Chapter 79: Chapter 79: Tsunade: Sleep Together

Under the night sky, the Sarutobi clan compound was brightly lit and very lively.

Because today was the seventh day after Sarutobi Asuma’s birth.

Natsuki followed Orochimaru and Tsunade to take their seats—but they didn’t sit at the same table.

He, Nawaki, Minato, Kushina, and Nonou sat at the same table—commonly known as the kids’ table.

Besides them, there were also Uzumaki Kae, Nara Shikaku, Akimichi Choza, Yamanaka Inoichi, and others.

Natsuki looked around and, with Nawaki’s enthusiastic introductions, recognized many characters from the original story.

For example, Uchiha Fugaku, Hyuga Hiashi, Yuhi Shinku, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura.

It wasn’t until the Shichiya Banquet was about to start that he saw Shimura Danzo.

The current Pot-Shadow’s appearance was somewhat different from his debut in the original story: he didn’t have that arm full of Sharingan yet, nor was he crippled.

Danzo scanned the area.

When he saw Natsuki, Nonou, and the others, he paused slightly. His eyes changed.

But he quickly returned to normal.

Although his heart wasn’t as calm.

The more famous Natsuki and Nonou became, the more regret he felt.

If they had joined Root back then, Root’s strength would definitely have reached a higher level.

But unfortunately, there were no "ifs."

He temporarily had no way to deal with Natsuki and Nonou.

Unless he could become the Hokage.

But that was also a delusion.

Danzo knew very well that the next Hokage would definitely be chosen from among Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade.

Even if he shamelessly competed, he couldn’t beat them.

"That’s Shimura Danzo—the leader of Root. Root belongs to ANBU but isn’t managed by them."

Nawaki introduced. "Root has a very bad reputation and does all sorts of evil things. Don’t interact with him unless necessary."

"I understand."

Natsuki nodded slightly.

Nonou subconsciously looked at him.

She remembered when they were at the Konoha Orphanage for the Root test—Natsuki had told her to hide her talent.

At that time, she didn’t understand the reason. But now she understood completely.

Fortunately, she had listened to him back then. Otherwise, she would have joined Root and lived a completely different life.

Thinking of this, the gentleness in Nonou’s eyes deepened.

Right at that moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen walked out.

With him were Sarutobi Biwako and Sarutobi Asuma in her arms.

A phrase suddenly popped into Natsuki’s mind: "Old but vigorous."

Because Sarutobi Hiruzen was already forty-two years old, and Sarutobi Biwako was one year younger at forty-one.

Having a child at their age could be considered having a child in one’s old age.

Natsuki secretly thought: Truly a role model for our generation.

Sarutobi Hiruzen said a few simple words and announced the official start of the Shichiya Banquet.

Natsuki chatted with Nawaki and the others while finishing his dinner.

The night deepened.

After the Shichiya Banquet ended, Natsuki and the others went home.

The next day, after saying goodbye to them, Orochimaru returned to the Land of Rain.

Two days later, Jiraiya suddenly appeared before them.

After exchanging pleasantries, he took Minato away—saying he wanted to teach him privately for a while.

Natsuki guessed he was going to teach Minato that legendary ninjutsu—the Flying Thunder God Technique.

But Jiraiya didn’t teach for long, leaving in a hurry after less than two months.

Because the situation on the battlefield in the Land of Rain changed suddenly, and Konoha ultimately couldn’t avoid it—entering a three-way free-for-all with Amegakure and Sunagakure.

However, Konoha’s entry actually decreased the intensity of the battlefield in the Land of Rain.

After all, in a three-way free-for-all, if two sides fought too fiercely, it would be easy for the third side to pick up a cheap advantage.

Time advanced to December.

After the final exams for the second semester of Class 4-A ended, winter vacation began.

Natsuki also successfully unlocked a new ability.

[Congratulations, Host. You have unlocked Kamado Tanjiro Template Ability 5: Water Breathing — Tenth Form: Constant Flux.]

It had been more than a year—almost two years—since Natsuki obtained the Kamado Tanjiro template.

Now, he had finally unlocked all the abilities.

But he wasn’t in a hurry to test Water Breathing: Tenth Form: Constant Flux.

Natsuki took a deep breath and activated Water Breathing: Total Concentration: Constant.

In an instant, he felt a change in his body.

With every breath, he had the illusion that his body was getting stronger.

Actually, it wasn’t an illusion.

Water Breathing: Total Concentration: Constant meant he could maintain a fully concentrated breathing state all day long.

This was equivalent to keeping Water Breathing active at all times—never turning it off.

Over time, his body would imperceptibly become stronger and stronger.

Natsuki stroked his chin.

With the Kamado Tanjiro template fully integrated, he had one less thing to do.

He no longer needed to spend time practicing Water Breathing and Water Release chakra nature transformation.

Next, he should focus on unlocking the Kirigaya Kazuto template and the Sasaki Kojiro template.

He could start by unlocking the Kirigaya Kazuto template’s Ability 2: Transcendent Reaction Speed.

After all, transcendent reaction speed was very useful in combat.

It seemed he needed to go out on missions.

"Natsuki." 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Right at that moment, Tsunade’s voice reached him.

Natsuki snapped back to reality and walked into the courtyard.

"Sister, is there a new mission?"

Nawaki asked with an expectant face.

The reason he asked this was that Tsunade called them over as soon as she returned.

Previously, when this happened, it meant she had accepted a mission for them.

"There is a mission—but it has nothing to do with you."

Tsunade shook her head. "For this mission, I’m only taking Natsuki."

"Why?"

Nawaki immediately clamored. "In terms of kenjutsu alone, I can already participate in the Tokubetsu Jonin exam!"

"I naturally know your strength very well."

Tsunade explained. "This mission is to the Land of Rain. The battlefield is chaotic, and your strength isn’t enough yet."

"Hasn’t Natsuki not graduated yet? Why let him go to the Land of Rain?"

Nawaki was stunned.

Kushina and Nonou also showed concerned expressions.

As for Minato, he had been learning the Flying Thunder God Technique from Sarutobi Hiruzen recently.

Jiraiya was on the battlefield in the Land of Rain and couldn’t teach him.

Tsunade couldn’t teach him the Flying Thunder God Technique either, so ultimately, it had to be taught—or rather guided—by Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Natsuki is already a Jonin. Even in the Land of Rain, he is qualified to go."

Tsunade paused. "Our mission this time is to deliver logistical supplies to the Land of Rain and bring back seriously ill ninjas."

"Damn it!"

Nawaki clenched his fists. "I have to become a Jonin as soon as possible too!"

"Actually, I’m not even a Genin."

Natsuki blinked.

"That’s true."

Hearing this, Tsunade couldn’t help but laugh.

In this regard, Natsuki could be considered a weirdo in the history of Konoha.

He clearly had Jonin-level strength but hadn’t even graduated from the Ninja Academy.

"How can you still joke at a time like this?"

Kushina put her hands on her hips. "The Land of Rain is a battlefield. You must be careful!"

"With Teacher Tsunade here, nothing will happen."

Natsuki reached out and pinched her cheek.

Kushina snorted lightly but didn’t say anything more.

"Alright, Natsuki, go prepare. We leave this afternoon."

Tsunade rubbed Kushina’s head.

"Mm."

Natsuki had nothing to prepare.

He was more hoping to encounter a few Tokubetsu Jonin or Jonin during the mission to unlock his abilities.

Time advanced to the afternoon.

After saying goodbye to Kushina and the others, Natsuki left with Tsunade.

"The supplies being sent to the Land of Rain this time consist mainly of Red Healing Potions and Blue Healing Potions."

Tsunade took the initiative to say. "Besides that, there are also ninja tools and food rations."

Natsuki nodded.

He wasn’t surprised that the two potions he invented had become logistical supplies.

Medical ninjas were scarce, and injuries on the battlefield were commonplace—so potions naturally became a top priority.

"The reason I’m taking you with me is because only you and I know how to make the Red Healing Potion."

Tsunade added.

"Are we going to stay in the Land of Rain for a while?"

Natsuki realized.

"Mm."

Tsunade replied. "We need to make a batch of Red Healing Potions before we leave."

Natsuki didn’t mind hearing this.

After all, it gave him more time to unlock character template abilities.

Upon arriving at the entrance of Konoha, a group of ninjas was already waiting.

"Lady Tsunade."

A young man with the Byakugan stepped forward. "All supplies are in place. Nothing is missing."

"Thank you for your hard work, Hizashi."

Tsunade nodded, waved her hand, and shouted. "Move out!"

Natsuki subconsciously glanced at Hyuga Hizashi.

He was Hyuga Hiashi’s biological younger brother—but his ending was quite tragic.

Kumogakure ninjas kidnapped Hyuga Hinata, were discovered by Hyuga Hiashi, and he killed them on the spot.

As a result, Kumogakure turned the tables and demanded Konoha hand over the murderer.

To prevent Kumogakure from starting a war with Konoha, Hyuga Hizashi ultimately volunteered to die in Hyuga Hiashi’s place.

"Hello. I am Hyuga Hizashi."

Hizashi looked at Natsuki.

"I am Natsuki, Senior Hizashi. Nice to meet you."

Natsuki immediately responded.

"Although I am your senior, in terms of strength, I might not be a match for you."

Hizashi smiled.

Natsuki was now extremely famous in Konoha, so he naturally knew many of his exploits.

For example, defeating Mifune—the leader of the samurai in the Land of Iron.

Natsuki felt that Hizashi wasn’t as suppressed or cold as he was in the original story.

Probably because he was still young and his relationship with Hyuga Hiashi hadn’t broken down yet.

"We haven’t fought, so winning or losing is uncertain."

Natsuki said casually. "I’m very interested in the Byakugan and the Gentle Fist. We can spar and exchange pointers when we have time."

Although Hizashi was young, his strength was not weak. He was roughly at the level of a Tokubetsu Jonin now.

In other words, he met the condition for unlocking character template abilities.

"No problem."

Hizashi agreed.

Unlike the Uchiha clan, although the Hyuga clan had pride, they knew how to assess the situation.

At least on the surface, they had always supported the Hokage’s faction.

Natsuki was a ninja of the Hokage’s faction, so he naturally wouldn’t offend him.

The Land of Rain bordered the Land of Fire, located in the northwestern part of the Land of Fire.

The group carried the supplies and headed northwest.

By nightfall, they successfully arrived at the border.

Tsunade wasn’t in a hurry to enter the Land of Rain.

The Land of Rain was currently in a state of war. Once they entered, they could encounter battles at any time.

They had been traveling for a day and didn’t have enough stamina to handle a battle.

Tsunade immediately ordered them to set up camp on the spot, rest for the night, and depart the next day.

"Teacher Tsunade, which tent am I sleeping in?"

Natsuki looked around.

"You’re sleeping with me."

Tsunade said casually.

"Ah?"

Natsuki was instantly stunned.

"What? Are you shy?"

Tsunade teased. "We’ll be sleeping in sleeping bags anyway. What does it matter?"

"I’m happy."

Natsuki coughed lightly.

"It seems I’m still quite charming."

The corners of Tsunade’s mouth curled up.

"Of course!"

Natsuki immediately praised. "Teacher Tsunade, in my heart, you have always been the number one beauty in Konoha!"

"Not bad, not bad. You’re still as good with words as ever. I like it."

Tsunade was even happier hearing this.

She put her arm around Natsuki and walked toward the tent.

Natsuki bumped his head into her soft embrace, only feeling a fragrant scent permeate the air.

He opened his eyes and could only see her clothes and rising and falling skin.

It wasn’t until they entered the tent that he could breathe fresh air.

"Bento."

Tsunade plopped down on the carpet.

Natsuki sat opposite her, took out a bento from his Shadow Space, and handed it to her.

Every time they went out on a mission, Tsunade would freeload his bento. He was already used to it.

"Why is it that I’ve been learning for so long, but my cooking still can’t compare to yours?"

Tsunade took a bite of fried shrimp, chewing with a look of enjoyment.

"Your cooking is already very good now."

Natsuki said casually. "To improve further, it all depends on comprehension."

"Why does it sound like improving strength?"

Tsunade said lazily. "Forget it. I’m already very satisfied. There’s no need to improve my cooking any further."

After eating, she handed the empty bento box to Natsuki.

Natsuki stood up, preparing to go wash it.

As soon as he took a step, he saw an astonishing scene.

Tsunade’s mature body fell backward, and upon contacting the carpet, her whole body swayed twice.

Natsuki felt his scalp tingle watching this.

He turned and walked outside.

When he finished washing the bento box, Tsunade had lost even more of her image—lying casually on the carpet.

"Aren’t you going to use a sleeping bag?"

Natsuki asked.

"Sleeping bags are too narrow. They’re uncomfortable to sleep in."

Tsunade waved her hand. "You can use it."

"Were you this casual before? It doesn’t look like you’re on a mission."

Natsuki asked curiously.

"When have I ever?"

Tsunade glared at him. "Brat, don’t slander me. I only relax a bit in front of you and Nawaki."

Natsuki thought carefully. During their previous missions, she indeed had the demeanor of a ninja.

Of course, judging from the original story, that was all just a disguise.

Her current state was her true nature.

No wonder only Orochimaru participated in the competition for the Fourth Hokage.

Jiraiya was looking for the Child of Prophecy every day. Tsunade had absolutely no interest in being Hokage. And Orochimaru barely had some willingness.

But his willingness wasn’t that high either.

He competed for the Fourth Hokage position to make it more convenient to conduct experiments.

Now that Nawaki wasn’t dead, it was hard to say.

<><><><><><>

Read Advanced Chapters on : patreon.com/Kaizo247

~ Every 150 PS = Bonus Chapter!

~ Push the Story forward with your [Power Stones]