---
"It's a bit ticklish," Natsume muttered, shivering slightly.
Uzumaki Ena paused her massage momentarily, took a sip of water, then resumed. A gentle warmth spread through his ears as she continued, the soothing sensation making Natsume sigh in contentment.
*Live ASMR really is something*, he thought with a smile. Recalling how much Tsunade had enjoyed her last massage from him, Natsume found himself equally relaxed under Ena's touch. Though she wasn't quite as skilled, her earnestness made up for it.
*She'll get better with practice*, he thought.
Reclining on Ena's lap, Natsume noticed her attire: today, she wore a custom white gown resembling an elven dress, elegant yet modest. From where he lay, a thin black strap dangled, partially obstructing his view. *She really understood the assignment,* he mused with a smirk.
Ena blushed as she continued, her movements delicate and hesitant.
After a while, Natsume finally sat up, stretching contentedly. "Thanks," he said, reaching out to pinch her cheek gently.
"As long as you enjoyed it," Ena replied softly, her voice gentle, like a mother humoring her child.
Natsume stood, feeling refreshed. "I'd love to stay, but I have to get ready for Hinata's birthday celebration tonight."
Four days had passed since Kumogakure's envoys arrived in Konoha, and negotiations remained at a standstill. The Cloud delegation aimed for maximum gain, while Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, held firmly to Konoha's victory and advantage.
Later that evening, Natsume, Tsunade, Shizune, and Kabuto Yakushi arrived at the Hyuga compound. The sun had set, and the mansion was lively with guests and clan members. Hiashi Hyuga himself welcomed them at the entrance.
"Tsunade-sama, welcome," he greeted. "I've prepared fine sake for you tonight. I hope it's to your taste."
Tsunade's eyes lit up. "Good sake? I'll hold you to that, Hiashi. And if it's not up to my standards…" She trailed off, grinning playfully.
Hiashi chuckled. "I'm confident you'll approve, Tsunade-sama."
Inside, the celebration was well underway. Familiar faces mingled throughout the courtyard, with shinobi from Konoha's major clans exchanging small talk. Tsunade, being one of the Legendary Sannin, naturally drew some attention.
"Quite the turnout," she remarked, looking around. "Most of them are familiar faces."
Many guests were high-ranking shinobi and prominent clan members. As one of Konoha's oldest and most influential clans, the Hyuga commanded great respect, and the gathering reflected that.
As they settled in, a familiar voice called out, "Tsunade-sama, Kabuto, Natsume!"
They turned to see Nono, the head of the orphanage, approaching with a warm smile.
"Dean," Natsume and Kabuto greeted her with a nod.
Nono waved a hand. "No need for formalities, sit down."
Natsume grinned. "It's been a while."
Nono's expression softened. "You've both done well. The orphanage has been flourishing thanks to your efforts."
An idea sparked in Natsume's mind. "Dean, with the orphanage doing well, why not join Konoha Hospital? Your skills would be invaluable."
Nono blinked in surprise. "Me? At Konoha Hospital?"
Natsume nodded and turned to Tsunade. "What do you think, Sensei?"
Tsunade considered for a moment. "With your skills, you'd be an asset to the hospital, Nono. If you're interested, I could speak to the Hokage about appointing you as deputy director."
Nono looked thoughtful but intrigued. "But… the orphanage…"
Kabuto reassured her. "We'll manage things. And if there's ever a problem, we can ask the Hokage for assistance."
Nono's eyes softened. "I'll consider it."
In Natsume's mind, a familiar notification chimed: *[Yakushi Nono's fate has changed. You've earned forty-nine destiny points.]*
Natsume's fate score had officially surpassed a thousand, though he maintained a calm exterior.
Just then, a hush fell over the crowd as twelve shinobi bearing Kumogakure headbands entered the courtyard, led by Satsuma Yei, head of the Kumo delegation.
Natsume's eyes narrowed. *So, they've arrived.*
He recalled the strange success Satsuma Yei had in abducting Hinata Hyuga despite the tight security. Now, it was starting to make sense.
*The most dangerous place is often the safest,* he thought.
With Konoha's jōnin present, no one would expect a disturbance here. The Hyuga would likely let their guard down, especially later in the evening when everyone would be preoccupied with the festivities. That's when they'd strike—sneaking into the inner courtyard to abduct Hinata.
*If that's their plan, I'll be ready,* Natsume resolved, his gaze fixed on Satsuma Yei.
---
Satsuma Yei and his squad of Kumo-nin quietly took a spot away from the other guests. A few curious glances were cast their way, but interest quickly faded. This was Konoha, not Kumogakure. What could a handful of Cloud shinobi possibly do here? Even if they dared to cause trouble, they'd be severely outnumbered.
Once all the guests had arrived, the birthday celebration began in earnest. Before the meal, Hiashi Hyuga stood to formally address everyone, his voice as composed as ever.
"Thank you all for gathering here tonight to celebrate," he said, keeping his words brief and polite. "Please, enjoy the food and the company."
When he finished, Hinata Hyuga entered, becoming the true focus of the evening. Dressed in a delicate, traditional kimono, she looked both adorable and shy, her cheeks tinted pink as she avoided meeting the crowd's gaze.
Hiashi's face tightened slightly as he watched his daughter. Her timid demeanor annoyed him, though he tried not to show it. *Why must she act like this?* he thought, bitterly comparing her to Neji, who had shown more confidence and skill even at a young age.
*Perhaps the clan's traditions should change,* he mused for a fleeting moment. But as head of the Hyuga clan, he was bound by the same customs that dictated its rules. The Cursed Seal had ensured obedience from the Branch family for generations—a fate that could one day bind Hinata if he named another heir.
As Hiashi set his thoughts aside, Hinata, after shyly thanking the guests, retreated to the back of the room. The banquet commenced, and the guests began their meal.
Tsunade poured herself a glass of sake and downed it in one gulp, her eyes lighting up in delight.
"Now this is quality sake," she muttered, savoring the taste. With her recent debts, she'd been stuck drinking cheap liquor, and even though Natsume had occasionally managed to buy her better sake, the Hyuga clan's vintage was clearly leagues above.
Natsume picked up his chopsticks and tasted the food. "Not bad," he said approvingly. The Hyuga, as Konoha's oldest clan, spared no expense on their cuisine, which was prepared with exquisite attention to detail.
He noticed Tsunade reaching for another cup. "Don't just drink," he said, nudging her gently. "Eat something too." The last thing they needed was her letting loose in front of Konoha's elite.
She gave him a glance but relented, picking up her chopsticks, although she still snuck in a few more drinks as the night progressed.
The banquet was about halfway through when Natsume's instincts flared. He noticed something odd—Satsuma Yei was missing from the two tables where the Kumo-nin were seated.
Quickly, he leaned over to Shizune. "Keep an eye on the Hokage," he whispered. "I'll be back shortly."
Shizune and Kabuto exchanged puzzled glances as Natsume grabbed a plate of roast chicken before quietly slipping out of the hall.
"Bringing food to the bathroom?" Kabuto muttered, bewildered.
Natsume didn't respond. Once outside, he formed a hand seal and transformed into one of the Hyuga clan guards. With the Byakugan activated, he scanned his surroundings. Security was relaxed due to the banquet; most of the Hyuga were busy entertaining guests.
*He's lurking somewhere…* Natsume thought, his mind racing. He decided to check on Hinata first.
He moved quietly toward the private quarters, slipping through the compound's ornate buildings. The Hyuga's wealth was evident in the grandeur of each structure.
*These Hyuga are really loaded,* he thought with a smirk.
Reaching Hinata's room, he peered through the window and saw her sitting alone inside, looking as timid as ever. With silent precision, he slipped inside.
*This is a rescue mission,* he assured himself. *Definitely not breaking and entering.*
In an instant, he appeared in front of her, covering her mouth before she could make a sound. "Don't be scared, it's just me," he whispered gently.
Hinata's eyes widened in recognition, and she relaxed, relieved to see him. She hadn't noticed him at the banquet, but his presence now brought her a sense of comfort.
Once he was sure she wouldn't scream, Natsume released her and took a step back, pulling out a chicken leg with a grin. "Want some?" he asked playfully.
Hinata's eyes darted to the drumstick, her stomach betraying her with a soft growl. She hadn't eaten much at the banquet, and the sight of the food was tempting.
Natsume waved the drumstick, watching her reaction. "Hungry?" he teased.
Hinata gave a tiny nod, then quickly shook her head, her upbringing holding her back.
"You say no, but you mean yes," he chuckled, holding the chicken leg closer. "Go on, it's all yours."
Blushing, Hinata took it and, after a moment's hesitation, took a polite nibble. Her dainty eating style made Natsume grin.
"Thanks," she whispered when she finished.
"Still hungry?" he asked.
Hinata quickly shook her head, clearly embarrassed. She wasn't used to being so informal, especially with someone like Natsume.
He wasn't convinced. With a mischievous look, he pulled out a full plate of roast chicken.
"I… I really shouldn't…" Hinata stammered, her hands waving in polite refusal.
"Shh," Natsume placed a finger to his lips, grinning. "Are you going to lie to me, Hinata? Are you a good girl?"
Hinata blushed, unsure of how to respond, her cheeks flushed an even deeper shade of pink.
"It's okay," Natsume said, patting her head gently. "You don't have to follow all those strict rules with me. Just relax and be yourself."
After a hesitant pause, Hinata's resolve softened, and she reached for another piece, taking a larger bite this time. For the first time that evening, she felt free, unburdened by formality.
As Natsume watched her eat, a warm smile crossed his face. For the first time that night, Hinata's timid expression relaxed into a genuine, radiant smile.
---