---
Natsume took a bite of the grape that Uzumaki Ena had handed him. It was unexpectedly sweet.
Soon, Natsume found himself too full to continue. Despite his strong vitality, he was still a child and filled up quickly.
Ena's face flushed as she tugged at the hem of her clothes, looking away. She was naturally quiet and reserved, making interacting with Natsume feel a little awkward. Still, his innocent demeanor made it easier.
Unbeknownst to Natsume, Ena had grown fond of him during the half-month they had spent together. To her, he was like the son she never had. She had come to understand his character—he was kind-hearted.
Compared to the shinobi of Kusagakure, he was extremely kind-hearted.
Natsume, oblivious to Ena's growing attachment, leaned his head against her shoulder. With a teasing tone, he said, "Since we've shared a meal, doesn't that make us siblings now? I'll protect you from now on."
Ena smiled softly—a rare expression for her usually calm demeanor. Her life had been flipped upside down.
Once, she was treated like a tool in Kusagakure, with little regard for her well-being. Now, she was respected and treated with care. Her needs—food, clothing, shelter—were all provided without question.
It was all thanks to Natsume, and she had silently decided to follow his lead.
"Ah, looks like school's almost over," Natsume said, glancing out the window before standing. "I'll see you later."
"I'll be waiting," Ena replied, her calm expression returning.
Natsume chuckled, giving her cheek a playful pinch before leaping off the sofa and heading out.
---
When he reached the ninja academy, he dispelled the wood clone that had been attending in his place. Not long after, Tsunade appeared in front of him. As usual, she ruffled his hair before taking his hand. Her warm, motherly presence reminded Natsume of the nurturing women from Motou Village.
"Why do I smell something... fragrant?" Tsunade paused, leaning in to sniff his neck. Her expression shifted into something more serious. "Who was it?"
Danger! Natsume felt an imaginary red flag flash in his mind.
"It's my classmates!" he said, trying to sound annoyed. "They keep crowding around me when I get a free moment. It's so annoying!"
"Well, you can't blame them," Tsunade grinned slyly. "You're quite the looker. Wait until you get older—it's only going to get worse."
Natsume sighed inwardly in relief. He wasn't trying to hide anything from Tsunade, but at seven years old, trying to explain the more complex parts of his life would sound suspicious. He didn't want her to treat him differently.
"I'll tell her everything... when the time is right," he thought.
Tsunade's smile faded, replaced by a mock pout. "In a few years, you'll be all grown up, and I'll be old. When you start liking those younger girls, don't forget about me, okay?"
"How could I?" Natsume said sincerely. "No matter how beautiful they are, none can compare to you. You're the most beautiful woman in the entire ninja world."
Tsunade laughed. "You've got a silver tongue, don't you?" She waved him along with a wink. "Come on, handsome. Let's go home."
Back at home, Shizune had already prepared dinner. As they ate, Tsunade casually mentioned that Orochimaru had been discharged from the hospital.
Natsume's eyes lit up. It's a good time to discuss sealing techniques with him, he thought.
Over the past half-month, Uzumaki Ena's health had greatly improved, and the bite marks from her healing powers had nearly vanished. It was time to move forward with practicing the Uzumaki clan's powerful sealing jutsu.
After dinner and a couple of hours of Wood Release training, Natsume took a moment to observe his wood clone stationed in another town.
---
In a dark laboratory, Orochimaru was already hard at work, despite being recently discharged. His encounters with Uchiha Shisui, Kakuzu, and Sasori had made him realize just how limited his knowledge truly was.
To advance his research, maintaining his relationship with Natsume was crucial. But every alliance required mutual benefit.
Orochimaru knew what would interest Natsume the most—Hashirama Senju's cells and Wood Release.
Developing new breakthroughs using Hashirama's cells was difficult in the short term, so Orochimaru shifted his focus to something more attainable: Wood Release. The goal of transplanting Hashirama's cells had always been to gain the power of Wood Release, but the risks were incredibly high.
But what if he could create a safer method?
Yamato's cells, though much weaker than Hashirama's, were far more stable. Orochimaru planned to use them to neutralize the volatile nature of Hashirama's cells and develop a potion capable of granting Wood Release over time.
Safety would be the priority.
It would require extensive research, but Orochimaru knew this idea would interest Natsume.
As he mulled over his plans, a white snake appeared in front of him. Orochimaru set down the test tube in his hand, narrowing his eyes.
Natsume had arrived.
Orochimaru had long suspected traitors within Konoha, and it was no surprise that Natsume had his own network of spies. His organization was elusive, slipping through even the most secure of defenses.
Orochimaru left his lab and entered the hall, where Natsume sat, sipping tea.
"The tea's good this time," Natsume commented.
Orochimaru's eyes glinted with something akin to resentment. "Your subordinates are quite... ruthless."
He had nearly lost his life to Kakuzu and Sasori.
"I warned you," Natsume replied, setting down his teacup. "They've got bad tempers."
Orochimaru couldn't deny he had been the one to provoke them first, but his curiosity remained. "Your subordinates are incredibly strong. At least tell me their names. I'd like to know who I lost to."
"Don't pry into their affairs," Natsume said dismissively. "I'm here to discuss something else. I want access to the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques."
Orochimaru's eyes lit up with interest. "The Uzumaki clan's sealing jutsu are some of Konoha's most guarded secrets. What can you offer me in exchange?"
Natsume smiled. "You've seen Yamato use Wood Release, haven't you? How do you think it compares to Hashirama's?"
"There's no comparison," Orochimaru admitted.
"And do you know why?"
"Chakra capacity and physical constitution," Orochimaru responded thoughtfully.
"That's part of it," Natsume agreed. "But there's another factor—Sage Mode."
Orochimaru's eyes widened in surprise. He was familiar with Sage Mode, an ability unique to the three great summoning lands. Of the Legendary Sannin, only Jiraiya had managed to learn it, and even then, his control was imperfect.
Natsume leaned forward. "I know someone who can absorb natural energy and activate an incomplete form of Sage Mode."
Orochimaru's heart raced. A person naturally attuned to Sage energy? That was unheard of.
If he could study that ability, it might be the key to fully unlocking Sage Mode. Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with excitement.
-------------------------------------
Get early access to the next 15 chapters by joining my Patreon. Support my work and dive deeper into the story by becoming a member today!
Patreon.com/Shinchan_37