---
Although the Fourth Raikage seethed with rage, he chose not to pursue further.
First, there was the risk of an ambush.
Second, hundreds of his ninjas lay incapacitated, writhing from the aftereffects of the electrocution. They needed to be rescued.
Natsume and the others had run for nearly an hour before stopping.
"Tsunade-sama," Uchiha Shisui said, his expression strained. His Mangekyō Sharingan had nearly been compromised, and he looked weary.
If someone with ill intent were to gain control over his Kotoamatsukami, it could be catastrophic.
"There's an issue with my team. I'll need some time to handle it, Tsunade-sama," Shisui requested.
Tsunade nodded, her curiosity piqued but respectful of his wishes. "Understood."
Shisui's stance made it clear that he didn't want interference. Natsume, standing nearby, wanted to offer help but wasn't invited. He could only watch as Shisui and Itachi carried the unconscious Uzuki Yugao into the tent.
Was it jealousy? No, not exactly. Perhaps sympathy.
But two pairs of Sharingan for hypnosis and interrogation? That was a daunting combination for anyone.
Still, with Orochimaru's involvement, any evidence was likely gone. He was a master at covering his tracks. Natsume decided to focus on his own priorities, for now.
Inside the tent, Shisui's expression hardened, his usual warmth replaced by a cold determination. Despite having once shared camaraderie with Uzuki Yugao, his old teammate, the situation demanded caution.
"Wake her up," he instructed.
Itachi knelt beside Yugao, channeling his chakra until she began to stir.
"What happened?" Yugao blinked in confusion, instinctively touching her head as if to clear a fog.
"Do you remember anything from earlier?" Shisui asked, his voice tense with concern.
"I remember fighting the Kumo-nin with you, and then… I activated the curse mark my teacher gave me. After that, everything went dark," she murmured, shaking her head.
Shisui and Itachi exchanged glances, both muttering the same name in unison.
"Orochimaru."
The curse mark—it was unmistakably his work.
"Look at me," Itachi said, his Sharingan spinning into the three-tomoe formation.
Yugao's gaze lifted to meet his, her eyes dull as she fell under the hypnotic pull of the Sharingan.
"Who did this to you?" Itachi pressed, his tone gentle but firm.
"I… I don't know," Yugao replied, her voice flat and empty.
Orochimaru's handiwork was thorough. They weren't getting easy answers.
"What now, Shisui?" Itachi asked, his expression solemn. "We have no solid proof to accuse Orochimaru."
His words were telling—he no longer referred to Orochimaru as "sensei." The last shreds of respect were gone.
"Even with proof, it wouldn't be enough," Shisui said. "Orochimaru has too much influence in Konoha. No one would dare confront him without Sarutobi-sama's direct order."
"Will you report this to the Hokage?" Itachi asked.
Shisui hesitated. Reporting would expose his Mangekyō Sharingan, a power that could change everything once known.
"Not yet," he decided. "I'll act only if things reach a critical point. But for now, we wait. The Uchiha haven't crossed into rebellion just yet."
Shisui pondered using his Kotoamatsukami on Uchiha Fugaku, his clan leader, to avert civil war. But it wasn't the right time.
"For now, let's drop it," Shisui said. "We stay alert. That's enough to keep Orochimaru at bay, for now. But Itachi… be cautious."
Itachi was silent before speaking. "Shisui, I've awakened the Three-Tomoe Sharingan. How… how does one unlock the Mangekyō?"
Shisui's face darkened. The Mangekyō Sharingan was a power born from profound emotional pain. He wished Itachi wouldn't have to follow that path.
"You've only just awakened the Three-Tomoe, Itachi," Shisui replied, his smile gentle. "You're young. It's not something to rush. When the time comes, you'll understand."
Outside, Natsume was calculating his fate points, his thoughts drifting back to his goals. The recent battle had increased his total to 900 points. Not enormous, but enough to consider his options.
In the Destiny Shop, the Sage of Six Paths' Body was priced at 3,900 points—a massive leap above simply acquiring Wood Release. But it made sense; the body of the Sage of Six Paths was an unparalleled treasure. With it and Wood Release, he would be formidable.
Still, the Otsutsuki clan loomed in the distance; "invincible" was relative.
The Sage Mode was a tempting option, priced at 1,500 points. If Shikkotsu Forest wasn't an option, he might buy it.
As for other techniques, the Flying Thunder God Technique was at the top of his mind. At 1,000 points, it was pricey but revolutionary.
His thoughts were interrupted as Shisui, Itachi, and a dazed Yugao emerged from the tent.
"Tsunade-sama, the situation is resolved," Shisui reported.
"Good," Tsunade said, keeping her questions to herself. She respected her team's boundaries—unless it concerned Natsume, whom she watched closely.
---
**Aftermath of the Mission**
News of Tsunade's successful mission soon reached Konoha, stirring both pride and worry among the village's top officials.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, was pleased. Tsunade was not only his apprentice but a symbol of his legacy. Six of the seven mission members were either his direct or indirect disciples—shinobi who had learned under the Hokage's lineage.
However, in Hiruzen's eyes, there was a unique bond. Though Itachi and Shisui were incredibly skilled, Tsunade had a special place as his direct successor. Seeing her success made him hopeful for the village's future.
Natsume's performance also earned Hiruzen's admiration, as he was a rising talent outside of the Uchiha clan.
Not everyone was as enthusiastic.
Orochimaru, grappling with his own troubles, was filled with frustration. Danzo Shimura, however, was more reserved in his reaction. Tsunade's growing fame felt dangerous to him—there was now a genuine risk she could one day claim the Hokage's seat, undermining his influence.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Fugaku received a message from the Anbu on his way back to the village. Hiruzen Sarutobi was planning a grand welcome ceremony for the team, with a procession through Konoha. Hiruzen understood the power of public sentiment. After all, Konoha's White Fang had been driven to his death by it. The ceremony would honor Tsunade's prestige and subtly dispel lingering distrust towards the Uchiha.
Two days later, Konoha's gates were alive with villagers, eagerly awaiting the return of the mission team.
Yet, amid the celebration, Natsume felt little interest in the fanfare.
"You all go ahead without me," he said, excusing himself from the rest of the group.
As the parade concluded, Tsunade pulled him aside. "You did well, Natsume. The old man's going to reward you—ask for something worthwhile."
"All right," Natsume replied with a smile before slipping away from the crowd.
Natsume headed to Tanchu Street and made his way to the Gunma Casino. As he opened the door, a familiar sight greeted him.
"I'm back."
Inside, Uzumaki Ena and her daughter, Karin, were momentarily stunned before lighting up with joy.
"Big brother!" Karin cried, reaching him first, while Ena, standing back, watched with a warm smile.
Natsume grinned, lifting Karin into his arms. "Have you been keeping up with your studies?"
Karin pouted, crossing her arms. "You come back and ask about studying? Don't you like me?"
Her exaggerated pout made Natsume laugh.
Ena approached, placing a gentle hand on her daughter's head. "Your brother loves you more than anyone," she said softly.
"Of course I do," Natsume agreed. He reached into his pouch. "And look, I brought you a present."
He handed her a small shuriken with intricate carvings, watching her eyes sparkle with excitement. Karin wasn't interested in dolls or toys—she loved practicing with real tools.
"I forgive you," she declared, examining the shuriken with pride. Then, tilting her head, she said, "Now, put me down and go hug Mom."
Ena blinked in surprise. "Mom, you wanted to hug him, right?" Karin smirked mischievously. "I took your spot, but now it's your turn."
Natsume chuckled, setting Karin down. "This kid…"
He opened his arms, and after a brief hesitation, Ena stepped into the embrace. During his absence, she'd feared the worst, and now, feeling his familiar warmth, she let out a relieved smile.
Though Ena was meant to be the one holding Natsume, it felt more like he was the one supporting her—but she didn't mind.
Karin, however, wasn't as patient. "Hey! You held her longer than me!"
Feeling slightly embarrassed, Ena pulled away, but Natsume only laughed. "Have you eaten?" Ena asked, glancing at the time.
"No, I've been living off terrible camp food. Make me something good," Natsume replied.
Ena smiled, disappearing into the kitchen while Natsume took a seat with Karin on his lap. He picked up a book, *The Analects of Confucius*, which Kaoru had been reading.
"Let's see how you're doing. 'Is it not a joy to have friends coming from afar?' What does that mean?"
"Isn't it nice to have friends visit from far away?"
"Not bad," Natsume said with a nod. He glanced at the next passage. "'A gentleman loves money and earns it righteously.' How would you translate that?"
Karin tilted her head, then grinned. "I like money, so taking yours makes perfect sense!"
For a moment, Natsume thought Kakuzu would have approved. He had to admit she was sharp, even if her interpretation was…unique.
Soon, Ena called them for dinner, and Karin eagerly left her studies behind.
After their meal, Natsume prepared to return home. Although he wanted to stay longer, he had a meeting with Hiruzen Sarutobi in the afternoon.
**Meeting with the Hokage**
Later, in the Hokage's office, the mission team gathered. Tsunade, ever informal, lounged on the couch, while the others respectfully bowed to Hiruzen.
"You've all done well," Hiruzen said warmly. "Tsunade, without you, the conflict would have dragged on. Out of all my students, you've given me the most peace of mind."
Tsunade shrugged. "It wasn't just me. Let's skip the formalities and get to the rewards."
While she wasn't interested in rewards herself, she wanted to make sure her team got recognition.
Hiruzen nodded, tapping his pipe thoughtfully. "You'll all be rewarded with four S-rank mission payments."
Kabuto stepped forward. "Hokage-sama, if I may, I'd like to request additional funding for the Konoha Orphanage."
Hiruzen blinked, surprised by Kabuto's request, then nodded approvingly. "It's a noble cause. I'll see to it that the orphanage receives adequate support."
Shizune requested specialized medical tools, which Hiruzen quickly granted.
Finally, Hiruzen turned to Natsume. "And you, Natsume? You've made Konoha proud. Is there something you'd like?"
Natsume hesitated, unsure of what to ask.
Tsunade glanced over. "How about the Sword of the Thunder God?" she suggested. "It's Konoha's finest blade, and a skilled shinobi like you deserves it."
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