Naruto: Off the Rails from Tsunade’s Lap Pillow!

After Natsume finished washing the chopsticks and bowl, he returned to the hall and found Tsunade lost in thought on the sofa.

"What are you thinking about?"

He sat beside her and asked.

"There's something off with Mikoto today," Tsunade said naturally as she leaned against his shoulder.

"What's strange?" Natsume had a sinking feeling. Did she discover something?

"You know what I mean," Tsunade tilted her head up, eyes narrowing slightly as she stared at him for a moment before turning away again.

"Oh."

Natsume leaned close to her ear, exhaled softly, and said, "I think you were pretty obvious yourself today."

"Eh?"

Tsunade rubbed her ear, confusion in her eyes. "Really?"

She thought she'd been quite reserved.

"Of course there was," Natsume said with a smile. "Your lovestruck eyes might have given you away."

"T-Then... What do we do?"

A mix of panic and embarrassment washed over her.

She couldn't bear to think how she'd face Uchiha Mikoto if their secret got out.

"Don't worry. Even if Aunt Mikoto saw something, she wouldn't believe it anyway."

Natsume looked at her rare cute expression and couldn't help but lower his head to kiss her cheek.

Besides, since Uchiha Mikoto already knows, she wouldn't dare say a word.

Otherwise, she'd be severely punished.

"It's all your fault!"

Frustrated and embarrassed, Tsunade instinctively raised her right arm and elbowed him.

Natsume took the hit straight in the chest.

Hmm, he didn't feel a thing.

Instead, because Tsunade moved too much, Natsume got a stunning view.

His eyes followed the neckline, catching a divine glimpse deep into the magnificent valley.

"Hmph. Pervert, as always."

Noticing his gaze, Tsunade pursed her lips and asked, "Why can't you ever be serious?"

"Who says so?"

Laughing, Natsume replied, "They say looking at beautiful scenery prolongs your life."

"Nonsense."

Tsunade rolled her eyes at him, reached out and pinched his waist, saying, "If Mikoto finds out, you're a goner!"

"I'm truly wronged,"

Natsume couldn't help but quip, "You were the one showing off—why blame me?"

"Now that you're Hokage, you don't even listen to me anymore?"

Tsunade stood up then plopped back down, creating an instant spectacular sight.

"Whatever my sister says, I'll always listen to,"

Natsume said happily while hugging her.

"So today is definitely your fault."

Tsunade claimed unreasonably.

"Yeah, it's my fault."

Natsume's right hand naturally slid downward, reaching her sensual thigh as he spoke, "Let me apologize to you right now."

Tsunade slightly startled, her face showing panic.

She tried to pull away—but couldn't.

Night fell.

Shizune opened the door.

"I..."

Suddenly, she sniffed the air, catching a faint scent.

Instantly, her face turned crimson.

Taking a deep breath, Shizune hurried back to her room.

She knew tonight would be another sleepless night.

The next day.

Natsume yawned and ran straight into Shizune.

"Didn't sleep well last night?"

He noticed her pale face and asked.

"..."

Shizune shot him a glare without saying a word, then rushed to the bathroom.

Natsume rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Suddenly, he remembered—he'd been too caught up in things yesterday and completely forgotten to set up a soundproof barrier.

That was unforgivable.

Now he finally understood why Shizune had reacted like this.

But since things had already gone this far, there wasn't much he could do about it.

After having breakfast, Natsume arrived at the Hokage Building.

Partly because Tsunade was still sleeping.

It had just been the two of them at home, making things feel awkward.

"Natsume."

Kurenai Yuhi knocked and entered, saying, "Two ninja from Kirigakure have arrived and wish to see you."

"Kirigakure?"

Natsume was slightly taken aback.

But soon enough, he figured out why they were here—the alliance.

After all, the Mizukage Mei Terumī had personally offered her first kiss.

And in addition, a Byakugan.

"You can send them to the meeting room."

Natsume waved his hand casually.

"Yes."

Kurenai left.

Natsume waited for a moment before heading toward the meeting room.

When he opened the door, he saw two people.

One looked quite familiar—Ao.

A one-eyed man with his right eye covered—that housed the Byakugan.

One of Kiri's most renowned jonin.

Natsume had once fought side by side with him.

But back then, he wore a mask, so Ao didn't recognize him.

And now, thanks to Natsume, he really was one-eyed.

Yet he himself didn't complain much.

To him, as a ninja, his loyalty to Kirigakure meant more than the loss of a single Byakugan.

The other person was a boy who looked somewhat shy.

Short blue hair, glasses, and carrying two large swords on his back.

Chojuro.

The future Sixth Mizukage.

A member of the Seven Swords of the Bloody Mist, wielding the dual swords Hiramekarei.

Natsume hadn't really expected to see him here.

Looks like Kirigakure really is running out of capable people.

Mei Terumi has no choice but to train young talents early.

Pity though—Chojuro isn't ready for such a role yet.

Thinking carefully, Kirigakure's situation is even worse than Sunagakure's.

At least Suna still has Gaara.

Later on, Kanpo inherited the legacy of Sasori of the Red Sand and became a formidable force.

In comparison, Kiri has no one else quite like Mei at the moment.

Thankfully, thanks to Natsume, Zabuza Momochi and Haku have joined their side—so it's not all bad.

"Hokage-sama."

Ao immediately stood up and greeted, "It's an honor to meet you. I am Ao, and this is Chojuro."

"Ao, I've heard your name before. The famous Byakugan Killer."

Natsume smiled as he sat at the head seat.

"Hokage-sama flatters me," Ao quickly replied with a wave of his hand. "Compared to you, I'm nothing special."

On their way here, both he and Chojuro had already heard about how Natsume single-handedly crushed Sunagakure.

Kirigakure's overall strength wasn't much higher than Suna's.

In other words, if Natsume wished, he could wipe them all out effortlessly.

Ao definitely didn't want Kiri to share Suna's fate.

They would have to hand over all their tailed beasts and ninjutsu.

It had been a total disaster.

To make matters worse, Mei Terumī had already warned them not to provoke any conflict with Konoha.

Given all these circumstances, Ao decided it was wisest to keep a low profile.

"Did the Mist Village send you two here for something specific?" Natsume asked, his tone dripping with feigned ignorance.

"Mist Village would like to form an alliance with Konoha Village."

Ao stood up immediately and pulled out a glass bottle. "This Byakugan is our token of goodwill."

To be honest, after witnessing what happened to Sunagakure, he personally doubted whether a single Byakugan could even be considered a sincere gesture.

But Mei hadn't given him anything else to offer.

Ao carefully observed Natsume's expression, fearing he might fly into a rage and turn hostile.

In that case, he and Chojuro wouldn't be able to escape consequences this time.

"Acceptable."

Natsume smiled. After inspecting the Byakugan and confirming its authenticity, he said, "Proceed with the alliance, then."

Ao could hardly believe his ears.

Was it really this simple?

Everything went surprisingly smoothly.

"You hesitating?"

Natsume narrowed his eyes slightly.

"No!"

Ao hurriedly waved his hands. "It's just that Hokage-sama accepted so quickly, I wasn't prepared."

"Do you have the alliance treaty?"

Natsume asked casually.

The real price would be paid personally by Mizukage anyway.

"We do."

Ao took out two scrolls and laid them on the table in front of Natsume.

Mei's signature already filled one side.

Once Natsume added his name, the alliance would officially be sealed.

In truth, though, this was just a piece of paper.

Such alliances held no real weight.

Still, formalities must be followed.

Natsume signed twice, leaving behind one scroll.

"Do you have other business left?"

"No," Ao took the scroll, instinctively shaking his head, his expression dazed.

"You're welcome to stay in Konoha for a few days, or leave now if you'd prefer."

Natsume's words were clearly a dismissal.

Ao and Chojuro bowed slightly before turning and exiting the Hokage's office.

Natsume picked up the glass bottle and appeared before the Hyuga clan.

"Hiashi-san, this is a gift for you."

"This is… a Byakugan? Where did you get it?"

Hiashi Hyuga's eyes widened in shock, asking instinctively.

For a moment, he even suspected that Natsume had exhumed it from his ancestors' graves.

But upon reconsideration, given Natsume's power, why would he even bother desecrating graves for a Byakugan?

"From the Mist Village."

Natsume replied casually.

"The Mist Village…"

Hiashi instantly recalled that Byakugan Killer—Ao.

He exhaled deeply.

The missing Byakugan had always been a thorn in the side of the Hyuga clan.

But because Ao remained protected within the Mist, retrieving it had proven impossible.

"Thank you."

Hiashi accepted the bottle sincerely.

"Think nothing of it."

Natsume spoke calmly. "Consider it compensation for taking those techniques from you yesterday."

"..."

Hiashi felt reminded once again, his heart clenched involuntarily.

That couldn't possibly compare at all.

But since it was given, there was nothing he could do about it now.

"Hokage-sama, would hosting a banquet next Sunday for your adoption of Hanabi as your younger sister work well for you?"

Hiashi forced a smile and asked, "No problem then?"

Natsume nodded. "Of course. I'll be there right on time."

"Since this concerns the Hokage, I'm planning to invite all the major ninja clans and jonins in the village for a banquet," Hiashi said, relaxing slightly as he continued, "Is this acceptable?"

Obviously, he wanted to maximize the influence of this event—for such a heavy price had been paid, and he needed to ensure a return on that investment.

Natsume didn't seem to mind. He shrugged and replied, "Uncle Hiashi, you can decide that yourself."

Hiashi broke into laughter immediately.

Now that Hinata was marrying Natsume, Hanabi had effectively become his younger sister.

The Hyuga clan was now entirely bound to the current strongest Hokage. For the next few decades, unless something unexpected happened, the Hyuga would remain powerful and prosperous.

He naturally felt elated.

Natsume made his way back to the Hokage Building.

"Teacher Natsume!"

Naruto Uzumaki suddenly vaulted onto the office desk, shouting excitedly, "We want a mission!"

Standing behind him were Sasuke Uchiha and Hinata Hyuga.

No wonder she hadn't been around the Hyuga compound earlier.

Natsume smiled slightly and asked, "What kind of mission do you want?"

"A big one!" Naruto frowned slightly. "Why didn't Teacher Natsume take us along when he went to Sunagakure?"

He'd been furious when he found out later.

How could they not include him in something like that?

"Don't get mad," Natsume said, raising an eyebrow. "I've got an S-rank task for you kids this time, too. How about heading to Kusagakure to search for a divine artifact left behind by the Sage of Six Paths?"

"The Sage of Six Paths?!"

Naruto immediately became excited. "Great! That's exactly what I want!"

Even Sasuke Uchiha and Hinata Hyuga couldn't help but lift their heads, shock evident on their faces.

Three thousand words.

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