Naruto: A New Life with Tsunade

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Natsume sat casually across from Orochimaru, sipping his tea with an air of calm. Being a wood clone, there was no reason for him to feel anxious.

Orochimaru's sharp eyes studied Natsume closely. He was certain no one could have detected Tenzo's abduction the previous night. Perhaps Shimura Danzo would discover it eventually, but by then, it would be too late. Yet here sat Natsume, seemingly aware that the experiment had been a success.

How does he know? Orochimaru mused, puzzled. If he hadn't confirmed Tenzo's status, what gives him such confidence today?

Orochimaru concluded that Natsume must be linked to a powerful organization with exceptional intelligence-gathering capabilities.

"I'm glad you're pleased," Natsume said, his smile warm and untroubled. "It seems our deal can move forward."

Orochimaru's voice was cold, suspicion lacing his tone. "Indeed, if not for you, I would have remained ignorant of Danzo's scheming."

Tenzo was critical to Orochimaru's research. He had been close to abandoning his attempts to replicate the Mokuton, but now, with Tenzo in his hands, the experiments could continue. His research into the Edo Tensei could wait.

"No need to thank me," Natsume replied easily, setting down his cup. "Now, regarding the Hashirama cells—how many can you provide?"

Orochimaru hesitated. "The supply of Hashirama's cells is limited. If you're asking for too many, it will be challenging for me to acquire them."

Natsume raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. Don't play games. I know you've taken not only Senju Hashirama's remains but also those of Senju Tobirama and others.

"Enough for nine individuals," Natsume stated, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. "Along with some experimental data."

Orochimaru remained composed, though internally, he was intrigued. Anyone requesting Hashirama's cells likely had plans for a transplant, and few could match his expertise in that area.

"What I want," Natsume continued, "is data on a perfect transplant. Not the flawed results you've obtained so far."

Orochimaru's gaze narrowed. He had performed countless experiments with Hashirama's cells, but only Tenzo had survived. The mortality rate had been staggering. Even Shimura Danzo had managed only a partial integration, limited to his arm.

He knows too much, Orochimaru thought warily. But how?

"Agreed," Orochimaru said finally. He had plenty of data, and some could easily be falsified if necessary. After all, verifying the data would require a top-tier medical ninja—someone of Tsunade's caliber, and there was no way Natsume had access to her.

Shifting the conversation, Orochimaru leaned forward slightly. "Now, about that other secret you hinted at."

Natsume smiled. "Logically, I should wait until I've received the Hashirama cells, but I'm confident you'll honor our arrangement."

Orochimaru's curiosity deepened. His confidence is unsettling... but it's in line with his nature.

"What do you think of Senju Hashirama's power?" Natsume asked.

"Undeniably immense," Orochimaru answered without hesitation. He had studied Konoha's historical records. Every account of Hashirama described a ninja of unparalleled strength—the man who ended the Warring States period and captured all the Bijū.

"And Uchiha Madara, Hashirama's rival?" Natsume pressed.

Orochimaru considered for a moment. "Equally powerful." Madara's legendary battle with Hashirama at the Valley of the End alone spoke to his might.

"Then tell me," Natsume said, his eyes gleaming with interest. "What do you believe is the source of Uchiha Madara's power?"

"The Sharingan, of course," Orochimaru replied, though he found the question odd. What is he getting at?

"And what about Uchiha Fugaku? How powerful do you consider him?" Natsume asked, changing direction.

Orochimaru frowned slightly. "Fugaku is skilled. His Three-Tomoe Sharingan is formidable, but he's not much stronger than an average Jōnin."

Natsume leaned forward. "Doesn't that seem odd to you?"

Orochimaru blinked. "What do you mean?"

"The same Sharingan that grants Uchiha Fugaku power was wielded by Uchiha Madara. So why is Madara leagues beyond Fugaku?"

Orochimaru's eyes widened as the inconsistency hit him. That's true. If the Sharingan is the key, why was Madara so far above the rest?

"Are you suggesting there's a level beyond the Three-Tomoe Sharingan?" Orochimaru asked, his mind racing.

Natsume nodded. "Indeed. Beyond the Three-Tomoe Sharingan lies the Mangekyō Sharingan."

"Mangekyō Sharingan..." Orochimaru repeated, letting the words linger. He had read Senju Tobirama's records.

"How powerful is it?" Orochimaru asked, unable to suppress his growing interest.

Natsume's grin widened. "Would you like to find out?"

"Someone in the Uchiha clan has awakened it?" Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with excitement, already imagining the possibilities. He could claim such a powerful eye for himself.

"His name is Uchiha Shisui," Natsume revealed.

"Shisui?" Orochimaru's surprise was evident. He had heard of Shisui's skill during the Third Shinobi World War, but he hadn't known Shisui had awakened the Mangekyō.

"I'll give you this warning," Natsume said, his tone shifting. "Be cautious, or you might find yourself overwhelmed."

Orochimaru's frown deepened. Since becoming one of the Sannin, few could challenge him. Yet Natsume implied that even he should fear Shisui.

Natsume stood, his smile still in place. "Until next time, Orochimaru. Have those Hashirama cells ready."

With that, Natsume's wood clone dispersed into a shower of leaves, leaving Orochimaru lost in thought.

---

Later that day:

As Orochimaru delved deeper into his research on Uchiha Shisui, Natsume sat quietly in the Ninja Academy, reviewing his textbooks. Suddenly, the Holy Ring of Destiny on his finger pulsed, and two messages appeared before him:

Because of your actions, Orochimaru's fate has changed. You have gained fifty-eight destiny points.

Because of your actions, Uchiha Shisui's fate has changed. You have gained nineteen destiny points.

"This Orochimaru… he's quite capable when it comes to handling things," Natsume mused, feeling a twinge of pity.

He hadn't been able to witness the fight between Orochimaru and Uchiha Shisui firsthand. The mere thought of it was exhilarating, yet unsettling.

Orochimaru had once been defeated by Uchiha Itachi's Mangekyō Sharingan in the original timeline, and ever since, he had been obsessed with the Sharingan. Unable to surpass Itachi, he turned his ambitions toward Uchiha Sasuke instead.

But with this defeat occurring earlier than expected, there was now a high chance that Orochimaru would set his sights on the younger Uchiha, Itachi.

Natsume pondered further. Why did Shisui also contribute destiny points? After a moment of reflection, he understood.

Like Itachi, Shisui was a firm believer in the Will of Fire, transcending the usual mindset of the Uchiha. Yet Shisui, noble as he was, was more idealistic, still clinging to a strong sense of morality.

When the Uchiha clan began plotting their rebellion, Shisui didn't attack them outright. Instead, he sought help from Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura, even going as far as to reveal his Mangekyō Sharingan's unique power, Kotoamatsukami.

The results were tragic.

Targeted by Danzo, Shisui, in despair, chose to end his life to prevent a bloody conflict over his eyes. His sacrifice delayed the Uchiha coup by two years. It was only then that Itachi, after awakening his own Mangekyō Sharingan, aligned himself with the masked man—Uchiha Obito—and wiped out his clan, leaving only Sasuke alive.

Now, Shisui remained steadfast in his belief in the Will of Fire. But Orochimaru, once a student of Hiruzen Sarutobi and once a representation of that same will, had just been attacked by Shisui.

Natsume imagined Shisui's current state of mind—doubtful, shaken. His destiny had been altered slightly.

"Only nineteen points?" Natsume muttered, analyzing Shisui's fate. "Not much. His overall ending probably won't change drastically."

On the other hand, Orochimaru's fate had shifted by fifty-eight points, a clear indication that his path had been altered more significantly.

"But," Natsume thought, "Orochimaru isn't like Kimimaro or Kabuto. He's capable, independent. Changing his destiny entirely won't be easy."

Suddenly, a voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Natsume, I don't understand this question. Can you help me?"

A small girl with flushed cheeks stood before him, looking awkward.

Natsume glanced at her. "I don't know either. Just ask Uchiha Itachi."

Her eyes widened in disbelief. She had picked an easy question on purpose. How could he not know the answer?

After a brief pause, she stammered, "N-No… I'll just ask someone else."

It was clear she didn't want to approach Itachi, who always seemed distant. His isolation as a member of the Uchiha clan made others wary.

Natsume smirked inwardly, recognizing her attempt to start a conversation. Too naive.

Unlike Tsunade, who drew attention wherever she went, this girl had much to learn.

The rest of his day passed uneventfully after that brief encounter. There was one notable difference: today, Uchiha Shisui didn't come to pick up Itachi. Instead, it was Uchiha Mikoto, his mother.

Natsume couldn't help but notice how graceful and beautiful Mikoto was before turning his attention to another sight—Tsunade, once again being hounded by debt collectors.

But something felt off.

This time, an old man confronted her. Natsume raised an eyebrow. He sensed something unusual.

A few minutes later, the "old man" shed his disguise, revealing himself to be Tsunade. She approached Natsume with a mischievous grin.

"Anything interesting happen today?" she asked, pinching Natsume's cheek before taking his hand.

"Not really." Natsume shook his head. Then, with a sly grin, he asked, "Did you gamble again, sister?"

Tsunade didn't even try to deny it. "Just a little. What's wrong with a few games?"

"How's your luck today?"

"Ah…" Tsunade hesitated before giving a diplomatic response. "Not the best."

Natsume chuckled. No luck at all. She lost every time.

Feigning innocence, he suggested, "Why don't you take me with you next time? I can help you win."

Tsunade frowned instantly. "You're too young to get involved in gambling. Wait until you're older."

Her tone was sincere, but Natsume knew better. She had learned to gamble from Hashirama himself when she was a child.

"I'm not talking about gambling." Natsume clarified. "I'm talking about making money. If I bet the opposite of you every time, I'd win back all your losses."

Tsunade paused, her eyes lighting up as if she'd been struck by a brilliant idea. "Why didn't I think of that?"

She kissed Natsume's cheek excitedly. "You're a genius!"

Natsume pretended to wipe his cheek in disgust. "Ugh, so much saliva."

Laughing, Tsunade ruffled his hair vigorously. "Tomorrow's Saturday. Let's go to Tanshu Street together. We'll win it all back!"

---

Elsewhere, Orochimaru was experiencing nothing but pain.

The source wasn't physical—it was the searing sting of failure.

That morning, Orochimaru had sought out Shisui, eager to test his power. Confident in his own abilities, he had dismissed Natsume's warnings.

Initially, Orochimaru had the upper hand, thanks to his vast experience. But once Shisui activated his Mangekyō Sharingan and unleashed Susanoo, the tide quickly turned.

Orochimaru had been forced to retreat, barely escaping with his life.

Back at his hideout, he reflected on the battle. Natsume had been right. The Mangekyō Sharingan was as terrifying as ever, especially in the hands of someone as young as Shisui. In a few years, Shisui would be nearly unstoppable.

"I must have those eyes," Orochimaru muttered, licking his lips as blood dripped from a fresh wound.

In the distance, Aburame Ryoma observed Orochimaru's condition, shocked.

Orochimaru, injured? Who in Konoha could have done this?

Without hesitation, Ryoma turned and made his way to the Root headquarters. He had to report this to Danzo.

---

Back at Root, Danzo Shimura clenched his cane, deep in thought.

"Orochimaru... injured?" he muttered.

"Yes," Ryoma confirmed. "But I didn't investigate further for fear of alerting him."

Danzo stood, a calculating smile spreading across his face. "Then it's time to pay him a visit. After all, we must show concern for our allies in their time of need."

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