After leaving the Hyuga, Natsume returned to the Hokage Tower.
Although the affairs at Kusagakure and Hōzuki Castle had concluded, that didn't mean it was all over.
He still had something to do.
Write the mission report.
Natsume didn't really care about reports, but his three students did.
They needed them for experience.
Yes, three.
Even if Hinata hadn't participated, she'd be included.
"Kurenai, help me write a mission report."
Of course Natsume wouldn't write it himself.
That's what secretaries are for.
"It's about Hōzuki Castle."
Natsume thought for a moment. "Mark it S-rank, jot a few lines for the process."
He omitted Mikoto's appearance and Sasuke's wish.
Just wrote that the warden, Mui, opened the Box of Ultimate Bliss and released a monster.
With his and Team 9's efforts, they defeated and sealed it.
Kurenai didn't question it.
She wrote the report per his instructions.
Natsume skimmed it. "Looks good."
Kurenai smiled. "That's a secretary's job."
"File it."
He handed it back.
"Yes."
Kurenai turned and left the office.
[Because of your actions, Hyuga Hinata's fate has changed. You gain 100 Fate Points.]
[Because of your actions, Hyuga Hiashi's fate has changed. You gain 20 Fate Points.]
Two consecutive prompts puzzled Natsume.
What about Hiashi?
He didn't know the bow had almost taken out his future father-in-law.
Natsume soon put it aside, handled some village paperwork, then it was time to clock out.
Flying Thunder God.
He vanished from the office.
A few seconds later, the door opened.
"Lord Natsu—"
Kurenai's eyes fell on the empty Hokage seat. She stomped in regret.
"Missed him by a step."
She sighed, closed the door, straightened her loosened collar, and got off work.
…
The next day.
Land of Snow.
Natsume knocked.
"Come in."
Kaguya's cool voice sounded.
Natsume opened the door and entered.
No one at the table; he glanced at the bed.
Kaguya leaned against the wall, a blanket over her legs.
She had been gazing at the ceiling; when he entered, she lowered her head to look at him.
"Just woke up?"
He approached.
"Didn't sleep."
Kaguya shook her head. "Without you, I can't sleep."
"Sweet talk in the morning? I can't handle that."
Natsume blinked, then laughed.
"Sweet talk?"
Kaguya tilted her head, studying him with mild confusion. "That's sweet talk?"
"Mm."
Natsume sat by the bed. "Sweet talk is something that makes someone very happy—only said to someone you like."
Kaguya lifted the blanket, revealing her long, rounded legs and fair feet.
"Come here."
She beckoned.
Natsume got up and sat with her.
Kaguya pulled the blanket back over, covering both their legs.
"Say something sweet."
She put her arms around him and held him.
"If you force it, it loses its effect."
Natsume leaned on her shoulder, eyes half-closed, gazing at her white jawline.
Kaguya pursed her lips thoughtfully.
"Should we get up now?"
He remembered today was the Snow Festival; the plan was to take her out.
She'd been holed up in the daimyo's mansion for a while now.
Any longer and she'd grow mold.
"In a bit."
Kaguya hugged him tighter; her smooth white long legs crossed and pressed against his.
"I like this."
The corner of her mouth lifted. "It makes my heart race out of control."
"…"
Natsume was dumbfounded.
Where did she learn all this?
And she didn't even know she was flirting.
Natsume felt utterly in Kaguya's grasp.
After a while, she loosened her hold.
She kissed his cheek. "I want your breakfast."
"Give me a minute."
Natsume left, borrowed the kitchen, and made ramen.
He'd already eaten with Tsunade.
Kaguya picked up the chopsticks and ate gracefully.
Natsume sat opposite, watching her every move, his gaze finally resting on her forehead.
The Rinne Sharingan—her third eye from eating the God Tree fruit.
Normally, it remained hidden.
He'd never seen it and was curious.
But he didn't dare ask to see it.
That eye should be her most precious thing.
"How is it?"
When she finished, he asked.
"Very good."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, like a white cat full and content, looking rather pleased.
"If you say it's good, it must be."
Natsume reached out to brush aside her fringe.
Seeing she wasn't upset, he relaxed.
"What are you doing?"
Kaguya looked puzzled.
"Can't let your bangs hide your beauty."
Natsume smiled into her white eyes.
Kaguya blinked. She felt a faint joy rising inside.
Was it because he called her pretty?
She suddenly felt strange.
She had heard similar words before.
But she had always been indifferent.
Why did Natsume's words feel so different?
"Is this sweet talk?"
She pondered, then asked.
"Sort of."
Natsume paused, answering.
Sometimes he couldn't keep up with Kaguya's train of thought.
Maybe that's a classic deadpan girl.
"I see."
Kaguya smiled. "I don't dislike this feeling. You can say more."
Natsume felt defeat looming.
It was hard enough to say sweet words, only to be counterflirted.
Too strong, Miss Kaguya.
"Let's go."
Natsume opened the door. "The Snow Festival's begun. Look."
Kaguya lifted her head to see exquisite patterns in the sky.
Like white clouds, transforming into animals and plants.
There were also the Land of Snow's unique decorations.
After Koyuki reclaimed her country, she got Natsume's strong support.
They already had chakra armor, airships, environment modulators, etc.
Now they'd pushed further; technology had advanced again.
Projecting patterns into the sky was easy.
"That's you."
Kaguya found the central figure was Natsume.
And Koyuki.
Natsume's heart skipped. Hopefully she wouldn't get jealous?
He felt she didn't care about Koyuki.
Or rather, few humans could warrant her attention.
"She likes you."
Kaguya said abruptly.
Natsume's heart stopped.
"My eyes can see through her thoughts."
Kaguya spoke evenly.
Natsume froze slightly.
He suddenly remembered that in anime filler, Kaguya had pierced Hamura's lie and Hagoromo's inner thoughts.
Crap!
Did that mean he was laid bare before her?
"Ordinary beings can't hide emotions from me."
Doubt flickered in Kaguya's eyes as she stared at him. "Except you."
Natsume exhaled.
Maybe the Ring of Fate protected him?
He wasn't sure.
But either way, that was good.
Kaguya noticed a trace of panic in his eyes.
She squeezed his hand. "I don't care what you're thinking—so long as you like me."
Natsume looked up. Her face barely showed expression, yet her words overflowed with feeling.
Yikes—Kaguya at full power; he couldn't take it.
Worst of all, she had no idea what she was saying.
"Come on."
Natsume squeezed her hand back. "Let's walk the streets."
The Snow Festival was the Land of Snow's grand annual event.
The streets were already packed.
Natsume wanted Kaguya to disguise herself, but then realized no one could see them.
"You did that?"
"Mm."
"I don't like them, and I don't want them to disturb us."
Utterly domineering.
Natsume chuckled and played with her hand as they walked.
Soft and smooth.
Kaguya didn't mind, her eyes idly taking in everything.
The modern world was unfamiliar to her.
So she didn't find it boring.
"What's that?"
Kaguya pointed to the crowd under a torii.
"Omamori."
Natsume explained, "Charms for safety—asking the gods to protect you."
Kaguya shook her head.
She was the god.
She didn't need frills.
"Buy one."
She stopped.
Natsume was taken aback.
What for?
In this world, any god who saw her would be in danger, let alone protect her.
But since she asked, he did it.
He squeezed through and bought a pink omamori embroidered with "safety."
Kaguya held it. A moment later, a faint white glow rose from it.
Deep chakra pulsed within.
"For you."
She shoved it into his hand. "Wear it."
Natsume blinked.
He hadn't expected Kaguya to expend so much chakra for him.
Well, maybe she'd stockpiled plenty lately and was rewarding him.
"What does it do?"
He guessed. "If I'm attacked, it auto-defends?"
"No. If you suffer a fatal wound, I'll appear."
She said the most domineering words in the calmest tone. "Because I only allow you to die by my hand."
Natsume couldn't hold back; he leaned in and sealed her lips.
After a long while, Kaguya took his hand again and walked on.
An unbidden smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, like a blossom in spring.
Natsume wasn't much for shopping.
He didn't find much fun in it.
In his past life, going out meant eating. And eating.
But Kaguya didn't seem to share that view.
She ate only what he made.
Everything else, she refused.
"Bookstore."
A ripple crossed Kaguya's snowy eyes.
She tugged Natsume inside.
"???"
Natsume was dumbfounded.
The most eye-catching spot had a huge poster.
One line on it:
Jiraiya's latest Make-Out Paradise—on sale now.
"Not this."
Natsume pushed a hand against Kaguya's cheek, trying to turn her head away.
Which of course had the opposite effect.
"Why not?"
She looked down at him, curious.
"It's low quality."
Natsume forced it out. "Not worth reading."
"You don't like it?"
She asked.
"No."
He lied through his teeth.
Well, not exactly a lie.
Make-Out Paradise was fine in the ninja world, but in his past life, it was mediocre.
No match for certain masterpieces.
"Then kill him."
Kaguya said it as if it were nothing.
"Uh, no need."
Natsume waved it off. "If you want to kill someone, we can go to Mount Myōboku another day."
"Myōboku—does it still exist?"
She was a bit surprised.
"Yeah."
Natsume nodded. "Not only that, it's influential—one of the Three Great Sage Lands."
"When?"
Kaguya frowned slightly.
"No rush."
Natsume pinched her cheek. "Not today."
"Mm."
Kaguya looked back at the shelves.
Obediently, she didn't buy Make-Out Paradise. She picked up a novel called Love Strategy.
Yes, a novel.
Natsume flipped it. It was proper fiction.
So he paid for it.
He didn't want Kaguya picking up messy ideas.
That'd spoil the fun.
Leaving the store, they kept walking.
Kaguya let go of his hand to read Love Strategy.
Natsume's lips twitched.
Was he raising the big bad into a homebody?
After novels, would games be next?
But honestly, Kaguya didn't have much to do.
Her only job now was collecting rent.
No skill required; just let Sand shinobi whale their spending.
If she didn't find other things, she'd be bored.
Natsume couldn't accompany her all the time.
Bringing her to Konoha would scare the flowers and grass.
Especially Black Zetsu and White Zetsu.
Oh, and animals—
Toads and snakes.
"Let's go back."
Kaguya closed the book, eyes gleaming.
Natsume was confused, sensing something off.
Was there a problem with the novel?
He couldn't ask, so he nodded.
They returned to the palace.
After setting the book down, Kaguya stared at Natsume.
It made his skin crawl.
After a moment, he couldn't help asking, "Um… why are you looking at me?"
Sitting on the tatami, Kaguya beckoned him closer.
Natsume leaned in, puzzled.
"The book says all men like one thing."
Kaguya tilted her head, her voice curious and innocent. "Will you tell me what it is?"
"…"
Natsume swallowed.
At this point, doing nothing would be wrong.
"Kaguya, don't move."
He reached to remove her outer robe.
A graceful figure unfolded before him.
Kaguya felt no shyness, simply watching, waiting for his next move.
To her, if she didn't dislike it, anything was fine.
Natsume admired the expanse of smooth skin, feeling inexplicably nervous.
Somehow, he became the novice.
His hands trembled slightly as he traced the elegant curves of her form, from the gentle swell of her breasts—full and inviting, their peaks hardening under his gaze—to the smooth valley of her abdomen, leading down to the soft, hidden folds between her thighs, already glistening with the first hints of arousal.
Kaguya's body was a masterpiece of ethereal beauty, her skin like polished ivory, untouched and pure.
This was her first time, and the realization stirred a protective tenderness in him, mingled with an urgent desire.
He leaned in, his lips brushing against the sensitive skin of her neck, eliciting a soft gasp from her.
Kaguya's eyes widened slightly, her curiosity blooming into something deeper as his hands explored further, cupping her breasts gently, thumbs circling the rosy tips until she arched subtly, a shiver of unfamiliar pleasure coursing through her.
"This... sensation," she whispered, her voice a mix of wonder and breathlessness.
Natsume guided her down onto the tatami, his own arousal evident in the firm length of his manhood, pressing against her thigh as he positioned himself above her.
Parting her thighs with care and aligning himself with her entrance—the warm, silken petals that parted invitingly under his touch.
As he entered her slowly, inch by inch, Kaguya's breath hitched, her inner walls enveloping him in a tight, velvety embrace that sent waves of ecstasy through both of them.
She felt a brief sting of discomfort, her first time yielding to this intimate intrusion, but it quickly melted into a profound fullness, a connection that filled her with an unexpected bliss.
Their movements began tentatively, a dance of discovery.
Natsume thrust with measured rhythm, his hips meeting hers in a gentle cadence, while Kaguya's hands roamed his back, her nails lightly scoring his skin as she adjusted to the building pleasure.
Her breasts rose and fell with each breath, brushing against his chest, heightening the intimacy.
Soon, the pace intensified, transforming into a prolonged battle of endurance and passion—her divine strength matching his sage resilience in a clash of bodies and wills.
Kaguya wrapped her legs around him, pulling him deeper, her core clenching around his shaft in rhythmic pulses that drove him to the edge.
Waves of pleasure built within her, unfamiliar yet intoxicating, like a storm gathering in her core. Her first orgasm came as a revelation—a shuddering release that arched her back, her inner depths contracting around him in exquisite spasms, flooding her with a satisfaction so profound it bordered on spiritual ecstasy.
"Ah... this fulfillment," she murmured, her voice hazy with delight, as the aftershocks left her trembling and yearning for more.
Natsume, fueled by her response, his movements growing more fervent. He shifted positions, drawing her atop him, her snowy hair cascading like a veil over them as she straddled his hips. Her breasts swayed with each downward motion, and she rode him with increasing confidence, her folds gliding along his length in a slick, heated rhythm.
Pleasure radiated from their joined bodies—his manhood throbbing within her, her sensitive pearl rubbing against him, sending jolts of bliss through her nerves.
Another climax built swiftly for Kaguya, her body quivering as ecstasy crested again, her essence coating him in warmth while she cried out softly, lost in the overwhelming satisfaction of this newfound union.
Yet she craved more.
Kaguya straightened, snowy hair cascading down over Natsume's abdomen.
She panted softly, eyes hazy.
This feeling was unprecedented.
Strange—and wonderful.
A blush bloomed on her usually expressionless, exquisite face.
Like the morning glow, bright and alluring.
She reached out a white hand to stroke Natsume's handsome face.
"Is this love?"
Kaguya murmured, eyes misty.
Once again, she felt a spiritual fulfillment.
The last time had been when she waited a thousand years to eat the God Tree fruit.
But spirit wasn't enough.
Kaguya opened the Rinne Sharingan.
She moved them into the Starting Sphere Space.
Natsume reflexively hugged her thighs. "Why here?"
"Here, I can briefly control time's flow."
Kaguya lowered her head slightly, a pearly flush on her face.
She wanted to prolong this feeling.
"???"
In this timeless realm, their intimate battle raged on for what felt like an eternity—a marathon of passion where exhaustion and ecstasy intertwined.
Kaguya, empowered by the space's altered flow, explored every facet of their connection. She guided him through positions that tested their limits: him behind her, his hands gripping her hips as he thrust deeply into her welcoming depths, her breasts bouncing with each powerful motion; her on her side, one leg lifted, allowing him to stroke her most sensitive spots until orgasms cascaded through her like divine revelations—each one more intense, leaving her gasping in profound satisfaction, her body glistening with the evidence of their shared pleasure.
Natsume matched her fervor, his sage body pushed to its brink, his manhood delving into her core repeatedly, drawing out moans of delight from her lips.
He felt her climaxes ripple around him, her inner walls milking him in waves of bliss, until his own release overtook him multiple times—spilling into her with a surge of warmth that heightened their mutual fulfillment.
The air hummed with their combined scents and sounds, a symphony of pleasure that left them both drenched in sweat and satisfaction, her first experiences evolving into a tapestry of ecstasy she never wished to end.
For the first time, Natsume discovered a downside to sage body—
Not enough recovery.
He was trapped in a soft snare with no escape.
...
A month later, they returned to the daimyo's mansion.
Only a day had passed outside.
Natsume opened his eyes, staring blankly at the ceiling.
Aches ran through his body; he didn't want to move.
That prolonged battle had been exhausting.
He was falling apart.
So a sage body did have limits.
He turned his head. Kaguya was hugging his arm, smiling in her sleep—a rare expression of contentment, her body still flushed from the lingering echoes of pleasure.
Natsume leaned in and kissed her forehead.
Then he closed his eyes and quickly drifted off.
He didn't know how long had passed.
"Awake?"
Kaguya's cool voice.
Natsume looked at the peaks and surging waves before him, and a pain shot through his waist.