Senka.
Tsunade really liked this name.
Because it contained the character "summer."
It immediately reminded her of Natsume.
Their relationship couldn't be revealed just yet.
Just having a similar name was comforting enough.
"I wonder what her personality will be like?"
Tsunade gently rubbed her belly, smiling happily.
"It'd be best if she takes after you."
Natsume leaned closer, placing his hand on her abdomen as well.
"But not too much like me," Tsunade added after a brief moment of thought.
"She should also inherit your good traits."
"She will," Natsume smiled, taking her hand.
"After all, she's our child."
Tsunade said nothing more, resting her head against his shoulder.
Together, they started watching TV.
As night fell,
Natsume and Tsunade finished dinner and headed to the rooftop.
Konoha Village remained buried under snow, with cold winds howling outside.
Luckily, chakra could handle just about anything.
After quickly setting up a barrier, they settled in to wait for the fireworks to start.
Soon, the sky lit up.
Colors burst across the sky like spilled ink.
Tsunade snuggled into Natsume's arms, saying nothing.
To her, having life this fulfilling was already a gift from heaven.
She couldn't ask for anything more.
The night sky faded back into darkness.
"Let's go back," Tsunade whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck.
The meaning was obvious.
Natsume carefully lifted her into his arms and carried her back to their room.
And with that, the New Year Festival came to a close.
The next day,
Natsume arrived at the Hokage Building.
Along the way, many people greeted him.
He politely greeted everyone in return.
This earned him quite a bit of goodwill among the villagers.
Kurenai Yuhi knocked on the door before stepping inside upon receiving permission.
As usual, she wore a pencil skirt. A couple of buttons were left open, probably due to haste, hinting at a deep neckline.
"Natsume."
Kurenai smiled as she greeted him.
"How was your evening yesterday?"
"Pretty good."
Natsume returned the question.
"And yours? You must've worked hard yesterday."
"Not at all."
Upon hearing those words, warmth blossomed in Kurenai's heart.
Truthfully, she had felt a little upset he hadn't shown up at the Hokage Building yesterday.
Not that he'd skipped work or anything—it was just that she missed seeing him.
Now, however, that feeling vanished completely with his simple inquiry.
After all, Natsume wasn't just her younger brother—he was Konoha Village's Hokage.
"This is for you."
Natsume pulled out a small jewelry box.
"For me?"
Kurenai looked surprised, though she didn't refuse.
Opening the box, she saw a necklace inside adorned with red gemstones.
"When I saw this in the shop yesterday, I immediately thought it would suit Sister Kurenai perfectly."
Natsume smiled.
"Thank you."
Snapping out of it, Kurenai looked at him, slightly dazed.
"I really like it."
A moment later, she paused, then smiled sheepishly.
"I forgot to prepare a gift for you."
"No worries," Natsume waved it off.
"You don't need to get me presents. We've got so much stuff at home already—there's barely any space left."
"But that's different!"
Kurenai Yuhi paused for a moment.
Spiritual reward?
Was that supposed to mean something?
Before she could answer, Natsume asked again, "Anything unusual happen yesterday?"
"There was one thing."
Kurenai Yuhi immediately shifted into secretary mode and stepped forward, handing him a file. "This came from Konoha Hospital."
A flicker of surprise passed through Natsume's eyes.
What did Konoha Hospital even want?
He opened the file. It turned out to be about the excitement caused by Orochimaru's White Zetsu cell technology.
Natsume could understand it.
After all, limb regeneration had greatly improved the survival rates among Konoha ninja.
Of course, the hospital wasn't trying to praise the White Zetsu cell technique—it hoped Orochimaru himself would step forward to teach it.
After all, this stuff wasn't easy.
"Let Kabuto handle it."
Natsume thought for a moment before giving orders.
"Kabuto?"
Kurenai Yuhi took a few seconds before she remembered who that was.
Mostly because Kabuto Yakushi had basically vanished in recent years, becoming a complete recluse.
The only reason she remembered was because she was an excellent secretary.
"Can he do it?"
Kurenai Yuhi instinctively asked.
Her voice betrayed her doubt.
Natsume understood her reaction.
"He won't let you down," he said.
Kurenai Yuhi nodded.
She didn't trust Kabuto Yakushi—but she trusted Natsume.
"Then I'll notify him right away."
Kurenai Yuhi slightly bowed and turned to leave.
Natsume lazily flipped through the papers on his desk.
After a long while, he stretched.
Yesterday's business was already handled—leaving him temporarily free.
Natsume thought of Mei Terumī.
So he activated the Flying Thunder God Technique and directly appeared at the Mizukage's office.
"What are you doing here?"
Mei looked up and asked.
For some reason, Natsume caught a trace of bitterness in her tone.
Thinking carefully, it had indeed been a while since they last met.
Mei was currently in that early stage of a new relationship.
She should've been seeing her boyfriend every day.
But here she was, left waiting this long—of course she'd be furious.
"Just came to see you."
Natsume calmly smiled and said, "Not welcome?"
"Not at all," Mei scoffed lightly. "I'm busy. How come you're always so free?"
Her resentment hadn't faded at all.
Natsume sat on the Mizukage's office desk and said, "I'm the Hokage too. I'm busy as well."
Mei rolled her eyes. "At least more free than me."
"Why are we even discussing this?"
Natsume shrugged. "We're just regular workers. Life's rough."
"I'm the Mizukage, not just some worker."
Mei clearly disliked this phrasing, emphasizing coldly with her tone.
Natsume didn't argue further.
Indeed, she was a career-driven strong woman.
Nothing like him—the laid-back kind.
"How's the new jinchuriki doing?"
Natsume swiftly steered the conversation elsewhere. "If there's any problem, it's covered under warranty."
"There are no issues at the moment."
Mei shot him a sidelong glance and said with some exasperation, "Just be serious for once."
"Serious?"
Natsume hopped down from the Mizukage's office desk and said, "You should get back to your duties as a maid now."
Mei remained silent.
He just couldn't be genuinely serious, after all.
She shook her head, locking the office door from the inside, then walked over and sat down on the sofa.
Natsume naturally laid his head on her soft thighs.
Mei placed her hands on him and began massaging.
"Master, is this pressure okay?"
"Just right."
Natsume looked at her earnest expression and couldn't help but smile. "You really do seem made for being a maid."
"..."
Mei paused for a moment before replying in dissatisfaction, "Who would want to be a maid if it weren't for the debt I owe you?"
"Paying one's debts is only fair."
Natsume turned onto his side, pressing his face into her abdomen, taking a deep breath. "Smells wonderful."
"Don't… talk like that!"
Mei flushed red with embarrassment and instinctively pressed harder with both hands.
"Hey, you're hurting me!"
Natsume joked casually, "A maid like you deserves a firm scolding from her master."
"This is all your fault to begin with."
Mei resumed her gentle motions, though the flush on her face hadn't faded.
Because she could feel Natsume's rhythmic breathing.
And it made her deeply embarrassed.
"I just praised you for being a good maid, yet you've already shown your true colors."
Natsume sighed and continued, "You've still got a long way to go."
"..."
Mei didn't know what to say.
Oh well, whatever.
Natsume shifted his body slightly and repositioned himself properly to lie down.
"Why so quiet?"
"There's nothing to say."
Mei's hands had already moved to his face.
Surprisingly soft.
No wonder—he was still a teenager after all.
"You seem to be thinking something dirty," Natsume murmured with narrowed eyes.
"Not at all."
Mei's heart skipped a beat, denying immediately.
"Your previous massage technique was incorrect," Natsume pointed out with a raised brow.
"…"
Mei was speechless again.
Why are you so perceptive about these things?
Even noticing the techniques?
Why not use this awareness where it matters?
"There's no problem," Mei replied after a two-second pause. "It's a new technique I recently learned."
Of course she wouldn't admit anything.
Natsume stopped teasing her and simply enjoyed the massage.
After a while, his breathing steadied, almost as if he'd fallen asleep.
Looking down at him, Mei's lips curved slightly upward.
He looked best like this—peacefully sleeping.
She recalled earlier events.
Falling asleep in Natsume's arms.
Probably the most secure feeling she'd ever experienced.
Without any worries at all.
Mei bit her lip.
If only Natsume were a ninja of Kirigakure, then she wouldn't need to worry about anything anymore.
The two of them could fall in love and marry each other.
Mei gazed at him, dazed.
She only snapped out of it when Natsume opened his eyes and quickly looked away.
"Looks like it's time to head home."
Natsume straightened up and glanced out the window as he spoke.
"Next time..."
Mei Terumī hesitated, wanting to say more but failing to find the right words.
"What? You're not gonna miss me, are you?"
Natsume leaned close to her face and asked.
"Don't be silly."
Mei feigned composure as she gently pushed him away.
"Alright then."
Natsume vanished instantly.
Mei stood frozen for a moment.
A short while later, she stomped her foot in frustration.
She couldn't even pinpoint why she was angry.
But one thing was clear—she was furious.
Natsume reappeared in the Hokage's office.
He found Kurenai Yuhi asleep on the sofa.
He stroked his chin thoughtfully.
There was something he probably should've done at this moment…
Unfortunately, the moment had already slipped away.
Because Kurenai had already woken up.
After all, she was a ninja.
No one could get close without being noticed—unless Natsume intentionally masked his presence.
"Sorry."
Kurenai said softly, her face slightly flushed.
"It's fine."
Natsume sat down beside her on the sofa. "Sister Kurenai must've been exhausted."
Then he reached out and began massaging her feet.
Kurenai hadn't anticipated him being so forward.
By the time she realized what was happening, it was too late.
"Should I take off your thigh-highs?" Natsume asked casually.
"N-no... that won't be necessary," Kurenai shook her head quickly.
This mini-chapter isn't done yet—more excitement ahead!
She wasn't wearing knee-high socks, but thigh-high stockings.
How was she even supposed to take those off?
Besides, going barefoot in front of the Hokage felt completely unprofessional.
Not long after, Kurenai couldn't help herself and asked, "Natsume, isn't that enough?"
Natsume grinned at her shy reaction. "If you can give me a foot massage, I should return the favor, right?"
"T-that's not... the same..."
Kurenai hesitated for a few seconds before drawing her legs back, readjusting her thigh-highs, and slipping her heels back on. "I'm the Hokage's secretary."
"Oh."
Natsume smirked slightly. "What if I ordered you to?"
Kurenai froze in place.
She hadn't expected Natsume to misuse his authority like that.
Meeting his gaze briefly, she quickly looked away and whispered, "I'll obey."
"Anything at all?" Natsume pressed.
Kurenai shivered slightly. "W-well… i-it depends."
"Sister Kurenai,"
Natsume chuckled. "You're not acting like yourself at all."
"I... I need to go."
Kurenai fled in embarrassment.
Natsume stood up and clapped his hands together. Playing with his pretty secretary felt really good indeed.
Outside the window, dusk had arrived.
Right on schedule, he clocked out and went home.
Shizune also returned from her mission.
The gift Natsume gave her was a teddy bear plushie.
Though childish, she happily accepted it anyway.
Another day had begun.
Natsume lounged comfortably in the Hokage's chair, idly passing the time when a knock interrupted the silence.
It was Mikoto Uchiha who entered.
Her expression was heavy with emotion. After closing the door behind her, she immediately said, "I... I'm expecting..."
"Aunt Mikoto, come here."
Natsume wasn't taken aback.
The moment she activated her dojutsu, the outcome had become inevitable.
Therefore, he wasn't nearly as excited as when he'd heard about Tsunade's pregnancy.
Still, he was fairly happy.
Mikoto Uchiha let out a quiet sigh and walked over to him.
Natsume drew her into his embrace and gently said, "I'm sorry."
Mikoto hesitated momentarily, momentarily confused.
She didn't understand why he was apologizing.
But realization dawned moments later.
She took a light breath, blinked her eyes, and said, "It… it was my decision."
After speaking, her face flushed crimson, right up to her ears.
Natsume instinctively hesitated, noticing her warm skin, and couldn't help but smile.
"Is that really what you feel, Aunt Mikoto?"
"Mm."
Mikoto Uchiha nestled into his embrace and murmured resignedly.
"Thank you."
Natsume stroked her smooth black hair as he spoke.
"It was… all because of Sasuke."
Mikoto Uchiha blurted out instinctively.
Yet her heartbeat quickened inexplicably.
Perhaps she truly was just a wretched woman.
Mikoto Uchiha sighed internally.
She had believed she would always remain a devoted wife and mother, never imagining things would turn out like this.
If only she were twenty years younger—falling for Natsume wouldn't have been so terrible.
Suppressing her turbulent emotions, she asked, "Would merely telling Sasuke be enough?"
"I don't think that'll work."
Natsume shook his head and began explaining his plan.
His plan was to utilize Yakumo Kurama's Kekkei Genkai to pull Sasuke into a genjutsu world.
Of course, since Yakumo was still quite young and her power limited, he would also need to use his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan.
[Genjutsu Awakening]
Under normal conditions, this wouldn't be feasible.
Otherwise, the Uchiha clan would have long since dominated the ninja world.
First, ordinary genjutsu had no effect on the Sharingan.
Second, even dojutsu techniques of the Mangekyo Sharingan, like Tsukuyomi, were of limited effectiveness.
But Yakumo Kurama was different.
Her genjutsu world was, in theory, completely real.
For Sasuke Uchiha to distinguish it would be extremely difficult.
Plus, his most trusted figure—his mother, Mikoto Uchiha—was directly involved.
Would he even realize he'd been ensnared in an illusion?
Natsume believed not.
Four thousand words.
(End of chapter)
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