Support me on Patreon for high-quality content and access to chapter 173 additional r18: patreon.com/Betek.
....
"Whoosh...."
As the white cocoon emerged, Natsuhane exhaled in relief, immediately ceasing his chakra flow.
"This is tough. I need to be careful with how many times I let this thing evolve. If this continues, I might not be able to handle it…"
Regardless of what the creature evolved into, Natsuhane was prepared to accept it. Evolving the beast twice in a row was far more taxing than feeding it, consuming an enormous amount of chakra.
This made Natsuhane realize that each evolution of the beast required significantly more chakra than the last.
"You... are you okay?" A voice came from beside him, and Honoka appeared, supporting him.
"Me? I'm fine… just a bit hungry…"
Having not eaten for a long time, Natsuhane truly felt famished.
Honoka, hearing this, quickly said, "Wait here. There should be food stored in this lab. I'll find something for you. What would you like? I can cook anything you want."
Natsuhane chuckled, "Oh? Why does it feel like your attitude and tone toward me have changed completely? This sudden good service is making me a bit uncomfortable…"
"I... I..." Honoka's face turned red as she stammered, "You saved my life and tamed this monster. I must repay you properly. Also, you... you're really amazing…"
As she spoke, her face grew hotter, her eyes avoiding Natsuhane's gaze. Feeling the atmosphere turn awkward, she quickly added, "I'll find food. Wait for me, okay?"
With that, Honoka ran off.
"Hehe…" Seeing this, Natsuhane couldn't help but smile. He understood well that Honoka had developed feelings for him.
"Who would have thought that getting a wife from the Uzumaki clan would be this quick? Saved me the trouble of using the Heart-to-Heart Jutsu…"
Initially, Natsuhane hadn't intended to use the Heart-to-Heart Jutsu on Honoka. Though its effects were powerful, it had drawbacks — it was too intense.
Tsunade and Shizune were prime examples. No matter how much he indulged them, they were insatiable.
Remembering the days when he was exhausted, spending days with Shizune and nights with Tsunade, left with no time for sleep, Natsuhane felt a lingering fear.
"Sigh, feelings developed naturally are better. Having a couple of wives like those transformed by the Heart-to-Heart Jutsu is enough…"
Reflecting on this, Natsuhane turned his attention back to the giant cocoon beside him.
Due to the repeated evolution, the beast didn't break out immediately this time but remained inside, brewing, uncertain when it would finally emerge.
After a good ten minutes, the cocoon began to tremble.
"Is it coming out?"
Natsuhane was both excited and worried about the beast's new form.
He dreaded it might be another hideous appearance.
As the trembling intensified, two bright wings first emerged from the cocoon.
The wings were so distinct that one could instantly recognize them.
"A butterfly's wings?"
Natsuhane's heart leaped with joy.
Butterflies weren't ugly creatures. Not only were they visually pleasing, but they could also serve as flying mounts in the future.
Straightening his posture, Natsuhane eagerly awaited the full reveal of the beast.
The cocoon stirred again, and to Natsuhane's surprise, two slender, white legs suddenly extended from within.
"What the…!"
Natsuhane was stunned.
These were human legs!
No!
With his years of experience, Natsuhane could tell at a glance that these were women's legs!
"Uh…"
Such enormous legs, Natsuhane had only seen something similar on Nico Robin from "One Piece." But that was on a screen; seeing them in real life was a shock.
The visual impact was overwhelming…
"Whoosh…"
In the next moment, a graceful figure with a butterfly's upper body and a human's lower body emerged from the cocoon, kneeling before Natsuhane, and softly murmured, "M-Master, hello…"
"You can talk?? Wait, what is…? What the…?"
Natsuhane stared, dumbfounded.
Though he had seen countless women and thought he had witnessed every sight, this was a first for him.
Not even in the wildest fan-made "One Piece" content had he seen something like this…
In that moment, Natsuhane silently vowed.
He had to get a dress and underwear for this beast as soon as possible.
Such a sight could not be seen by anyone else.
On second thought, perhaps pants would be safer.
Seeing Natsuhane's face turn red and his eyes glaze over, the beast asked curiously, "Master, are you okay?"
Natsuhane looked up at the creature, his gaze reluctantly shifting away, and exclaimed, "No, I'm fine… You… you're amazing."
"Don't kneel on one knee anymore. Stand up… I can't handle it…"