Konoha's Genius is a bit Ordinary?

The two advisors were well aware that it was almost impossible for the major clans to oppose Natsuro becoming the Sixth Hokage.

In other words, as long as Tsunade agreed, Natsuro's succession was a foregone conclusion.

After dinner, Tsunade leaned back in her chair comfortably, smiling as she said, "Just a few more days, and I can finally enjoy my retirement! I've always been jealous of the old man's leisurely life."

Hearing this, Natsuro blinked but said nothing.

He had no intention of letting Tsunade fully retire. That would be too much of a waste.

However, seeing how pleased she was, Natsuro decided against saying anything that might dampen her mood, lest he face her iron fist.

"Mom, there's something I need to discuss with you," Natsuro suddenly said.

"Huh? I don't think I can help much with your Hokage succession," Shinai replied, puzzled. She was just an ordinary person with no experience in such matters.

"It's not about the Hokage succession. It's something else," Natsuro clarified.

He glanced at Tsunade, who was still sitting idly by.

"Is this something I shouldn't hear?" Tsunade asked, too full and lazy to move.

"It's not that you can't know," Natsuro said, considering Tsunade's status. After a sigh, he decided against asking her to leave.

Natsuro then pulled over Ino, who was still helping Shinai with chores. Confused, Ino let herself be led.

Seeing this, Tsunade paused, and then she suddenly understood what Natsuro was about to do. A smile spread across her face as she glanced around, regretting the lack of alcohol. If there were drinks, this would be the perfect time to celebrate.

"Mom, I'm planning to get engaged to Ino," Natsuro said.

Shinai froze for a moment, then smiled warmly. "Alright. I'll visit the Yamanaka family in a few days to discuss it."

Tsunade wore an I knew it expression, while Shizune's eyes sparkled as she watched the scene unfold.

"E-Engaged?!" Ino, one of the main parties involved, stood there stunned. When she finally processed what Natsuro had said, her face turned bright red.

"What's wrong? Don't want to?" Natsuro teased, cupping Ino's flushed cheeks with his hands and feeling their warmth.

"No, I do! I'm willing!" Ino said quickly, momentarily forgetting the others present. "It's just so sudden—I wasn't prepared."

"Well, I originally planned to wait until next year, after we turned sixteen, but since I'm about to become Hokage, it makes sense to move it forward. This way, your parents can feel more at ease," Natsuro explained.

He figured Ino herself probably hadn't worried about such things. After all, he had shown himself to be trustworthy and dependable.

Her parents, however, might have had lingering concerns. Plus, Natsuro had caught the attention of many people recently. Once he officially became Hokage, even more would set their sights on him.

Every family dreamed of aligning themselves with the Hokage. Even though it was widely known that Natsuro had a girlfriend, he wasn't married yet, not even engaged.

To avoid such complications, Natsuro decided to make it official.

Hearing this, Ino nodded, her eyes shimmering like autumn water as she gazed at him with admiration.

"Ahem, I didn't expect that even at my age, I'd still be subjected to this kind of public affection. I've already had my fill of dinner, but I can't stomach this 'dog food.' Shizune, let's head back," Tsunade said, stretching lazily.

"Yes, Tsunade-sama," Shizune replied, casting a longing glance at Natsuro and Ino. She couldn't help but envy them and hoped to meet someone just half as exceptional as him.

Hearing Tsunade's words snapped Ino back to reality. She realized they were still at Natsuro's house, and her teacher was present. Embarrassed, she blushed even more.

Still, despite her shyness, Ino chose to stick close to Natsuro, reluctant to part from him.

After Tsunade and Shizune left, Natsuro informed Shinai before taking Ino to the Yamanaka family.

"Ino, we've known each other for nine years now," Natsuro said, feeling nostalgic. Back then, he had only gone to buy a bouquet of flowers, never expecting all that had happened since.

"Yeah. You didn't even know where the bakery was, and I had to show you," Ino said with a smile, recalling their first meeting.

She felt grateful for that chance encounter. If they hadn't crossed paths then, Natsuro might have treated her the same as the other girls in their class.

If that had been the case, Ino doubted she would have had much of a chance with him. After all, Natsuro was simply too exceptional.

"Yeah," Natsuro agreed, reflecting on how things had come to this point.

About Ino's background.

The Ino-Shika-Chō trio had been a significant help during Natsuro's growth. Now, they were among his most steadfast supporters. Even after becoming Hokage, Natsuro would rely heavily on the trio for many tasks.

So, choosing Ino made perfect sense.

"Back then, your stamina was so bad I had to carry you on the way back," Natsuro said, pausing for a moment before leaning close to whisper something in Ino's ear.

Ino was startled for a moment, then nodded.

Just like when they were younger, Natsuro crouched down and let Ino climb onto his back. With steady steps, he began walking toward the familiar direction, chatting with her as they went.

"Ino, while it's fine for us to get engaged early, our wedding might need to wait. The ninja world might get chaotic in the next few years, so it's better to hold off on our marriage until things settle down," Natsuro said thoughtfully.

He had no intention of getting married and having children during the upcoming turbulent years. Just setting the engagement flag was risky enough, marrying and starting a family would raise those stakes exponentially.

"Okay…" Ino, flustered by the topic, blushed deeply, unable to resist.

She wasn't in any particular hurry anyway. After all, they were still quite young.

Before long, Natsuro arrived at the Yamanaka household, with Ino reluctantly clinging to him, unwilling to let him leave.

"Alright, we have plenty of time in the future. Once you're inside, make sure to tell your parents about the engagement so they can feel at ease," Natsuro said with a smile, giving her cheek a playful pinch.

"Okay." Ino nodded, then suddenly stepped forward, pressing herself into Natsuro's embrace. She tilted her head up to meet his eyes.

Blushing furiously, she closed her eyes.

Faced with such a moment, how many could resist? Natsuro certainly couldn't.

He wrapped his arms around Ino and leaned down.

Check out the patreon and get 55 chapters in advance -> SaintXI

Currently on Chapter 285 - Tracking Kakashi