Natsume didn't drink the Hero's Water.
Its side effects were far too severe.
There was no need for him to try it.
Besides, he suspected the Hero's Water might not even be effective on someone with the Sage Body.
Right now, Natsume had Kaguya's Chakra constantly flowing into him.
Given enough time, his physical constitution could evolve into something extraterrestrial-grade.
Such a miraculous method, without any side effects, was far superior to the Hero's Water.
Still, since he'd obtained it already, there was no point in wasting it. He could simply give it to Kabuto Yakushi for research.
There could be some surprises waiting.
As for the tree in Takigakure, after Shibuki left, Natsume carefully examined it.
Other than producing Hero's Water, it had nothing special about it.
And its production rate was extremely low.
The bottle Shibuki gave him represented nearly a decade's worth of output over recent years.
It was nothing compared to the real God Tree.
Natsume wasn't interested at all.
A new day arrived.
After breakfast, Natsume and Ino Yamanaka left Takigakure.
The one who felt the most reluctant parting was actually Fuu.
She already considered Natsume and Ino her friends.
In just two short days, their bond had become surprisingly strong.
Though, admittedly, that was mostly from her side alone.
You've got to admit—she really is an overly naïve ninja.
Living in Takigakure wasn't a problem.
But in the wider ninja world? She'd probably end up dying tragically.
"Fuu really is a unique girl."
Ino glanced at Natsume and started a conversation.
They were walking through the forest, where a cool breeze gently blew, keeping the air refreshingly crisp.
"Yeah," Natsume replied, noticing her gaze before smiling and asking, "But didn't you notice how well-liked she is within the village?"
Prompted by Natsume's words, Ino suddenly realized something strange.
If it was just about personality, things shouldn't be that extreme.
Shibuki treated her too nicely, bending over backwards to keep her safe.
"She's a Jinchuriki," Natsume stated.
A look of shock appeared on Ino's face.
That was something she never saw coming.
The Seven-Tails' Jinchuriki?
Everything made sense now.
Even so, with her personality, it was honestly difficult to imagine her as a Jinchuriki at all.
"Now that you mention it, when did you complete your Yin Seal training?"
At this point, Natsume sounded a little embarrassed. "We haven't talked much lately."
"It's fine."
Ino waved her hand quickly. "Mr. Natsume is Hokage; being busy makes sense."
Truthfully, she herself was quite busy too.
Learning the family secrets, training in Medical Ninjutsu, and also studying under Kurenai Yuhi to become Hokage's secretary.
Although everything was fulfilling, there wasn't time for romance.
Yet, she believed this experience wouldn't be pointless.
Quite the opposite—it would be very useful.
After all, Natsume was just too powerful.
Both in strength and reputation, he towered over everyone else.
How else could she deserve to stand by his side if not through hard work?
Ino's personality differed greatly from Hinata Hyuga's. Her goal wasn't to become a devoted wife and mother, but rather to become a capable and compatible partner.
Natsume actually admired that mindset quite a bit.
"I actually just completed my Yin Seal training."
Ino Yamanaka said modestly, "In terms of being a Medical Ninja, I'm still just starting out—I've got a long way to go."
"If Shizune heard you say that, she'd be jealous."
Natsume couldn't help but laugh. "Shizune's been working on the Yin Seal for ages but still hasn't gotten anywhere."
"I… didn't mean it like that."
Ino gave a slight puff of her cheeks and said, "Besides, Ms. Shizune wouldn't feel jealous at all."
Seeing her cute expression, Natsume couldn't resist reaching out and ruffling her hair.
Ino stiffened slightly, quickly shifting her gaze to the ground covered in fallen leaves.
But from the corner of her eye, she stole a quick glance at him and noticed his gentle eyes, which sent a flutter of joy through her.
"You've got real talent as a Medical Ninja. Someday, you might even surpass Tsunade."
Noticing she didn't resist, Natsume gently patted her smooth hair a few more times.
At the same time, a faint fragrance filled the air.
"Natsume, you're exaggerating too much."
Although Ino enjoyed his praise, she believed she could never match Tsunade.
"Who can say what the future holds?"
Natsume withdrew his hand, partly because he couldn't walk properly while messing with her hair.
Ino felt reluctant—having her head rubbed felt surprisingly comforting, but she couldn't possibly voice such thoughts.
"Teacher, has she been away from Konoha recently?"
"Why do you ask?"
Natsume looked puzzled. "Isn't she always in Konoha?"
"Oh."
Ino scratched her head and said, "It's just that I haven't seen her in a while. I thought maybe she was on a mission outside the village."
Natsume paused for two seconds before replying, "She's been conducting an experiment lately. You might see it soon enough."
Of course, he couldn't tell her it was because Tsunade was pregnant.
As for the experiment he mentioned, it specifically referred to Wood Release techniques.
However, after obtaining Wood Release for Tsunade, Natsume would lose nearly half of his Destiny Value.
Therefore, he planned to harvest Mount Myoboku next.
Destiny Value could only come from named characters in the original story.
The numerous frogs of Mount Myoboku all had names.
In other words, there was room for manipulation.
"I see."
A look of realization crossed Ino's face. She looked forward with anticipation and said, "If it's taking up so much of Teacher's time, it must be something incredible."
Indeed, it was incredible.
This was about [Creating Life].
Instinctively, Natsume glanced at Ino walking ahead of him.
The exposed curve of her waist was flawless.
He averted his gaze and walked side by side with her again.
Chatting as they walked, their pace wasn't particularly fast.
Natsume had nothing urgent to do.
Thinking back to how he had ignored her earlier, he decided to spend a bit more time accompanying her.
As for Ino, her reasoning was even simpler.
Being able to stay with a handsome guy? How joyful!
What they talked about didn't really matter anymore—it was all about enjoying his looks.
"You guys are graduating this year, right?"
Natsume asked with a smile.
By the timeline, the original plot was about to officially begin.
The Land of Waves arc definitely wouldn't happen again.
"Should we hold a Joint Chunin Exam?"
"Hmm."
Ino Yamanaka nodded. "My teammates will definitely be Shikamaru and Choji—that kind of spoils the surprise."
There was a hint of regret in her tone.
It wasn't that she disliked Shikamaru Nara or Choji Akimichi; it was just that there would be no surprises. But since they were so familiar with each other, teamwork wouldn't be too much trouble.
"What about your Jonin sensei?"
Natsume raised an eyebrow and said, "The Hokage himself is standing right in front of you. You could get special treatment without hiding it."
Upon hearing this, Ino's eyes lit up.
A ninja squad—especially one made up of three genin—relies heavily on their Jonin leader at first. The stronger the instructor, the safer they would be, and the more knowledge they could learn.
Plus, there was also the matter of connections and relationships. Being taught directly by the Hokage versus by an ordinary Jonin made a huge difference in how they were treated.
The Ino–Shika–Cho trio had always been close with the Sarutobi clan.
In the original story, it was Asuma Sarutobi. But now that Natsume is Hokage, obviously he couldn't take that role anymore.
And what good was tradition anyway?
Ino immediately thought of Tsunade. If Tsunade became their Jonin instructor, the benefits would go without saying. But it probably wouldn't happen. After retiring from the Hokage position, she had lived a leisurely life and barely got involved with Konoha anymore.
Even though the new Ino–Shika–Cho trio was important, they weren't *that* important.
Among the remaining Jonin, Might Guy and Kakashi Hatake already had students. That left Kurenai Yuhi, Ibiki Morino, and Asuma Sarutobi.
Honestly, the most suitable choice would still be Asuma.
Well...
Ino wasn't very enthusiastic about any of these options. Although the Ino–Shika–Cho trio had their own family techniques, making it not entirely necessary who their teacher was, she still hoped for a strong Jonin.
"Natsume, are you asking this because you already have someone in mind?"
Ino blinked her eyes and asked.
According to convention, the Jonin instructor was chosen by the Hokage. She was the Sixth Hokage's junior and former apprentice of Fifth Hokage Tsunade. So instead of voicing her own thoughts, she went straight to asking.
Natsume was actually making this suggestion on a whim. Just as he said, giving Ino a bit of special privilege. He wanted to know if she had any preferences about who it might be. Now it seemed like she didn't.
Konoha was large and wealthy, but few shinobi truly matched Asuma Sarutobi in both status and strength.
After a few moments of thought, Natsume had a sudden idea.
"What do you think about Kabuto?"
"Kabuto?"
Ino was taken aback. "Do you mean Senior Kabuto Yakushi?"
Kabuto Yakushi was Tsunade's apprentice. Calling him 'Senior' wasn't out of place. They hadn't interacted much before, so he was still something of a stranger to her.
"That's right," Natsume nodded. "Kabuto may keep a low profile, but his skills are second to none."
Especially since he planned to take Kabuto to Ryuchi Cave to train in Sage Mode. That way, even if he didn't surpass his version from the original story, he'd still be close enough.
Plus, when it came to Medical Ninjutsu, Kabuto could guide Ino effectively.
As for Shikamaru Nara and Choji Akimichi, they had family secret techniques, so there was no need to worry too much.
"If Mr. Natsume says so, it must be good."
Ino Yamanaka gave a warm smile, looking bright and full of youth.
Even if she wasn't entirely sure about Natsume, she had full confidence in Lady Tsunade.
As the apprentice of a Sannin, Kabuto Yakushi was naturally far superior to an average ninja.
As for his status, well, there was no need to even mention it.
The two walked for a while longer.
Then Natsume activated the [Flying Thunder God Technique].
At the Yamanaka flower shop in Konoha Village.
It was morning, and the shop was open for business.
Natsume and Ino Yamanaka suddenly appearing startled Miisa Yamanaka greatly.
After realizing who they were, she let out a sigh of relief and greeted, "Hokage-sama."
"What about me?"
Ino leaned forward playfully. "Your daughter comes back, and you don't even ask how I'm doing?"
"What's there to ask?"
Miisa gave a warm smile. "With Hokage-sama around, could you possibly be in danger?"
"…"
Ino had no reply.
You're not wrong... but don't you trust him a little too much?
Though she herself felt the same way, so she couldn't really say much about her mother.
"Aunt Miisa."
Natsume returned the greeting with a smile. "Ino helped greatly during this mission. She has become a capable medical ninja."
Yes, she'd saved Sasuke Uchiha's life.
Ino looked surprised at his words.
Didn't she only use the Mystical Palm Technique?
When it came to real merit, Sakura Haruno probably deserved more credit.
"Hokage-sama is too kind."
Miisa's smile widened.
Oh…!
Apparently, she found the compliment particularly pleasing.
Especially since it was from the Hokage himself.
After some casual conversation, Natsume took his leave.
He made his way directly to the research facility.
"Hokage-sama."
Outside the entrance, Kakashi Hatake greeted him.
He was carrying a lunch box in hand.
His mental state seemed much improved from before.
Even when greeting, one could faintly see a trace of a smile.
That would have been unthinkable before.
"Is that for Rin?"
Natsume pointed at the lunch box and asked.
Actually, those summoned through Impure World Reincarnation don't need to eat.
"Yes."
Kakashi Hatake nodded, then asked, "Hokage-sama, may I know why you summoned Rin back?"
"You'll understand soon enough."
Natsume replied with a smile. "But I can't explain yet. Please forgive me."
"There's no need to be so formal, Hokage-sama."
Kakashi remained calm. "As a ninja, I understand."
"Why don't you go see Rin?"
Natsume parted ways with him.
Before long, he arrived at a laboratory filled with a strange, pungent smell.
"What is it?" Kabuto said without turning around.
"It's time you learned Sage Mode."
Natsume got straight to the point.
"I'm busy at the moment." Kabuto frowned slightly. "Let's talk about it later."
In fact, Tsunade had previously asked him to learn Sage Mode as well.
Of course, it was the Sage Mode from Shikkotsu Forest.
However, Kabuto Yakushi knew that Natsume had spent years mastering Sage Mode and needed to remain at the sacred place for a long time, so he temporarily refused.
After all, he was preoccupied with experiments and continuing his training under Orochimaru.
"The Sage Mode I want you to learn is the one from Ryuchi Cave."
Natsume explained, "And you don't need to stay there. I'll have them come here, to Konoha Village."
"Ryuchi Cave?"
Kabuto lifted his head slightly, surprised as he asked, "Wouldn't this be considered betrayal? And would Ryuchi Cave even teach us?"
Although the Three Great Holy Places are allies, they're rivals despite the alliance.
There's competition among them.
He was Shikkotsu Forest's contractee—how could he possibly learn Ryuchi Cave's Sage Mode?
"Under normal circumstances, definitely not."
Natsume said with a smile. "But if we offer something they can't refuse, then naturally it will work."
"I've heard the summoned beasts of Ryuchi Cave aren't known for being reasonable."
Kabuto adjusted his glasses and asked, "Do you have confidence about this?"
Snakes are by nature cruel and cold-blooded.
Even contractees wanting to control them must offer sacrifices.
Convincing them with words alone is out of the question.
The only method is brute force.
That's when Kaguya Otsutsuki comes in.
"Don't worry, everything will be fine."
Natsume replied confidently.
"I look forward to your good news."
Seeing this, Kabuto nodded.
"You're not going?"
Natsume blinked and asked.
"Didn't you say you'd have them come here?"
Kabuto said matter-of-factly, "Then why would I need to come along?"
"..."
Natsume had no words left and could only vanish before him.
When he reappeared, he was already inside the Daimyo's Mansion in the Land of Snow.
"Kaguya."
Natsume knocked and entered, asking, "Want to come with me to Ryuchi Cave?"
"What about Mount Myoboku?"
Unlike her view of the White Snake Sage, Kaguya Otsutsuki had a much clearer—and far more negative—opinion of the Great Toad Sage.
The reason was the history books she had read.
After her sealing, Hagoromo Otsutsuki had frequent dealings with the Great Toad Sage.
That much was obvious—he had ulterior motives.
"We'll visit Ryuchi Cave first, and then Mount Myoboku."
Natsume explained.
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