Natsume slept soundly.
Probably because he was so tired yesterday, he went right into deep sleep as soon as he lay down.
He stretched, got dressed, and left his room.
"Natsume, are you awake?" came Tsunade's voice from the kitchen.
"I'm up," Natsume answered, heading to the kitchen door.
Tsunade was still wearing her sleeveless top, but now also wore an apron.
New outfit unlocked—Chef Tsunade.
No matter what she wore, she looked good. Natsume had always thought Tsunade's usual style was plain, but it couldn't hide that mature charm.
Like a ripe peach—full and tempting.
"Go wash up," Tsunade said without turning around.
Natsume went to the nearby bathroom and found a new toothbrush and plastic cup on the sink.
Clearly, she'd prepared them in advance.
He glanced back at Tsunade, feeling moved.
She might be bold and brash, but there's a gentle and caring side to her too.
After washing up, breakfast was ready.
Rice balls.
"Try it," Tsunade said, resting her chin on her hands and watching Natsume's reaction closely.
She clearly cared about his opinion.
Natsume hesitated, took a bite—and immediately struggled to keep a straight face.
He really wanted to give a good review, but his body betrayed him.
What on earth is this stuff?
Salty, sweet, and an indescribable flavor.
How do you even mess up rice balls this badly? That's a talent in itself.
"Not bad," Natsume replied with classic indirectness.
Tsunade laughed—she could tell he was just being polite.
But it was so familiar.
Nawaki used to say the same thing, eating everything even if it tasted awful.
Tsunade was a little lost in thought.
After a moment, her eyes crinkled with a smile. "Then I'll make it for you every day from now on."
Natsume paused.
He couldn't refuse.
Now was the time to win her favor.
So he nodded firmly. "Okay."
Tsunade's smile grew even brighter, and she picked up a rice ball herself.
Yeah, it really didn't taste great.
That made her like Natsume even more.
Anyone who could tolerate her cooking must see her as family.
Just like her little brother used to.
After breakfast, the two of them got ready to head out.
Tsunade put on her classic tea-green jacket again.
There was a big "Gamble" character on the back.
It was an iconic look, though her gambling skills weren't worth mentioning.
Tsunade glanced at Natsume. "Let's get you some new clothes."
"No need to spend the money," Natsume said, waving his hands in refusal.
"That won't do," Tsunade said, taking his hand and leading him out. "Your clothes don't match that cute face of yours."
Natsume froze.
Wow! Are you actually checking me out?
Since you're so honest, I won't hold back either.
Truthfully, I'm interested in your body too.
After leaving, they walked south and stopped in front of Konoha Hospital.
"Lady Tsunade!"
People greeted her constantly, all looking excited and admiring.
With the Three Legendary Sannin's reputation still intact, Tsunade, as the strongest medical ninja, was revered at the hospital.
Soon, they stopped in front of an office.
"Lady Tsunade!" The middle-aged woman at the desk stood up, surprised and excited.
"Shinmi, long time no see," Tsunade greeted her with a smile. "Where's Shizune?"
"She's observing surgery right now. Please wait, I'll go get her," Shinmi said, glancing at Natsume.
Such a beautiful child was rare.
But she didn't ask, simply leaving the office soon after.
"Natsume," Tsunade said, patting the sofa.
Natsume obediently sat next to her.
"You'll meet a girl named Shizune soon. She's a relative of an old friend of mine, very talented in medical ninjutsu. I'm thinking of taking her as my student."
Tsunade ruffled his hair. "You two should get along well."
"Mm, I will," Natsume replied. He'd already guessed they were here to see Shizune.
She was an important supporting character, always by Tsunade's side, calm, quiet, and serious.
As Hokage's assistant, she constantly looked after Tsunade.
Though a student, she worked like a maid and a mom.
Natsume was happy to meet Shizune. She was an important character and could provide him with fate points.
However, like Tsunade, she wasn't at a major plot point yet.
He couldn't do much for now.
There was also Yakushi Nonou, who'd raised him for three years.
According to the original story, she'd be sent by Danzo to be a spy in Iwagakure, and later killed after losing trust.
Because of Natsume's interference, Kabuto's fate changed, but Nonou's had not.
Unless she gained Danzo's trust, she was doomed.
To change her fate, he'd need to deal with Danzo and free her from his control.
Though he couldn't do much for now, Natsume already had a target in mind.
That dangerous and alluring villain—Orochimaru, whose life was about to reach a turning point as he defected from Konoha.
A few minutes later, Shinmi returned with a girl.
She had a gentle face and wore a nurse's uniform.
Upon seeing Tsunade, her calm expression turned excited.
"Lady Tsunade!"
Shizune was fourteen this year, and after graduating from the ninja academy, she stayed at the hospital waiting for Tsunade to return.
She naturally admired Tsunade, so her reaction was normal.
Natsume thought to himself: "Please, Miss, calm down."
"I've heard about your good work," Tsunade said calmly. "From today, you'll learn medical ninjutsu from me."
Shizune took a breath, calmed herself, and nodded. "Yes, Lady Tsunade."
"Shinmi, we'll leave for now—let's catch up another time," Tsunade said, taking Natsume's hand and heading out.
Shizune glanced curiously at the unfamiliar boy, then hurried after them.
"Shizune, this is Natsume—your junior apprentice," Tsunade explained as they walked.
Natsume, ever polite, looked up and called, "Sister Shizune!"
Shizune's heart skipped a beat at his cuteness.
She couldn't resist patting his head. "Let's take care of each other from now on."
Natsume was speechless.
Did I transmigrate to Head-Pat Village? Why does everyone love to pat my head?
Especially Tsunade.
Hmph, you like it so much, someday I'll give you something else to pat!
Tsunade took Natsume and Shizune to a clothing store, bought them each three sets of clothes, then headed home.
At the door, a short old man was waiting for them.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.