It didn't take long before Natsuki and Tenten left the Hokage building.
Tsunade watched them go, her face full of mixed feelings. She hadn't expected the legendary Rikudō Ningu (Six Paths Ninja Tools) to end up in Tenten's hands—and judging from her expression, she was definitely going to use them.
With such a huge trump card, Tsunade felt pretty lucky.
Even if a Tailed Beast went berserk one day, it could be dealt with easily.
"Heh, at least those two brats still have some conscience—they didn't actually hide it from me. And they even remembered to bring me some liquor. While Shizune's not here, I'll sneak a few sips…"
"Tsunade-sama?"
Shizune pushed the door open, startling Tsunade so much that she quickly hid the bottles behind her back.
But Shizune's sharp eyes caught them instantly. "Tsunade-sama! Where did you buy more liquor? You know you can't drink during work! I'm confiscating these!"
Tsunade cried out in despair, "No, Shizune! This is my life!"
Outside the Hokage building, Natsuki and Tenten walked hand in hand toward the ninja tools shop, ready to deliver some gifts from the Land of Lightning to her father.
The reason they had told Tsunade about the Rikudō Ningu wasn't to show off, but out of trust. Since she asked, they told her—especially since she had promised to keep it secret.
As Tsunade said, she would find out sooner or later. Letting her know early would give her more confidence.
Tenten had actually discussed with Natsuki whether to keep the matter absolutely secret, but Natsuki let her decide for herself.
She thought about it and realized that with enemies like the Akatsuki, the Rikudō Ningu might be needed soon. Even if they were going to hide it, Tsunade wasn't the one to hide it from.
That way, when a strong enemy appeared, she could help in a big way.
And Tsunade-sama wouldn't be tempted to split Natsuki in half just to use him in two places at once.
Tenten was that kind of person—she cared for her comrades, she loved the village, and she wanted to contribute her strength.
In the original timeline, when she picked up the Benihisago (Crimson Gourd) and Kohaku no Jōhei (Amber Purifying Pot), she immediately ran toward the main battlefield without regard for her own safety, because she believed those treasures could help everyone and had to be delivered quickly.
Even when trapped in the Infinite Tsukuyomi, she kept trying to find a way out to save everyone.
Because Natsuki knew this about Tenten, he didn't interfere with her choice. She was a smart girl who could figure things out herself.
Since she was willing to tell Tsunade, Natsuki naturally supported her.
And in return, Tsunade would value and rely on her more, helping her achieve her ideals in the future.
"Dad, we're back!"
As soon as they reached the shop, Tenten called out cheerfully, dragging Natsuki along to her father, then summoning a pile of gifts and setting them in front of him.
Natsuki smiled. "Father-in-law, Tenten and I went to the Land of Lightning. These are gifts we picked out especially for you. Here's the Land of Lightning's most popular liquor… and here's the most expensive one they sell. We bought both for you. Even Tsunade-sama likes these!"
The shopkeeper grinned from ear to ear, glancing smugly at the neighbors gathered by the door to watch.
He really wanted to show off.
Even though his daughter and son-in-law weren't officially married yet, it already felt like they had been for years. This visit felt like her returning to her family home, and it brought tears to his eyes.
His daughter was filial, his son-in-law thoughtful—both remembering to bring him gifts after traveling.
So, neighbors—feel the envy! Hahaha!
"Ahem! Since even Tsunade-sama likes this liquor, I'll keep it in storage. Maybe during the holidays, I'll gift her some to keep her looking after our business."
He was clearly delighted but still pretended to be serious, which made one want to laugh and cry.
Natsuki quickly said, "No need, Father-in-law. Keep these for yourself. Tsunade-sama has me to handle her. She values me a lot now, and she really likes Tenten too. Our family business will be fine. You just relax and enjoy life."
The shopkeeper's grin and pride were impossible to hide. He patted Natsuki on the shoulder, clearly very satisfied with his son-in-law.
In his heart, he thought it was all thanks to his daughter's beauty and excellence—otherwise, how could a genius like Natsuki have willingly fallen for her since childhood?
Yes… it was definitely because his daughter was amazing!
Tenten didn't bother to expose her father's smug face. She and Natsuki went to the kitchen to prepare a meal, and the family enjoyed a happy dinner together.
After that, Tenten left with Natsuki. She had long been used to living with him; apart from not having officially moved in or married, their life was practically the same as being married.
Her father didn't mind—he'd gotten used to it over the years.
He chatted with the neighbors and occasionally brought out the gifts to show off, making them green with envy.
Back at home, Natsuki and Tenten had barely arrived when someone knocked on the door.
Opening it, Natsuki saw, "Sasuke? Come in."
Tenten greeted him too. "Sasuke, you're here. Come sit—red tea or green tea? Red tea it is."
She went to make the tea.
Natsuki gestured for Sasuke to sit. "Just say whatever's on your mind. Tenten's one of us, and she'll keep your secret, so no need to hold back."
Sasuke nodded and handed over a scroll. "Take a look at this."
Natsuki accepted it curiously, unrolling it—and froze. "The Three-Tails?"
"Yeah. I found this at Orochimaru's place," Sasuke explained. "I saw Sai rummaging through some things in Orochimaru's base. I figured he must have a lot of valuable stuff there, and definitely some important intel. So I decided to look too. I got lucky and found this."
Natsuki wasn't surprised. "Looks like the Three-Tails' jinchūriki is already dead, and the beast revived and went into hiding."
At that moment, Tenten came back with the tea, even bringing sugar. She sat down and leaned over curiously to look at the scroll.
"So Orochimaru had already discovered the Three-Tails' location… probably planning to use it for experiments. So, Sasuke, you came to Natsuki for… what? Don't tell me you want to be a jinchūriki?"
Sasuke answered firmly, "Yes. I want Natsuki to help me subdue the Three-Tails. I want to become a jinchūriki."
Uh…
Tenten hadn't expected her joke to turn out true.
This guy actually did want to become a jinchūriki!
But she wasn't stupid—she knew Sasuke carried the hatred of his clan's destruction. Wanting power was normal, and becoming a jinchūriki was a good option.
Just look at Naruto—though not very skilled most of the time, he could still burst out with the Nine-Tails' chakra in tough situations, and that was extremely powerful. Once he fully controlled it, his strength might even surpass Tsunade's.
If Sasuke became a jinchūriki… he might handle it even better than Naruto.
(End of Chapter)
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