Konoha: From the moment I was adopted by Tsunade

Chapter 172 The Water Shadow's First Kiss

Konoha's Fourth Training Ground.

"Were we tricked by Natsume-sensei?"

Naruto asked listlessly.

He received a notification from Xi Ri Hong yesterday and has been very excited ever since.

The same thing happened at the fourth training ground.

But almost two hours have passed and Natsume is still nowhere to be seen.

His initial enthusiasm cooled considerably.

No, it won't.

Hinata Hyuga defended herself, saying, "Natsume-nii wouldn't lie."

Uchiha Sasuke, perched in the tree, stood with his hands in his pockets, his face expressionless and unchanged.

Although I was a little impatient.

"The sun is already high in the sky."

Naruto Uzumaki lay sprawled on the ground and said, "If you don't come soon, it'll be lunchtime."

"Natsume-nii is Hokage now, so it's normal for him to be busy."

Hinata Hyuga found another reason for him.

"That seems to be true."

Naruto Uzumaki suddenly realized and said, "The Hokage is indeed extremely busy."

Good morning.

Natsume suddenly appeared on the training field, startling both Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha.

They didn't know about the Flying Thunder God Technique and found it too sudden.

"Natsume-sensei."

Naruto Uzumaki sprang to his feet and stood in front of him, excitedly asking, "Is there a mission?"

Seeing this, Sasuke Uchiha also jumped down from the tree; he was quite looking forward to the mission.

After all, he had always stayed in Konoha Village, only fighting with a bunch of kids, and had never engaged in a real life-or-death battle.

In that case, it would be impossible to defeat Uchiha Itachi.

"Yes, and it's an S-rank mission."

Natsume thought for a moment and then said.

According to the generally accepted standards in the ninja world, S-rank missions are related to national or ninja village secrets, with a bounty of up to one million ryo, and involve war, assassination of important figures, or suppression of ninja forces.

The Hokage is undoubtedly an important figure.

It shouldn't be a problem to give it an S rating.

"S-rank?!"

Naruto Uzumaki's eyes widened, and he couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

As a ninja, he naturally knew what S-rank represented.

Under normal circumstances, it is absolutely impossible for a genin to receive an S-rank mission.

Because this is simply suicide.

Even the usually composed Uchiha Sasuke showed a surprised expression upon hearing this.

Only Hinata Hyuga remained relatively calm.

In her opinion, whatever Natsume does is right.

It represents a state of blind trust.

"What is it?!"

Naruto Uzumaki quickly revealed an eager look in his eyes.

Given his personality, he wouldn't care about any deeper meaning behind it; he would only be excited about being able to carry out an S-class mission.

Uchiha Sasuke sighed helplessly. "Just as I thought."

"Protect the Hokage to the capital of the Land of Fire."

Natsume said with a smile.

"Protecting the Hokage, isn't that protecting Natsume-sensei?"

Naruto Uzumaki paused, a disappointed look on his face, and said, "In that case, what danger is there?"

When the Hokage goes out, he is accompanied by the Anbu and the Hokage's bodyguard.

Those three genin were just there for show.

"No, it's just the four of us."

Natsume shook his head and said.

"That's fine!"

Naruto Uzumaki said with great enthusiasm, "I will protect my teacher."

Uchiha Sasuke frowned.

The Hokage travels alone.

Danger is inevitably terrible.

It's normal for it to be rated S.

He clenched his fists instinctively, feeling a bit scared, but quickly regained his composure.

As a member of the Uchiha clan, he is not afraid of any difficulties.

Natsume took in their expressions.

Overall, it's not bad.

But in reality, it's hard to say.

In the original work, Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki, and Sakura Haruno, who were two years older than they are now, encountered Zabuza Momochi.

The first battle was terrible; he was too scared to move by the murderous aura.

While their strength has increased considerably, they still haven't experienced a real battle.

Most of those who came to assassinate Natsume were vicious wandering ninjas or rogue ninjas.

They won't show any mercy.

"You have one hour to prepare. Meet at the village entrance then."

Natsume reminded her, "Remember to bring a change of clothes and enough ninja tools."

"OK!"

Naruto Uzumaki turned and ran in a flash, as if some ferocious dog was chasing him.

Uchiha Sasuke then vanished into the distance as a black shadow.

"See you later, Natsume-nii-san."

Hinata Hyuga nodded her little head and then obediently left.

Natsume withdrew his gaze and returned to the Hokage's office.

He played with Tsunade for a while this morning, but he didn't expect it to be past the designated time, which also caused him to be late.

Now that he's leaving Konoha, he definitely needs to inform Kurenai and the others, lest they think the Hokage has disappeared less than two days after taking office.

Natsume casually picked up a document.

This is the list of ninjas that he had Kurenai Yuhi compile.

He was also one of the people who supported Sarutobi Asuma at the last Jonin meeting.

Most of them are Jonin from the Sarutobi and Shimura clans.

Natsume plans to send them on more dangerous missions in the future, in order to weaken them openly and legitimately.

"Thank you, Sister Hong."

He put down the documents and looked at the sunset glow not far away.

She was still wearing a bodycon skirt and black stockings, which, combined with her serious yet refined face, reminded Natsume of several office movies.

cough cough.

It was purely accidental.

Natsume said, "I plan to go to the metropolis of the Land of Fire today. Please keep an eye on things while I'm gone."

In fact, with the current Hokage Secretariat and Hokage Advisory Group model, the presence or absence of a Hokage will not affect the normal operation of Konoha.

"clear!"

Kurenai nodded and said, "I will immediately inform Kakashi and Guy, and have the Anbu accompany them."

"Need not."

Natsume waved his hand and said, "I can go by myself."

"How can this be allowed?"

Kurenai quickly refused, saying, "It's far too dangerous."

"Sister Kurenai, openly defying the Hokage's orders is not something a secretary should do."

Natsume smiled and said.

"I...that's not what I meant."

Kurenai panicked and explained, "I was just worried about your safety."

"I understand what you mean, but you should trust the Hokage."

Natsume blinked and said, "The Hokage is the strongest ninja in Konoha."

"Feel sorry."

Kurenai felt that confidence, her face flushed slightly, and she nodded, saying...

No need to apologize.

Natsume waved his hand and asked, "Is there anything else?"

"have."

Kurenai took out a letter from her bosom and said, "This is a letter from the Kazekage."

Natsume raised an eyebrow.

Is it Kazekage Rasa?

In the original work, he was ambushed by Orochimaru and died a violent death.

Later, he was impersonated and his identity was stolen, dragging Sunagakure into the so-called Konoha Crush plan.

In the end, Hiruzen Sarutobi died, Orochimaru lost both arms, and Gaara became the biggest winner, succeeding as Kazekage.

Now, thanks to Natsume, Orochimaru is still able to stay in Konoha without worry.

Luo Sha naturally did not die.

He also contributed ninety points of fate value for this.

Natsume opened the envelope, thinking it was about the Chunin Exams, but it wasn't; it was about an alliance.

At this time, Sunagakure and Konoha were not as close as in the original work; their relationship was merely average.

The two villages did not engage in battle during the Third Shinobi World War.

The reason is that Sunagakure was invaded by Kumogakure and was no longer able to expand outwards.

After the battle, the Land of Wind was quite dissatisfied and directly cut its funding support.

This is why Orochimaru's plan to destroy Konoha while impersonating Rasa went so smoothly.

Because Sunagakure is too poor.

The neighboring village of Konoha is incredibly wealthy, so naturally they wouldn't let such an opportunity slip by.

After the plan failed, Sunagakure formed an alliance very decisively.

The purpose was to rely on Konoha to alleviate the pressure on their survival.

After reading Rasa's handwritten letter, Natsume fell into deep thought.

If he didn't know that Shimura Danzo was in Sunagakure, he might have thought it was a genuine alliance.

After all, Luo Sha had been forced to become a gold miner, and he was working hard every day to support the village's expenses.

But with Danzo Shimura added, things become a bit different.

However, this is a good opportunity.

By demonstrating his military might and securing the ally, Sunagakure, Natsume's position as Hokage would become much more secure.

"Sister Hong, go and reply to the letter."

Natsume pondered silently for a moment, then looked up and said, "Just say that Konoha Village agrees to the alliance, and we'll discuss the specific details later."

"OK."

Kurenai Yuhi wasn't surprised.

Most people would choose peace over war.

Natsume admired her retreating figure and stretched.

He got up and left the Hokage's office.

Since it hadn't been an hour yet, he didn't go to the village entrance, but instead went to the Water Shadow's office.

In just over three years, Kirigakure has become much wealthier.

First, Mei Terumi ended the bloody rule of Yagura Karatachi and gradually re-established contact with neighboring countries and ninja villages.

Secondly, the opening of the five waterways has brought a significant influx of people.

Where there are people, there is business.

As a result, Kirigakure became vibrant and full of life.

However, healing from the pain is not easy.

The most fundamental problem remains unsolved: there are too few ninjas.

The Third and Fourth Mizukage have lost a large number of ninjas over the years.

It's impossible for Kirigakure to regain its original strength within three years.

"Good morning, Lord Mizukage."

Natsume sat down on the desk without any hesitation.

It's already noon.

Mei Terumi glanced at him, completely unconcerned about his behavior.

Over the past few years, they have become quite close.

It's just one last layer of paper away from being opened.

But she thought it was fine.

He himself is the Mizukage, and Natsume is the leader of a certain organization.

It's unlikely they'll be together.

"Why are you wearing this outfit again?"

Natsume sighed and said, "This doesn't show how beautiful you are at all."

After more than three years of training, Mei Terumi has become increasingly mature and experienced, becoming a qualified Mizukage and closely resembling her character in the original work.

"Hmph, I'm the Mizukage, not your subordinate."

A faint chill appeared on Mei Terumi's exquisite face as she said, "What I wear is none of your business."

"What if I help you form an alliance with Konoha Village?"

Natsume asked with a smile.

The relationship between Konoha and Kirigakure is rather bad.

Because of two actions during the Third Shinobi World War.

One was a sneak attack by the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.

Second, the three tails exploded.

This resulted in the deaths of Matt Day and Rin Nohara.

Mei Terumi had previously proposed the idea of ​​forming an alliance with the other four major villages.

In her view, Kirigakure could no longer withstand further turmoil.

However, they were rejected by both Kumogakure and Konoha.

The former simply didn't want to form an alliance, while the latter was due to the grudges between the two villages.

When Natsume mentions it now, besides the fact that he became Hokage, he also mentions that three years have passed.

As long as Kirigakure pays some price, forming an alliance is irrelevant.

"you can?"

Mei Terumi's tone was tinged with doubt.

She investigated Natsume.

There is no ninja named Takashi in Konoha Village, nor is he related to the Thousand Sunshine Trading Company.

Although he himself said he had connections over there, she didn't believe him completely.

At most, people would assume that he did know some ninjas.

But forming an alliance is different.

It's impossible to succeed without going through the Hokage.

"Of course."

Natsume gazed at her snow-white neck and the graceful curve of her body as she breathed, and said.

Mei Terumi noticed his unbridled gaze, but said nothing.

We've already gotten used to it, so we don't care about this little loss.

She was more concerned about whether Natsume's words were true or false.

Although they knew he was incredibly powerful, it was impossible for him to control Konoha, the strongest of the five great villages.

"You knew that Konoha recently got a new Hokage, right?"

Natsume continued to ask.

"Yes, I heard he's Tsunade's apprentice, named Natsume, and he's very young."

Mei Terumi nodded, a possibility forming in her mind, and asked, "You know him?"

"Don't you have a picture of the new Hokage?"

Natsume didn't answer her question, but asked again.

"It hasn't been sent back yet."

Mei Terumi explained, "Konoha Village is too far from us, and Natsume's reputation wasn't particularly prominent before, so we didn't pay much attention to it."

"I see."

Natsume finally understood why she was so indifferent when she saw him.

He lowered his head, leaned close to her, and almost kissed her.

"What...are you doing?"

Mei Terumi leaned back instinctively, tilted her head to the side, and her heart began to pound violently.

"Let me show you what the new Hokage looks like."

Natsume would never admit that he wanted to take advantage of the situation.

But seeing her embarrassed expression, he was quite satisfied.

This shows that she still has feelings for him.

"What did you say?!"

Mei Terumi realized what was happening and immediately turned her head to stare at him.

So shocked were they that they didn’t even notice the distance between them.

Natsume could clearly feel her warm breath and faint fragrance.

"I am the Hokage."

"..."

Mei Terumi's pupils contracted, and her rosy lips parted slightly, forgetting to close them.

It took her a long time to realize that the two of them were too close.

Her face flushed slightly, and she turned her head back, saying, "You...you must be joking."

"Do you think just anyone can master the Flying Thunder God Technique?"

Natsume's lips curled into a smile as he said, "If you don't believe me, I can take you to the Hokage's office."

Terumi Mei was stunned.

Could it be true?

Isn't this a bit too outrageous?

She looked at Natsume's excessively handsome face and was speechless.

"Please give me some time."

Mei Terumi doesn't know how to treat Natsume right now.

He's the Hokage, so in these past three years, haven't I betrayed Kirigakure?

So the traitor was actually myself?

It's still a reflection in the water.

"What are the conditions?"

Mei Terumi ultimately couldn't refuse the benefits of forming an alliance.

Moreover, putting aside the risks involved, collaborating with Natsume did indeed bring many benefits.

This saved Kirigakure at least several years of development time.

If an alliance is formed now, and the two villages cease hostilities, that would be acceptable.

"The first condition is to return Ao's Byakugan to the Hyuga clan."

Natsume held up one finger and said.

Well, I should also try to win over my future father-in-law.

"Can."

Terumi pondered for a moment, then nodded and said.

The Byakugan isn't as powerful as you might think.

The improvement in Qing's strength is generally average.

Returning it to Konoha would be fine.

"Secondly, how was the Mizukage's first kiss?"

Natsume suddenly changed the subject, a smile appearing on his face.

"What are you talking about?!"

Mei Terumi instinctively said, "That's impossible."

"Okay then."

Natsume was just mentioning it casually to tease her; he didn't really intend to blackmail her. "If you're not willing, I'll change the terms."

Are you kidding me?

Mei Terumi glared at him, but for some reason, seeing his easy-going attitude made her very angry.

Am I really that unattractive? Not even worth your time to say a few more words?

Thinking of this, she suddenly stood up and bit Natsume's lips hard.

Four thousand characters.

(End of this chapter)