After washing the dishes, Natsume returned to the living room and found Tsunade spacing out on the sofa.
"What are you thinking about?"
He sat beside her.
"I felt Mikoto was a bit strange today."
Tsunade leaned naturally against his shoulder.
"What was strange?"
Natsume's heart skipped. Had she noticed something?
"You know… that feeling?"
Tsunade tilted her head up, narrowed her eyes to study him, then turned away.
"Oh."
Natsume breathed into her ear. "I think you were a little too obvious today too."
"Eh?"
Tsunade rubbed her ear, puzzled. "Was I?"
She thought she'd been very restrained.
"Of course."
Natsume smiled. "With those lovey-dovey eyes, she might have noticed."
"T-then… what do we do?"
Tsunade shivered, her face alternating pale and red.
Panic and shyness stacked together.
She couldn't imagine how to face Mikoto if she found out.
"It's fine. Even if Aunt Mikoto saw, she wouldn't believe it."
Natsume, fond of her rare cuteness, leaned in and kissed her cheek.
Mikoto already knew anyway—and wouldn't dare say anything.
Otherwise, she'd be severely punished.
"This is all your fault!"
Tsunade snapped and reflexively drove an elbow into him.
It hit his chest.
He felt nothing.
But because she moved too much, Natsume caught a magnificent view.
His gaze drifted down her collar, and a holy light burst forth in the deep valley.
"Hmph, pervert as always."
Seeing his stare, Tsunade pouted. "Why can't you ever be serious?"
"How am I not?"
Natsume chuckled. "Admiring the scenery prolongs life."
"Nonsense."
Tsunade rolled her eyes, pinched his waist, and said, "If Mikoto finds out, you're dead!"
"I'm being framed here."
Natsume couldn't help retorting. "You're the one who slipped—why blame me?"
"Become Hokage and you stop listening to me?"
Tsunade plopped back down, setting off a vast swell.
"I always listen to you, sis."
Natsume hugged her with a grin.
"Then today is your fault."
Tsunade declared unreasonably.
"Mm, my fault."
Natsume's right hand slid down, cupping her soft thigh. "I'll apologize right now."
Tsunade froze, a look of alarm on her face.
She tried to escape, but couldn't.
His embrace tightened, pulling her closer until their bodies pressed together on the sofa.
Tsunade's breath hitched, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson as she felt the warmth of his hand tracing upward along her thigh, slipping beneath the hem of her dress.
"N-Natsume... not here," she whispered, her voice a mix of protest and anticipation, her golden eyes wide with a blend of shyness and desire.
But her body betrayed her words, arching slightly into his touch as his fingers gently explored the smooth, supple skin of her inner thigh.
Natsume's lips found hers in a soft, lingering kiss, his tongue teasing the seam of her mouth until she parted for him, their breaths mingling in a heated exchange.
"You say that, but you're not pulling away," he murmured against her lips, his voice low and teasing.
His free hand moved to the front of her dress, deftly unbuttoning the top few fastenings to reveal the generous swell of her breasts, fuller now with the gentle curve of her pregnancy enhancing their natural allure.
The soft, pale globes spilled slightly from the confines of her bra, her nipples already hardening into firm peaks beneath the thin fabric, visible as small, rosy buds straining against the lace.
Tsunade gasped into the kiss, her hands clutching at his shoulders, fingers digging in with a mix of frustration and need.
"You're impossible," she breathed, but her expression softened into one of reluctant surrender, her lips curving into a small, playful smile as she nipped at his lower lip.
He responded by deepening the kiss, his hand now cupping one of her breasts, kneading the warm, yielding flesh with care, mindful of her condition.
The weight of her pregnancy made her body even more sensitive, and she let out a soft moan, her back arching as his thumb brushed over the sensitive peak through the fabric.
With a gentle tug, Natsume slid the straps of her dress and bra down her shoulders, fully exposing her breasts to the cool air of the room.
They were magnificent—full and rounded, the skin smooth and unblemished, with faint blue veins tracing delicate patterns beneath the surface, a subtle sign of her expectant state.
Her belly, gently rounded with the early swell of pregnancy, pressed against him as he leaned in to kiss the valley between her breasts, his lips trailing a path of warm, wet affection downward.
"So beautiful," he whispered, his voice husky with admiration.
Tsunade's face flushed deeper, her eyes half-lidded in pleasure. "Flatterer... but don't stop," she replied, her tone breathless and encouraging.
Encouraged, Natsume guided her hands to his trousers, helping her undo the fastenings. Her fingers trembled slightly as she freed his arousal, the firm length springing forth—thick and veined, pulsing with heat under her touch.
She wrapped her hand around it, stroking slowly from base to tip, her movements deliberate and teasing.
"Like this?" she asked, her voice a soft purr, her expression one of mischievous confidence as she watched his face contort in pleasure. Natsume groaned softly, his hips bucking gently into her grasp.
"Just like that... you're perfect."
Not content to let her lead entirely, he shifted their positions, laying her back against the sofa cushions with utmost care. He knelt between her legs, his hands roaming to grope her thighs and hips, squeezing the soft, curvaceous flesh as he kissed her belly tenderly.
Tsunade's breath quickened, her hands threading through his hair. "More," she urged, her voice laced with need. Obliging, he moved lower, but she pulled him back up, her eyes gleaming.
"Let me... please you first."
With a graceful shift, Tsunade positioned herself to envelop his length between her breasts, the warm, plush mounds pressing around him in a intimate embrace, her movements slow and rhythmic as she slid them up and down.
The sensation was exquisite, her skin soft and yielding, enhanced by the occasional flick of her tongue over the tip.
Natsume's expression twisted in ecstasy, his hands gently holding her shoulders.
"Sis... that feels incredible," he murmured, his voice strained.
But desire built quickly, and soon she transitioned, her lips parting to take him into her mouth.
Her tongue swirled around the sensitive head, her cheeks hollowing as she moved with care, her golden hair cascading over her shoulders like a veil.
Natsume's fingers tangled in it, guiding her gently. "Yes... just like that," he encouraged, his face flushed with pleasure.
Tsunade hummed in response, her eyes locking with his, filled with a mix of affection and passion.
Finally, unable to hold back any longer, Natsume eased her back, fully undressing her—sliding her dress and undergarments away to reveal her naked form in all its glory. Her body was a vision: the gentle swell of her pregnant belly smooth and rounded, her hips wide and inviting, her intimate folds glistening with arousal, framed by soft curls of hair.
He shed his own clothes swiftly, his muscular frame hovering over her as he positioned himself between her thighs.
"Are you ready?" he asked, his voice soft, searching her eyes for any hesitation.
Tsunade nodded, her expression one of pure longing, her arms wrapping around his neck.
"Yes... make me yours," she whispered, pulling him into a deep kiss as he entered her slowly, inch by inch.
The sensation was profound—her warmth enveloping him completely, her inner walls tight and welcoming, yielding to his girth with a silken embrace. He filled her fully, the base of his length pressing against her most sensitive spot, their bodies joining in perfect harmony.
They moved together in a rhythmic dance, his thrusts gentle at first, mindful of her pregnancy, building to a steady pace that drew soft cries from her lips.
"Natsume... deeper," she moaned, her face a mask of bliss, eyes fluttering shut as waves of pleasure coursed through her. Her breasts bounced with each motion, her belly a soft barrier between them that only heightened the intimacy.
Natsume's expression was one of intense focus and adoration, his hands caressing her sides. "You feel so good... I love you like this," he replied, his voice rough with emotion.
Their pace quickened, bodies slick with sweat, until ecstasy overtook them.
Tsunade's climax came first, her body arching as her inner muscles clenched around him in pulsing waves, a soft, breathless cry escaping her. "Ah... yes!"
Moments later, Natsume followed, releasing deep within her with a low groan, his warmth flooding her core in a intimate culmination.
They held each other close, breaths mingling as they came down from the high, her pregnant form cradled protectively in his arms.
In the afterglow, Tsunade nestled against him, her expression serene and content. "That... was your apology?" she teased softly, a small smile playing on her lips. Natsume chuckled, kissing her forehead.
"The best one I could give."
…
Night fell.
Shizune opened the door.
"I—"
She sniffed, catching a faint scent hanging in the air.
Instantly, her face flushed crimson.
Shizune took a deep breath and hurried back to her room.
She knew it would be another sleepless night.
The next day.
Natsume yawned and bumped into Shizune.
"Didn't sleep well last night?"
He noticed her off complexion.
"…"
Shizune shot him a glare, said nothing, and ran to the bathroom.
Natsume rubbed his chin and suddenly remembered he'd been too into it yesterday and forgot to set up a soundproof barrier.
What a sin.
Now he understood her reaction.
But what was done was done; nothing to be done.
After breakfast, Natsume went to the Hokage building.
Mainly because Tsunade was sleeping in.
With just him and Shizune at home, it was awkward.
"Lord Natsume."
Kurenai Yuhi knocked and walked in. "Two shinobi from Kirigakure are here to see you."
"Kirigakure?"
Natsume blinked in surprise.
Then he remembered.
An alliance.
After all, the Mizukage Terumi Mei had paid with her first kiss.
On top of that, a Byakugan.
"Have them wait in the conference room."
Natsume waved.
"Yes."
Kurenai turned to leave.
After a bit, Natsume headed to the conference room.
He opened the door and saw two people.
One familiar: Ao.
The one-eyed man—the covered right eye was a Byakugan.
One of the most well-known jonin of Kirigakure.
Natsume had once fought alongside him.
But back then, Natsume wore a mask, so Ao didn't know.
And because of Natsume, he was now truly one-eyed.
He himself didn't complain much.
As a shinobi, his love for Kirigakure outweighed a single Byakugan.
The other was a somewhat shy young man.
Short blue hair, glasses, two swords on his back.
Chojuro.
The future Sixth Mizukage.
One of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, wielder of the twin swords Hiramekarei.
Natsume hadn't expected him.
Kirigakure really had no manpower.
Terumi Mei was forced to start grooming the young.
Unfortunately, Chojuro wasn't up to it.
Come to think of it, Kirigakure was worse off than Sunagakure.
At least they had Gaara.
Later Kankuro inherited Sasori's legacy and became a solid powerhouse.
But in Kirigakure, aside from Terumi Mei, it was hard to find a second.
Thanks to Natsume, they now had Zabuza and Haku—something to be grateful for.
"Hokage-sama."
Ao stood quickly and greeted. "Nice to meet you. I'm Ao, and this is Chojuro."
"Ao, I've heard of you—the Byakugan slayer."
Natsume smiled and took the head seat.
"Hokage-sama overpraises."
Ao waved his hands. "Compared to you, I'm not worth mentioning."
On the way, he and Chojuro had heard how Natsume single-handedly suppressed Sunagakure.
Kirigakure's overall strength wasn't much higher.
In other words, if Natsume wished, he could wipe them out.
Ao didn't want Kirigakure to end up like Sunagakure.
Handing over tailed beasts and jutsu.
Too tragic.
Plus, Terumi Mei had clearly warned them not to provoke Konoha.
With all that, Ao kept a very low profile.
"Kirigakure sent you two for what business?"
Natsume asked, though he knew.
"Kirigakure wishes to form an alliance with Konoha."
Ao immediately stood and produced a glass vial. "This Byakugan is our token of sincerity."
To be honest, after hearing Sunagakure's fate, he didn't think a single Byakugan counted as sincerity.
But Terumi Mei hadn't given anything else.
Ao watched Natsume carefully, afraid he'd get angry and flip the table.
If that happened, he and Chojuro would be doomed.
"Not bad."
Natsume smiled, checked the Byakugan, and, seeing no problems, said, "We can ally."
Ao could hardly believe his ears.
That simple?
Unbelievably smooth.
"What?"
Natsume's eyes narrowed slightly. "Still hesitating?"
"No!"
Ao waved hurriedly. "It's just that Hokage-sama was so straightforward, I didn't react."
"Did you bring a treaty?"
Natsume asked casually.
The real price had already been paid by their Mizukage.
"Yes."
Ao took out two scrolls, unrolled them, and placed them before Natsume.
Terumi Mei's name was already signed.
All that was needed was Natsume's signature to seal the alliance.
In truth, it was just a piece of paper.
Alliances had no binding force.
But the formalities should be observed.
Natsume signed both, keeping one.
"Anything else?"
"No."
Ao held the scroll, dazed.
"You can tour Konoha for a few days, or return to report right away."
Natsume's words were a clear dismissal.
Ao and Chojuro bowed slightly and left the Hokage's office.
Natsume picked up the glass vial and appeared at the Hyuga compound.
…
"Uncle Hiashi, a gift for you."
"A Byakugan? From where?"
Hyuga Hiashi's eyes widened.
For a second he wondered if Natsume dug it up from an ancestral grave.
But thinking again—someone with his power wouldn't care for a Byakugan.
"Kirigakure's."
Natsume said casually.
"Kirigakure…"
Hiashi immediately thought of that Byakugan slayer, Ao.
He exhaled.
A Byakugan lost abroad had always been a thorn in the Hyuga's side.
But since Ao was in Kirigakure, they couldn't retrieve it.
"Thank you."
Hiashi accepted the vial sincerely.
"A trivial matter."
Natsume was calm. "Consider it a return gift for the jutsu I took yesterday."
"…"
Hiashi winced at the reminder.
Not comparable at all.
But a gift was a gift—leave it at that.
"Hokage-sama, how about hosting a banquet next Sunday to celebrate you taking Hanabi as your little sister? Would that be alright?"
Hiashi forced a smile.
"No problem."
Natsume nodded. "I'll be there on time."
"Since it involves Hokage-sama, I plan to invite the major clans and the jonin in the village. Would that be appropriate?"
Clearly, he wanted to maximize the impact.
They'd paid a heavy price—needed a return.
Natsume didn't mind. "Uncle Hiashi, do as you see fit."
Hiashi beamed.
Hinata marrying Natsume, and Hanabi becoming his sister.
The Hyuga were bound tightly to the strongest Hokage at present.
Barring accidents, they'd remain strong for decades.
He was naturally delighted.
Natsume returned to the Hokage building.
…
"Natsume-sensei!"
Naruto leaped onto the desk. "We want a mission!"
Behind him were Sasuke and Hinata.
No wonder he hadn't seen Hinata at the Hyuga just now.
Natsume smiled. "What kind of mission do you want?"
"A big one, of course!"
Naruto was annoyed. "Why didn't you take us to Sunagakure?"
He'd learned after the fact and was furious.
How could he be left out of that?!
"Don't be mad. I've got an S-rank mission for you three this time."
Natsume raised a brow. "Go to Kusagakure and search for artifacts left by the Sage of Six Paths. How about it?"
"The Sage of Six Paths?!"
Naruto instantly lit up. "Yes! I want that one!"
Even Sasuke and Hinata looked up in surprise.