Chapter 54: Those Who Know, Know

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"It's a bit ticklish..."

Sasame shivered slightly as Uzumaki Ena's fingers worked their magic.

She paused mid-massage to take a sip of water before resuming, her warm breath brushing against his ear in rhythmic waves.

Now this is the proper way to relax.

Real-life ASMR—far superior to anything from his past life.

Ever since that massage session with Tsunade, he'd been itching to recreate the experience.

And Ena, though not yet skilled, compensated with earnest dedication.

Given time, she'll master it.

Then we can move on to... other areas.

A flawless plan.

Currently sprawled across Ena's lap, Sasame admired her outfit—another of his custom designs.

Not Ram or Ishtar this time, but Celestine, the elf.

Those who know, know.

Those who don't—stay innocent.

The white gown was elegant yet daringly sparse on fabric.

From his sideways vantage, only a single black strap obscured the view below.

Sniper report: No sighting of borders!

Ena's face burned crimson as she focused on massaging his ears, her movements hesitant yet obedient—a mix of embarrassment and submission that only amplified her charm.

Half an hour later, Sasame emerged thoroughly refreshed.

Ena wiped her glistening forehead and gulped down another glass of water.

"Thanks."

He pinched her still-flushed cheek, savoring its warmth.

"As long as you're happy."

Despite her shyness, her tone remained gentle—like a mother indulging her child's mischief.

Sasame didn't linger; tonight was Hyūga Hinata's birthday banquet.

Four days had passed since Cloud's envoys arrived, yet negotiations remained deadlocked.

Both sides stubbornly clung to their demands:

Cloud sought maximum concessions, while Hiruzen, as the war's victor, pressed his own terms.

A classic tug-of-war.

At dusk, Tsunade's group arrived at the Hyūga compound, where festivities were in full swing.

Guests streamed in and out as clansmen bustled about.

As one of the Legendary Sannin, Tsunade received VIP treatment.

"Lady Tsunade!"

Hiashi Hyūga personally greeted them. "We've reserved our finest sake for you tonight—please enjoy it freely."

"Finest sake?"

Tsunade's eyes lit up like a cat spotting fish. "If it's not up to par, I'll hold you accountable."

"Rest assured, it is."

Hiashi guided them inside, his courtesy not just due to her fame but her medical prowess—a life-saving asset any ninja might need.

"Feel free to mingle. I must attend to other guests."

After bowing, he excused himself.

The venue was packed—hundreds of clansmen and elite jōnin.

As one of Konoha's founding clans, the Hyūga commanded deep respect without the Uchiha's infamy.

Even the Uchiha had representation—Mikoto, attending as a friend of Hinata's mother.

Men wage wars; women maintain friendships.

"Lady Tsunade! And Sasame, Kabuto!"

A familiar figure approached—Yakushi Nonō, the orphanage matron.

"Director!"

Both boys stood promptly.

"No need for formalities."

Nonō beamed with pride.

Sasame, now hailed as Konoha's rising genius, and Kabuto, who'd secured funding for the orphanage—her foster sons had achieved more than she'd dreamed.

"Director, now that the village oversees the orphanage, have you considered joining Konoha Hospital?"

Sasame's suggestion caught her off guard.

"Why… would you think that?"

"As a medic-nin, your talents are wasted there."

He glanced at Tsunade. "What do you think, sensei?"

"She's right."

Tsunade caught his drift. "With your skills, I can arrange a vice-director position. Interested?"

Sasame internally cheered.

Perfect play, sis!

The orphanage was vulnerable to Danzō's schemes, but the hospital?

A strategic stronghold Hiruzen wouldn't risk compromising.

Plus, with Tsunade's endorsement, even Danzō would hesitate.

"But the orphanage—"

Nonō wavered.

"I'll oversee it," Kabuto interjected. "Any issues, we'll consult the Hokage."

[Due to your actions, Yakushi Nonō's fate has changed. You obtained 49 Fate Points.]

With this notification, Sasame's reserves crossed the 1,000-point threshold.

Hallelujah.

But he resisted spending—hoarding for the Sage Body.

Unless emergencies demanded otherwise.

Murmurs suddenly rippled through the crowd.

At the entrance stood twelve Cloud-nin, led by envoy Samuiyo.

Sasame's eyes narrowed.

This explains everything.

He'd always wondered how Samuiyo infiltrated the Hyūga's Byakugan-guarded estate to kidnap Hinata.

The answer? Boldness.

Amid a banquet swarming with Konoha's elite, who'd expect an abduction attempt?

Reverse psychology at its finest.

Whether his hunch proved right or not, Sasame resolved to keep Samuiyo in his sights.

Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 105 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 85 power stones I will publish the next chapter.

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