Chương 3: Chapter 3 The Rich and Generous Tsunade
"What an unexpected surprise," Tsunade remarked, a smile gracing her face as she contemplated how to handle Natsume.
She recognized the potential risks. Leaving him in the orphanage could result in him falling into the clutches of Danzo Shimura, potentially leading to his ruin.
As for Sarutobi Hiruzen, Tsunade harbored her own grievances against him.
The idea of adopting Natsume herself crossed Tsunade's mind.
Her return to Konoha this time served a purpose beyond attending the funerals of Namikaze Minato and Uzumaki Kushina – she intended to take Shizune with her.
Shizune had been born during the Second Ninja War, which had prevented Tsunade from taking her away at the time. However, now that Shizune had graduated from ninja school and displayed promising medical talent, Tsunade believed it was time to bring her along.
Considering her own frustrations in Konoha, Tsunade thought that adding Natsume to the mix might solve her problems. According to Pharmacist Nono, Natsume was a remarkably mature and sensible child. Tsunade wouldn't have to worry much about his care; she could focus on teaching him Wood Release.
Since the passing of her grandfather, Senju Hashirama, Wood Release had been absent for decades. As the last known member of the Senju clan, Tsunade felt a deep sense of responsibility.
Perhaps it could rekindle the fear of Wood Release's dominance in the ninja world and evoke memories of the former Senju clan.
"The fact that you can wield Wood Release indicates your connection to the Senju clan," Tsunade remarked, her expression softening as she continued, "In that case, you should no longer remain at the orphanage. Would you like to follow me and return to the Senju clan?"
For some reason, Natsume couldn't help but think, ["Are you my darn sensei?"]
"I am one of the legendary Sannin," Tsunade added proudly, interpreting his silence as hesitation. She puffed up her chest and confidently declared, "If you follow me, you'll never suffer."
Natsume briefly glanced at her ample bosom and quipped to himself, ["So big and full, indeed, the children won't go hungry."]
He then nodded and said aloud, "I'm willing."
Tsunade wore a radiant smile, gently touched Natsume's face with her right hand, pinched his cheek teasingly, and said, "Little handsome boy, you've made a wise decision."
"What about me?" Yakushi Kabuto couldn't help but speak up. Natsume had been his best friend at the orphanage, and the prospect of him leaving was difficult to accept.
"Kabuto, please don't be rude," Pharmacist Nono quickly interjected, her heart tightening. She reassured Kabuto, "Natsume won't be living in the orphanage anymore, but you can still see him often."
Though Kabuto Yakushi felt a tinge of disappointment, he chose not to press the matter further.
Observing this, Natsume hesitated for a moment but ultimately stuck to the original plan. He decided to wait a while longer. Kabuto Yakushi would inadvertently reveal his talents, and then Tsunade would accept him as a disciple.
If Natsume mentioned it now, it might seem too coincidental and raise suspicions from caretaker Nono.
"Kabuto, I'll come back to see you every day," Natsume assured with a warm smile.
Kabuto Yakushi's mood immediately brightened.
He was clever enough to recognize that following Tsunade would bring him numerous advantages with no discernible downsides.
"Nono, I'll take him with me now," Tsunade declared, leaning down slightly as she extended her hand.
In that moment, Natsume's view suddenly encompassed a pair of magnificent mountains, and an expansive abyss opened up before his eyes.
Four words crossed his mind: "Absolutely stunning, absolutely captivating."
"Let's go," Tsunade said, and they departed together.
"Natsume, remember to come back and see me," Kabuto Yakushi shouted from behind.
"I will," Natsume replied, turning around and waving to his friend.
Natsume recognized the value of maintaining his friendship with Kabuto Yakushi, as he was a highly valuable subordinate .
As they left the orphanage, Tsunade raised her head and gazed northward.
The iconic Hokage Rock came into view, adorned with the carved visages of past Hokages.
Subconsciously, Natsume stood on his tiptoes, attempting to see what had captured her attention.
Regrettably, his stature fell short.
Observing his efforts, Tsunade couldn't help but smile. Natsume, at just seven years old and with his charming features, appeared cute in his every move.
"I'm looking at the Hokage Rock," she explained, restraining herself from ruffling his hair. "In the lower left corner of it is where the previous Hokage resided, and it's also the domain of our Senju clan. If you wish to uncover the identity of your bloodline heritage, It may hold the answers you want"
Tsunade led Natsume further north until they arrived at a secluded residence.
"This is where my grandfather and grandmother lived, and it's where I grew up," Tsunade remarked, her tone carrying a sense of nostalgia.
It had been a while since she last visited this place.
Her grandmother was Uzumaki Mito, the first Kyuubi Jinchuriki, and due to her special status, she had lived in seclusion here. However, that was in the distant past.
Natsume glanced around and couldn't help but think it looked pretty ordinary. It was a typical Japanese wooden house. Tsunade opened the door to reveal a clean interior, clearly maintained by someone who came regularly.
In fact, it was more than well-kept. ANBU guards were stationed all around, making it impossible for ordinary people to get close. If Natsume hadn't been led by Tsunade, he might have been apprehended already.
Tsunade opened the refrigerator and found it empty. She shook her head, thinking of giving Natsume a glass of milk because children needed it to grow taller. Instead, she handed him a glass of water.
"Sit on the sofa for a moment, and I'll go find something," she suggested.
Tsunade disappeared upstairs for a while and returned with two scrolls. She inquired, "Can you read?"
"The dean has taught me," Natsume replied.
"This is the genealogy of the Senju clan. See if there are any familiar names," Tsunade instructed as she took a seat on the sofa opposite him, her long white-clad legs folded together. Her gaze held an intriguing interest.
It was certainly a captivating sight, akin to seeing a white cat, and wanting to stroke it.
Natsume finished scanning through the family tree, but aside from Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama, almost all the names were unfamiliar to him.
"I can't remember what happened before," Natsume admitted, shaking his head. "There are no familiar names on it."
"If you can't remember, don't worry about it," Tsunade consoled him, noting the gloominess in his expression. She couldn't help but feel a sense of compassion for him.
He truly was a sensitive and unfortunate child.
"From now on, you will learn Ninjutsu from me."
Tsunade opened another scroll and said, "Although I don't know Wood Release, my grandfather left detailed information about Wood Escape Ninjutsu, which is enough for you to learn."
"Thank you, Tsunade-sama," Natsume expressed his gratitude sincerely.
This time, his thanks were genuine.
As long as he could learn Wood Release, he didn't need to become Senju Hashirama; reaching the level of Yamato would be quite an achievement. Despite the playful nickname "Green Guy," Yamato was actually quite strong, considered an elite among Jonin.
"Why do you call me 'sama'? When there's no one around, you can call me 'sister,'" Tsunade suggested, a hint of nervousness in her tone, fearing Natsume might refuse. Logically, two people who had just met shouldn't be so cordial.
But Natsume's cute appearance, combined with their previous interactions, had made Tsunade quite fond of him. "Sister Tsunade!" Natsume didn't hesitate to accept the offer.
He thought to himself, what a valuable resource for a wealthy women. Calling her 'sister' was a real gain. However, Natsume couldn't help but wonder if Tsunade was a bit of a negative woman.
"Natsume, would you like to change your name? How about calling it Natsuki?" Tsunade suggested, leaning closer to him, her pleasant fragrance filling the air.
Natsume was taken aback by the unexpected turn of events. He had guided the conversation, but he hadn't anticipated this. However, he declined the name change, particularly because the name Natsuki reminded him of someone from his past.
He shook his head and explained, "Sister Tsunade, Natsume is the only memory my parents left for me. I don't want to change my name."
Tsunade, instead of being upset, felt a sense of empathy and care for him.
She gently touched Natsume's head and said, "Then don't change it. What do you want to eat tonight? I'll buy it."
"Barbecue," Natsume said immediately.
The orphanage relies on caretaker Nono's hard work to barely support itself.
Naturally, the three meals they eat cannot be too good.
Tsunade stood up and said, "You should familiarize yourself with the ninjutsu first. I'll be back later."
Natsume eagerly unrolled the scroll and began to study the contents.
The first ninjutsu he encountered was Wood Release: Wood Stand. While the Substitution Technique was one of the Three Basic Techniques in the ninja world, the Wood Stand was slightly more advanced. It allowed the user to replace their body with a wooden substitute when under attack.
For Natsume, this technique posed an appropriate level of challenge, and he was determined to master it...
Inside the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the third Hokage, sat at his desk. Following the tragic death of the fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato, he had reluctantly returned to the position of Hokage to handle the growing problems.
With a sigh, he took a puff from his pipe and glanced over the information before him. The burden of leadership weighed heavily on his shoulders, and he couldn't help but feel weary.
While it was a privilege to be Hokage once more, he couldn't help but wonder why peace couldn't be maintained. The moment Namikaze Minato passed away, Kumogakure Village had become restless, causing disturbances along the border. The situation was far from ideal.
Sarutobi Hiruzen listened attentively to the ANBU ninja's report, his expression growing more serious as he processed the information.
"Natsume, an orphan from Konoha Orphanage, visiting Senju Hashirama's former residence with Tsunade on their first meeting?" He pondered aloud, his mind racing with questions.
There was an unmistakable sense of something extraordinary about this boy named Natsume. However, the third Hokage's primary concern wasn't Natsume but rather the role Tsunade needed to play during these trying times.
He knew that Tsunade had planned to leave Konoha once again, but with the village facing both internal and external challenges, her skills and leadership were desperately needed. If he could convince her to stay, she could help restore hope within the village and deter their adversaries.
With a determined look in his eyes, Sarutobi Hiruzen made up his mind. He needed to have a serious conversation with Tsunade when she returned.
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