333. The Second Divine Tree Fruit

March, a season of lush grass and singing warblers.

Hanekawa felt the warmth of the sunlight and woke up.

The bright yellow light fell upon the white snow-capped mountains, slightly dazzling.

Hanekawa steadied himself, and the scenery before him gradually came into focus.

He didn’t know when he had fallen asleep in Samui’s arms.

He shifted his head slightly, his face pressing against her snow-white skin, as if touching the finest silk.

"Hanekawa."

Samui’s slightly hoarse voice sounded.

"Did I wake you?"

Hanekawa looked up and saw a beautiful but tired face.

Yet, despite the exhaustion, there was a mature, alluring charm.

"No."

Samui replied, "I woke up naturally."

Hanekawa’s movements had been slight, and he hadn’t made any noise—she truly hadn’t been disturbed.

This was thanks to Kaguya Ōtsutsuki.

She had occupied most of the night, allowing Samui to fall asleep early.

"Mhm."

Hanekawa nodded.

The next moment, he felt someone embrace him from behind, a heavy yet soft weight pressing against his back.

Turning his head, he saw Kaguya’s snow-white eyes.

Unlike Samui’s exhaustion, she looked full of energy.

If he gave the word, Kaguya would likely make up for lost time.

"It’s about time. If we don’t get up now, we’ll be late for work."

Hanekawa released Samui, turned to Kaguya, and spoke.

"Mhm."

Though reluctant, Kaguya was obedient.

She leaned in, kissed Hanekawa, and then sat up.

As the covers slipped from her shoulders, a flawless body was exposed to the air.

Samui’s gaze fell on Hanekawa, who was staring without blinking.

After a moment’s thought, she stood up directly, her fair thighs stepping over him as she got out of bed.

Hanekawa’s attention was instantly diverted.

His eyes were now solely fixed on the golden sunlight.

"Hanekawa, let me help you get dressed."

Samui stood bathed in sunlight, her golden hair glowing even brighter.

Kaguya sensed her intentions but didn’t mind.

To her, the competition wasn’t during the day—it was at night.

"Thanks."

Hanekawa didn’t refuse and readily agreed.

He got out of bed, gave Samui’s thigh a light squeeze, and then spread his arms.

Samui, completely unclothed, moved around him, helping him into his clothes.

Hanekawa didn’t need to do anything but admire the view.

With each of Samui’s movements, her skin trembled slightly, utterly mesmerizing.

Once dressed, Hanekawa noticed Kaguya had already put on her ANBU uniform and was standing quietly to the side, waiting.

He turned his attention back to Samui.

She took her time changing.

Especially when putting on her black bodystocking.

Hanekawa didn’t linger and left the room.

If he kept watching, he might not make it to work.

The sight was simply too stimulating.

After breakfast, the three headed to the Hokage Building.

At the entrance, Samui bid farewell and left for the neighboring Hidden Cloud Village.

As the Raikage’s secretary, she was supposed to manage the village alongside Mabui.

But today was different—she was going to inform the Hidden Cloud’s jonin to attend a meeting at the Hokage Building.

This would be the first Five-Village Jonin Meeting since the shinobi world’s unification.

Many suspected this meeting would involve power distribution and reorganization.

And indeed, that was the case.

Hanekawa opened the Hokage Building’s doors.

As soon as he entered, a familiar fragrance greeted him.

"You’re late!"

Standing before him, Kurenai Yūhi huffed.

"What’s wrong with the Hokage being late?"

Hanekawa chuckled. "No rule says the Hokage can’t be late."

"You—! That’s just sophistry!"

Kurenai retorted, annoyed.

"Alright, little secretary, now’s not the time to argue."

Hanekawa grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the Hokage’s seat.

Sitting down, he pulled her into his lap.

"Then let’s talk business."

Kurenai sat on his thigh, shooting him a glare.

"Go ahead."

Hanekawa wrapped an arm around her waist while his right hand naturally settled on her thigh.

Kurenai glanced at it but didn’t react.

She was used to it by now.

"The jonin meeting is scheduled for 9 AM. I’ve already informed the secretaries."

Kurenai began, organizing her thoughts.

The "secretaries" she referred to were the Mizukage’s secretary, Mei Terumī, and the Hidden Sand’s secretary, Pakura, among others.

In other words, she had effectively notified all five villages’ jonin.

"And here’s the meeting agenda, prepared as you instructed."

Kurenai produced a scroll.

"Open it. I’ll take a look."

Since he was busy caressing her thigh, Hanekawa didn’t bother moving his hands.

"Even as Hokage, you’re still so shameless."

Kurenai grumbled as she unrolled the scroll before him.

"No issues. Just prepare a few more copies."

Hanekawa skimmed the contents, memorizing them instantly.

"Mhm."

Kurenai rolled up the scroll, grabbed his wrist, and said, "I’m leaving. No more touching!"

She hopped off, putting distance between them before turning with a playful smile and dashing away.

Hanekawa couldn’t help but laugh.

"Do you want to touch?"

A sudden voice spoke.

Hanekawa looked up to see Kaguya’s serious expression.

Her intentions were utterly transparent.

"Go back to work."

Hanekawa feigned sternness.

"Oh."

Unfazed, Kaguya vanished.

Shaking his head, Hanekawa turned to the paperwork on his desk.

After flipping through it for over ten minutes, a knock sounded.

"Hanekawa."

Kurenai stood at the door. "Five more minutes."

"Let’s go."

Hanekawa rose and headed to the meeting room.

He had woken up at 8 AM.

Between breakfast and other delays, it wasn’t long before 9 AM arrived.

Naturally, this was Kaguya’s fault—she had kept him up late last night.

But on second thought, perhaps it wasn’t entirely her doing.

Hanekawa had spent most of his recent nights at Tsunade’s place.

Now that he’d finally returned to Kaguya’s, she had clung to him relentlessly.

"Lord Hokage."

At the meeting room’s entrance, two ANBU bowed.

"You’re… Yugao?"

Hanekawa glanced at the ANBU on the left.

Though masked, her signature purple hair gave her away.

"Yes!"

Yūgao Uzuki replied excitedly.

Since childhood, she had been Hanekawa’s admirer.

They’d first met at Konoha Hospital, then crossed paths at the Academy. Now, she had joined the ANBU.

But the gap between them was vast, and their meetings were rare.

"We’ll talk more next time."

Hanekawa smiled.

Kurenai stepped forward and opened the meeting room’s doors.

The lively chatter inside instantly hushed.

Hanekawa scanned the room—it was packed.

The space was densely filled with jonin from all five villages.

Originally, seating was planned, but the room wasn’t large enough, forcing everyone to stand.

Even so, there wasn’t enough space, making it uncomfortably crowded.

After all, this room was once only for Konoha’s meetings.

Of course, as Hokage, Hanekawa had a seat.

He and Kurenai took the central position.

Flanking them were Shikaku Nara and Sakumo Hatake, the Hokage’s advisors.

"The Konoha Jonin Meeting will now begin."

Kurenai stood and announced. "The first agenda item: a speech from Kakuzu."

To many, the name "Kakuzu" was unfamiliar.

But some knew him as the head of the Finance & Market Division.

"Lord Hokage."

Kakuzu first greeted Hanekawa before reporting on Konoha’s recent financial status.

Soon, many were astonished.

Especially the non-Konoha shinobi.

This was their first time realizing just how lucrative being a shinobi could be.

Hanekawa glanced at Kakuzu.

Beside him stood Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan—the three Akatsuki members.

After Kiri’s surrender, Amegakure had wisely pledged allegiance.

This was what triggered Hanekawa’s S-Rank title, "Ruler of the Shinobi World."

His reason for having Kakuzu speak was simple.

What drove shinobi could be summed up in two things: power and wealth.

Ideals like the "Will of Fire" were built upon these foundations.

Hanekawa already had overwhelming power.

The five villages’ shinobi knew of his strength, but few understood his financial might.

By having Kakuzu disclose this, he was sending a clear message: follow him, and prosperity would follow.

Crude, but effective.

"Thank you."

Once Kakuzu finished, he returned to his seat.

But the impact of his report lingered.

Most present had never seen—or even heard of—such vast sums in their lives.

Now they understood why Hanekawa had implemented a shinobi salary system.

He had the resources to back it.

Ōnoki, Pakura, and Rasa’s expressions darkened.

This was an open scheme.

Under the lure of wealth, how many would still remember their original villages decades later?

They assumed Hanekawa would only live a few more decades.

Once he died, the world would revert to the five-village system.

But that depended on whether they’d avoid assimilation by Konoha.

"The second agenda item: a speech from Sakumo Hatake."

Kurenai continued formally.

"Lord Hokage."

Sakumo nodded before standing. "My report concerns the restructuring of shinobi forces."

With the world unified, the old military divisions were no longer suitable.

Moreover, relying solely on Konoha’s forces was insufficient—Iwa, Kiri, Kumo, and Suna’s shinobi had to be integrated.

The core plan was to establish five shinobi divisions, each stationed in one of the five great nations.

The details included:

Numbers:

Primarily composed of the five villages’ shinobi, supplemented by minor villages.

Each division would consist of 5,000 shinobi.

Leadership:

Konoha’s division: Led by Sakumo.

Iwa’s division: Led by Ōnoki.

Suna’s division: Led by Rasa.

Kiri’s division: Led by Mei.

Kumo’s division: Led by the Fourth Raikage.

Kiri’s division was unique—it could consist entirely of Kiri shinobi.

Hanekawa’s reasoning was that he wanted a specialized maritime force.

Kiri’s shinobi had the most experience, making them ideal.

Of course, the real reason was his promise to Mei.

Locations:

The five divisions would be stationed in the original five villages.

For the four non-Konoha villages, they were now empty shells.

Stationing troops there would make efficient use of them.

Once Sakumo finished, many glanced at Mei with envy.

Kiri alone remained intact.

The other villages would be mixed, making it hard to retain their original identities.

Mei exhaled in relief.

She had worried Hanekawa might go back on his word.

But it seemed this pervert kept his promises.

Mei pondered.

Hanekawa had done so much for her—she needed to reciprocate.

She suddenly recalled the maid outfit she hadn’t worn in ages.

Given Hanekawa’s status, repaying him was difficult.

The maid outfit might be her only option.

Pursing her lips, Mei steeled herself.

The meeting continued.

There were many topics.

But to Hanekawa, the most crucial were the Shinobi Sect and the Academy’s arrangements.

He ordered all shinobi under eighteen from every village to return to school.

Reason One:

The world was at peace. There was no need for them to fight.

Reason Two:

The world desperately needed administrators.

Hanekawa’s ambitions extended beyond the five villages—they encompassed the five nations.

The demand for talent was immense.

A complete overhaul would take time.

Fortunately, Hanekawa had plenty of time—theoretically, he was now immortal.

By noon, the meeting concluded.

Hanekawa left, but Kurenai stayed behind.

She had to distribute the meeting’s contents, ensuring everyone understood before implementation.

"Kaguya."

Hanekawa suddenly stopped and called out.

Kaguya appeared before him.

"How’s the Divine Tree?"

Hanekawa asked directly.

After Kiri’s surrender, the Three-Tails and Six-Tails had been reclaimed by Kaguya.

With the Nine-Tails retrieved by Tsukuyomi, all nine tailed beasts had been gathered.

"It should bear fruit within the next two days."

At the mention of the Divine Tree’s fruit, Kaguya’s eyes gleamed with rare excitement.

"Let’s go to Mount Myōboku."

Hanekawa took her hand and teleported using Flying Thunder God.

Soon, a colossal tree came into view.

Hanekawa raised a hand.

He wanted to test his new S-Rank title, "Ruler of the Shinobi World."

Under his control, the winds shifted.

Vast amounts of natural energy surged from distant lands.

"This is…?"

Kaguya’s eyes brightened.

Though she didn’t know when Hanekawa had gained this ability, it was undoubtedly beneficial.

Under his influence, the Divine Tree ripened prematurely.

With a tremor in the air, a fruit took form.

"Go ahead."

Hanekawa lowered his hand.

Kaguya eagerly leaped up, landing before the fruit.

Having eaten one before, she was now experienced.

Unlike last time, she wouldn’t suffer indigestion and be forced to create Tsukuyomi.

As Hanekawa watched her, he thought of Urashiki Ōtsutsuki.

Would this Ōtsutsuki member time-travel from the future?

He faintly recalled it happening when Naruto was thirteen.

But wait—

Urashiki had traveled back because he couldn’t find the Nine-Tails in the future.

But would that still happen now?

If it were the same timeline, Urashiki would eventually encounter Hanekawa and Kaguya.

Would time travel even be necessary?

Hanekawa wasn’t sure. For now, all he could do was wait.