Kaguya let go of Natsume.
Her pale pink lips glistened with a dewy sheen.
She blinked her snowy eyes, lashes trembling slightly, tilting her head to look at him.
With her power, she had noticed Koyuki long ago.
But she only cared about one person.
All other humans were like ants in her eyes.
Natsume met her gaze.
The cold sunlight of the Land of Snow fell upon her snowy white hair; paired with her fair face, she truly looked like a legendary yuki-onna.
"What's wrong?"
Seeing her stand still, Natsume couldn't help asking.
Kaguya reached out and stroked his face.
The warmth stirred something within her.
Just now, when Natsume said "I'll like you forever," her heart had sped up for an instant.
For her, this had never happened before.
Because at her level, she could control every response of her body.
In other words, a racing heartbeat was abnormal.
She didn't understand.
So she bent down and bit his lips.
This time, a little longer.
That quickened heartbeat came again.
Kaguya's snowy eyes reflected his handsome face. A moment later, a cool yet captivating smile appeared on her lips.
Natsume was about to say something when Kaguya turned and walked to the Box of Ultimate Bliss.
She reached out and touched the box. A flicker of realization crossed her eyes.
Thinking for a moment, her palm overflowed with chakra, quickly wrapping the box.
Perhaps sensing danger—
The box shuddered; countless cold, shadowy figures floated out.
Souls.
Back in the Sage of Six Paths era, Kusagakure had used the Box of Ultimate Bliss to reap many lives.
Souls and emotions were bound within the box, causing the yin-release power accumulated inside to grow denser and denser.
Kaguya looked at them expressionlessly.
Byakugan!
All the souls showed terror, recoiling rapidly back into the box.
Crack!
A fracture appeared across the box's surface.
Material that in the original story could withstand a Rasengan and Tailed Beast Bomb was as fragile as paper before Kaguya.
The cracks widened, then turned to fragments, peeling off piece by piece.
In less than a moment, the Box of Ultimate Bliss no longer existed.
Kaguya's left hand lifted slightly. The huddled mass of souls and emotions condensed quickly into arrow-feathers.
They were entirely translucent, with a faint cyan tint and a wisp of ethereal vitality.
Making the bow would not be as quick.
Natsume watched for a while, then turned to look at Koyuki.
She still hadn't left.
"Lord Natsume."
Noticing his movement, Koyuki hastily averted her gaze and greeted him.
She didn't know what the Box of Ultimate Bliss was, so she had no idea what Kaguya's actions meant.
But she could roughly guess that Kaguya's strength was astonishing.
Because in her interactions with Natsume, Kaguya was the one in control.
"Do you need something?"
Natsume nodded in acknowledgment.
"Tomorrow is the annual Snow Festival. Lord Natsume, do you have time to attend this year?"
Koyuki froze for two seconds, then responded quickly.
She didn't really have business.
She just rarely saw Natsume and wanted to spend more time with him.
But the Snow Festival wasn't something she made up.
It had been established specifically to celebrate her restoration of the country.
Of course, to her, it was more like celebrating her meeting with Natsume.
Kaguya suddenly turned her head.
Though she said nothing, Natsume more or less knew what she meant.
Probably she'd been cooped up too long and wanted to go out for a walk.
"Mm, I'll go."
Natsume paused, then added, "But you don't have to make a big fuss. I'll just look around."
Koyuki's pretty smile stiffened a bit.
But she didn't dare ask for more, so she nodded. "I understand. I'll make the arrangements."
Kaguya glanced at her.
She said nothing and turned back to continue making her bow.
It was her first time doing this.
But since her servant had made a rare request, she had to do it well.
Otherwise, it would tarnish the great name of Kaguya.
Natsume didn't leave, watching her work.
The more he watched, the more emotional he felt.
Power is terrifying.
No technique needed—just pure strength overwhelming all.
Anything in her hands could only be kneaded at will.
But soon he noticed the cool smile on Kaguya's face.
Like a child who had found a favorite toy.
He blinked.
Come to think of it, Kaguya really was like a child.
Though she had lost her childhood.
Before long, a black bow took shape.
Kaguya pointed, and the earlier arrow-feathers all merged into the bow.
She gave a casual pull, and a faint arrow appeared on the bowstring.
Kaguya glanced at Natsume, then aimed at the sky and released.
The arrow vanished in a blink.
Within Natsume's perception, it reached tens of kilometers away in a second.
This range could rival Kagura's Mind Eye.
And it surpassed the Byakugan by a dozen times.
A complete demonstration of what a saturation strike was.
Boom.
The arrow exploded.
In the sky, it was like an enormous firework, visible to everyone in the capital of the Land of Snow.
"Do you like it?"
Kaguya tilted her head and spoke softly. "Books say you humans all like fireworks."
Natsume was stunned.
What's unconscious flirting?
This is it.
He walked up to her, smiling naturally and warmly. "I like it a lot."
"Take me to the Snow Festival tomorrow."
Kaguya shoved the bow into his hands.
"Mm."
As Natsume gripped the bow, a chill spread through him.
"Then go."
Kaguya issued a soft dismissal.
"Huh?"
Natsume didn't quite react.
"Don't you have things to do?"
Kaguya blinked. "Books say, for someone you like, you must give them enough time and space, and not always monopolize them."
"…"
Natsume felt his heart thump wildly a few times.
Good lord, how are you this cute?
"Oh."
Understanding flickered in Kaguya's snowy eyes. She stepped forward, hugged him, planted a kiss on his forehead, and asked, "Now you can go, right?"
Like this, how am I supposed to go!
Natsume swallowed, finally launching his first counterattack of the day. He pulled her closer, capturing her lips in a deep, fervent kiss that silenced her words and stole her breath. As their mouths moved together in a heated tangle, his hand slipped beneath her clothing to catch her soft, yielding breast—and ravaged it a bit, kneading the warm flesh with firm, insistent squeezes that made it mold to his palm like dough under a baker's hands.
Kaguya looked puzzled.
She actually didn't understand what it meant.
Books only covered the most basic kissing.
After all, the Land of Snow's library wasn't going to have Make-Out Paradise.
"See you tomorrow."
Natsume glanced at Kaguya's lip, a thread of gloss between them, and hurriedly fled.
One more look and he'd explode.
He returned to the Land of Grass.
Satori had been completely sealed.
"Lord Hokage, we didn't fail you!"
Sagara Fū was visibly excited, eyes burning with fervor.
"Good work."
Natsume swept his gaze over the sealing unit. "Don't tell anyone about today."
"Yes!"
They answered at once.
Natsume nodded and first sent them back to Konoha.
…
"Sasuke, you're awake?"
Naruto leapt up from the grass, running over with delight.
"Sasuke, how is it? Do you feel unwell?"
Mikoto reached out to help him up, asking with concern.
Sasuke's eyes were dazed.
He looked at Naruto and Mikoto, then scratched his head reflexively.
"Sasuke?"
Worry surfaced on Mikoto's face; she glanced at Natsume from the corner of her eye.
"Don't worry, the operation—er, I mean, the sealing went well."
Natsume smiled, comforting them. "He just woke up and hasn't shaken off the influence yet."
"Ah."
Sasuke let out a faint groan, pressing his forehead.
Memories surged.
Then his body stiffened.
He'd actually hit his mom?
"I'm sorry, I…"
Sasuke hurried to apologize.
"It's fine."
Seeing him back to normal, Mikoto sighed in relief. "What you did before wasn't your will. Of course I won't blame you."
Even so, Sasuke felt deeply guilty.
He even forgot about his Mangekyō Sharingan for the moment.
"Talk back in Konoha."
Seeing the two might go on forever, Natsume cut in.
"Mm."
Mikoto came back to herself, patted Sasuke's head. "Sasuke, you've had a hard day. Go home and rest."
"Okay."
Exhaustion washed over Sasuke.
He had fought under Satori's control.
His dōjutsu and chakra were drained.
Though he'd slept a bit, it wasn't long enough to recover.
Standing up, Sasuke's expression shifted.
Why did it feel like there was something extra in his belly?
Natsume noticed the odd look and smiled.
But he didn't say anything.
Mikoto would explain to Sasuke anyway.
Flying Thunder God activated.
…
They appeared at the Uchiha compound.
"Sasuke, see you tomorrow."
Naruto waved.
Even after a fierce battle, he was still brimming with energy.
The Uzumaki constitution was ridiculous.
And Naruto was clearly even more unusual—
Likely thanks to Asura and Kurama's chakra.
After saying goodbye to Naruto, Natsume headed straight to the Hyuga clan.
Originally, Hinata was supposed to participate in this mission.
But with her unaware, the mission had already ended.
Luckily, Natsume had prepared gifts.
"Lord Hokage."
As clan head, Hiashi rarely left on missions and was almost always home.
After being notified, he hurried out to greet him.
"Uncle Hiashi."
After greeting, Natsume stated his purpose. "Where's Hinata?"
"She's training in the courtyard."
Hiashi wasn't surprised. "Please, come in."
"Natsume-nii."
"Big bro!"
The first came from Hinata.
The second from Hanabi.
The sisters had different personalities—and different ways of addressing him.
One shy, one enthusiastic.
"Hanabi, this is for you."
Natsume pulled out a mountain of snacks.
"Thank you, big bro!"
Hanabi's grin grew even brighter.
She ran up and hugged the snacks.
Hinata didn't step forward. A hint of envy flickered in her eyes.
If she had Hanabi's temperament, she would have thrown herself into his arms right now.
Thinking of that, her cheeks reddened.
"Hanabi."
Hiashi was tactful. "Come with me."
"Okay."
Hanabi was reluctant, but she had to listen to her father.
The Hyuga were strict.
She didn't dare break the rules.
"Hinata."
Natsume took out the bow. "This is for you."
"Me?"
Hinata took it blankly, staring at him, bewildered.
The Hyuga used Gentle Fist, and at close range at that.
Giving her a bow—wasn't that a bit off?
But since it was Natsume's gift, after her confusion, a smile bloomed, bright and happy.
"You're not going to ask why?"
Natsume reached out and ruffled her hair.
"I like anything Natsume-nii gives me."
Hinata's voice was soft and sticky-sweet.
A faint blush spread across her fair, youthful cheeks. After she spoke, she bit her lip.
Natsume couldn't help tweaking her soft cheeks a few more times.
Hinata grew flustered, feeling heat on her face; her gaze dropped to the floor, as if something there attracted her.
"Do you remember what I said before—about considering long-range options?"
Natsume stopped teasing and got down to business.
"Mm."
Hinata focused, finally clearing her drowsy head and avoiding a fainting spell.
"This bow is for you to use—paired with the Byakugan."
Natsume then took out the ninjutsu scroll for Air Fist: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms, modified by Kaguya. "And this."
"Thank you, Natsume-nii."
Hinata thanked him, then instinctively opened the scroll, going blank for a moment.
She could see some resemblance, but the effect was entirely different.
Did Natsume-nii create this technique just for her?
Hinata felt her cheeks burning, her heart pounding wildly.
"Natsume-nii, y-you're so good to me…"
Her voice was tiny.
She didn't dare meet his eyes.
"It's only right."
Natsume smiled. "Get familiar with the bow and the technique. I'll take you out later to test its power."
Hinata's head snapped up, eyes sparkling, face full of anticipation.
"I'll go now."
Natsume pinched her cheek again and vanished.
It took Hinata a while to recover.
She pressed her face; she could still feel his warm hand.
"Hinata?"
Hiashi's voice brought her back.
"Father."
Hinata regained composure and bowed slightly.
"Natsume gave you that?"
Hiashi immediately noticed the bow in her hand.
"Mm."
Hinata nodded, her tone lighter. "It's from Natsume-nii."
"That makes no sense."
Hiashi rubbed his chin, puzzled. "Why a bow? The Hyuga have never used bows."
If he didn't know Natsume's character, he'd suspect he was just teasing his little girlfriend.
"Natsume-nii said it can be paired with the Byakugan."
Hinata hurried to explain. "He must have a reason."
"…"
Hiashi's mouth twitched.
He has reasons, but your dad doesn't?
In theory, a bow does pair with the Byakugan.
But in practice, it's hard to use.
Ordinary bows have short range and slow rate of fire.
Before the arrow hits, your target would already be on top of you.
Then you still end up dropping the bow to use Gentle Fist.
But Natsume was Hokage. A bow from him should be good.
"Use the bow on me. Let me see its power."
Hiashi thought for a bit. "If it's average, don't waste your time."
"Is that… okay?"
Hinata froze, worried. "I'm afraid of hurting you, father."
"Hurt me? Hinata, your father is one of Konoha's top fighters."
Hiashi laughed. "If you could hurt me, I'd be glad we have a new genius in the clan."
Seeing his confidence, Hinata nodded unconsciously.
True, no matter how amazing the bow was, her own level was what it was.
When sparring with father, she couldn't even touch him at times, much less injure him.
In Hinata's mind, Hiashi was quite formidable.
"Here?"
"Here."
Hiashi waved. "Don't worry; nothing will happen."
Hinata relaxed a little.
She stepped back a few paces, then realized a problem.
No arrows.
She touched the bowstring, thinking.
An information pulse flowed into her mind.
This bow had two functions.
First, it could generate its own arrows.
Second, it could absorb the emotions of those it struck.
If the target died on the spot, it would also absorb their soul.
In other words, the more the bow was used, the stronger it would become.
I see.
Hinata's eyes lit with understanding.
She didn't know its full power yet, but those two functions alone proved the bow was extraordinary.
Warmth flowed through her heart. She looked at Hiashi.
She pulled the string; faint cyan light quickly condensed into an arrow.
Hiashi blinked and activated his Byakugan.
Only then did he notice the restrained chakra on the arrow.
Interesting.
It was his first time seeing such a wondrous ninja tool.
Proof Natsume had indeed put thought into it.
He just didn't know how strong it was.
Hiashi set his guard.
Hinata aimed at the empty space to the left of his head and released.
She figured even if father didn't catch it, it wouldn't hit him.
The instant the arrow left the string, Hiashi's hair stood on end; an unprecedented sense of danger enveloped him.
Without hesitation, he used Rotation.
He spun on the spot like a top.
Rotation was a high-level Hyuga secret art.
Known as absolute defense.
It created a hemispherical chakra barrier from the ground up, repelling physical attacks.
A thunderous bang.
But unlike Kaguya's shot, no firework bloomed.
After all, that had been the goddess's flourish when expressing affection.
"Father?"
Hinata was startled and hurried forward.
"I'm… fine."
Hiashi did catch the arrow.
But saving face as a father came at a price.
Where Hinata couldn't see, his hands were trembling, and blood seeped from his mouth.
Even Natsume didn't know the true power.
But if it was made by Kaguya, it wouldn't be inferior to so-called Six Paths tools.