Chapter 38: Teacher Natsume, the Photographer

At Tsunade's place, Natsume spent most of his time training—or being played with. But with Uzumaki Hinae, it was all fun, and he was the instigator.

"Karin, focus on your reading, okay?" Natsume patted her red hair.

He was starting to pick up Tsunade's habit—maybe Konoha was just a head-patting village.

Karin looked conflicted. She didn't want to read, but loved having her head patted.

"Fine..." she finally agreed.

"I won't bother you while you study. I'll check on you later," Natsume said, leaving the room and closing the door.

He'd recently ordered a few outfits for Uzumaki Hinae, and she was wearing one today.

Natsume opened the door, and his eyes lit up.

Uzumaki Hinae had changed her long hair to a pinkish short cut, and wore a black-and-white maid dress with white thigh-high socks.

Seeing Natsume, she lifted her skirt slightly and did a little curtsy, shyly saying, "Master."

She was cosplaying Ram from "Re:Zero"—though her personality was rather different.

But Natsume was satisfied. Having a real-life figure so obedient—what more could he want?

"You look great," he praised.

Uzumaki Hinae breathed a secret sigh of relief—at least she didn't disappoint him.

"Though... a bit too mature," Natsume realized. Hinae was 23, but Ram looked like a teenager in the anime.

Luckily, this was the Naruto world, and a transformation jutsu could fix that. With Natsume's guidance, Hinae became a perfect match for the character.

Since she was cosplaying, photos were a must—and there were cameras in the Naruto world.

"Ready," Natsume ordered.

After a moment's hesitation, Hinae put on a disgusted, icy look: "Pervert." Ram's classic line.

"Perfect," Natsume said, snapping photos and having her pose again and again, for half an hour.

Hinae blushed to her ears—some poses were just too embarrassing.

"Tired? Come rest," Natsume patted the sofa.

Hinae came over, about to sit beside him, but he scooped her up. Her short skirt revealed smooth, tempting thighs.

Natsume gently massaged her. Hinae melted against him like a slime, but didn't resist, enjoying his touch.

After ten minutes, she got up and changed into another outfit—this time, Ishtar from FGO: black twin tails, gold/white/black accents, a black stocking on her left leg and a bare right leg. 

She showed off the outfit for Natsume, then the photoshoot ended.

Two outfits later, it was noon. Hinae flopped onto the bed and said, "Natsume, I'm tired. Give me a massage."

…

The next day.

Konoha's village gate.

Natsume was still thinking about yesterday. Hinae had only worn two of the new outfits—he'd have to finish the photoshoots later. He finally got to experience a photographer's joy—and fulfill a dream from his previous life.

"Sensei, are we waiting for someone?" Kabuto asked, seeing that Tsunade wasn't moving.

"That old man insisted on sending us some escorts." Tsunade snorted, clearly displeased.

They were called escorts, but really, it was reinforcements. Sarutobi wanted Tsunade to lead, to pressure the Hidden Cloud and end the war quickly. As one of the Sannin, it was wasteful for her to bring only three students.

Soon, a squad arrived, led by a man with distinctive white eyes.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Lady Tsunade."

"Didn't expect you, Hiashi," Tsunade said, surprised.

The Hyuga clan was divided into main and branch families, but the main family rarely left the village. Now she realized why Hiashi came: he was a famous strong ninja, and his presence would intimidate the enemy. Plus, it was the end of the war—good timing for gathering merit and boosting the Hyuga's reputation. The Uchiha clan was already on the front lines, so the Hyuga couldn't afford to fall behind.

Tsunade glanced at two people nearby. "Rinka, are you here to see them off?"

Natsume recognized her from a previous tea party—Hiashi's wife, Hinata's mother.

"Yes, Lady Tsunade," Rinka replied, introducing, "This is my daughter, Hinata."

Hinata stared at Natsume with delight. If not for the situation, she would have run over.

"Hinata?" Rinka called twice, a bit annoyed. "Greet Lady Tsunade."

"L-Lady Tsunade," Hinata stammered shyly.

"You know Natsume?" Tsunade noticed her gaze.

So his name is Natsume? What a nice name, Hinata thought, relieved.

"I found her lost the other day and took her home," Natsume explained, seeing Hinata's awkwardness.

"So it was you," Rinka said, surprised. "Hinata told me a boy helped her but didn't know who it was."

"What a coincidence," Hiashi added. He had heard about it and punished Tokuma for it. He also noticed Hinata seemed to remember Natsume fondly. If it was an ordinary ninja, he'd nip such thoughts in the bud. But as Tsunade's student, maintaining friendly relations was just fine—they were all part of the Hokage's circle. Romance didn't cross his mind; both kids were too young.

"It was nothing," Natsume waved. He crouched to Hinata's level. "You won't get lost again, will you?"

Hinata turned bright red, nearly fainting. Natsume stepped back—if she collapsed, that would be bad.

"Hinata's just shy, sorry for the trouble," Rinka apologized, picking up Hinata. "We're running late—let's go."

Hiashi nodded, glancing at his daughter with disapproval. Compared to Neji, Hinata was too weak—how could she lead the main family? He hoped his strict training would toughen her up.

Tsunade also watched Hinata. That wasn't just shyness—she clearly liked Natsume a lot. Odds were, when she grew up, she'd be a goner for him.

As a guardian or big sister, Tsunade should have been happy to see it—but for some reason, she felt a little sour.

"Move out!" Tsunade snapped back to herself and ordered, "Let's reach the front in two days!"

The Sannin's decisiveness was on full display.