Chapter 31: Stealing Waifu

If it weren't for Tsunade, Natsume would never have become teammates with Shizune and Kabuto Yakushi.

First of all, both of them are medical ninja.

Normally, a ninja squad would have only one medical ninja—some squads don't even have one—because medical ninja are too rare.

Second, Shizune is already seventeen this year, not a genin but a chunin. In principle, she wouldn't be assigned to a genin squad anymore. Only Tsunade has that privilege. Plus, since Hiruzen Sarutobi has agreed, naturally no one dares to object.

Natsume is quite happy about this—three top-tier healers watching his back. It feels incredibly safe.

And unlike most medical ninja, the three of them actually have combat abilities. Even Naruto Uzumaki in the early days couldn't compete. Sakura Haruno was always a drag, Sasuke Uchiha was too proud—just too much trouble.

According to the plot of his previous life, Tsunade should already have taken Shizune and wandered the ninja world, living like a fugitive. Now, instead, she's thinking about how to improve Natsume's combat experience safely.

Natsume, Shizune, and Kabuto—all three aren't ordinary genin. So they don't need simple missions, but anything too difficult would be dangerous. If Tsunade steps in, the point of training is lost.

She hasn't been this indecisive in a long time. After all, with Nawaki's sacrifice, if she lost Natsume too, she couldn't bear it.

With no more school as an excuse, Natsume can only use the orphanage as a reason to go out. Fortunately, Tsunade trusts him and doesn't interfere much.

…

Gunma Casino.

After two and a half years, it's now the biggest casino in Tanzaku Quarters. Other casinos tried to use dirty tricks, but they clearly underestimated the power of force. Natsume, with his skyrocketing strength, would never be afraid of mere thugs. Even if they hired ninja, Tsunade is an unbeatable wall. After some warnings, his chain started expanding, and now, even in the Land of Fire, it has quite a reputation.

"Big brother!"

Natsume opened the door to see a little red-haired girl running toward him.

So cute.

"Big brother, I want a hug!"

Karin stretched out her arms, looking expectant.

"Did you listen to your mom today?" Natsume picked her up and asked.

Just like in the original story, Karin has a fiery temper, but only behaves obediently in front of him. Uzumaki Hinae often sighs that she and Karin aren't like mother and daughter, while Natsume and Karin seem more like real siblings.

"Of course!" Karin chirped, "I always listen to you!"

"Good girl." Natsume patted her bright red hair, "Where's your mom?"

"She's practicing sealing jutsu," Karin replied instantly.

"Oh, then I'll go check on her. You stay here and keep reading," Natsume said, putting her down.

Karin pouted, looking a bit upset. The books her brother gave her are really hard to understand. She doesn't get why she has to learn those weird characters.

"Be good," Natsume said, pinching her cheeks.

Karin immediately cheered up and nodded.

North of Tanzaku Quarters, there's a small forest.

It now belongs to the Gunma Casino. Natsume bought it because it's remote—perfect for Uzumaki Hinae to practice her sealing.

There are warning barriers all around the woods. Knowing the location, he didn't trigger them.

"Who's there?"

Uzumaki Hinae released her chakra and turned around, smiling when she saw Natsume.

You have to admit, the Uzumaki clan is truly blessed—especially with chakra. She has dozens of times more than Natsume. Hinae was twenty when she gave birth to Karin, now twenty-three. Despite wasted years, her progress is impressive. Her sealing jutsu is unique, so Natsume can't gauge her strength.

If anything's missing these past two and a half years, it's a regular supply of milks.

"Natsume, congrats on graduating," Hinae came over, gently massaging his head, as if he were a treasure.

"Is there a gift?" Natsume looked up and asked. He'd grown taller these two years, but still not even ten, and shorter than both Tsunade and Hinae. At this rate, he'll catch up in two or three years.

"There is." Hinae wiped her hands on her clothes, then took out a charm or sachet.

"Peace and joy," Natsume read the words on the front.

"How is it? Do you like it? I made it myself," Hinae said anxiously, hoping for approval.

"Thank you, I really like it," Natsume nodded—though the color was a bit pink. But hey, real men can like pink.

Hinae smiled, gentle and radiant. Natsume thought, she and Tsunade really are different types. Even when Tsunade is gentle, she's decisive and bold, sometimes mischievous or playful, and explosive with outsiders. Hinae, on the other hand, never complains, always the model wife and mother—a real contrast.

"I've got something for you too." Natsume pulled out a ninjutsu scroll, "Memorize it and destroy it right away."

Hinae hesitated, then opened it curiously.

Yin Seal.

An S-rank medical sealing jutsu. It stores and regulates chakra for healing and enhancing attacks, and even boosts physical abilities and preserves youth.

Natsume didn't steal it; he memorized it openly when Tsunade taught Shizune. Unfortunately, Shizune's talent isn't enough—she's never managed the diamond mark.

Giving it to Hinae is to boost her power and help her stay young.

"Don't say it's too precious. If you master it, that's the biggest help to me," Natsume said, pressing his finger to her lips.

The Yin Seal is basically a sealing technique, so Natsume thinks Hinae should be able to learn it—at least she has plenty of chakra.

Hinae simply nodded.

"Training ends for today—wait, I have to go. I'll be back soon," Natsume said, leaving without further explanation.

Before long, he reached another small grove.

…

….

Classic Bullying scene:

"Wow, her eyes are white!"

"White-eyed freak!"

"Use your Byakugan and show us your creepy face!"

Three little boys taunted a black-haired, white-eyed girl with her head bowed in fear.

Natsume thought, Finally, the scene I've been waiting for. I even spent twenty-seven fate points on intelligence-gathering. But it was worth it. Hinata Hyuga's a main heroine—lots of fate points to be had.

Sorry, Naruto, your wife's gone. But don't worry—right now you don't even like Hinata. I'll help you chase Sakura later. Even if you like Sasuke, I can help with that, too. xD

Natsume walked out, shouting, "Rude kids deserve punishment!"