental subject.

He'd long wanted to see what secrets lay hidden in that Wood Release.

Was it the same as Senju Hashirama's?

"What did you say?"

Jiraiya was stunned. "How could he approve human experimentation?!"

"They're all dead men anyway."

Orochimaru gave a cold snort. "Did you come here just to condemn me?"

"…"

Jiraiya fell silent for a moment. "Natsume isn't a good Hokage."

"And?"

Orochimaru was genuinely surprised. "Are you trying to become the next Hokage? That's not like you."

"Natsume destroyed Mount Myōboku."

Jiraiya thought for a bit, then said it outright.

"Oh?"

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. That was unexpected news.

Had Natsume's strength already reached that level?

"But what does that have to do with me?"

Orochimaru's expression was calm. "You want me to help you take revenge? Jiraiya, you're far too naive."

"What if I helped you become Hokage?"

Jiraiya probed.

"Hokage?"

Orochimaru let out a derisive laugh. "You really think I care about that seat?"

Ever since Namikaze Minato had become Hokage, that title had turned into garbage to him.

"…"

Jiraiya had no words.

He had been prepared for this answer, but Orochimaru's bluntness still stung a bit.

In his heart, the two of them were brothers and closest friends.

Should he go to Tsunade?

He sighed.

But Natsume was her student.

And Jiraiya could clearly see how much Tsunade liked him.

She'd treated him like her long-lost Nawaki.

If he went to Tsunade with this, how would she respond?
He wasn't sure.

"You should go."

A flicker of emotion flashed through Orochimaru's eyes. "Natsume is right outside."

Jiraiya turned his head to look at him.

That reaction told him everything.

With that thought, he left.

Right now, he truly did not want to see Natsume.

Orochimaru stopped his experiment and headed for the living room.

"Jiraiya-sama left?"

Natsume asked with a slight chuckle.

With his current power, unless it was Ōtsutsuki Kaguya herself, no one could hide from him.

"He left."

Orochimaru nodded faintly. "What did you need me for?"

"The Wood Release awakening experiment."

Natsume didn't dwell on Jiraiya.

"No progress," Orochimaru said casually. "I told you before, this experiment has a very low chance of success."

"I know. But I've thought of a way. I just need your cooperation."

Natsume spoke offhandedly.

"You have a way?"

For once, Orochimaru was genuinely surprised.

He had conducted plenty of experiments and knew it was basically impossible.

"Just implant this into her body."

Natsume opened his hand, revealing a small, red pill in his palm.

"What is it?"

Orochimaru's curiosity made him lean in and take it.

"A secret."

Natsume blinked. "As payment, I'll let you research me for one week."

"Deal."

Orochimaru agreed without a second's hesitation.

"One week from now, we'll do the surgery at Konoha Hospital."

Natsume paused, then added, "Remember to put on a show. You know what I mean?"

Orochimaru nodded, his eyes still fixed on the red pill.

It was actually a Wood Release talent capsule.

It needed to be activated by the Ring of Fate.

If Orochimaru could truly unravel its secrets, Natsume would be genuinely impressed.

But most likely, nothing would come of it.

Natsume went straight home.

There was nothing more at the Hokage Building for today.

And it was already time to get off work anyway.

There was an extra guest at home.

Uchiha Mikoto.

Natsume was a little surprised.

She and Tsunade were sitting with Natsuko, discussing child-rearing.

Mikoto had given birth to two children before and had plenty of experience.

Watching the scene, Natsume felt a strange sense of dissonance.

He had no idea how Tsunade had explained who Natsuko was.

Though Mikoto already knew the truth.

Natsume took off his shoes and entered the living room. "Aunt Mikoto, what brings you here?"

"Hokage-sama."

Mikoto smiled gently. "I was free and thought I'd come visit Tsunade-sama."

"I see."

Natsume reached out to rub Natsuko's little head. "Was she good today?"

"Quite good."

Tsunade gave him a look. "Go cook. Don't bother me and Mikoto-san while we're talking."

"Where's Shizune?"

Natsume blinked.

"Performing surgery."

Tsunade waved him off.

Natsume had no choice but to hurry off to the kitchen.

Not long after, there was a knock at the kitchen door.

"Aunt Mikoto."

Natsume's hand slid over her full, shapely thigh.

"I need the bathroom."

Mikoto lowered her head, her breathing a bit heavy.

"I'll help you."

He scooped her up. "Go on, what did you really come for?"

He didn't believe for a second she'd come purely to see Tsunade.

Their relationship wasn't that good.

Mikoto pressed against his neck, exhaling softly. "I bought a new kimono. I wanted you to see it."

So she missed him.

Natsume smiled, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow. "I'll come when I have time."

"What do you think our child will be? A boy or a girl?"

Mikoto's legs pressed together slightly as she stood again. A maternal glow shone on her face.

"Either is fine."

Natsume glanced towards the door. "Go keep Tsunade company."

…

Chapter 262 – Backdoor Help

Because there was one extra person, Natsume cooked two additional dishes.

By the time he was done, Shizune had also returned from Konoha Hospital.

With three women clustered together discussing child-rearing, Natsume had no place to cut in.

"Thank you for the meal."

After dinner, Mikoto rose and bowed politely. "I forgot to tell Sasuke I was going out. I can't stay to keep Tsunade-sama company any longer."

"Then you'd better get back."

Tsunade squeezed her hand. "And thank you for today. You taught me a lot."

"Tsunade-sama, you flatter me."

Mikoto smiled. "It's only what I should do."

Watching the two of them talking happily, Natsume couldn't shake a sense of déjà vu.

Like two sisters.

The only pity was that they couldn't become family the way Hinae and Mikoto had—linked by both marriage and blood.

Shizune was a special case.

After Tsunade saw Mikoto to the door, she turned and came back into the living room.

"What reason did you give her?"

Natsume asked curiously.

"I said she was adopted."

Tsunade sighed helplessly. "There's no other way."

"If you want to make it public, I'm fine with it."

Natsume went over and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"No way."

Tsunade shot him a look. "What would people think of us?"

"Whoever dares talk nonsense, I'll cut out their tongue."

Natsume tightened his grip, pressing her body against his.

"What are you saying?"

Her cheeks reddened as she pushed at his arms. "It's not even nighttime yet."

"I'll give you a massage."

Natsume blinked innocently. "You've worked all day. You must be exhausted."

"Wait."

Tsunade stepped away. "I'm feeding our daughter first."

Natsume instantly felt displeased.

"You really are shameless."

Tsunade laughed, tapping his forehead. "If this keeps up, it'll affect our daughter, you know."

"Don't you have the Yin Seal?"

He'd gained a lot of experience—thanks to Hinae.

"What's going on in that head of yours all day?"

Tsunade rolled her eyes. "The Yin Seal is for this kind of thing?"

She rarely used it.

Theoretically, it was always a form of overdraft.

After she finished, seeing his aggrieved expression, she leaned in and pressed her lips to the corner of his mouth.

"Mmm."

A minute later.

Tsunade caught her breath and turned toward the bedroom.

Natsume scratched his head.

He thought for a moment, then headed to the kitchen.

By the time Tsunade finished feeding Natsuko and came out, she found Shizune limp on the sofa.

"Stay away from me."

Tsunade's face twisted in disgust as she glared at Natsume. "You're disgusting. Go take a shower!"

"Together."

Ignoring her protest, Natsume scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bathroom.

Shizune dragged her exhausted body to follow.

…

Night.

"I'm home."

Mikoto opened the door.

Sasuke wasn't in the room.

She wasn't surprised.

She headed down the corridor and, in the backyard, found Sasuke practicing with his sword.

After being beaten half to death by the Third Raikage, he'd become acutely aware of his own shortcomings.

Even with his Mangekyō active, he could barely follow the Raikage's movements.

But his own body simply couldn't keep up.

In fact, the Uchiha, aside from their Sharingan, had always been exceptional in taijutsu, kenjutsu, and the use of throwing weapons.

But much of that advantage rested on the convenience the Sharingan provided.

Now that Sharingan no longer held an overwhelming edge, all his other aspects looked very average.

Especially against a monster like the Third Raikage.

But Sasuke didn't get discouraged.

He felt that if he could defeat the Third Raikage, he wouldn't be far from defeating Itachi.

"Mom."

Noticing her, Sasuke stopped. "You're back?"

"Mm."

Mikoto walked quickly over and took out a handkerchief to wipe his sweat. "Have you eaten?"

"Yeah."

Sasuke nodded. "I ate with Izumi-nee."

"Izumi?"

Mikoto blinked.

Izumi might belong to the Uchiha clan, but she only took orders from Natsume.

She was rarely home.

So Mikoto was a little surprised.

"Yeah. I asked her about some things today," Sasuke scratched his head. "I also met a really strong Anbu ninja."

"How strong?"

Mikoto's smile was gentle.

"If I don't activate my Mangekyō, I can't beat him."

Sasuke frowned. "And he feels… familiar somehow."

Mikoto's eyes flickered thoughtfully.

She could guess who it was.

Uchiha Shisui.

Sasuke's strength might have been forcibly boosted by Mangekyō, but that didn't mean he was weak.

With three tomoe, he was enough to handle most jōnin.

"You should learn from him more."

Mikoto came back to herself and spoke softly.

"I will."

Sasuke nodded seriously.

He'd just taken a brutal beating, and with the suggestion coming from Mikoto, he accepted it easily.

Besides, Naruto was in Ryūchi Cave learning Sage Mode.

Once he returned fully trained, the gap might widen further.

Right now, Sasuke's mindset was actually at its best.

"Don't train too late."

Mikoto glanced at the sky. "Two hours at most, then shower and sleep."

After he agreed, she returned to her room.

She looked at the thin white kimono laid out on the bed and thought of Natsume.

When would he come?

Mikoto pondered that as she stepped into the bathroom.

She took off her black stockings.

In the past, she'd never worn them.

But Natsume liked them.

After she washed, Mikoto changed into the new kimono.

It was… quite cool and airy.

Almost like a swimsuit.

To avoid Sasuke walking in on her, she locked the door.

As for Natsume, he had the Flying Thunder God technique.

She wasn't worried about him.

The only thing she worried about was tonight he might not come at all.

She had no idea how much time had passed when she caught a familiar scent.

"Sasuke is still outside," Natsume whispered by her ear.

"He's back?"

Mikoto instinctively lowered her voice too.

"Come here."

Natsume pulled her over, peering through the crack in the door at Sasuke.

He was still in the living room, nurturing his sword.

That was, letting his Lightning Release chakra resonate with it, growing more familiar with it.

"Ever since he was beaten by that mysterious ninja, he's been like this," Mikoto said softly, heart aching. "But with his current situation, improving in a short time is difficult."

"Mm. Then he'll have to use the backdoor."

Natsume slid an arm around her waist. "Need me to give him some extra tutoring?"

"Huh?"

Mikoto didn't quite process it at first. She covered her mouth. "Isn't that… not so good?"

"What's so bad about it?"

Natsume chuckled. "Worried people will talk?"

"Mm…"

Mikoto nodded.

"It's nothing."

Natsume rubbed her head. "I'm the Hokage. No one will dare criticize."

"Close… the door," Mikoto whispered, taking a deep breath. Her graceful figure trembled slightly. "So we don't disturb Sasuke."

"Just don't make any noise."

Natsume smiled. "Besides, I have to charge some tutoring fees."

Mikoto felt a bit wronged, but there was nothing she could do.

Outside, the sound of lightning slowly faded.

Sasuke exhaled, feeling a closer bond with his sword.

Forged from the Seven Ninja Swords' Thunder Sword – Fang, it might not be a divine weapon, but it was certainly rare.

The more he understood and familiarized himself with it, the greater the power he could draw out.

Sasuke sheathed his blade and instinctively glanced toward Mikoto's room.

He thought he'd heard something just now.

"Mom, are you asleep?"

Sasuke hesitated, then asked in a low voice.

There was no response.

He assumed she'd gone to bed unusually early tonight.

A bit confused, he headed to the bathroom.

The sound of running water soon echoed.

The night was very quiet.

Mikoto stared blankly at her bedroom ceiling.

Her tense body slowly relaxed.

Moonlight climbed high into the sky.

Some people were still working hard, not yet resting.

…

The next day.

Hokage Building.

Natsume yawned.

"Didn't sleep well last night?"

Kurenai noticed and asked with concern.

"Not really."

Natsume smiled.

"Your smile looks a bit…"

Kurenai trailed off, stopping herself from saying "lecherous."

"A bit what?"

Natsume tilted his head.

"Nothing."

Seeing his usual handsome smile return, Kurenai quickly waved her hands.

"These are the stockings I bought for you, right?"

Natsume didn't press. His eyes dropped to her exposed calf.

"Mm."

Kurenai nodded, feeling a little embarrassed.

Natsume had bought her garter stockings.

She wasn't used to them.

"Nice."

Natsume nodded in satisfaction.

Feeling his heated gaze, Kurenai thought he was about to reach out at any moment.

Heart pounding, she hurriedly changed the subject. "There's an encrypted file."

"Encrypted" meant only the Hokage could read it.

Natsume raised a brow.

Since taking office, he'd barely used encryption.

He'd kept very little from Kurenai.

Aside from the Akatsuki.

Speaking of which, after all this time, he should finally be receiving a mission.

He wondered what it would be.

Natsume had been waiting for news from Akatsuki.

But as Hokage, he couldn't conveniently stay at the Sunny Miles Trading Company.

So he'd had Hinae receive the messages on his behalf, then forward them on to Konoha.

As for Nagato's Magic Lantern Body Technique, that was usually only used for Akatsuki gatherings.

Not for daily contact.

Natsume opened the file.

It was a bounty mission.

The target: Chiriku of the Fire Temple.

He was one of the former Twelve Guardian Ninja of the Land of Fire, with decent strength.

He was worth thirty million ryō on the black market.

In the original story, he had died to Kakuzu and Hidan.

Interestingly, Sarutobi Asuma died trying to save him, leaving Kurenai a widow.

Clearly, the timeline had been moved up.

But thinking about it, with Kakuzu's personality, Chiriku would have been killed sooner or later anyway.

Natsume glanced at Kurenai.

She was staring down at him.

Their eyes met.

"W-what is it?"

Kurenai felt something strange in his gaze and couldn't help asking.

"How's Sarutobi Asuma doing these days?"

Natsume smiled. "I remember you were pretty close, weren't you?"

Kurenai blinked, a bit surprised.

The question was too abrupt.

She looked at Natsume, then suddenly smiled faintly.

Is he jealous?

"There's nothing between us," Kurenai said seriously. "If you want to know how he's doing, you can ask Anbu."

"I was just asking casually."

Seeing her expression, Natsume laughed. "Kurenai, go fetch Sasuke for me."

Kurenai rolled her eyes at him.

The sudden mature charm in her gaze was quite captivating.

She turned and left.

Not long after, Sasuke stepped into the Hokage's office.

"Sensei."

He took the initiative to greet him. "Did you need something?"

"Your strength is exceptional. You're already at jōnin level."

Natsume picked up a file. "Your two teammates are both busy. I was wondering if you have the guts to carry out a high-level mission alone."

"I do!"

Sasuke answered without hesitation.

He wasn't nervous at all. If anything, he was eager.

"This is an S-rank mission."

Natsume said casually, "Protect the abbot of the Fire Temple, Chiriku."

"Yes, sir!"

Sasuke took the file, scanned it briefly, then said, "I'll depart immediately."

"Go."

Natsume didn't stop him.

Without Flying Thunder God, it would still take Sasuke at least two days to reach the temple.

Plenty of time.

As for Chiriku, a letter would suffice.

With Konoha's prestige, if they said he was going to be attacked, he would believe it.

"Will he be alright alone?"

Kurenai only asked after Sasuke had left. "Should we assign Anbu to guard him secretly?"

"No need."

Natsume smiled. "Don't underestimate him, Kurenai. You might not be his match."

Kurenai was considered Konoha's top genjutsu user on the surface.

The Uchiha didn't count as pure genjutsu specialists.

They actually used Fire Style more often.

Kurenai had faced Itachi in the original story, and the loss had been pretty one-sided.

"Seems your secretary is becoming more and more useless," Kurenai said quietly. "I can't even match a kid anymore."

"That's not true."

Natsume shook his head. "Kurenai, you're very capable."

"Then thank you for the compliment, Hokage-sama."

Kurenai smiled, clearly pleased.

For her, as long as she was useful to Natsume, her position as his secretary would remain secure.

"I'm heading out for a bit."

Natsume stood, letting his hand glide over her black stockings. "The village matters are in your hands for the next couple of days."

In a flash of Flying Thunder God, he vanished.

Kurenai's body trembled. Whatever she wanted to say was too late.

Her cheeks burned as she tugged at her stockings, muttering under her breath, "I really don't get what's so great about these…"

…

Land of Fields.

Kakuzu, reading a book, suddenly tensed and narrowed his eyes.

"Who's there?"

"It's me."

Natsume walked out slowly.

In the original story, Kakuzu had two hobbies:

Reading and hoarding money.

"I have something to make clear," Kakuzu said, closing his book. "Leave Chiriku's head to me."

"No problem."

Natsume smiled lazily. "To me, money is just a number."

"…"

Kakuzu turned around and left.