In the Hokage's Office.
Natsume wrapped up his Konoha Village affairs in no time.
With nothing better to do, he suddenly felt like pampering his cat.
[Flying Thunder God Technique]
Daimyo's Mansion in the Land of Waves.
The black cat he'd recently adopted lay sleeping on the sofa.
He raised an eyebrow.
Her eyes were unfocused and lifeless.
Clearly, she must be conversing with the Two-Tails, Matatabi, in the sealed realm.
Although Natsume had allowed her some freedom, without chakra, there was no way she could escape the Daimyo's Mansion.
Even if she did manage to escape, how would she leave the Land of Waves and return to Kumogakure?
Natsume walked over and gently stroked the black cat's head.
She jolted awake, her eyes instantly wary. Upon recognizing her master, however, she retracted her claws and obediently let out a soft "meow."
Her face flushed crimson—whether from anger or embarrassment, she couldn't tell.
Natsume scooped her up into his arms.
The black cat squirmed slightly at first but eventually surrendered, melting under his masterful petting skills.
Clamping down on her pink tongue tightly, her whole body went limp.
"It's noon now. Time to eat."
Natsume patted the black cat's head.
Understanding his meaning, she leapt down from his arms.
"Let's have fish."
Natsume stood up, walked to the kitchen entrance, and called for the cat.
She immediately trotted over and rubbed her head affectionately against his leg.
Though her eyes shot daggers—sharp enough to kill.
Natsume opened the fridge.
Inside were a variety of ingredients prepared by Ena Uzumaki.
Including fish.
After a moment of thought, Natsume decided to make spicy fish.
Because the fish in the fridge was a jet-black one.
Half an hour later, the freshly made spicy fish was ready.
Carrying the dish, Natsume stepped out of the kitchen.
The black cat followed closely behind.
Placing the dish on the table, Natsume picked up a piece and said, "Try it."
The black cat lifted her head. Though showing slight concern, she obeyed her master's command, opening her mouth and swallowing the fish meat.
Her pitch-black pupils slitted slightly.
How delicious!
Instinctively, she licked her lips.
It was the first time she'd ever tasted something so amazing.
If only she weren't trapped like this, she'd savor every bite.
"Eat directly from the table."
Natsume glanced at her and said.
Then, he turned his back on her entirely.
After lunch.
Natsume gently rubbed the black cat's belly, realizing she had eaten quite heartily.
Which caused her to wear an expression of profound shame.
After all, she hadn't been able to resist.
Holding the leash, he accompanied her as they walked around the hall a few times—essentially light exercise after a meal.
"Goodbye, little kitty."
Without acknowledging the extremely restless black cat, he turned and left.
That's how you handle a willful cat—keep them wanting more, never giving in too fast. Patience was key.
Natsume turned and headed toward Ena Uzumaki's room.
Just enough time for a quick nap.
Two hours later, he returned to the Hokage Tower.
The afternoon passed leisurely.
At five o'clock, a knock sounded at the door.
"Natsume, are you done with your work?"
Kurenai Yuhi entered with a smile, asking.
"Yeah."
Natsume stood up and said, "I have to say, I'm really looking forward to Sister Kurenai's cooking."
"Why do you automatically assume it's me who's going to cook?"
Kurenai Yuhi walked ahead of him as she spoke.
"That's because Sister Kurenai definitely fits the homemaker type. Cooking should be second nature to you."
Natsume said with a grin.
"Then I'll accept this compliment from Hokage-sama."
Kurenai opened the door, her lips subtly pursed, and her tone lightened noticeably.
It was clear she found that compliment satisfying.
"So that means it really is you doing the cooking?"
Walking side by side with her, Natsume reached the entrance of the Hokage Building.
"Yes."
Kurenai stopped walking and said, "Then I need Hokage-sama's help with a quick errand—grocery shopping."
"No problem."
Natsume made a mock fist and said, "I may not look like much, but I've got strength to spare!"
Kurenai glanced at his slender arms and couldn't help but smile slightly.
Exactly matching her ideal of a beautiful young man—totally different from those bulky muscular types.
About half an hour later, Kurenai returned home carrying a huge pile of groceries.
Natsume couldn't help thinking there was enough food here for ten people.
Kurenai opened the door and smiled, "Welcome, Hokage-sama."
"Sister Kurenai, no need to be so formal."
Natsume shook his head since both his hands were full of groceries.
Once inside, Kurenai immediately kicked off her high heels.
Natsume clearly saw her delicate feet wrapped in black stockings, along with her shapely calves.
"Come in."
She stepped lightly onto the floor and took the groceries from his hands.
Natsume removed his shoes, closed the door behind him, and then entered the hall.
"Red Sister, where's your mother?"
He glanced around the room but saw no one else.
"Mother went to have dinner at a friend's house."
A soft blush colored Kurenai's cheeks as she quickly passed by Natsume before heading into the kitchen.
Leaving behind only a trace of her fragrance.
Natsume inwardly thought the excuse sounded far too convenient.
Her own daughter has the Hokage over as a guest, yet she just happens to visit a friend?
Still, he didn't expose Kurenai's intentions.
He sat down on the sofa.
A short while later, Kurenai reappeared and asked, "Natsume, would you like something to drink? How about some black tea?"
Natsume nodded and said, "Whatever you're having is fine with me."
This chapter isn't finished yet! More excitement ahead!
Kurenai walked to the coffee table, knelt down gracefully, and began preparing the black tea.
Looking down at her, Natsume caught a glimpse of a snowy-white view.
"Do you normally wear this outfit at home?"
"Not really."
Without thinking, Kurenai looked up and answered.
After saying that, her face flushed slightly.
Because normally at home, she dressed much more casually.
"I put it on specially for Hokage-sama."
Noticing his puzzled look, Kurenai explained, "Other clothes might seem somewhat inappropriate."
"You're too kind."
Shaking his head, Natsume said, "Knowing how elegant Sister Kurenai always looks, nothing would ever seem out of place on her."
"I…"
Kurenai hesitated, then fell silent.
"Or do you just see me as an outsider, Sister Kurenai?"
Natsume raised his eyebrow and asked with a smile.
"No!"
Kurenai Yuhi quickly shook her hands and said, "I've always considered Natsume like my own younger brother."
She realized too late that she'd walked straight into a trap.
"Drink your tea."
Kurenai bit her lip, set the teacup down in front of Natsume, and said, "I'm going to change into something more comfortable."
She spun around and stepped into the room, leaning against the wall with a faint blush creeping up her face.
"Why do I feel like I'm the one being played by a kid?" Kurenai lightly slapped her cheeks and muttered. "This can't go on like this."
She opened the wardrobe and pulled out some casual clothes she usually wore at home—a rather loose kimono pajama set. They weren't nearly as stylish as her pencil skirt, but they were far too casual for company. After all, she normally wore nothing else under them. But with Natsume around, she still kept her underwear on.
Once changed, Kurenai stepped back out of the room.
Natsume looked up and smiled, "You look really cute—like a whole different person from your usual sharp, professional self."
"Thanks," Kurenai happily replied and turned back into the room.
Natsume sipped his black tea, waiting for the meal to be ready.
Truthfully, he was starting to get a little bored.
After waiting a moment, he stood up and headed toward the kitchen.
"Need any help?" he asked from the doorway.
"No thanks," replied Kurenai, who was wearing an apron, without turning around. "Leave it to me."
"What? You think I'll ruin everything?" Natsume teased. "My cooking skills are actually pretty great, you know."
"You can cook?"
Kurenai paused mid-action and asked in surprise.
"Of course."
Natsume casually stepped forward and picked up a fish. "Take a look."
With one hand, he pinned the fish's tail down, then swiftly sliced through it with the knife in his other hand. Moments later, thin, neat slices of fish were laid out in perfect order.
Kurenai's eyes lit up. Natsume's movements were extremely proficient—clearly the result of long-term practice, not something learned overnight.
Instantly, Kurenai's impression of him improved significantly. In the ninja world, few had mastered a skill like this. He was turning into the ideal husband material.
"Well then?" Natsume asked proudly.
"I underestimated you," Kurenai admitted, seeing his show-off expression as she smiled slightly. Still such a teenager at heart.
"In that case, I'll leave the cutting to you," Kurenai decided after a moment's thought.
Truthfully, she enjoyed working together like this. It reminded her of the days she'd spent watching her father cook—memories that now felt bittersweet.
Natsume's small gesture tonight made her feel like she was truly home again.
Dinner was finally ready—just the two of them, but four dishes.
"No way we're finishing all this," Natsume said, glancing around. "I wouldn't have gone overboard if I knew Aunt was out."
"It's fine. We'll just eat leftovers tomorrow."
Kurenai handed him a pair of chopsticks. "Go ahead, try it."
"Sure."
Natsume picked up a piece of fried fish, took a bite, and said, "Tastes great."
"Glad to hear it."
Kurenai let out a sigh of relief and said, "Eat more. Be sure to eat until you're full—you're still growing."
Natsume wanted to argue but couldn't.
He gave a slight nod and fell silent.
The meal ended.
Kurenai began cleaning up the chopsticks and bowls.
Natsume offered help but was refused, so he could only let her do it herself.
With nothing else to do, he closed his eyes and started observing his Sage Body.
With Kaguya Otsutsuki's assistance, his physical constitution had been strengthened.
The most obvious change was the additional pure chakra inside him.
It was the chakra of the Otsutsuki Clan.
Compared to his original chakra, they were clearly two different qualities.
It was like comparing two cars—one large, one small.
They were nowhere near comparable.
If given enough time, Natsume's original chakra would eventually be completely replaced, and his Sage Body would evolve once again.
Speaking of this, he suddenly thought of Hinata Hyuga.
She seemed to lack exactly the chakra of the Otsutsuki Clan.
Kaguya Otsutsuki probably wouldn't give it to her, but…could he?
He just didn't know whether her current age and body could handle it.
Maybe he should pay a visit to the moon someday and eliminate Toneri Otsutsuki.
After Kurenai washed the chopsticks and bowls and cleaned up the kitchen, she washed her hands and walked into the hall.
She paused briefly.
Natsume was leaning back on the sofa with his eyes closed, seemingly asleep.
"Is he too tired?"
Kurenai recalled that Natsume had also fallen asleep in the Hokage's office last time.
She had even given him a massage back then.
Tonight's little chapter isn't over yet!
Tonight's mini-chapter isn't over yet!
But from this, it showed how much Natsume trusted her.
Looking at his incredibly handsome face—so perfect it seemed beyond human—Kurenai felt her heart pound.
She gritted her teeth, brushed her hair aside, and gently kissed him.
Then immediately pulled away, feeling quite nervous as she looked at him.
But Natsume didn't wake up.
Gradually, Kurenai's anxiety eased.
Good thing he didn't notice… Right?
Except there was no way Natsume could've missed it with his power.
But he chose not to expose it.
Because he was curious if Kurenai would try anything else.
Unfortunately, she didn't.
After all, Kurenai was still a traditional kunoichi.
Natsume didn't pretend any longer either.
He opened his eyes and asked, "When did Sister Kurenai get here?"
"Just finished washing the dishes."
Kurenai smiled faintly, her expression unchanged from usual.
"Oh."
Seeing this, Natsume continued, "If there's nothing else, I'll head back now. Otherwise, my teacher might worry."
Kurenai opened her mouth but didn't know what to say.
Ask him to stay overnight?
She wasn't capable of going that far yet.
So she could only watch helplessly as Natsume left.
Two days later,
Natsume made time to visit the black market—or rather, the currency exchange—in the metropolis of the Land of Fire.
While he was wondering how to find the Akatsuki organization, a young ninja approached.
Wearing the forehead protector of Amegakure Village, the man carefully studied Natsume's mask before asking, "Are you Lord Kishi?"
Natsume simply nodded and replied, "I am."
"I am sent by the Angel to pick you up."
The young ninja said respectfully, "Please follow me."
The Angel was a reference to Konan.
Every ninja in Amegakure referred to her by that title.
Natsume followed him out of the city.
"Teacher."
Three figures landed in front of the young ninja.
Natsume raised his brow slightly.
They were three girls, quite young, with obvious childishness on their faces.
He estimated they were about one or two years younger than Naruto Uzumaki.
However, they all wore forehead protectors from Amegakure Village, so they must already be Genin.
"These are my three students," the young ninja introduced. "Hydrangea, Water Lily, and Furong."
Natsume narrowed his eyes slightly, suddenly recalling who these three were.
In the original series, they appeared during the Chunin Exams.
Not during Naruto's batch, but in the second round afterward—which only appeared in the anime.
Water Lily and Furong didn't have much development.
Hydrangea, on the other hand, had a bit more screentime.
Though it was only as a corpse.
Having been transformed into the Animal Path of the Six Paths of Pain after her death—often jokingly dubbed the "Loli Path" by fans.
Aside from that, Natsume recalled she had a summoned beast companion—a panda.
"Hydrangea," the young ninja ordered, "summon your summoned beasts."
"Yes."
Hydrangea bit her thumb and summoned four beasts—all tigers.
"My lord, please proceed."
The young ninja lifted his hand and said, "We'll reach our destination much faster by riding summoned beasts."
Natsume didn't refuse. He climbed onto the tiger's back with a quick motion.
They dashed forward at full speed.
Eventually, they crossed out of the Land of Fire and into the Land of Rain.
But instead of heading toward Amegakure Village, they arrived at an unfamiliar ravine.
"Honored Kishi-sama, please enter."
The young ninja halted and said, "The Angel is waiting inside."
Natsume twitched his lips.
So your Angel lives in a cave?
Not some snake-spirit.
But since Konan didn't want him entering Amegakure Village directly, it made sense.
Natsume stepped into the cave.
After passing through a dim corridor, the space abruptly opened into a vast cavernous hall.
Inside stood a massive structure—the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
Also known as the body of the Ten-Tails.
This was the first time Natsume had seen it in person.
His past life didn't count—he'd only seen it on a screen before.
Now standing before it, he could truly grasp its immense scale.
Even seeing just a portion of it was awe-inspiring.
Its only downside was its grotesque appearance.
But since the original form was a tree, it was understandable.
Pieces of paper fluttered from afar.
They gathered before Natsume, forming the shape of Konan.
She didn't explain the statue's purpose—only gestured for him to follow.
Across the cavernous hall, Nagato awaited—or rather, Deva Path Pain.
Forged from Yahiko's corpse.
Short orange hair, nails piercing his face—acting as chakra receivers.
Of the Six Paths, this one possessed the greatest strength, wielding the legendary Rinnegan abilities: [Shinra Tensei], [Universal Pull], and [Planetary Devastation].
"Our organization… is Akatsuki."
Konan said calmly, "This is our leader, Deva Path Pain."
"Leader, nice to meet you," Natsume greeted with a smile.
Deva Path Pain showed little reaction, merely giving a slight nod, not even deigning to speak.
"This is your ring."
Konan handed him a scroll and added, "It represents your identity and codename, Sansei (Three Platforms)."
The codename Sansei had previously been assigned to Hidan, but since he was already dead, it was now passed on to Natsume.
"There's also this ninjutsu technique called [Projection Technique]."
Konan handed him another scroll as she continued, "In the future, the leader will use the ring to assign missions to you."
"Got it."
Natsume picked up both the scroll and the ring but chose not to wear the ring.
That wasn't unusual.
"Akatsuki has always operated in pairs during missions. Your partner will be Kakuzu."
"How does that sound?" Konan continued without showing concern.
"He's actually pretty strong."
Natsume nodded, then asked, "So, what mission do I have now?"
"Money-making."
Konan blinked, her expression unchanged before asking, "Right now Akatsuki's main goal is earning money. As the representative of the Thousand Sunny Merchant Guild, do you have any ideas?"
Looks like they were finally revealing their true intentions.
Natsume smiled and replied, "If it's just regular requests, the rewards are usually not very high unless it involves an entire village, like Kiri. But right now, the Land of Water doesn't need that many people involved."
"Is there no alternative?"
Frowning slightly, Konan asked.
"There isn't exactly no way."
Natsume paused thoughtfully before replying, "The Thousand Sunny Merchant Guild offers loan services, as long as there's something valuable to serve as collateral."
"How much could we get?"
A spark of interest flickered in Konan's eyes as she asked.
"Up to one billion ryo."
Natsume casually threw out that number, adding, "Of course, if you want to borrow more, you'll need something even more trustworthy as proof."
Konan's eyes lit up instantly.
Currently, the highest bounty on the black market started at a million ryo, and even for top-level Kage like the Five Great Kage, it rarely exceeded two or three hundred million ryo.
One billion ryo was an astronomical figure.
And there was potential to borrow even more.
"If Akatsuki wants to take out a loan, I can arrange it."
Natsume continued speaking.
Konan instinctively turned her gaze toward Deva Path Pain.
Nagato, who controlled the Deva Path from behind, remained silent for a moment before giving a slight nod.
In about two years, their true plan would begin its execution.
At that point, they'd be enemies of the entire world.
At that point, repaying debts would no longer matter.
Still, Nagato believed himself to possess dignity.
He believed they should honor their debt.
But only after completely conquering the ninja world.
[Five Thousand Words]
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