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Natsume's days at Tsunade's residence were filled with rigorous training, paired with Tsunade's occasional, playful doting. But his time at Uzumaki Ena's home was different—it was a world of relaxation and laughter, with Ena's energy bringing a lighthearted balance to his routine.
"Karin, remember to focus on your studies," Natsume said gently, running a hand through her vibrant red hair.
Recently, he'd picked up the habit of patting people's heads—a trait he likely picked up from Tsunade, who did the same with him. Perhaps it was just the way of the Leaf Village, where even the most powerful shinobi had their moments of warmth.
Karin looked up at him, a little confused but clearly enjoying his touch, even if she was less enthusiastic about studying. After a moment, she nodded, though reluctantly.
"Alright," she sighed.
Natsume smiled, patting her head once more. "I'll check on you later, then." With that, he left the study room, closing the door quietly behind him.
He made his way to another room, where he knew Ena would be waiting. She had recently received a few custom outfits he'd ordered for her, and she'd promised to try one on today. Natsume found himself curious and amused to see what she'd chosen.
As he opened the door, his eyes widened. Ena stood there, wearing an elaborate black-and-white maid outfit with white knee-high socks, her usual long hair now styled into short pinkish locks.
Seeing his surprise, Ena picked up the hem of her skirt, giving a shy little curtsy. "Master," she murmured, voice tinged with embarrassment.
She was dressed as Ram from Re:Zero, though her personality didn't quite match the character's. But Natsume still felt pleased by her effort.
"You look great," he said, a small smile touching his lips.
Ena's cheeks flushed slightly, clearly relieved. But Natsume tilted his head, a thoughtful frown appearing on his face. "Though... you're a bit too mature for the character," he admitted.
At twenty-three, Ena wasn't exactly old, but Ram was usually depicted as a teenager. He chuckled to himself—luckily, the shinobi world had ways of solving such things. He gave her a brief lesson on Henge no Jutsu (Transformation Technique), and after a bit of practice, she transformed herself into a much more convincing version of Ram.
Since it was a cosplay, Natsume decided to capture the moment. He quickly fetched a camera. "Ready?" he asked with a playful grin.
Ena hesitated for a moment, then put on a stern look and muttered, "Disgusting," perfectly imitating Ram's iconic line.
"Perfect!" Natsume snapped the picture, laughing in delight. They spent the next half-hour taking pictures in various poses and angles.
By the end, Ena's cheeks were bright red. Some of the poses had been a bit… daring.
"Come on, you must be tired. Take a break," Natsume said, motioning to the couch.
Ena went to sit beside him, but he pulled her gently onto his lap. Her skirt rode up, showing her slender legs, and Natsume began massaging her shoulders. She quickly relaxed, melting into his touch.
---
The next morning, Natsume stood at the village gates, reflecting on the previous day. There were still a few more outfits he'd ordered for Ena that she hadn't tried on, and the thought filled him with a subtle sense of excitement. But for now, he had more pressing matters.
"Are we waiting for someone, Tsunade-sama?" Kabuto Yakushi, one of Tsunade's apprentices, asked, glancing around.
"Hiruzen insisted on sending extra support," Tsunade replied with a huff, clearly irritated. "Though 'support' is generous—they're really just backup."
Natsume knew that Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, wanted to end the tension with Kumogakure quickly and was hoping to use Tsunade's reputation to tip the scales.
Moments later, a small squad approached. Leading them was a young man with piercing white eyes—the unmistakable trait of the Hyūga clan.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Lady Tsunade," he greeted, bowing respectfully.
"Hiashi?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Didn't expect to see you here."
Hiashi Hyūga, the clan head, rarely left the village, which spoke to the importance of this mission.
"The Hyūga and Uchiha clans both want their presence felt in this conflict," Natsume thought, glancing at the Uchiha crest on the armor of a nearby shinobi. With the Uchiha already on the front lines, the Hyūga couldn't afford to stay in the background.
As he observed the group, he noticed a familiar face—Hinata Hyūga, Hiashi's shy daughter, looking as soft-spoken as ever.
"Hinata," Natsume acknowledged, noticing her bashful demeanor.
Natsume gave a small smile, recalling the last time he'd met Hinata when she had accidentally lost her way.
"I helped her get home last time," Natsume explained when he saw the curiosity in Hiashi's eyes.
"I see," Hiashi said with a reserved nod. "She did mention a young man helped her, though she didn't know his name."
Natsume crouched down to meet Hinata's gaze. "Will you still get lost, Hinata?" he teased gently.
Her cheeks turned scarlet, and she quickly looked down, too flustered to respond.
"Forgive her shyness," her mother, Rinka, said with an apologetic smile. But her father, Hiashi, didn't seem as amused, his expression strict. He clearly expected more confidence from his daughter, the future heir of the Hyūga.
Tsunade, watching Hinata's reaction, felt a twinge of unease. It was strange—Natsume was her adopted son, and she should be happy for him, yet some part of her felt… possessive.
"Alright, enough distractions! Let's move out!" Tsunade's sharp command cut through the air, bringing everyone to attention. "We have to reach the front lines within two days."
As Natsume fell into step behind Tsunade, he found himself admiring her commanding presence. She was truly a force of nature.
"One day," he thought with determination, "I'll be at your side as Hokage."
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