The New Year had arrived in the ninja world, bringing with it the traditional week of celebration. Most shinobi returned to their villages to reunite with family, leaving only those with critical missions behind.
Hanekawa had managed three days at home before Tsunade and Kurenai threw him out—literally. With nothing to do but eat and spar, he'd driven them both to their breaking point.
By the fourth day, he found himself at the Raikage's office in the Hidden Cloud.
"Hanekawa?"
Samui looked up from her desk, surprise flickering across her features. She'd changed since becoming the Raikage's secretary—professional suits replacing her usual attire, blonde hair perfectly styled. The capable beauty was undeniable.
"Happy New Year," he said, approaching with a smile.
Before she could respond, his hand slipped beneath her jacket. Her breath caught as his palm found her heart, fingers brushing warm skin where buttons had come undone.
"Very resilient," he murmured, maintaining his casual expression.
Samui's face flushed, her eyes swirling with emotion. She'd learned to accept his... spontaneity. But Hanekawa wasn't in a hurry today. He'd already spent the morning with Kaguya, and the afternoon was young.
Might as well enjoy myself.
"Where's Mabui?" he asked, settling onto the Raikage's desk without withdrawing his hand.
"Home. I'm on duty today." Samui's breathing had steadied, though her voice remained slightly strained. "She takes tomorrow."
"Convenient." He turned to face her directly. "What's the situation in the Hidden Cloud?"
"Everything's proceeding smoothly," she replied, tilting her head back slightly. "The Land of Thunder's official screening is on schedule. We're replacing the corrupt nobles as planned."
Hanekawa had discovered the Land of Thunder's administration was rotten—incompetent nobles hoarding wealth while contributing nothing. Since he had time, he'd decided to fix it. The same approach was being considered for the Land of Fire, though Tsunade's presence there required more delicacy.
His real plan involved supporting the Fire Daimyo's son, Ikkyu Madoka, in a rebellion. A ninja-free coup, at least on the surface. If successful, he'd likely gain an S-rank entry—something more useful than direct control.
"Well done," Hanekawa said. "What reward would you like?"
Samui's suit fell open further, revealing the white shirt beneath, stretched taut by her form. The final button seemed to wage a losing battle.
"I... I can do anything," she said softly, eyes downcast.
"Then take care of yourself and be content," he replied, touching her head gently.
Samui settled against his leg, her breathing deepening as she rested her head on his thigh. Hanekawa watched the golden hair cascade across his skin, admiring the view until—
Chakra materialized. A black portal tore open.
"Kaguya," he noted, patting Samui's head reassuringly.
The Ōtsutsuki progenitor emerged, glancing at the drowsy blonde before dismissing her entirely. This scene had become routine.
Kaguya didn't wait for pleasantries. She wrapped her arms around Hanekawa's neck and kissed him intensely, her movements rough and demanding. When they finally parted, her lips were flushed.
"How's Tsukihime's mission?" Hanekawa asked, studying her moist red lips.
"She's arrived at Otogakure Village," Kaguya replied, her expression still hungry. She'd eaten well last night, but her appetite was never truly satisfied. "I brought you something."
She produced a scroll. "Crystal Release. Guren's complete techniques."
"She taught you willingly?" Hanekawa raised an eyebrow.
"I used genjutsu," Kaguya said coldly. She cared only for Hanekawa—and perhaps Tsukihime. Everyone else was irrelevant.
He took the scroll and began reading while Samui provided her "triple hospitality." Crystal Release was straightforward for someone who'd mastered Yin-Yang Release. Within minutes, he'd formed a light red crystal in his palm.
Jewelry business, he thought immediately. No production costs, unlimited supply.
The crystals wouldn't last forever—they required constant chakra maintenance. But with his unlimited reserves, permanence was achievable. The Death Forest had proven that Hashirama's creations could endure indefinitely, though Wood Style was special. Crystal Release would need his constant attention, but that was a small price.
"Too weak," Kaguya commented, observing the crystal.
"Weakness has its uses," Hanekawa replied, scattering it.
"I don't understand." Her snow-Byakugan flickered with rare emotion.
He understood perfectly. He gestured to Samui. "Change positions."
The afternoon dissolved into evening. The snow outside stopped. The sun set.
"That's enough for today," Hanekawa finally announced, observing both women. Samui was already asleep—a full day's work had exhausted her.
"Let's go home," Kaguya demanded, gripping his wrist with intensity.
"You go home," he said, admiring her flushed face.
She stared at him for several seconds before relenting. She wanted to continue, but Hanekawa had made his decision.
After sending Samui home, Hanekawa returned to Konoha. Nights belonged to Tsunade and Kurenai.
---
The New Year holiday ended. The Hokage Building returned to its usual frenetic pace.
On the first day after the celebration, news arrived: Otogakure had conquered the Land of Iron.
The Land of Iron had no shinobi, only samurai who could channel chakra. Their strongest warrior, Mifune, had been easily suppressed by Tsukihime. In the original timeline, he'd defeated the reincarnated Hanzo and later fell under Danzo's control via Shisui's Kotoamatsukami. Now, he simply lost.
The ninja world's conflicts reignited.
The Hidden Sand and Hidden Stone grew tense—they'd identified Orochimaru as the mastermind, which meant Konoha was involved. The Hidden Mist remained relatively calm, thanks to Mei Terumi's agreement with Hanekawa, though she watched Konoha's Mining Department with growing concern.
The speed of their profit generation had shocked her. She'd already lost half the economic battle.
But Mei wasn't defeated yet. She'd discovered vast mineral deposits on the ocean floor and planned to follow Hanekawa's model.
The game was accelerating.
---