Night had fallen.
Tsunade stirred awake, pressing her forehead as a dull ache throbbed behind her eyes. She reached for the Yin Seal, letting its power wash away the lingering effects of alcohol. The technique worked instantly—the headache vanished without a trace.
She opened her eyes and froze.
Hanekawa sat at the nearby table, writing something. How long had he been there?
Tsunade rose silently, her bare feet making no sound against the floor. She came up behind him and bent down, pressing her soft body against his back.
"What are you writing?" she asked, wrapping her arms around him.
Hanekawa leaned back into her embrace, resting his head against her chest. The softness was remarkably comfortable. "Teacher, how would you feel about a new position?"
"Not interested," Tsunade said flatly. She paused. "Though if you're asking, I suppose I could consider it."
She'd been content with her current life—gambling and drinking during the day, spending evenings with Hanekawa. Her body and mind were satisfied. Why complicate things?
"That's very you," Hanekawa laughed, genuinely pleased by her willingness to listen.
"So what's this job?" Tsunade asked, running her fingers through his hair.
"Hard to explain in words. See for yourself."
Hanekawa pointed to the documents on the table.
Tsunade released him and sat down on his lap, reaching for the papers. Hanekawa wrapped his arms around her to steady her, his head naturally finding its way to her chest. Tsunade huffed but didn't push him away. She placed one hand on his shoulder, leaned against him, and began reading with both hands.
As she read, a slight chill crossed her chest. Tsunade's lips curved upward, but she continued, her eyes growing brighter with each page.
The Internet concept was genuinely novel. And this "game" concept was intriguing. Based on the documents, the network department head barely needed to do anything—just guide the research direction. But the direction was already outlined here.
In other words, all she had to do was put her name on it.
"So?" Hanekawa tilted his head, admiring the snow-capped peaks before him. "What do you think?"
"Interesting," Tsunade said, her eyelashes trembling slightly. "I'll take charge of the network department."
"Perfect." Hanekawa asked casually, "Are you hungry? What would you like to eat?"
"I drank at noon, so nothing heavy tonight," Tsunade considered. "How about ramen?"
"Whatever you want, Teacher."
Hanekawa took a deep breath, savoring the fragrance. "Give me a moment."
Tsunade stood, making room for him. Once he left, she straightened her clothes and fastened her belt, a small smile playing at her lips.
This brat never misses an opportunity, she thought, amused. Her clothes had been undone again. Every time, Hanekawa managed to look like an innocent child taking advantage of her—which somehow made it worse.
She gathered the documents and moved to the living room to wait.
Within minutes, Hanekawa emerged from the kitchen carrying two bowls of tonkotsu ramen.
"I've been having strange dreams lately," Tsunade said suddenly, picking up her chopsticks.
Hanekawa's heart skipped. Did she figure something out?
"What kind of dreams?" he asked carefully.
"What do you think of Kurenai?" Tsunade asked instead of answering.
"No idea," Hanekawa said, blinking.
"Don't play dumb with me." Tsunade rolled her eyes. "Kurenai's feelings are obvious to anyone with eyes."
"Well, I can't help being irresistible," Hanekawa said with a shameless grin. "After all, even my teacher likes me."
Tsunade couldn't help but laugh at his audacity.
"Do you like her?" she asked, her gaze fixed on his face.
"I prefer my teacher," Hanekawa said seriously, meeting her eyes.
"Shameless," Tsunade snorted. She already knew the answer. Both she and Kurenai clearly liked this little brat. She sighed and fell silent.
"Teacher?" Hanekawa's hand instinctively found hers.
"How long have you been Hokage?" Tsunade asked, looking at him.
"About two years, I think," Hanekawa said hesitantly.
"Has it really been that long?" Tsunade pursed her lips. "So when are you getting married?"
Hanekawa was genuinely stunned. He'd never thought about it—he was still young.
"Whenever you're willing, we can marry now," he said with a bright smile.
Tsunade's hands clenched. She felt nervous—a rare occurrence for her. But she quickly composed herself.
"We're not suitable for marriage," she said carefully. "You should marry Kurenai."
"Why not?" Hanekawa's eyes narrowed.
"I'm your teacher."
"There's nothing wrong with that. I've already decided—the first person I marry will definitely be you. Otherwise, I won't marry at all," Hanekawa said with complete seriousness.
Tsunade stared at him, momentarily speechless.
"Don't rush about marriage," Hanekawa said, pinching her cheek. "I can wait."
"...Alright," Tsunade said, shaken but unable to commit fully. She postponed the matter.
Hanekawa secretly exhaled in relief. Tsunade had overlooked something important—he'd said his first marriage partner would be her. That implied there could be others.
Thank the feudal era and its concept of multiple wives, he thought. Though technically, Kaguya Ōtsutsuki had been his first marriage partner in ancient times. But in this era? Tsunade was definitely first.
After dinner, Hanekawa took the dishes to the kitchen. Tsunade followed but stopped at the doorway.
"Teacher, what is it?" he asked.
"New Year's is coming soon. How are you planning to celebrate?" Tsunade leaned against the frame.
"With you, of course," Hanekawa paused. "Do you have plans?"
"Call Kurenai over," Tsunade said calmly. "The three of us will stay up all night."
Hanekawa turned sharply, surprise evident in his eyes. Could his beautiful dream actually become reality?
"You look happy," Tsunade snorted.
She knew him too well. Combined with the dreams she'd been having, she could guess exactly what he was thinking.
"It's the New Year. We should be happy," Hanekawa said with a smile.
Tsunade's mouth twitched. This shameless brat.
But she'd made her decision. Her concession wasn't just from the dreams—it was because of what he'd said about his first marriage partner. Despite his scoundrel nature, she'd been genuinely moved.
"I'm going to shower. Don't let me interrupt your dishes," Tsunade said, turning toward the bathroom.
Hanekawa raised his eyebrows and quickly finished washing up, then hurried after her.
---
The next morning, Hanekawa left Tsunade's warm embrace and headed for the Hokage Building. Because of last night's conversation about marriage, he'd stayed the entire night. The result was that Tsunade couldn't get up at all—she had no strength left.
Hanekawa had made sure to thank her thoroughly.
When he opened the office door, he let out a light exclamation.
A cute little girl with Byakugan and blue hair was sleeping in the Hokage's chair.
Hinata Hyuga.
An invitation lay on the desk. He picked it up—an invitation to Hinata Hyuga's third birthday party. She delivered it personally?
Hanekawa smiled at the delicate girl and reached out to pinch her nose.
A few seconds later, Hinata's eyes fluttered open. She looked up at Hanekawa, and her face turned red at visible speed.
"T-teacher..." she stammered, clasping her hands together and poking her fingers nervously.
"When did you arrive?" Hanekawa asked, withdrawing his hand.
"E-eight o'clock..." Hinata said weakly.
"No wonder." Hanekawa had been delayed with Tsunade this morning and arrived an hour late. Hinata must have waited and accidentally fallen asleep.
"I saw your invitation and will definitely be there," Hanekawa said. "Is there anything else?"
"N-no," Hinata shook her head.
"Then I have something for you," Hanekawa smiled. "Is your father home?"
"Y-yes," Hinata replied.
"You came alone?" Hanekawa asked, surprised.
"Ah," Hinata nodded.
The Hyuga clan is really careless, Hanekawa thought. This explained why Hinata got lost so easily in the original timeline.
"Take me to see him," Hanekawa said, putting away the invitation.
"Y-yes," Hinata responded automatically.
"Let's go." Hanekawa extended his hand.
Hinata looked at it, her face flushing deeper. She hesitantly took his hand and jumped down from the chair.
"Have you been learning ninjutsu?" Hanekawa asked as they walked.
"Y-yes. Father... Father wanted..." Hinata stammered.
At last year's birthday dinner, Hanekawa had helped awaken the Hyuga bloodline, allowing her to open her Byakugan. Naturally, this made Hiashi ecstatic, and he'd immediately begun teaching her ninjutsu. In the ninja world, even three-year-olds could theoretically learn—Itachi Uchiha had been taken to the battlefield at four.
"How's your progress?" Hanekawa continued.
"S-slower than..." Hinata said embarrassedly.
"You're not slow—you're just too young," Hanekawa said gently. "I've had the ANBU monitor your progress. Children like Naruto and Sasuke aren't learning early either."
The issue stemmed from her Byakugan. Improved bloodline didn't automatically improve learning ability. Even Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha were late bloomers, reaching their peak only in adulthood.
"Starting tomorrow, come to my office every day. I'll teach you personally," Hanekawa decided.
Though he wasn't sure about teaching children, he could at least give Hinata a happy childhood free from pressure.
"E-eh?" Hinata hadn't expected this.
"What? Don't want to?" Hanekawa glanced at her.
"I-I'm willing! I'm willing!" Hinata replied nervously.
As the Hokage and her teacher, Hanekawa was naturally qualified. And her father would certainly agree. But what if she disappointed him? Her parents had told her so much about his achievements—in her mind, he was almost as impressive as her own father.
"Stand still," Hanekawa reminded her, then used the Flying Thunder God Technique.
They appeared at the Hyuga compound's entrance.
"Lord Hokage," the two guards saluted quickly.
"Inform the clan head," Hanekawa said casually.
"Yes!"
One guard rushed inside. Shortly after, both Hiashi and Hizashi appeared.
"F-father... Father," Hinata greeted politely, though she didn't release Hanekawa's hand.
Hiashi felt nothing but happiness at this. He hoped their relationship would grow closer. Perhaps one day Hinata would become a female Hokage—though her personality would need work.
"Lord Hokage, please come inside," Hiashi said.
"No need. This won't take long," Hanekawa replied. "From now on, I'll be teaching Hinata. You have no authority over what she studies or how well she learns."
Hiashi was stunned. Hanekawa had no Byakugan and didn't know the Gentle Fist. What could he possibly teach?
When he hesitated, Hanekawa's gaze intensified. Hiashi suddenly felt the crushing weight of both bloodline and power—then it vanished, leaving him wondering if he'd imagined it.
"Then we'll do as Lord Hokage says," Hiashi said quickly. "Hinata, you must be obedient with the Hokage."
"Y-yes!" Hinata nodded eagerly.
"One more thing," Hanekawa called out. "Kaguya."
Kaguya Ōtsutsuki materialized beside him.
"Lord Hokage?" Hiashi asked nervously. Did someone from the clan do something wrong?
"I understand the bird seal prevents Byakugan leakage?" Hanekawa asked slowly.
"Yes," Hiashi admitted carefully.
"Now that the ninja world is unified, there's no risk of leakage," Hanekawa said. "Can it be abolished?"
"W-what?" Hiashi's heart stopped.
Hizashi's eyes widened with barely suppressed joy.
"This is an internal Hyuga matter," Hiashi said through gritted teeth.
"All Hyuga ninja—main family or branch—are Konoha shinobi," Hanekawa replied calmly. "As Hokage, I have the authority."
"Only the clan elders can decide this," Hiashi said desperately.
"Then call them," Hanekawa instructed.
Hiashi hesitated, then nodded. He couldn't afford to anger the Hokage. The clan elder was still unconscious from their last encounter.
While they waited, Hanekawa covered Hinata's eyes. When the clan elder arrived, Kaguya Ōtsutsuki moved.
The elder flew backward, crashing hard.
"Elder!" Hiashi and Hizashi tried to move but found themselves paralyzed by Kaguya's Byakugan.
The pressure was suffocating—like standing on a cliff's edge. The elder tried to rise but greater force pinned him down, forcing blood from his mouth before he lost consciousness.
"Any objections?" Hanekawa asked pleasantly.
"N-no!" Hiashi stammered.
Kaguya disappeared.
"Can the bird seal be abolished?" Hanekawa asked.
"Yes! Absolutely!" Hiashi answered immediately.
"Do you have a method?" Hanekawa asked.
"No," Hiashi admitted. "But I guarantee no one in the clan will wear the seal in the future."
Hanekawa studied Hizashi, noting the barely concealed excitement in his expression. As a branch family member, he was the primary beneficiary.
Hanekawa raised his hand, sending chakra to envelop Hizashi. "Don't resist."
The chakra found the seal's location. In an instant, Hanekawa understood—it was an incredibly advanced sealing technique, likely created by a Six Paths-level ninja. But no seal could withstand him.
His mind moved.
The bird seal vanished.
"Impossible!" Hiashi screamed as the mark disappeared from Hizashi's forehead. The bird seal had protected the Hyuga for thousands of years. Countless ninja had tried to crack it. Yet Hanekawa had eliminated it in seconds.
Hizashi felt dazed. The seal that had troubled him his entire life was simply... gone.
"Summon all branch family ninja here," Hanekawa instructed.
"Now?" Hizashi snapped to attention. "I'll call them immediately!"
Minutes later, excited branch family ninja arrived, having learned from Hizashi why they were summoned.
Hanekawa raised his hand. Chakra surged out, covering everyone.
In less than a second, every bird seal vanished.
"Thank you, Lord Hokage!" they shouted in unison.
As they cheered, three lines of text appeared before Hanekawa's eyes:
[S-Rank Talent Entry: Farewell, Cage]
[Trigger Condition: Remove the bird seal]
[Effect: Sealing technique power increased by 200%. Enemy sealing techniques have no effect.]
An entry from this? Hanekawa was pleasantly surprised. The effect was excellent—sealing techniques were crucial in the ninja world. Even Kaguya Ōtsutsuki couldn't escape them. Now, with this entry, he was immune to sealing while his own sealing power tripled.
"Uncle Hizashi," Hanekawa raised his hand for silence. "Those who haven't been freed yet can come to me anytime."
"Yes!" Hizashi said excitedly.
"I have other matters to attend to," Hanekawa said, using the Flying Thunder God Technique to return to his office.
"Back already?" Tsunade was lounging on the sofa, legs crossed.
"Just finished," Hanekawa said, walking over. "How long were you waiting?"
"Not long. I just woke up," Tsunade yawned.
"My fault," Hanekawa admitted.
Tsunade rolled her eyes. Is he implying I was terrible last night?
"I need to discuss the network department," she said, getting back to business. "How do we set it up?"
"The ANBU have gathered most technical personnel," Hanekawa said, pulling out documents. "We just need to choose a location."
"My office, next to yours," Tsunade said without hesitation.
"Agreed," Hanekawa smiled, extending his hand.
Tsunade took it.
---
The next day, Hanekawa sat in his office when a light knock sounded.
A cute head poked through the door. Hinata Hyuga.
"T-teacher," she said, trembling slightly as she entered and bowed.
"You're very punctual," Hanekawa said, standing.
"W-what will we learn today?" Hinata asked eagerly.
"We'll learn by playing," Hanekawa smiled. "You'll spend time with Kurenai today."
His plan was to let Hinata play in the building first, then have Samui take her around the village later. When she was five or six, he'd begin actual ninjutsu training.