The morning sun cast long shadows across the Hokage's office as Hanekawa settled into his chair. He'd barely opened the first report when a soft knock interrupted him.
"Come in," he called.
The door cracked open, and Hinata Hyuga peeked inside, her lavender eyes darting around nervously. She clutched a scroll to her chest like a shield.
Hanekawa smiled. "Hinata. You can come straight in from now on. No need to hover at the door."
Her face flushed crimson. "I—I was waiting to see if you were... busy..."
He stood and gently pinched her cheek—twice, just to watch her sputter. "Teacher's always got time for you. Now, what've you got for me?"
"M-my weekly report," she stammered, extending the scroll with both hands.
Hanekawa unrolled it and scanned the contents. Training logs, medical theory notes, even some basic chakra control exercises. Not bad. The kid's actually putting in work.
"Well done," he said simply.
Hinata's entire posture relaxed. She bowed quickly and excused herself, practically floating out of the office.
One day she's going to realize I'm not actually that impressive, Hanekawa thought with amusement. But that's a problem for future me.
He'd barely sat back down when the sound of heels clicking against the floor announced his next visitor. Samui appeared in the doorway, black stockings gleaming, her business suit immaculate. She carried a scroll with the efficiency of someone who'd done this a hundred times.
"Information you requested," she said, handing it over.
"Sit with me."
Without hesitation, Samui settled onto the sofa. Hanekawa knelt, slipped off her heels, and arranged her legs across the cushions—one on each side, creating a perfect seat. She adjusted her position, wrapping her arms around him as he leaned back against her chest, his head resting just above her heart.
This is the life, he thought, unrolling the scroll.
The data was exactly what he needed: six months of financial reports from Konoha's Commerce and Mining Divisions. Profits that would make most nations weep with envy. Below that, comparative figures from the Hidden Mist—figures that told a story of struggle against impossible odds.
Mei Terumi had tried. He'd give her that. But the Land of Water's internal politics, the daimyo's interference, the lingering distrust within her own village—it all conspired against her. Her earnings were less than one-tenth of Konoha's.
The bet was over. She just didn't know it yet.
Hanekawa set the scroll aside and turned to face Samui. Her white shirt had come partially unbuttoned—she'd done that deliberately, he realized. He reached out, letting his hand rest over her heart.
"How are things in the Hidden Cloud?" he asked.
"Better than ever," Samui replied honestly. "The salary alone... I never imagined..." She trailed off, then hesitated. "But..."
"But what?"
"You haven't been home in weeks."
Hanekawa blinked. Home. She meant Kaguya's place. Where Samui actually lived. Where he'd been conspicuously absent.
"I've been neglecting you," he admitted. "That wasn't fair."
"I'm not—I didn't mean—" Samui's face flushed. "I just... I miss you."
He smiled and buttoned her shirt back up, taking his time. "Be patient with me. I'll make it up to you when I get back."
Something in his tone made her eyes light up. She nodded, not trusting herself to speak.
Hanekawa formed the hand seals for Flying Thunder God and vanished.
---
The Mizukage's office in Hidden Mist was exactly as he remembered: functional, austere, and currently occupied by a woman who looked like she hadn't slept in days.
Mei Terumi didn't even look up from her desk. "I was wondering when you'd show up."
"Checking the reports again?" Hanekawa asked, settling onto the windowsill.
She finally glanced at him, and he caught the exhaustion in her eyes. "Every single day. Do you know how demoralizing it is to watch the gap widen?"
"I brought something for you."
Mei Terumi straightened, wariness replacing fatigue. "If you're here to gloat—"
"Come here."
She hesitated, then rose and walked toward him. The moment she was close enough, Hanekawa pulled her down and kissed her. It was gentle, unhurried—a stark contrast to the intensity of their usual encounters.
When he pulled back, Mei Terumi was breathing hard. "What was that for?"
"Because you deserve it." He held up the scroll. "The final tally."
Her hands trembled slightly as she took it. Hanekawa watched her read, watched the moment reality fully sank in. Her shoulders sagged.
"One month," she said quietly. "You said I had one month to think about it."
"You need time to prepare your people?"
"A week," Mei Terumi said. "Some of my shinobi won't accept surrender gracefully. I need to... manage that."
"Fair enough."
She sank back into her chair, looking hollowed out. "Do you understand what you're asking? The Hidden Mist has existed for generations. And now—"
"Now you'll exist under Konoha's protection," Hanekawa finished. "Which is better than the alternative."
"Is it?" She laughed bitterly. "I spent months trying to win this bet. Months of sleepless nights, of impossible choices. And for what? To lose anyway?"
Hanekawa studied her for a moment, then reached out and touched her forehead. Chakra flowed from him, precise and controlled, forming a diamond-shaped seal.
Mei Terumi gasped. "What did you—"
"A Yin Seal," he said. "Modified. If you're ever in danger, you can draw on the chakra stored here. And I'll know."
She stared at the mark in her reflection, then at him. "Why would you—"
"Because you're mine," he said simply. "And I protect what's mine."
Something shifted in her expression. The fight drained out of her, replaced by something softer. "I suppose being a maid to someone this powerful isn't the worst fate."
Hanekawa smiled and ruffled her hair. "I'll see you in a week."
---
The week passed in a blur of preparations. Hanekawa stood at Konoha's gates as dawn broke, watching the road that led from the Land of Water.
Mei Terumi arrived with a formal delegation: representatives from the Hidden Mist, bearing the white flag of surrender.
It was, Hanekawa reflected, the beginning of the end. The ninja world was consolidating. One by one, the villages were accepting the inevitable.
The age of the Five Great Nations was over.
The age of Konoha had begun.
---
---
Finally, the second book is live—many of you asked for it, and it's here.
Naruto: Don't Count Me In
Do check it out, you'll definitely enjoy it.
I've learned a lot from the first book—improving translations, fixing errors, and reducing inconsistencies to make this one much better overall. That said, I'm still growing, so if you notice minor mistakes, just let them pass and enjoy the story.
Most importantly, don't stay silent—comment on the moments you like. I'd love to know how it felt for you.