Naruto: A New Life with Tsunade

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Natsume watched as Sasuke Uchiha stirred awake in the hospital bed. Though Itachi's Tsukuyomi was absent this time, the result had not changed.

So, even without the Tsukuyomi… Natsume mused. As the reincarnation of Indra's chakra, his potential is boundless.

After Sasuke lost consciousness, the ANBU operatives had rushed him to the ninja hospital. His sudden outburst of abilities, especially the awakening of his Sharingan, had raised concerns. Acting on orders from the Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Sasuke's safety was now a top priority.

Natsume stood outside the hospital, watching the moonlight bathe the building in a soft glow. He chose not to follow the others inside. Turning on his heel, he walked toward his home.

---

When he arrived, he found Kurama Yakumo asleep on the couch, her small figure curled up with a blanket draped over her. She had likely fallen asleep while waiting for him.

Tsunade and Shizune aren't here, Natsume realized, scratching his chin thoughtfully.

They're probably at the Hokage's office, he concluded. As a member of Konoha's inner circle, Tsunade was undoubtedly involved in whatever urgent discussions were taking place. A gathering like that wasn't one Natsume had any authority—or interest—to join.

The outcome is already decided, he thought grimly. The Uchiha clan had been annihilated, and there was little Hiruzen could do to change the trajectory. Itachi would be branded a traitor, Danzo would face scrutiny for overstepping his bounds, and soon, there would be a funeral to arrange.

Danzo's resentment will only grow, Natsume reflected. This will push him to escalate his pursuit of power, intensifying the political struggles within Konoha.

Shaking his head, he pushed the thoughts aside and gently adjusted the blanket over Yakumo.

---

Meanwhile, in Kirigakure…

Terumi Mei paced in her office, her voice filling the room as she practiced singing. The typically composed Mizukage was attempting something new—a hobby she wouldn't normally dare to share.

Weeks earlier, Natsume had casually mentioned wanting to hear her sing. Though she had initially dismissed the idea, it lingered in her mind. Eventually, she enlisted the help of a vocal coach from the Land of Water, who had taught her the basics of singing and voice control.

Now, she practiced nightly. Walking as she sang, she worked to maintain a steady, resonant voice. After hours of effort, she felt her once-tone-deaf singing had improved significantly.

A sudden burst of applause broke her concentration.

Startled, Mei spun around, her heart racing. She prepared to reprimand whoever had dared intrude—until she saw Natsume leaning casually against the doorway, clapping slowly.

"You… Did you do that on purpose?" Mei asked, narrowing her eyes.

"On purpose? I'm not sure what you mean," Natsume replied innocently, his slight grin betraying him. "You seem awfully nervous about being seen."

"I am the Mizukage," Mei countered, crossing her arms defensively.

"And Mizukage can't have hobbies?" Natsume teased. "Singing, dancing, cooking… maybe even dating?"

Mei's cheeks flushed a faint pink as she brushed a strand of hair from her face. "What nonsense are you talking about?"

"But you were singing just now," he pointed out with an amused expression.

"That's only because of our agreement!" she retorted, her voice rising slightly. "It's not something I normally do."

"Oh? Then what do you want to do?" Natsume asked, his tone genuine.

Mei paused, caught off guard by the question. She hadn't considered it before. Her life had always been consumed by her duties as Mizukage; everything else had fallen by the wayside.

Clearing her throat, she changed the subject. "Why are you here so late?"

"To hear your singing," Natsume replied smoothly.

"N-Not today," Mei stammered, stiffening. "I'm not ready yet."

Natsume raised an eyebrow but didn't press her further. He could sense her discomfort. Instead, he changed the topic with a knowing smile.

"Well, your commerce guild has arrived," she informed him, regaining her composure. "The preparations for the new trade channel are almost complete. It should be ready in three months."

"Thanks for the hard work," Natsume said warmly. "Once the trade routes are operational, ensuring their security will be crucial."

"Leave that to us," Mei assured him.

"When do you plan to visit the Land of Whirlpools?"

"Another time," Natsume replied with a stretch. "Since you're not ready to sing, I won't interrupt your practice any longer."

Mei hesitated, watching him as he walked toward the window. Something about his casual demeanor always left her off balance.

"What is it?" she asked when he paused and waved her over.

"Don't move," Natsume said, his expression suddenly serious.

Mei froze as he stepped closer, their faces inches apart. Her breath caught as his intense gaze locked onto hers.

Then, just as quickly, he sighed, leaning back slightly.

"Ah, I'm actually shorter than you," he muttered, sounding almost disappointed.

Mei blinked, her initial tension melting into a mix of relief and annoyance. "That's it?"

"I guess I should try harder," Natsume quipped, smirking before stepping out onto the windowsill.

As he prepared to leave, he turned back with a teasing grin. "Since you're learning to sing, why not try dancing too?"

And with that, he disappeared into the night.

"Dancing?" Mei repeated, both bewildered and exasperated. She shook her head, unsure if he was serious.

Still, the idea lingered in her mind longer than she expected.

---

Late at Night, Hokage's Office

"Old man, go get some rest," Tsunade suggested, her voice tinged with concern as she glanced at the weary Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Indeed, Hiruzen, leave it to us," Danzo added, his tone measured but laced with his usual undertones of ambition.

Hiruzen waved a hand dismissively. "I'm fine. I may be a father, but above all, I am the Hokage. I won't let personal feelings interfere with Konoha's future."

Danzo's expression tightened for the briefest moment, his gaze darkening.

Hiruzen sighed, setting down the reports he had been reviewing. "This can't be kept secret any longer. The truth must be revealed to the village."

The reports detailed the massacre of the Uchiha clan. Konoha had lost 10% of its combat strength overnight, and only one survivor remained—Uchiha Sasuke.

"As for Sasuke…" Hiruzen began, but Danzo cut him off.

"Leave him to me!" Danzo's eyes gleamed with cold determination. "We can't risk him becoming another Uchiha Itachi. I'll bring him into Root and shape him into a loyal weapon—a shinobi who won't betray us."

Danzo's thoughts lingered on the potential of Sasuke's Sharingan. Whether the boy had the same latent power as his brother didn't matter. Bringing him under Root's control would ensure both Sasuke and Itachi remained within his grasp.

Hiruzen's eyes sharpened. "Handing him over to you would destroy any chance he has to grow into his own. Uchiha Sasuke will remain a shinobi of Konoha, trained under careful guidance. I'll see to it personally."

"Hiruzen, this decision—"

"I won't regret it," Hiruzen interrupted firmly. His tone grew cold. "But Danzo, we must also address your unauthorized actions."

Danzo stiffened, though his face betrayed no emotion. "Everything I've done has been for Konoha's good."

"Enough!" Hiruzen's voice rang with finality. "Konoha is not your personal tool for ambition. From this moment, Root is officially disbanded."

Danzo's eyes widened, the words hitting like a thunderclap. "What?! I refuse!"

Hiruzen's expression turned icy. "You are also stripped of your position as head of Root and relieved of your duties as my advisor. Return to your estate, Danzo."

Danzo's teeth clenched as he glared at Hiruzen. "I've sacrificed everything for this village! You can't—"

"Leave," Hiruzen commanded, his tone resolute.

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, who had remained silent, exchanged astonished glances. It had been years since they had seen Hiruzen act with such authority.

Danzo stormed from the room, his fury barely contained.

---

Outside the Hokage Building

Danzo's expression was grim as he disappeared into the shadows, reappearing moments later in his hidden base.

Several Root shinobi knelt before him. "Lord Danzo."

Danzo's voice was cold and deliberate. "Ryoma, infiltrate the Sarutobi compound and eliminate Hiruzen's grandson. Do it cleanly—no trace."

He turned to another operative. "Shanfeng, spread rumors that the Uchiha instigated the massacre. Let the villagers believe it was their doing."

Danzo's mind churned. These moves would erode Hiruzen's reputation and destabilize the trust the village had in him.

Finally, he addressed a third shinobi. "Contact Orochimaru. Let him know I'm ready to accelerate our plans. Hiruzen won't stop me so easily."

---

Senju Clan Residence

Natsume yawned, sprawled lazily on the couch. Midnight had long since passed, and his eyelids drooped as he waited for Tsunade to return.

The door creaked open, and Tsunade stepped inside, spotting Natsume half-asleep. "Why are you still up? Go to bed."

Natsume rubbed his eyes. "I was waiting for you."

Tsunade's stern expression softened. "Sorry. It's been a long night."

He gave her a teasing grin. "Carry me to bed?"

Tsunade rolled her eyes. "You're impossible." Yet she hoisted him up in a casual princess carry, carrying him to the bedroom before unceremoniously tossing him onto the mattress.

Natsume chuckled, settling in. Tsunade returned half an hour later, her hair damp and wearing simple white pajamas. She slipped into bed beside him, her usual fierce demeanor replaced by an air of calm.

As she lay down, Natsume instinctively reached out, pulling her close. For the first time in days, Tsunade felt the weight of her responsibilities ease, and she drifted into a peaceful sleep.

---

Morning in Konoha

News of the Uchiha clan's massacre swept through the village like wildfire. The revelation that Uchiha Sasuke was the sole survivor left the villagers in shock and disbelief.

As Natsume stirred awake, a faint notification echoed in his mind:

"Due to your actions, Sarutobi Konohamaru's fate has changed. You've gained 100 destiny points."

"Due to your actions, Sarutobi Hiruzen's fate has changed. You've gained 80 destiny points."

Blinking, Natsume frowned. "Konohamaru? What did I do?"

Before he could dwell on it, Shizune burst into the room, her voice urgent. "Tsunade-sama—"

She froze, her words caught in her throat as she took in the sight before her: Tsunade, arms wrapped tightly around Natsume, both still half-asleep. Shizune's face turned scarlet.

"I-I'm sorry!" she stammered, retreating in a flurry of embarrassment.

Tsunade jolted awake, realization dawning as she noticed their position. Her cheeks flushed.

"Uh… Tsunade—" Natsume began, but her fist connected with his shoulder before he could finish, sending him flying to the other side of the bed.

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