Sasuke Uchiha felt like he was on an emotional rollercoaster today—ups and downs nonstop.
It was just like life itself.
Indeed, the strangest things could happen.
After his initial shock, Sasuke could only accept what had happened.
But he didn't correct his mistake. He still addressed him as Natsume-sensei.
Mikoto Uchiha didn't press the issue.
Or more accurately, she had no intention of pushing the matter further.
She dared not reveal her relationship with Natsume.
If Sasuke started calling him "dad," wouldn't everyone find out?
For now, Mikoto simply couldn't handle such public humiliation.
After all, she still cared about the Uchiha clan's reputation.
"Sasuke, you've just awakened your Sharingan. Take some time to adjust to it," Natsume said thoughtfully before adding a warning. "Although the Mangekyo Sharingan is incredibly powerful, it does have side effects. Overuse can lead to deteriorating eyesight—and even blindness."
He had to mention it.
In the original story, after awakening his Sharingan, Sasuke would immediately start showing off everywhere, nearly getting himself killed.
"Blindness?"
Sasuke clearly hadn't known about this before and instinctively frowned, confused.
He had worked so hard to awaken it, yet there was such an absurd side effect?
Somehow, it felt like a raw deal.
"Sasuke, your teacher is right," Mikoto Uchiha nodded. "There are indeed records in the clan's ancient texts. However, as long as you don't abuse the Dojutsu, it won't be too dangerous."
Understanding dawned on Sasuke's face.
That did make sense.
Even without using special techniques, the Mangekyo Sharingan already made him far stronger than an average Jonin.
"Teacher."
Sasuke lifted his head, his eyes filled with eagerness and anticipation. "Do we have any information on his whereabouts?"
Mikoto Uchiha trembled slightly, wanting to speak but unable to find the right words.
Natsume inwardly shouted, *For crying out loud.*
You've just awakened your Sharingan and you're already thinking of going after Itachi?
Are you really ready for that?
Needless to say, Sasuke had serious impulse control issues.
In the original story, he acted like this often.
Thankfully, he had so many power-ups—or he would've died long ago.
"We do have some leads."
Natsume gave Mikoto a reassuring glance and said, "We currently know he has joined a mysterious organization, but pinpointing his exact location will take time."
"What kind of organization?"
Sasuke quickly asked.
He didn't even notice his mother and teacher exchanging knowing glances right in front of him.
"We don't know yet."
Natsume shook his head with a smile. "But don't worry—you'll be the first to hear when we do."
"Thank you, teacher."
Sasuke had no choice but to suppress his impatient feelings.
"You rest up. I'm heading back to the Hokage Building now."
Seeing this, Natsume decided not to stay longer.
"I'll walk you out."
Mikoto Uchiha stood up immediately and followed him outside.
Scratching his head in confusion, Sasuke felt a strange sense of dissonance.
Before, such behavior had once seemed perfectly normal to him.
Now, it felt like they were openly throwing confetti at their love parade.
Natsume noticed Mikoto walking behind him and came to a stop.
The next moment, a soft sensation and a faint, refreshing fragrance came from his back.
"Thank you."
Mikoto Uchiha whispered softly.
Natsume turned around to face her directly and reached out, gently tracing her cheek.
He smiled and said, "No need to thank me, since I didn't lose anything at all."
Upon hearing his words, Mikoto understood his meaning and couldn't help but blush slightly.
"Come to think of it,"
Natsume looked down at her and said, "Actually, I preferred the way you used to be."
Instantly, Mikoto's body trembled as she blushed furiously.
If it had been anyone else, she would've already called them a shameless pervert.
Noticing Natsume's amused smile, Mikoto gritted her teeth, stood on her toes, and moved closer.
After brushing her lips gently against his, she shyly whispered, "If you like it… I can be like that."
Her voice was barely audible.
If not for Natsume's strong power, he wouldn't have heard it at all.
He was momentarily stunned.
Well then.
Auntie Mikoto, so this is the kind of person you are?
But I like it.
"Next time, let's do something more fun."
Natsume reached out and ruffled her hair.
"Mm."
Mikoto's eyelashes fluttered slightly as she buried her head against his chest, her voice laced with anticipation.
"You being this obedient feels rather strange."
Natsume leaned close to her ear and took a gentle bite before saying, "We should go back now, or Sasuke will get suspicious."
Mikoto's glistening eyes immediately showed panic.
Even though Sasuke Uchiha already knew about their relationship, she still dared not show too much of her other side, or risk her entire image shattering.
[Because of your actions, Mikoto Uchiha's destiny has been altered. You've gained 100 destiny points.]
[Because of your actions, Sasuke Uchiha's destiny has been altered. You've gained 70 destiny points.]
When Natsume returned to the Hokage Building, the Tamaki of Destiny let out a chime.
Not bad. Not a bad haul.
Since Tsunade was approaching labor, Natsume decided not to go on any missions for now.
Time passed quickly.
Two months flew by in an instant.
The only major event during this period was the graduation of a new class from the Ninja Academy—
Namely Neji Hyuga, Rock Lee, and Tenten.
Natsume didn't interfere much.
Their team-leading teacher was still Might Guy.
After all, he was indeed the most suitable candidate.
Especially for Rock Lee.
Oh...
As for the other two, well, they weren't that significant.
One already carried inherited techniques, while the other was virtually raised with ninja tools.
Natsume suspected that the real reason Tenten became a ninja was simply to promote her family's ninja tools.
Worth mentioning, she wasn't just a wealthy girl—she was also extremely lucky.
In the original story, she somehow managed to randomly acquire Six Paths ninja tools. That was absurd.
At Konoha Hospital,
Kabuto Yakushi was conducting a lecture.
His lecture was about White Zetsu cellular research.
All the students below were Medical Ninjas,
Including Sakura Haruno.
She looked at Kabuto Yakushi and couldn't help but sigh wistfully.
He was only a few years older than her, yet already so accomplished.
Nonou Yakushi was also listening.
But she was far ahead of the curve—she had actually mastered the content long ago.
It was mostly for oversight, but also an opportunity to visit her remarkable foster son.
This brought her a quiet sense of satisfaction.
Both children from the orphanage had grown into such prominent figures now.
The lecture came to an end.
Applause rang out.
Pharmacist Kabuto adjusted his glasses and wore a gentle smile.
His personality, of course, wasn't as volatile as it had been in the original story. In most aspects, he was actually quite similar to Pharmacist Nonou—approachable and warm.
Others left, leaving finally only teacher and student: Sakura Haruno and Pharmacist Nonou.
"Sakura, how do you feel?"
Kabuto took the initiative to ask.
"It's difficult."
Sakura honestly replied. "There are many parts I don't really understand."
"You've only been exposed to it briefly; that's normal."
Kabuto smiled slightly, comforting her. "But I believe with your talent, you'll definitely be able to learn it."
"I will work hard!"
Sakura clenched her fist and said.
Once she learned this, she wouldn't have to worry about Sasuke being injured anymore.
She could finally be useful too.
She kept hearing Ino Yamanaka talk endlessly about Team 9's missions. It made her truly envious.
How unfortunate she couldn't join.
After all, her power wasn't enough.
"Looks like I arrived at the perfect moment."
Natsume knocked on the door and said with a smile.
"Hokage-sama," Sakura said, bowing respectfully.
Kabuto Yakushi didn't react at all.
"Long time no see, Natsume," Pharmacist Nonou greeted with a smile.
"Dean, how have you been lately?" Natsume nodded as a greeting. "If there's anything you need help with, just let me know."
Pharmacist Nonou shook her head.
She wasn't just being polite.
Ever since Natsume became Hokage, her status had risen dramatically.
After all, everyone knew about their relationship.
In many ways, she received special treatment.
For example, medication.
Previously, even expensive medicines were hard to get approved.
Now, approval was granted immediately after application.
As for the orphanage, needless to say.
It had already undergone renovations multiple times and had become extremely luxurious.
"Kabuto, I have something to trouble you with."
After some casual conversation, Natsume turned his attention to Kabuto Yakushi.
"Then you two chat."
Seeing this, Pharmacist Nonou took Sakura and left the room.
[Impure World Reincarnation]—you've mastered it, haven't you?"
"No problem at all."
Kabuto looked slightly puzzled and asked, "You, as Hokage, using such a jutsu... wouldn't that cause issues?"
In the ninja world, manipulating the souls of the deceased was regarded as despicable.
Impure World Reincarnation naturally fell into the same category.
After this technique was developed and used by the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju, it received harsh criticism.
For example, the Second Tsuchikage of Iwagakure expressed that Impure World Reincarnation was a despicable jutsu, showing extreme disdain.
Even Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage, once commented that this wasn't a good technique.
In the original story, after the death of the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju, none of the subsequent Hokages like Hiruzen Sarutobi, Minato Namikaze, Tsunade, and others ever used Impure World Reincarnation.
Possibly precisely because of such considerations.
Unless someone simply didn't care about their reputation anymore.
"What issue could there possibly be?"
Natsume shrugged with a smile. "It's not like I'm the one performing the technique."
"..."
Pharmacist Kabuto was momentarily speechless.
So I'm the one bearing the blame?
But come to think of it, he never cared much about reputation anyway.
"Who do you want to reincarnate?"
Kabuto adjusted his glasses and said, "Let me warn you first—Impure World Reincarnation requires a sacrifice and a significant amount of the deceased person's physical remains."
"I should clarify—this isn't really resurrection."
To Natsume, Impure World Reincarnation was more like creating a puppet. It just happened to be extremely lifelike.
"Rin Nohara."
Natsume paused before asking, "You know her, right?"
"Nope. Never heard of her."
Unlike the all-knowing version from the original story, this Kabuto was just a recluse.
Rin Nohara had died during the Third Great Ninja World War, a long time ago—he knew nothing about her.
"Do you have her body?"
Kabuto asked casually, not particularly caring who they were talking about.
"It's at the Memorial Stone."
Natsume always felt that question sounded strange.
"...Huh?"
Kabuto found the answer odd too.
If her remains were at the Memorial Stone, didn't that mean she was a ninja from Konoha?
You're the Hokage, doing grave-robbing work?
Doesn't that feel wrong?
Kabuto hesitated before saying, "I can perform the Impure World Reincarnation technique, but if you need to dig up the body, that part you'll have to handle yourself."
Clearly, this version of him still retained some moral standards.
Nothing like the macabre fanatic from the original story.
"Fine."
Natsume agreed.
Technically, it wasn't even grave-robbing—it only needed the smallest fragment of her remains.
This mini-chapter isn't over—get ready for more excitement!
Reincarnating Rin Nohara through the Impure World technique was naturally intended as a major gift for Obito Uchiha.
And also for Kakashi Hatake.
Because simply bringing her back wasn't enough.
He wanted Obito to finally understand—she never liked him.
The Impure World Reincarnation uses a sacrifice to create the body of the deceased.
Natsume had zero interest in undergoing that himself.
Ahem.
After all, he still had some principles.
Besides, Rin Nohara wasn't all that exceptional anyway.
"The sacrifice can just be White Zetsu."
Natsume added.
"White Zetsu?"
Kabuto blurted out, "White Zetsu has that ability? But will ordinary White Zetsu cells even work as a sacrifice?"
"They should work fine."
Natsume blinked.
In the original story, living White Zetsu were used as sacrifices, ensuring the reincarnated powerful figures closely resembled their past-life strength.
Using ordinary sacrifices would, in contrast, greatly weaken the results.
Like how Hiruzen Sarutobi, before his death, had fought toe-to-toe against both Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju—both brought back via Impure World Reincarnation.
Of course, those two weren't close to their prime power. Otherwise, even with the Dead Demon Consuming Seal's self-sacrifice move, he wouldn't have been able to take both Kages down with him.
"No worries. If it doesn't work, I'll just catch another pair."
Natsume said with a smile.
"So you *can* catch them after all,"
Kabuto narrowed his eyes slightly, looking intrigued. "Catch a few more, and let me observe how their consciousness develops."
"I'll try my best."
Natsume didn't refuse.
They were close allies, after all.
"Anything else?"
With Kabuto's agreement confirmed, Natsume asked again.
"Third Raikage."
Natsume spoke.
He had created this sparring partner for Sasuke Uchiha.
The Third Raikage possessed [Hell Stab – One-Finger Nukite: Ultimate], known as the Strongest Spear, and [Lightning Release Suit], recognized as the Strongest Shield.
Fast, powerful, and resilient.
A perfect counter to Sasuke.
Combined with the Impure World Reincarnation state, he wouldn't have to fear his Dojutsu.
It might even make him question his path.
Natsume may not have said it out loud, but he truly cared for his stepson.
"You'd better take care of the body yourself," Kabuto Yakushi looked at him in slight surprise before saying.
Unless something went wrong, the body was already back in Kumogakure.
He definitely wouldn't waste his time going there himself.
"Kumogakure won't suspect the Hokage of grave robbing," Natsume shrugged with a smile. "So what exactly is there to offend?"
Kabuto twitched his lips slightly.
Where had that hot-blooded teenager gone—the one who wanted to restore Konoha's glory?
Since when had he become so shameless?
Their conversation ended.
Natsume left Konoha Hospital.
Another week passed.
At a hospital in Metropolis, Land of Fire.
Natsume stood outside, appearing calm while feeling anxious inside.
Because Tsunade was in labor.
Although her strength ensured she faced no real danger, he couldn't help but worry.
Only when he heard the baby's cry did he finally relax.
His anxiety soon transformed into anticipation.
Shizune opened the door and said, "Everything's fine. Mother and daughter are both safe and sound."
Natsume didn't say anything and walked straight into the room.
Tsunade lay on the bed—her face slightly pale, yet healthier-looking than an average pregnant woman.
She gazed at the daughter in her arms, her eyes filled with maternal warmth.
Natsume leaned closer, unable to suppress a grin.
"How are you doing? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
She gave him a sidelong glance. "I'm not that delicate, you know?"
He grinned but didn't argue.
"Look at your goofy face."
She smiled too. "She looks just like you, especially her eyes."
Her own irises were light brown.
Natsume's were classically black.
"The rest remind me of you. She'll definitely be a beautiful little girl."
Natsume reached out and gently poked the baby's little face.
At the same time, he wondered whether Mikoto Uchiha's technique had worked.
If she inherited his talents, things would be much simpler.
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