"Alright."
Tsunade looked at Natsume, who had pressed his ear against her belly, and said gently, "I just got pregnant. You won't hear anything yet."
As she spoke, she tenderly rubbed his head.
Her temperament had changed a bit after getting pregnant.
Because, unlike other women, she was older, and her mindset was naturally different.
"Mm."
Natsume realized he'd gotten too excited and forgotten basic common sense.
With a smile still on his face, he couldn't resist pecking her on the lips again.
"Mmh."
Tsunade hugged him back and responded.
After a few dozen seconds, they parted, catching their breath.
Natsume was happy, and so was she.
Or rather, she was even happier.
Her experiences determined her current emotions.
She held this news like a precious treasure, carefully, tenderly.
"You're pregnant now—just rest at home."
Instead of sitting in her lap as usual, Natsume stood behind her, kneading her shoulders gently.
"You think changing Hokage is that easy?"
Tsunade couldn't help but gripe, "You're not even pregnant—why did your IQ plummet?"
"How so? I'm just feeling bad for my dear sis."
Natsume bent down to kiss her cheek lightly as he spoke.
He still hadn't calmed down; he had the urge to pull her into his arms and never let go.
Tsunade's lips curved slightly.
She could feel Natsume's blazing affection.
It made her very happy.
As she got older, she often doubted her own charm—
Especially since Natsume was much younger than her.
But fortunately, after all this time, their relationship had only grown closer.
"To become Hokage, there are three steps: appointment by the Daimyō, a jōnin vote, and popular approval."
Tsunade raised three fingers and poked his cheek. "Right now the tricky part is the jōnin vote."
The Fire Daimyō's appointment is basically a formality.
Generally, there aren't any surprises.
As long as Konoha chooses a Hokage, the Daimyō will most likely agree.
Except Danzō Shimura.
In the original, the Daimyō looked down on him, and wouldn't have agreed even to acting Hokage if he hadn't been threatened.
Popular approval is relatively simple.
As long as you're popular enough.
The only headache is the jōnin vote.
That is the real deciding stage for Hokage.
Jōnin are the absolute backbone of a village.
Unless you can display overwhelming power, you have to earn their trust.
Natsume had done many difficult missions in recent years.
Some of them were not solo—he'd worked together with Hatake Kakashi, Might Guy, Yūhi Kurenai, and other jōnin.
Overall, relations were good.
Commoner ninja weren't the issue; the key was the major clans.
Natsume understood that, and so did Tsunade.
"Right now, among Konoha's clans, the Hyūga, Sarutobi, and the Ino–Shika–Chō trio are the strongest."
The Shimura, Inuzuka, and Aburame are smaller by comparison and have less clout.
Especially after Danzō's defection, the Shimura clan lost their former luster.
They could only keep their heads down.
Fortunately, they didn't dare make trouble. They carried out missions diligently, so losses were minimal.
"The Sarutobi clan—I'll talk to the old man."
Tsunade continued, "He's not the clan head, but as a former Hokage, he's the de facto power within the Sarutobi."
"Leave the rest to me."
Natsume thought about it. If Tsunade wanted to talk to Hiruzen Sarutobi, let her—after all, they were master and disciple.
If it were him, it wouldn't be a simple talk.
But Hiruzen didn't have long anyway. Keeping him around was just to give Naruto Uzumaki an explanation.
Killing the body is one thing; killing the heart is another.
What Hiruzen cares most about is reputation and honor.
Stripping those away is the greatest punishment.
If Tsunade remained Hokage, she definitely wouldn't do that.
But with Natsume about to succeed her, the account could be settled properly.
"You sure?"
Tsunade laughed, teasing, "Forget the Ino–Shika–Chō—can you handle Hiashi? Especially since you're coveting the Hyūga heir."
"What do you mean, 'coveting'?"
Natsume squeezed her soft cheeks in protest. "Makes it sound so ugly."
"Hmph, like I don't know you?"
Though Tsunade agreed to let Natsume marry Hyūga Hinata—partly as a blessing, partly out of compensation—she still wasn't thrilled about it.
"My bad."
Natsume apologized immediately.
He'd gotten a bargain; he shouldn't act smug.
And since Tsunade was pregnant, it was best not to anger her to avoid mishaps.
Although with a ninja's constitution and medical ninjutsu accidents were unlikely, he couldn't be careless.
"When you talk to them, be pleasant, alright?"
Tsunade brought it back to business. "Even if it doesn't work out, keep it friendly."
Which indirectly meant she agreed to Natsume's plan.
She did know his temperament well.
"Don't worry, I know."
Natsume smiled. "There definitely won't be any conflict."
Because the conflict had already occurred years ago; relations were quite good now.
Not one-sidedly so.
Natsume had felt the goodwill from Hyūga Hiashi and Hyūga Rinka.
They were both smart.
They'd anticipated this.
Now that Natsume was truly about to become Hokage, they'd gladly be kingmakers.
"Mm."
Tsunade nodded. "The Hyūga are a pillar of Konoha. When you're Hokage, you'll need them for many things. Don't sour the relationship. Besides, if you do, how will you be their son-in-law?"
"I understand. At worst, we can promise Uncle Hizashi a seat as Hokage Advisor."
Natsume voiced his long-standing plan.
Making Hyūga Hizashi a Hokage Advisor would bolster the branch family's influence and give him the courage to push back.
Then, whether for Hinata or for Natsume, they could better deal with the Caged Bird.
"That's a good idea."
Tsunade first agreed, then frowned. "But because of the Caged Bird, in his heart the Hyūga ranks above Konoha. Day-to-day it might be fine, but at critical moments, there could be issues."
For instance, if Konoha and the Hyūga came into conflict.
Hizashi would prioritize the latter.
Fortunately, the Hyūga had always been well-behaved, rarely clashing with Konoha.
"I'll handle it."
Natsume reached out to smooth her frown. "You don't need to worry about these things."
"If it were someone else, I'd definitely not bother."
Tsunade held his hand and smiled. "I only bother because it's you."
Natsume froze, a little unused to her current attitude.
Seems becoming a mother really changes a person.
"Go on."
Tsunade patted the back of his hand. "Settle it soon so I can clock out early."
"Hey, that's rude."
Natsume didn't leave. He walked around to face her and said, "Anyway, you're going to be my Hokage assistant."
He still wanted someone to tell him, "Natsume, you'll regret this."
In all of Konoha, only Tsunade dared.
Everyone else would likely obey him.
After all, there were very few ninjas like Danzō, rebellious by nature.
"No."
Tsunade refused without thinking. "Don't dump that hassle on me."
Since becoming Hokage, she'd had less time to drink and gamble.
Now she'd step down, have to raise a child, and then also be the Hokage's assistant? That'd be even busier.
"You don't have the heart to let me work alone every day?"
Natsume put on a pitiful face. "I need someone to keep me company."
"…"
Tsunade looked at him and eventually softened. She cupped his face, kissed his forehead, and said, "I'll think about it."
"You're the best."
Natsume grinned, switching expressions in a second.
"Liar."
Tsunade let go and flicked his forehead. Then she remembered something. "Do you prefer a girl or a boy?"
It felt like every mother asked this.
Natsume sighed inwardly but said, "Either is fine—but a girl would be even better."
"Why?"
Tsunade was curious.
The shinobi world resembles old Japan.
In other words, there's a preference for sons over daughters.
Less so in the villages, more so in the countries—due to poverty shaping mindset.
"If it's a girl, she'll inherit your beauty."
Natsume smiled.
A win-win—complimenting two in one go.
Tsunade immediately brightened and nodded. "Good. Better than having a son who's as honey-tongued as you, sweet-talking other girls."
"…"
Natsume's face stiffened.
How did that get back to me again?
Fine.
He didn't dare argue and left the Hokage office.
…
Hyūga compound.
Natsume's sudden arrival drew the guards' attention.
But once they saw who it was, they returned to their posts.
Natsume had been a regular guest at the Hyūga for years; they weren't fazed and even chatted.
"Lord Natsume, you're early today."
"I'm here to see the Hyūga clan head."
Natsume smiled.
When you're high up, being considerate to those below you earns loyalty.
He knew this well—he smiled at everyone.
This move was something Minato Namikaze did best.
Natsume was a poor imitation; Minato was the real thing.
Still, it worked about the same.
"Shall I announce you?"
The guard asked quickly.
Meeting Hinata versus meeting Hiashi were two very different things.
"No need."
Natsume waved and walked into the courtyard.
At this time of day, Hinata was at the Academy.
Normally, he wouldn't come over.
"Natsume-nii!"
He stopped at the call.
Not far away, a little girl in a pale yellow kimono waved at him.
"Hanabi."
Natsume approached with a smile. "What are you doing in the courtyard?"
"Practicing!"
Hyūga Hanabi said with fighting spirit, "I want to be a gentle and strong kunoichi like my big sis!"
In the original and now, she's a sis-con.
Especially since, thanks to Natsume, Hinata had become a peerless genius, the sis-con level only rose.
"Um… lollipops!"
Hanabi held out her hand, righteously: "Banana flavor."
"Here."
Natsume pulled out two big bags—enough for a month.
His strategy for the little sister-in-law: feed her treats.
Same as with Hinata.
Hanabi loved bananas and milk.
So he often brought banana-flavored lollipops and chips.
"Thanks, big bro!"
Hanabi beamed.
Four-year-old girls are wonderfully simple.
"I'm here to see your father. We'll play next time."
Natsume ruffled her black hair.
"Bye, big bro!"
Hugging her lollipops, Hanabi hopped away gleefully.
Natsume shook his head with a smile.
In her mind, it was probably Hinata first, parents second, snacks third, and him fourth.
He withdrew his gaze and headed to the council hall.
"Lord Natsume."
The young man at the door bowed slightly. "The clan head is in his study. Please wait."
Natsume nodded, entered, and took a seat.
"Natsume."
Before long, Hyūga Hiashi walked in smiling. "What brings you today?"
At first, after being threatened, he'd been upset.
But in the following years, Natsume hadn't done anything to the Hyūga; on the contrary, Hizashi had benefited.
That being the case, his attitude had grown increasingly sincere.
"Uncle Hiashi."
Natsume greeted.
He used to say "Clan Head," but at Hiashi's insistence, he switched to "Uncle."
As Hiashi put it: you call Rinka "Aunt," then calling me "Clan Head" makes you sound too distant.
"Sit."
Hiashi waved, forcing a smile onto his usually stern face—so much so it looked unnatural.
"I need the Hyūga's support."
Natsume didn't waste words. "Support me becoming Hokage."
Hiashi's body jolted.
He had suspected—but hearing it suddenly still felt unreal.
Natsume was too young.
Four or five years younger than Minato had been.
"Has the Hokage agreed?"
Hiashi asked gravely.
He worried Natsume might be rebelling to take Hokage by force.
If so, the Hyūga could be dragged into the abyss.
"My teacher's agreed."
Natsume couldn't help the jab. "I'm not the type to betray my teacher."
Though the Hokage line does have a tradition of killing their teachers, he was a good disciple who kept his teacher very comfortable every day.
"Haha."
Hiashi laughed awkwardly.
Mainly, Natsume had made too strong an impression.
Even after years, he still had lingering fear.
But thinking about Tsunade's temper—it was impossible she'd accept coercion.
As for control—that was even harder.
Aside from Kotoamatsukami, controlling one's mind was practically impossible.
Hiashi knew the Sharingan could do that—but that was for ordinary ninja.
If the Sannin could be controlled, the Uchiha would have conquered the world long ago.
After the awkwardness, Hiashi couldn't help smiling.
Once Natsume became Hokage, the Hyūga would be even more secure.
And if Hinata married him, they'd have decades of prosperity.
It wasn't that he wanted to sell his daughter.
He'd already decided Hinata would be the next clan head.
Add being the Hokage's wife, and naturally the Hyūga would be favored.
Natsume was young; his tenure would be long.
"Rest assured, we'll support you."
Hiashi nodded repeatedly. "Not only that—we'll work to win more jōnin votes for you."
The Hyūga predate Konoha; their network is vast.
With his help, Natsume's road to Hokage would be much smoother.
"Thanks."
Natsume reciprocated, "When I'm Hokage, the Hyūga will have a Hokage Advisor seat."
Hiashi's heart leapt with joy.
A Hokage Advisor—the Hyūga wouldn't have dared dream of that before.
Like the Uchiha, their power was too strong.
Hiruzen had no desire to see them grow stronger.
…
After leaving the Hyūga, Natsume went to the Ino–Shika–Chō trio—more precisely to the Nara.
Since the three clans act in unison, he just needed to convince Shikaku.
Natsume's offer was simple: status quo.
Shikaku agreed at once.
A smart man who knows his limits.
In his previous life, Natsume admired Shikaku's son, Shikamaru.
Living comfortably day-to-day, stepping up when needed with solid strategy.
In the end, he even wooed the flower of the neighboring village.
A true role model.
…
Dusk.
The Academy was about to dismiss.
Fourth-year, Class A.
"Damn it! Sasuke-kun is graduating!"
Haruno Sakura lay on her desk, alternating between fierce and lovestruck expressions—like a face-changing performance.
"You could apply for early graduation."
Yamanaka Ino smiled softly. "With your skill, you're ready."
Sakura had a knack for chakra control; learning medical ninjutsu came easily.
She'd studied under Nonō Yakushi for over three years and already surpassed her peers.
In medical ninjutsu at least, she was outstanding.
Only Ino could compare.
So early graduation would likely pass.
Sakura's eyes lit up; she straightened her not-very-full chest. "Would I be on Sasuke-kun's team?"
"That's tough."
Ino thought and softened the answer. "There are lots of students each year; ending up together depends on fate."
In truth, fate had nothing to do with it.
For instance, she was destined to team with Chōji and Shikamaru.
As the new Ino–Shika–Chō.
Sakura's lack was background.
Naruto Uzumaki—the Fourth Hokage's son, top of the year, very strong.
He would likely be teamed with elite clan heirs.
Partly to build networks, partly to combine strength.
So Naruto would be in demand.
So would Uchiha Sasuke.
Sharingan is a famous bloodline in the ninja world.
Its power needs no explanation.
With the Uchiha wiped out, Sasuke was the lone sprout.
And a kid—easy to control.
Anyone with half a brain knew what to do.
On top of that, he was popular with girls.
Still, Sakura wasn't bad either. Among commoners, she stood out, and she was a specialist in medical ninjutsu.
Her teammates should be decent.
"That's true."
Sakura frowned in distress, then waved it off. "I'll just stay with you."
"My bestie indeed."
Ino smiled. "It's nice at school—less danger."
"True."
Shikamaru cracked an eye, lazy. "I agree, Ino."
"Pocket money isn't enough though."
Chōji munched chips, heartbroken.
"With the way you eat, no amount would be enough."
Shikamaru patted his shoulder.
"Speaking of, Chōji eats less than Hinata."
Inuzuka Kiba was astonished.
"I…"
Hinata wanted to explain but fell silent.
Recently, Ichiraku held a big-eater event.
Chōji dragged everyone there.
Hinata won.
It left him dumbfounded, questioning life.
"Hinata really is… impressive."
Ino glanced at her, impressed. "Eats so much and still keeps such a figure."
"I feel like you're implying something."
Chōji turned suddenly.
"No."
Ino quickly shook her head—she knew his sore spots.
Amid chatter, school ended.
Hinata said goodbye and went home.
…
"Hinata."
Rinka, in an apron, came out of the kitchen. "Your father's waiting in the study."
"Okay."
Hinata nodded.
She went to the study, slid open the door, and her white-socked feet stepped onto the tatami.
"Father."
Hinata bowed.
Compared to before, she was more composed.
She looked up to meet Hiashi's eyes. "What did you need me for?"
Before, she wouldn't even dare look up.
Hiashi nodded.
Hinata's growth these years pleased him.
Her temperament was still introverted.
But now it was a normal introversion, not the old timid, hesitant kind.
She wasn't yet qualified to lead the Hyūga, but she was a proper heiress.
And she was still young; with more training, she could inherit his position.
"What do you think of Natsume?"
Hiashi asked calmly.
Hinata was stunned.
She'd never thought about that question.
It made her a little nervous.
Did something bad happen between Natsume and Father?
She hesitated. "He's a very good, very strong ninja."
Hiashi thought: "A grown daughter can't be kept."
So biased toward Natsume?
For Hinata, that was high praise already.
Hiashi felt he might rank below Natsume in her eyes.
"And?"
"…"
Hinata grew more confused, then ceded the initiative. "Please just say what you mean, Father."
"You've grown a lot."
Hiashi's tone was gratified.
Even if the reason was another man.
"According to Hyūga tradition, we choose a spouse for the heir relatively early."
Hiashi said with feeling, "I met your mother around your age."
More accurately, it was arranged.
Such is life in the Hyūga.
Hinata, by comparison, was lucky.
"Natsume is about to become Hokage."
Hiashi's expression turned serious. "Hinata, do you have any other ideas?"
Hinata immediately understood.
In an instant, her face flushed red, as if it could bleed.
She could hear her heart pounding.
Become a wife?
Hinata had entertained such unrealistic thoughts before.
She didn't expect they might actually come true.
"Seems I don't need your answer—I already have it."
Seeing her reaction, Hiashi sighed. "Of course."
"I…"
Hinata didn't dare meet his gaze, lowering her head and clenching her hem.
Back to her old self.
"The clan will support you."
Hiashi stood. "Let's eat."
"Mm."
Hinata answered in a tiny voice.
…
At the same time.
Tsunade and Natsume were also eating.
"Fried meat is too greasy. You can't eat that."
"Tamago-yaki is fine. High protein."
"Don't even think about sake."
Natsume patted Tsunade's hand. Ignoring her resentful look, he moved the sake bottle away.
"Fine."
Tsunade took a pitiful bite of egg.
"Um… what are you two doing?"
Shizune stared, dumbfounded.
Natsume was suddenly micromanaging their diet.
That she could accept.
But the craziest part—Tsunade didn't object and actually stopped drinking.
Even if they were showing off, this was too much, right?
Tsunade glanced at Natsume and then smiled. "Nothing. I'm pregnant."
"Huh?!"
Shizune spat out her food.
Natsume blocked it with chakra, saving the dishes.
"What did you just say?"
Shizune froze like stone, afraid she'd misheard.
"Pregnant."
Tsunade touched her belly, maternal glow on her face.
"…"
Shizune grabbed the sake and chugged, then coughed violently.
"It's actually true?"
She stared, stunned.
She'd suspected, but the confirmation was still shocking.
Still, she didn't think anything was wrong.
"If you can't handle alcohol, don't waste it."
Tsunade rolled her eyes and grabbed the sake—
Which Natsume took back the next second.
"You can't drink."
"I wasn't going to."
Tsunade protested. "And I just got pregnant. A little drinking is really fine."
"No."
Natsume was firm.
"I'm full!"
Shizune glared at them both, huffed, and left before they could speak.
"You scared Shizune away."
Natsume muttered.
"You blaming me?"
Tsunade frowned, punched him, then smiled. "That feels better."
"Hit me more then. You feel good, I feel good."
Natsume narrowed his eyes, sounding pervy.
"Be serious."
Tsunade glared. "Don't be a bad influence on the kid."
"I won't say that kind of thing in front of the kid."
Natsume leaned in and licked the corner of her mouth. "Grain of rice."
"…"
Tsunade ignored him and changed the subject. "The old man has agreed to you becoming Hokage."
"That easy?"
Natsume was surprised.
He'd thought Hiruzen wouldn't agree.
Even with Tsunade's efforts.
"He's probably let it go."
Tsunade fell quiet, but before Natsume could lighten the mood, she clenched a fist.
"If he hadn't agreed, I'd have taken care of the Sarutobi clan."
She had ties to Hiruzen—but nothing compared to Natsume.
If he upset her, she had methods.
"Let's eat, sis."
Natsume stroked her golden hair.
"Your hand's greasy."
Tsunade looked at him with mock disgust but didn't move away, letting him pet her.
They finished eating.
"I'll wash. You two chat."
Shizune reappeared, helpfully clearing the table.
Tsunade stretched on the sofa and turned to look at Natsume.
"What?"
Natsume peeled an apple.
"Nothing."
Tsunade chuckled twice.
Natsume eyed her suspiciously.
Does pregnancy make you silly?
Silly—but cute.
He handed her the apple.
"Half each."
Tsunade split it by hand.
"Mm."
Natsume sat beside her.
Tsunade immediately leaned her head on his shoulder.
"At night, we can't be so casual anymore. Got it?"
"Huh?"
Natsume turned, stunned.
"What 'huh'?"
Tsunade chewed the apple. "I need to take care of my body."
He knew this day would come—but not this fast.
He tried to salvage it. "Actually, in early pregnancy—"
"No."
Tsunade snorted. "You won't let me drink, but you're asking me for that?"
"…"
Natsume was speechless.
When will this cycle of revenge end?
Wicked woman!
Fine. You're pregnant. You're right about everything.
…
Night.
A rare quiet.
Natsume held Tsunade, gently stroking her hair.
"Good night."
Tsunade looked up with a sweet smile.
Though sweetness suits young girls, Natsume felt it fit her just fine.
"Good night."
He hugged her tighter, feeling her soft warmth, and soon fell asleep.
A new day.
Hokage's office.
Tsunade handed him a document. "Take a look."
Natsume skimmed it. It was the list of sixth-year Academy students.
"They graduate tomorrow."
Arms folded by habit, Tsunade said, "As usual, we'll assign team leaders."
Team leaders aren't all jōnin.
Most are chūnin.
If the students aren't excellent, you're wasting a jōnin's time.
And jōnin are scarce.
For normal graduates, chūnin are sufficient.
"You want me to lead a team?"
Natsume spotted Naruto and Sasuke's names.
"Almost every jōnin has led a team. Mentor transmission is important in Konoha. Even though you're young, you still need students."
Tsunade nodded. "And this graduating class—Nine-Tails jinchūriki Naruto Uzumaki is especially suitable for you."
She meant Wood Release.
With Naruto older now, he could start using Kurama's power.
He needed a teacher who could keep him in check.
Originally it was Yamato.
But Natsume was an even better fit now.
Building rapport with a jinchūriki is a core duty of any Hokage.
"No problem."
Natsume already had that in mind.
"We still need two more students."
Tsunade smiled. "Uchiha Sasuke's good. As for the third, we may have to pick carefully."
"Can I choose from non-graduates?"
Natsume didn't see other plot characters on the list.
"If they meet the standard, yes."
Tsunade raised a brow. "You're not thinking of Hinata, are you?"
"Seems viable."
Natsume glanced at her cautiously. "What do you think?"
On paper, he'd prefer Ino.
But you don't split Ino–Shika–Chō.
Unless he took that trio.
But for harvesting fate points, Naruto and Sasuke were the best.
For their third teammate—either Sakura or Hinata.
Of course he'd pick Hinata.
And the Hinata–Kiba–Shino team was odd anyway—three scouts.
"Do as you like."
Tsunade punched his arm lightly. "But behave yourself."
"Don't worry. I'll be good."
Natsume promised.
Once they'd finished, he left Tsunade to her work and returned to his own office.
The Hokage handover wouldn't be immediate.
Tsunade had already sent people to the Fire Daimyō.
Results would come in a few days.
Natsume stretched after finishing paperwork.
Good thing he'd built a Hokage secretariat, or he'd be busier.
When he became Hokage, he'd formalize the Advisors.
Advisors would be like a modern corporate board—powerful, but not interfering in day-to-day ops, offering guidance on major strategy.
Secretariat handles small things, Advisors handle big things, Hokage decides.
…
Land of Waves, Daimyō's residence.
Natsume pushed open the door.
He saw Uchiha Mikoto sweeping.
Hearing the sound, she looked up with a gentle smile. "Welcome home."
Like a virtuous wife.
But only Natsume knew the madness beneath.
He walked up, patted her head. "Have you eaten?"
"Not yet."
Mikoto naturally rose on tiptoe and kissed him. "I'll cook."
"I'm looking forward to it."
Natsume smiled.
Mikoto's cooking was good.
Especially after years of trading tips with him.
She set down the broom and went into the kitchen, undressing and switching into an apron.
Natsume stood at the doorway to watch.
"Try this."
Mikoto took out a glass bottle of red liquid.
"Tomato juice?"
Natsume opened it, smelling a rose scent—but the taste was tomato.
"I made it."
Mikoto took two slices of bread. "Please."
Natsume gently spread the fragrant juice evenly.
"Hungry?"
Mikoto's body trembled; her pale skin seemed covered with tomato juice.
"So lunch today is sandwiches?"
Natsume raised a brow, catching a faint rose smell.
"Not bad."
Natsume exhaled. "The bread is very tender, yet retains moisture—fairly smooth."
Mikoto smiled bewitchingly, clearly pleased by his praise.
She brushed damp bangs behind her ear. "If you want a real meal, tell me in advance—I'll make a feast."
"Okay."
Natsume, seeing her blossom-like beauty, wrapped an arm around her slender waist. "Sasuke graduates tomorrow."
Mikoto's body shook; her long legs bent reflexively.
"He's graduating?"
She bit her lip, face guilty. "I failed him—I didn't watch him grow up."
"It's fine. You'll see him often soon."
Natsume said, "I'm about to become Hokage. Your Uchiha will return to Konoha."
"Ah!"
Mikoto couldn't contain her excitement. "Really?"
"Why would I lie?"
Natsume pinched her flushed cheek. "Hmm?"
"Thank you!"
Mikoto, for once sincerely grateful, pressed against his chest. "Will it affect Sasuke?"
"It's been long enough—no big issues."
Natsume thought. "For him to awaken his eyes, he may need to meet his brother."
"But…"
Mikoto hesitated, then said dejectedly, "It's my fault—I still haven't awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan."
"If you can't, then be a caged nightingale."
Natsume narrowed his eyes. "Singing a soaring, haunting song every day isn't bad."
Mikoto fell silent, body trembling, tears spilling.
She was unwilling.
She'd tried so hard but achieved nothing.
"You've tried everything to avoid pregnancy these years—but that won't work now."
Natsume stroked her silky hair, gently. "Auntie Mikoto, give Sasuke a little sister."
"No! Don't!"
Mikoto reacted violently.
Her white neck arched, hair cascading down like a waterfall.
She clutched Natsume tightly, breath hot with anger and fear, yet her eyes were icy.
Her three-tomoe Sharingan spun wildly, finally linking into a black ring-collar shape.
"Congratulations, Auntie Mikoto."
Natsume smiled.
He'd lied, of course.
Children, in any world, carry irreplaceable meaning.
Mikoto had avoided pregnancy precisely because of that.
She'd already betrayed Fugaku—if she had a child, it would be more than betrayal.
Though she'd grown very docile, children remained her taboo.
"…"
Mikoto suddenly lost strength and collapsed to the floor.
In her mind, two ocular techniques surfaced.
Left eye: Amatsumika.
Control pregnancy autonomously. Children born under it have a chance to inherit their parents' talents.
Each person can use it once; one-year cooldown.
On self: 100% chance.
On others: luck-based; might inherit, might not, or inherit partially.
Right eye: Aye-Kagachi.
Manipulate senses and emotions—amplify or dampen.
For example, anger.
In extreme anger, people unleash immense potential.
Even an ordinary person can slide-tackle a tiger.
Of course, as ninja, it gets crazier.
It can also be used on others.
If you cast fear, the enemy's combat power plummets.
As for senses—vision, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and 'sense'—each has its uses.
Amplify or reduce, with different effects.
In some situations, it's terrifyingly effective.