A moonlit night.
Outside Kumogakure, atop a distant peak.
Thanks to the high-hanging moonlight, Natsume could clearly see the sprawling village below.
Standing beside him was Yugito Nii.
She was still wearing her catgirl bodysuit, though now covered by a loose robe.
Nothing about her appearance would seem out of place, aside from the cat ears on top of her head.
Yugito gazed at her homeland.
A nostalgic expression appeared on her face as she drifted into a memory.
At the same time, there was a hint of regret.
If only she hadn't crossed Natsume back then.
She would still be a ninja of Kumogakure rather than stuck in this form.
"Matatabi, any chance?"
Yugito withdrew her consciousness into the sealed space.
"I still need more time."
Matatabi said, slightly embarrassed. "The sealing technique is even more complex than I thought."
"That's fine."
Yugito shook her head.
Matatabi was her good friend; he would do his best.
He wouldn't deceive her.
It just proved that the Uzumaki Sealing Technique was truly remarkable.
Not flawless, though.
That gave Yugito hope, allowing her not to fall into despair and darkness completely.
Sometimes during Natsume's massage techniques, she really wanted to give in.
But thinking about Kumogakure and Matatabi, she gritted her teeth and persisted.
Because she knew her perseverance was meaningful.
Once she broke free, she would make sure to repay Natsume.
Although he was undeniably powerful, Yugito believed the Fourth Raikage was even stronger.
Probably… or so she hoped.
"What are you thinking about?"
Natsume turned his head and noticed her gaze unfocused, as if caught in another's thoughts.
Of course, from his experience, he immediately recognized she was communicating with Matatabi.
They were probably discussing plans to escape.
Perhaps one day he should have a talk with Matatabi.
To crush her last hope.
"Nothing… Nothing at all."
Yugito snapped out of it, looking down at the ground, avoiding direct eye contact.
Natsume detected her dishonesty but didn't mind.
He absently ruffled her hair and asked, "Where are Kumogakure ninjas buried after death?"
Yugito paused in surprise.
What kind of question was this?
Earlier, she assumed Natsume came here to complete some mission.
She had even considered how to send a message to the Fourth Raikage.
But things seemed different from what she expected.
"There's a Memorial Stone on the southeast side of the village."
After thinking briefly, Yugito responded.
Regardless of Natsume's intention, she currently dared not defy his will.
Besides, this wasn't a secret.
Natsume could easily discover such information by controlling any Kumogakure ninja.
Therefore, there was no need to hide it.
"Take me there."
Natsume gently combed through her hair with his right hand before stopping at Yugito's neck.
Grabbing the collar, he gave it a slight tug, making the leash extend accordingly.
"You… You gave me your word…"
Instantly, Yugito paled instantly, her face draining of color.
If she went like this, she'd rather die than face Kumogakure.
"It's night; there won't be anyone around."
Natsume grinned. "What's there to be scared of? You're used to this by now."
Yugito Nii's expression darkened.
She didn't dare protest and transformed back into a black cat, her limbs nimble as she made her way toward their destination.
Natsume loosely held the cat leash and strolled behind at a relaxed pace.
Before long, they reached the Memorial Stone.
It looked nearly identical to Konoha Village.
Natsume detected the presence of several Anbu nearby. With a single motion, he formed a Kage Bunshin and knocked them all out cold.
Since it was night, everything was particularly quiet.
Yet the black cat remained tense, her body taut with anxiety, dreading that someone might appear any second.
At the same time, an inexplicable thrill coursed through her.
Natsume quickly scanned through the gravestones before his gaze settled on the name of the Third Raikage.
Kumogakure, a ninja village rooted in martial tradition, was notoriously fierce.
The strongest of each generation would receive the title of "A."
For example, both the previous Third and Fourth Raikage were officially referred to as A.
Natsume suspected it was just the author being lazy.
[Clearing throat]
Ahem.
However, when it came to the Fifth Raikage, Darui, this naming convention disappeared.
Based on his performance, he wasn't particularly impressive either.
Nowhere near as formidable as the previous two Raikage.
Observing Natsume's actions, Yugito grew more puzzled by the moment.
What exactly was he trying to do?
Could the current Hokage have actually come to Kumogakure to pay his respects?
Impossible.
Yugito couldn't imagine such a demonic figure having any sentimental motives.
Besides, Natsume was still so young—what reason could he possibly have to be connected to Kumogakure?
As Yugito lost herself in thought, her eyes suddenly widened in shock as she blurted out, "What are you doing?"
Natsume had already kicked forward, exposing the deeply buried corpse of the Third Raikage.
Each Raikage practiced Nin-Taijutsu.
Their bodies were exceptionally powerful.
While most ninjas focused on high offense but low defense, the Raikage excelled in both.
Of the Five Great Kage, next to the Hokage, they were arguably the strongest.
During the Fourth Great Ninja War, the Fourth Raikage served as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Ninja Forces.
This clearly demonstrated his strength.
Had it been someone else, like Danzo Shimura, people would certainly have questioned that decision.
After all, those who became Kage were prodigies with commanding presences.
The ninja world had advanced techniques for preserving corpses.
The Third Raikage's remains were intact.
[Soft gasp]
Natsume pulled out the Sword of the Thunder God and a Storage Scroll, cut off a piece before restoring the corpse to its original condition.
"Exactly what are you doing?" Yugito asked again when he gave no reply.
The Third Raikage was one of the ninja she respected most.
What Natsume did was undeniably desecration.
Like the Impure World Reincarnation technique—it deserved condemnation.
Thus, Yugito appeared visibly furious.
But considering her current posture on all fours, she didn't look very threatening.
"Want to know?" Natsume squatted down, pinching her chin. "But your attitude isn't very friendly, is it?"
"…"
Yugito snapped back to reality.
Her previous actions had definitely been reckless.
Provoking Natsume could result in unpredictable consequences.
Yugito Nii's eyes instantly cleared.
She whispered, "Sorry."
"Hehe, so obedient," Natsume grinned and asked, "I've finished what I came to do. Do you want to meet your old friends?"
Yugito Nii hesitated but quickly shook her head.
In her current condition, there was no way she could let them see her like this.
Besides, with Natsume's power, except for the Fourth Raikage and B, everyone else would be in danger.
She didn't want to be the one leading someone straight to them.
In short, it was better not to meet at all.
"You're seriously not going?"
Natsume arched an eyebrow and said, "I already gave you the opportunity. Don't blame me later."
Yugito Nii lowered her eyes, remained silent for a moment, then shook her head again.
She still couldn't trust Natsume.
She feared he might do something that would endanger Kumogakure.
"So you really do care about Kumogakure after all," Natsume touched her face gently and asked, "What if one day Konoha defeats Kumogakure? What will you do?"
"No… That can't happen."
Yugito Nii angrily uttered the first word, but realizing her position, she softened her tone.
In her opinion, Konoha and Kumogakure were evenly matched.
It would be hard for either side to defeat the other.
Even more so, she believed Kumogakure had the advantage.
After all, lately, Konoha had been far from united.
Incidents kept happening, and rogue ninja after rogue ninja emerged.
"I'm getting hungry."
Natsume changed the subject and asked, "What kind of food do you like?"
"Dorayaki and milk."
Yugito Nii paused briefly, then honestly replied.
"That's quite interesting," Natsume smiled and said, "Then let's grab a late-night snack in Kumogakure before we leave."
"You're breaking your word," Yugito Nii shivered slightly, showing strong resistance.
"Just having a meal," Natsume shrugged and said, "If you're afraid of being recognized, just wear a hat."
Yugito Nii clenched her jaw and reluctantly agreed.
Because it was night, most shops in Kumogakure had closed.
Still, some remained open.
While technically considered food, dorayaki were more of a snack.
They found a quiet izakaya.
Once inside the private room, Yugito Nii exhaled in relief.
At least Natsume truly hadn't lied.
When the food arrived, Natsume casually set a plate of dorayaki on the floor.
Yugito Nii was already used to it and didn't say anything.
However, they didn't get their milk until an hour later.
"Let's go back," Natsume put down his chopsticks, seeming refreshed as he spoke.
Yugito Nii wiped the milk from her lips and quietly finished the last dorayaki.
The pair left Kumogakure.
Natsume sent Yugito Nii to the Land of Waves first, then returned to Konoha.
By then, it was already deep into the night.
But the light was still on in the room.
This had become routine ever since Senka was born.
Young children tended to sleep irregularly.
Natsume opened the door.
Tsunade raised a finger to her lips, motioning for silence.
Before her stood a baby cradle.
Senka was already fast asleep.
Natsume nodded, then turned off the light.
Tsunade let out a yawn, curled into the covers, and hugged him, saying, "I'm kind of tired."
"Let me give you a massage."
Natsume reached out his hand and began kneading the soft, plump living pillow before him.
"You're thinking about something bad again."
With her face pressed against him, Tsunade teased him with words but didn't make any move to stop him.
"You're thinking it too."
Natsume slid his hands under her armpits, wrapping his arms around her waist. His hands formed rapid hand seals.
A faint chakra surrounded them both, forming a soundproof barrier.
"Now we won't disturb the daughter while she sleeps."
Natsume said with a smile.
Tsunade didn't speak, just softly huffed and wrapped her legs tightly around his waist.
Her expression tinged with annoyance, she gave the rogue a thorough punishment all night long.
The next day.
A forest at the border of Takigakure Country.
Suizen, a Jonin from Takigakure.
He had chosen to defect because he was dissatisfied with the new leader Shibuki.
How could someone so naturally cowardly become the leader of Takigakure?
And worse—he was Shibuki's teacher.
In other words, everyone chose his apprentice instead.
This made him furious beyond measure.
He could no longer remain in Takigakure.
But that didn't mean he'd given up.
Suizen had already made his plans.
He intended to form an alliance with a ninja village and then launch a counterattack against Takigakure.
As for which ninja village, he had originally set his sights on Amegakure.
The Five Great Villages were too powerful—cooperating with them would likely result in betrayal.
Besides, Takigakure had pretty good relations with all of them.
This section isn't over yet—there's more excitement to come!
Chances were, walking straight in would get him captured instead.
However, other than the Five Great Villages, the other ninja villages were pathetically weak.
Takigakure already ranked among the top-tier villages.
Therefore, there was only one choice left.
Amegakure.
They had Hanzo the Demi-God—who had once been a shining force of glory—and weren't weaker than Takigakure.
"Who's there?"
Suizen's wariness flared instantly.
A tall and muscular man wearing a black coat appeared.
His face was hidden within the shadow of his hood, preventing Suizen from seeing clearly.
But from his clothing alone, this wasn't a pursuer from Takigakure.
Still, Suizen didn't relax in the slightest.
Right now, he was a rogue ninja.
Without a doubt, there was probably already a bounty for him on the black market.
"Who are you?"
Suizen asked lowly, his voice heavy with caution.
"I want to cooperate with you."
The Third Raikage, summoned through the Impure World Reincarnation technique, spoke as instructed by Natsume.
"Cooperation?"
Suizen raised an eyebrow, his expression strange.
He was already a missing-nin—yet someone still wanted to cooperate with him?
"I can help you take control of Takigakure."
The Third Raikage stated.
Suizen's eyes immediately narrowed.
The mysterious figure spoke calmly, exuding confidence.
But he didn't believe it at all.
Takigakure had a Jinchuriki after all.
In the entire ninja world, only a handful of warriors could rival a tailed beast.
Most of them hailed from the Five Great Villages.
Outside of them, perhaps only Hanzo the demi-god.
"Does sir possess such strength?"
Without beating around the bush, Suizen asked directly, "Takigakure may not be one of the Five Great Villages, but it was no pushover either."
The Third Raikage lifted his hand—lightning crackled.
His entire arm suddenly blazed with electric energy.
Suizen's breath hitched as a powerful sense of danger surged through him.
Instinctively, he took a step back.
The Third Raikage's hand, like a blade, slashed downward into the ground.
In an instant, the earth shook violently.
It left behind a crack stretching several meters.
Suizen stepped forward with a pale face, gazing into what seemed like an endless abyss.
How terrifying this was!
What kind of ninjutsu was that?
"Sorry, I underestimated you earlier."
Suizen swiftly shifted his tone, his voice now filled with deep respect.
"It doesn't matter."
The Third Raikage withdrew his hand and calmly asked, "Now are you willing to cooperate?"
"I'm curious—what would you like in return?"
After a brief pause, Suizen replied.
If the price wasn't too high, he was indeed willing to try.
After all, he didn't even possess any Hero Water at the moment.
If he wanted to involve Amegakure Village and Hanzo the Demi-God, he'd definitely have to pay a huge cost.
"I heard that there is a treasure in Takigakure called the Hero Water."
The Third Raikage paused slightly before saying, "I don't need much. Just a few ryo worth will do."
Hero Water could boost a ninja's chakra by tens of times when consumed.
But its effect came at the cost of blood.
Its side effect was life force itself.
Hearing this, Suizen nodded and said, "If you can really help me take control of Takigakure, then a small amount of Hero Water wouldn't be a problem."
To be honest,
he was merely offering empty promises.
After all, he currently had no Hero Water on him.
If this mysterious person was truly that capable, giving him some wouldn't hurt.
Meanwhile, inside the Hokage's office.
Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, and Ino Yamanaka stood together.
When Natsume announced they'd form a temporary team to carry out missions, each of them wore an expression full of intrigue.
Sakura was delighted—she got to work with Sasuke Uchiha as her teammate.
Ino Yamanaka also felt happy—finally getting to go out on a mission with Natsume.
Only Sasuke Uchiha seemed visibly annoyed.
He had grown unaccustomed to being without his familiar, powerful teammates.
Still, with his Mangekyo Sharingan already activated, not having teammates interfering with his targets was a relief.
The only downside was that Sakura was way too noisy.
Tch. Women only slow me down.
For reasons unknown, Sasuke couldn't help but miss Naruto Uzumaki.
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