Konoha welcomed its most festive day of the year.
Everyone was praising Natsume's achievements.
All previous doubts vanished, leaving only excitement, admiration, and awe.
For ordinary villagers, the first two; for the great clans, the last.
Because a too-strong Hokage inevitably meant the clans' status and power would decline.
They could do nothing but avoid conflict as best they could.
Hiruzen's instruction to keep the Sarutobi clan in line was for this reason.
Given Natsume's power, he didn't need to give any clan face.
As the village bustled, the Sand delegation's quarters were desolate.
Chiyo looked grim; Rasa looked defeated.
Kankuro's anger abruptly cooled.
He'd never seen them so miserable.
"Sorry."
Rasa looked over his son and daughter and squeezed out the word.
Kankuro and Temari froze.
In their memory, Rasa was always stern and steady.
He never said "sorry."
"I…I…"
Kankuro stammered, at a loss.
"You don't need to be so pessimistic."
Chiyo forced a smile. "There's nothing bad about being in Konoha."
"…"
Kankuro and Temari exchanged a look—clearly unconvinced.
Konoha might be more prosperous, but could it be more comfortable than home?
You could imagine the answer.
Would three prisoners get respect in Konoha?
"We've negotiated with Konoha that our mission volume won't be reduced. And while you'll stay in Konoha, you'll be free as long as you follow the rules. You'll also be allowed to return to Sunagakure periodically."
Chiyo sighed. "That's already a blessing in misfortune."
Kankuro and Temari fell silent.
It sounded okay, but it didn't say when they could truly return.
Maybe only in death.
"As a condition, the three of you must follow all of Natsume's orders."
Chiyo paused. "Otherwise, Sunagakure will suffer for it."
"That bastard!"
Kankuro couldn't help blurting. "Isn't that a threat?"
Temari glanced at her naive brother and shook her head.
It wasn't a threat—just reality.
With Konoha's and Natsume's strength, it would be easy to squeeze Sunagakure and them.
"Kankuro."
Chiyo stood and patted his shoulder, speaking earnestly. "Everything now is temporary. Natsume won't be Hokage forever. You're younger—outlast him if you must."
"A shinobi endures pains ordinary people can't."
Rasa's expression steadied. "When you return, Sunagakure will be yours—including the Kazekage's seat."
"Yes!"
Kankuro and Temari straightened, spirits somewhat restored.
What was done was done; struggling was useless.
Elder Chiyo was right: they were young. Who could predict the future?
Everyone thought Hashirama would live long, yet he died young.
So hope—and wait.
"I'll take you to see Natsume."
Chiyo glanced at Kankuro. "Mind your attitude."
"I know."
Kankuro's voice quivered. "Who would dare act up in front of that monster?"
He'd always feared Gaara since childhood.
Because Gaara housed Shukaku—the very definition of a monster.
But the monster he couldn't beat looked like a toy in Natsume's hands.
Temari recalled that day as well, feeling weak and her heart pounding.
He looked like a handsome man, but acted like a demon.
No matter how nice Elder Chiyo's words sounded, when facing him, how much comfort could they bring?
The four, each with their own thoughts, headed to the Hokage building.
Along the way, they drew the stares of Konoha's villagers and shinobi.
They had to grit their teeth and endure.
Such was the lot of the defeated.
"Please, come in."
Kurenai, waiting at the door, glanced at them and opened it.
"Gaara?"
Temari immediately spotted a familiar figure. She hurried over. "Are you okay?"
Unlike Kankuro, she felt fear too—but sisterly affection won out.
In the original story, it was thanks to Temari that Gaara reconciled with Sunagakure.
In caring for her brother, she truly was a gentle sister.
And in Gaara's heart, Temari was different.
He could attack Kankuro without a second thought, even though they were both siblings.
Gaara looked up at Temari's concerned face. "I'm fine."
He'd seen Natsume's power and wouldn't invite humiliation.
Most importantly, since that battle, Shukaku had gone silent and wouldn't even speak.
Before, it would occasionally rant and demand to be let out.
Now it was so obedient it was like it didn't exist.
Go out?
There's a Hashirama-like out there.
Shukaku wouldn't dare.
"Lord Hokage."
Chiyo bowed slightly in greeting.
When Natsume nodded, she glanced at Temari and Kankuro.
"Lord Hokage."
The two caught on and bowed as well.
Their faces were stiff.
"Welcome to Konoha, for the time being."
Natsume smiled. "Don't worry—however it was in Sunagakure, it'll be the same in Konoha."
"Yes."
Temari and Kankuro responded.
Gaara kept silent.
But after a beating, the apathy on his face had been replaced by calm.
He had grown up overnight.
"Let me introduce your team leader."
Natsume clapped.
Kakashi Hatake, in a green vest, appeared.
He looked over the three, and a hint of trouble flashed through his dead-fish eyes.
These would be hard students to handle.
He had wanted three prodigies—but from the neighboring village?
"Y-You are…"
Chiyo's face changed drastically; killing intent flashed in her eyes.
But with Natsume present, she didn't dare act.
Kakashi blinked. What was that about?
Rasa and the others, shocked, turned fearful.
Elder Chiyo, what are you doing?
Somebody might die.
Natsume remembered the reason.
Konoha's White Fang, Sakumo Hatake—Kakashi's father—had killed Chiyo's son and daughter-in-law.
Her reaction was natural.
"He's Kakashi Hatake, the Copy Ninja."
Natsume said casually. "You've heard his name, right?"
Chiyo paused.
Not Sakumo, then.
Right—he was long dead.
Grievances had their rightful targets.
Chiyo wouldn't vent her anger on Kakashi.
On the contrary, Natsume's arrangement showed respect.
Kakashi was an elite among jonin.
Having him lead Gaara's team was special treatment.
"We'll leave everything to you, Lord Hokage."
Chiyo now felt a touch of fear—fortunate that Natsume didn't pursue it.
Otherwise, her moment just now could have plunged Sunagakure into another abyss.
"You may go."
Natsume waved.
When the six left, the office was quiet again.
[Because of your actions, the fates of Kakashi Hatake, Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari have changed. You gain 50 Fate Points.]
Natsume stretched.
The Sunagakure matter was mostly wrapped up.
Next, he'd wait for Rasa and the others to return and distribute Skynet login devices.
Kaguya Ōtsutsuki should be pleased.
Hmm… what reward should he ask for?
"Kurenai."
Natsume sent a message via his Skynet wristband.
Konoha hadn't adopted it yet, but he'd given her one.
Convenience, first and foremost.
Before long, Kurenai knocked and came in.
In heels, she stood straight; her stockings were taut, showing off long legs.
Natsume openly admired for a couple seconds before saying, "I'm heading out. Please watch things for me."
Noticing his gaze, Kurenai's face didn't change. She nodded.
"If anything urgent happens, contact me."
Natsume smiled and vanished with Flying Thunder God.
Kurenai exhaled, tugged at her stockings, and smiled slightly.
...
Hyūga clan.
In the courtyard, Hinata was sparring with Hanabi.
Well—more like instructing.
After graduating early, Hinata no longer needed to attend the academy.
But because the Hokage was her team leader, missions were few, so she stayed home and played with her sister most days.
Watching from not far away, Hiashi felt increasingly regretful.
Hanabi's talent was no less than Hinata's or Neji's.
She could certainly be clan head when grown.
But there could only be one clan head.
"Hiashi, I have an idea."
Rinka, beside him, noticed his expression. "What if Natsume takes Hanabi as his little sister?"
"Little sister?"
Hiashi was taken aback, looking at her instinctively.
"If nothing unexpected happens, Natsume and Hinata will marry. Then Hanabi is naturally his younger sister."
Rinka smiled gently. "Others don't know that yet. We'd just be making it official early."
Hiashi blinked.
That made sense.
If Natsume publicly announced Hanabi as his god-sister…
It would put pressure on the clan elders.
Would they dare brand her with the Caged Bird seal and risk angering Natsume?
With his terrifying power, if he got angry, the Hyūga couldn't bear it.
"The only question is whether Natsume will do it."
Hiashi's eyes swept over Hinata and Hanabi. "He's Hokage, and he's at his peak right now. Taking Hanabi as his sister would be a huge boon for the Hyūga."
"If it were the Third, maybe not."
Rinka thought for a moment. "But with Natsume's personality, I think he'll help Hanabi."
Hiashi gave her a surprised look.
He hadn't expected her to think so highly of Natsume.
Since when?
"What if Hinata asks him?"
Hiashi turned the idea over. "Would that be better?"
Honestly, he was afraid of his future son-in-law.
Especially after being threatened once.
"No."
Rinka shook her head quickly. "At Hinata's age, would she understand this? If you have her ask, you're basically telling Natsume you put her up to it. How do you think he'll take that?"
"You think of everything."
Hiashi started, then felt a bit of fear.
Just then, a clansman hurried in.
"Clan Head, Lord Hokage is here."
"I'll be right there."
Hiashi glanced at Rinka and hurried to the gate.
...
"Uncle Hiashi."
Natsume greeted him first.
"Lord Hokage, please come in."
Hiashi's smile was slightly stiff.
Natsume nodded and entered the courtyard.
Hinata instinctively wanted to step forward, but seeing her parents, she stopped.
Hanabi, though, waved to him brightly. "Big Brother Natsume!"
"Natsume."
Rinka walked a few steps closer. "You're rare company—stay for dinner? I'll cook."
"Thank you, Auntie."
Natsume didn't stand on ceremony. "I'll trouble you, then."
"It's no trouble."
Rinka smiled warmly. "You two talk. I'll get started."
She headed to the kitchen, taking Hinata and Hanabi along.
...
Reception room.
Hiashi poured Natsume tea.
"Lord Hokage, what brings you here today?"
"A small matter."
Natsume sipped and smiled. "Uncle Hiashi, could I take a look at all the Hyūga clan's techniques and secret arts?"
Hiashi froze.
You call that a small matter?
His face tightened with conflict.
Normally, clans or shinobi who joined Konoha submitted the techniques they learned.
But the Hyūga hadn't.
First, without the Byakugan, Gentle Fist was much weaker.
Second, previous Hokage had respected the Hyūga.
For Natsume to ask for secret arts right away put Hiashi in a bind.
If others knew their techniques—even if they couldn't learn them—it would still be a blow.
If they leaked, that'd be worse.
"Uncle Hiashi, don't worry—I won't show them to outsiders."
Natsume had no interest in Gentle Fist himself.
He planned to give them to Kaguya for refinement and then teach them to Hinata.
In other words, the Hyūga would be the biggest winners.
Hiashi sighed inwardly.
Could he refuse? No.
"I have a condition."
A thought struck Hiashi. "I want Lord Hokage to take Hanabi as his little sister."
"Hanabi is already my little sister."
Natsume looked puzzled.
"Lord Hokage, you're aware of the Hyūga's Main and Branch families, yes?"
Hiashi prompted.
"Oh."
Natsume understood immediately.
He meant to use Natsume to help Hanabi escape the Caged Bird seal.
"No problem."
Natsume agreed on the spot.
Such a small favor didn't bother him.
And having a god-sister sounded fun.