329. Hanekawa, Tsunade, and Kurenai's New Year's Eve

Samui's lips were soft, like jelly.

Hanekawa narrowed his eyes, feeling like a caged bird under triple pressure with nowhere to escape.

He shook his head, dispelling the strange thought, and refocused on the document before him—a roster for a new ninja unit.

If the Summoning Beast Corps was defined by its contracts with the Three Great Sage Lands, this unit's hallmark would be Cursed Seals.

After the recent Sannin gathering, Orochimaru had delivered his completed research.

As in the original timeline, the seals were divided into Heaven and Earth types.

The Heaven Seal boasted two transformative stages, granting immense power but with stringent compatibility requirements.

In the original story, only Anko Mitarashi and Sasuke Uchiha had successfully borne it—Kimimaro might have qualified too, if not for his genetic illness forcing him to settle for the weaker Earth Seal.

The Earth Seal, while less potent, had broader applicability, as seen with the Sound Five.

Both types shared a critical flaw: prolonged use eroded the user's sanity under nature energy's corruption.

Hanekawa's fingers absentmindedly stroked Samui's hair as he pondered the roster.

Samui, cheeks puffed, kept her head down—ignoring his idle touch while diligently working.

A sudden pinch made Hanekawa frown.

Should Anko be included?

In the original, she was one of only two to withstand the Heaven Seal. Yet Hanekawa couldn't shake his mental image of her as "Anko the Sweet Dango."

He paused.

Wait—wasn't that nickname a result of her not receiving the seal?

With a decisive stroke, he added Anko Mitarashi to the list, followed by Yakushi Kabuto as the unit's overseer.

Itachi Uchiha, however, needed no such enhancement. The Uchiha's strength lay in their Sharingan—and like Kimimaro, Itachi's constitution was too frail for the seal's strain.

"I wonder if Kaguya's made progress on modifying the seals."

Setting down his pen, Hanekawa leaned back, exhaling as Samui's warmth settled across his lap.

Then—footsteps.

Only one person could approach undetected.

Ōtsutsuki Kaguya materialized before him, her snow-white eyes glinting with displeasure.

Of course. The possessive goddess didn't share her treats.

"Here."

She thrust out a scroll, though her gaze remained fixed on Samui's rhythmic movements.

Samui knelt firmly, black-stockinged legs braced against the floor—unshakable.

Kaguya's fingers twitched. She could do better.

Hanekawa unfurled the scroll and grinned.

Perfection.

Kaguya had reengineered both seals:

Earth Seal:

Removed Stage Two, keeping only the initial transformation.

Accessible to genin, albeit with heavy chakra drain—three minutes of use would exhaust them.

Power boost: Genin → chūnin tier.


Heaven Seal:

Stage One: No side effects, sustainable like a standard jutsu.

Stage Two: Explosive multiplier (10x+), but body-crushing backlash—fatal beyond ten minutes.

Requirements: Elite chūnin+ physique.



"Thank you."

The trade-offs were negligible compared to the gains. With these, Konoha could field thousands of temporary jōnin.

"Reward."

Kaguya splayed ten fingers.

Ten days of exclusive attention.

Hanekawa chuckled. Predictable.

"Five," he countered, gripping her wrist.

She resisted, unmovable as a mountain—then relented with a pout.

Fine. Five days for half a day's work was fair.

"When?"

She leaned in, eager to usurp Samui's position.

"Later."

Hanekawa smacked her plush rear, eliciting a glare. Why could Samui serve now, but not her?

"I can't vanish for five days as Hokage," he murmured into her hair. "I'll schedule it like last time."

"Just me."

Samui stiffened but stayed silent—her fate wasn't hers to decide.

"Deal."

Kaguya's smile bloomed, radiant and rare.

"Only this makes you smile?" Hanekawa teased.

"For you, anytime."

Her sincerity warmed him—until a sudden tightness made his grip tighten on the armrests.

"Samui."

He handed her a glass of water, which she drained hastily.

"Dismissed. My student approaches."

Kaguya vanished reluctantly, while Samui rebuttoned her blouse with practiced elegance.

At the door, she met Hyūga Hinata—tiny fist raised to knock.

"B-Big Sister S-Samui!"

Hinata bowed.

Samui nodded, stepping aside.

"Teacher!"

Hinata scurried in, eyes bright.

"You've explored the tower. Today, we tour the hospital."

Hanekawa stood, offering his hand.

"Hai!"

Hinata beamed. These carefree days—no drills, no pressure—were paradise.

A Flying Thunder God later, they materialized at Konoha Hospital's entrance.

"Lord Hokage!"

Staff bowed as he guided Hinata through the wards, her tiny hand in his.

"Hanekawa!"

A floral gust announced Rin Nohara, skidding to a stop before them.

"Good morning—ah, afternoon," he corrected at her pointed look.

Since their kiss, Rin had shed her shyness—though she still flushed at intimacy.

"Meet my student, Hyūga Hinata."

"Konnichiwa! I'm Rin!" She crouched to Hinata's height. "So cuuute!"

"B-Big Sister Rin…"

Hinata's cheeks pinked as Rin ruffled her hair.

"Feel free to show her around sometime," Hanekawa said.

"Play? Not train?" Rin blinked.

"She's three. The Hyūga pushed too hard."

"Ah." Rin smiled. "You'll be a great teacher."

"Haven't I been?" His gaze dropped to her Strength of a Hundred Seal.

Rin's breath hitched—memories of his unconventional lessons surfacing.

Hanekawa licked his lips. It had been too long.

Noticing his stare, Rin fidgeted—especially with Hinata watching.

"Hinata, wait here."

He steered Rin into an office and slammed her against the door.

A gasp—then silenced.

Rin Nohara's body softened.

She hugged Hanekawa, and their lips locked in a passionate kiss.

Her breathing grew rapid, her heart pounded, and her face turned bright red with embarrassment.

Hanekawa’s hand moved down, touching her smooth, fair thighs.

Her over-the-knee socks ended right at the edge of her thighs, slightly digging into her skin—creating a pleasant texture to the touch.

After a long while, their lips parted.

Rin leaned against Hanekawa, her legs feeling a bit weak.

Especially since his warm hand was still kneading and caressing her thigh.

She bit her lip, an inexplicable emotion rising within her.

“You... did you come to see me for something?” Rin asked breathlessly.

“Can’t I visit you for no reason?” Hanekawa replied with a question of his own.

“I... I didn’t mean it that way...” Rin quickly shook her head.

“I was just taking Hinata around for a little walk.” Hanekawa said, looking at her flushed cheeks.

“I see,” Rin sighed. “Being a teacher seems nice… but I don’t have the time.”

She had to manage the medical department and still squeeze in time to perform surgeries at the Konoha Hospital. She was busy every day.

“My students are your students,” Hanekawa smiled. “You can teach Hinata medical ninjutsu.”

In the original storyline, Hinata Hyuga had learned some healing techniques.

And with the Byakugan’s X-ray-like vision, she was inherently suited to be a medical ninja.

Rin was slightly surprised but then smiled and nodded.

To her, the fact that Hanekawa was willing to entrust his student to her meant he didn’t see her as an outsider.

“Hinata isn’t ready to learn full medical ninjutsu yet. You can start by teaching her some basic medical knowledge.” Hanekawa reminded her.

“I understand,” Rin nodded.

Hinata was only three years old. Even if she wanted to learn medical ninjutsu, her chakra control wasn’t developed enough.

After all, medical ninjutsu required precise chakra manipulation.

“Hinata’s still waiting for me outside.” Hanekawa leaned in, bit her lip softly, and said, “See you next time.”

“Mm.” Rin responded shyly.

Hanekawa patted her thigh and withdrew his hand.

He opened the door, took Hinata’s hand, and continued their walk through Konoha Hospital.

An hour later, the two returned to the Hokage’s office.

Under Hinata’s reluctant gaze, Hanekawa handed her over to Samui.

Kurenai Yuhi was the Hokage’s secretary and usually busy.

Samui, although once the Raikage’s secretary, had more free time thanks to Mabui, so she could help look after Hinata.

Time moved forward to December 27th.

The two new departments established in Konoha were now operating smoothly.

The first was the Network Department, headed by Tsunade.

It was more of a laid-back role.

Tsunade didn’t need to do much—just wait for the network technicians to make progress.

The second was the Cursed Seal Unit, temporarily overseen by Orochimaru.

Although Hanekawa wanted Kabuto to lead it, his age and strength weren’t quite enough to head a ninja unit.

In the original story, cursed seals were developed and implanted by Orochimaru.

Moreover, he had embedded secret techniques within the seals—such as being able to resurrect through the Heavenly Curse Mark.

Although Orochimaru had already been affected by Kotoamatsukami, Hanekawa still didn’t let him carry out the mission—just in case.

Besides, Orochimaru didn’t know the improved version of the cursed seal.

So Hanekawa entrusted the matter to Kaguya Otsutsuki instead.

The price he paid was adding one more day to their previous agreement: from five to six days.


---

“Teacher!”

Hinata Hyuga ran into the Hokage’s office after receiving permission.

“What’s up? Why so happy?” Hanekawa put down his documents and reached out to pat her head.

“Um… dinner.” Hinata said, blushing slightly.

After spending so much time together, her personality had improved somewhat—but she was still quite shy.

“Dinner time already?” Hanekawa glanced at the sky. It was dusk.

“Seven o’clock.” Hinata explained, “There’s still half an hour.”

“Alright.” Hanekawa casually pulled out a small jewelry box. “This is your birthday gift.”

“Thank you, Teacher.” Hinata accepted the box.

“Aren’t you going to open it?” Hanekawa asked with a smile.

Hinata immediately opened the box. Inside was a white bracelet.

Her eyes lit up.

“Let me help you put it on.” Hanekawa said as he picked up the bracelet. “Try not to take it off.”

This bracelet, of course, wasn’t ordinary.

It would protect Hinata at the brink of death—and allow Hanekawa to sense her condition in real time.

“Okay.” Hinata nodded firmly.


"Let’s go to your place."

Hanekawa took her hand and used the Flying Thunder God technique.

Dinner wasn’t anything special—it was the same as every year.

After eating, Hanekawa said goodbye to Hinata Hyuga and returned to Tsunade’s house.

Three days flew by, and soon it was the last day of the year—New Year’s Eve, December 31st.

Of course, in the ninja world, they didn’t call it New Year’s Eve, but Ōmisoka.

Morning.

Hanekawa opened his eyes and saw Yūhi Kurenai sleeping in his arms.

Normally, he would’ve woken up at Tsunade’s house.

But today was different—it was Ōmisoka.

According to ninja world tradition, today was the day for major cleaning.

And since he had already told Kurenai they would spend the New Year at Tsunade’s, his plan was to clean Kurenai’s house first, then head to Tsunade’s place together so the three of them could stay up to welcome the New Year.

Hanekawa looked at the sleeping Kurenai and gently placed his hand on her chest.

A soft sensation pressed against his palm.

Kurenai woke up.

Instinctively, she grabbed Hanekawa’s hand, a flicker of fear in her eyes.

She had been thoroughly exhausted the night before.

“What are you thinking about?”

Hanekawa watched her reaction and asked with a smile.

“Nothing… I wasn’t thinking anything.”

Kurenai felt the warmth on her chest and her face turned red.

“Let go. I’ll go cook something.”

Hanekawa leaned in, gently nibbled her ear, and whispered, “I’ll let you off this morning—we’ll continue tonight.”

Kurenai was momentarily stunned.

Weren’t they going to Tsunade-sensei’s to celebrate the New Year tonight?

Could it be…? Kurenai couldn’t help but recall a dream she’d had. But she quickly shook her head.

There’s no way Tsunade would agree to something like that.

“Uncle Shinku.”

Hanekawa opened the door and saw Yūhi Shinku sitting in the living room.

Shinku couldn’t help but twitch his mouth.

Seeing Hanekawa come out of Kurenai’s room again—he couldn’t quite keep a straight face.

Although he had seen it a few times already, he was rather traditional and didn’t really approve of living together before marriage.

But at this point, he could only let it be.

After the three of them ate, they started cleaning the house.

Once they finished, Hanekawa and Kurenai headed toward Tsunade’s place.

“You’re here?”

Tsunade opened the door lazily and said, “Come in. Do whatever you want.”

It was already ten in the morning, so she had clearly been awake—but she was still wearing her sleepwear.

Kurenai instinctively glanced at the pajamas and her heart skipped a beat.

She had seen those pajamas before—in a dream.

Her mind filled with doubt.

What’s going on?

Before she could think more, Hanekawa pulled her into the living room.

Kurenai tried to pull away but failed.

Facing Tsunade’s gaze, a guilty feeling welled up in her chest.

Why did she feel so pressured?

Was it because Tsunade was her teacher? Or because of that ridiculous dream?

“Need help cleaning?” Tsunade asked as she sat on the sofa, her curvy legs crossed, her pale feet gently swaying.

“We’ve got it—just me and Kurenai.”

Hanekawa shook his head.

“Alright then.”

Tsunade turned her gaze toward the TV in the distance.

Time passed.

The sun set outside and the moon rose. Soon, it was deep into the night.

Aside from cleaning, they had gone shopping and watched TV—nothing unusual for Ōmisoka.

But Hanekawa knew the important part came after the New Year countdown.

At midnight, the New Year’s bell rang.

The old year ended, and the new year began.

“Kurenai,”

Tsunade picked up her chopsticks and asked, “What are your plans after this?”

“I’m going home,”

Kurenai answered, a bit puzzled as she swallowed a bite of soba noodles.

Normally, after finishing her noodles, she would head home.

Tsunade had never asked such questions before.

After all, going home to celebrate the New Year was a long-standing tradition in the ninja world.

“It’s snowing outside. It’s not safe to travel alone.”

Tsunade said calmly, “You can stay here for the night. There are spare rooms anyway.”

“Huh?”

Kurenai’s eyes widened in surprise.

Her first thought went to a dream she’d had, causing a faint blush to appear on her cheeks.

“Sensei is right,” Hanekawa chimed in.

“I…”

Kurenai opened her mouth, hesitated, but eventually agreed. After all, both Tsunade and Hanekawa had already spoken.

Kurenai waited nervously, unsure of what would happen next.

But nothing unusual occurred.

They all bathed and returned to their own rooms.

Sitting by her bed, Kurenai let out a sigh of relief.

Then, she heard the door open.

Hanekawa walked in.

“Is... Tsunade-sensei asleep?” Kurenai asked, heart beating faster.

“She is,” Hanekawa said, blinking. “I set up a barrier outside—no matter how loud it gets, she won’t hear.”

“You’re terrible!” Kurenai shot him a glare, though she felt some of her nervous tension ease.

“You dare insult the Hokage?” Hanekawa teased, stepping forward and tossing aside his sleeping robe.

Kurenai instinctively wrapped her arms around herself, startled by the sudden gesture, but Hanekawa gently took her hand.

“You’re always teasing me,” Kurenai murmured.

“Then tonight, you take the lead,” Hanekawa said with a smile.

Kurenai responded with a soft huff and moved closer.

Hanekawa watched her with admiration.

“How do I look?” Kurenai asked playfully, meeting his gaze from above.

“Stunning,” Hanekawa replied, catching his breath.

“Of course,” she said proudly, gaining confidence from his praise.

Though the moment was tender, Hanekawa’s thoughts occasionally drifted elsewhere—to Tsunade. He was waiting. Even though they’d made a plan, he worried she might change her mind.

As Kurenai leaned closer, Hanekawa released a pulse of sensory chakra.

Outside the room, Tsunade had paused.

She heard the familiar voices and clicked her tongue in annoyance.

That little rascal.

After a moment of hesitation, she pushed the door open.

Kurenai froze, biting her lip. When she turned her head and saw Tsunade, her eyes widened in shock.

Hanekawa also tensed.

“Ts-Tsunade-sensei... you…”

Kurenai tried to get up, but before she could move, Tsunade stepped closer and held her by the waist.

__

The dream had become reality.

Kurenai was frozen in place.

Tsunade gave her no time to react.

Cold sweat trickled down Kurenai’s forehead as she furrowed her brows.

“Sensei,” Hanekawa said carefully.

“What? Feeling sorry for her?” Tsunade said with a slight scoff.

“I care about both of you,” Hanekawa replied evenly. “Why don’t we just get some rest?”

“Fine,” Tsunade said, letting go and sliding under the covers.

Kurenai, emotionally exhausted, followed suit.

Seeing Tsunade beside her made her more alert again.

“Tsunade-sensei, I…” she began, but stopped mid-sentence.

Tsunade let out a quiet breath, her face slightly flushed.

Kurenai stayed quiet, a mix of admiration and insecurity in her heart.

As a fellow woman, she knew Tsunade surpassed her in both figure and aura.

Still, Hanekawa had always treated them equally.

But in strength, Kurenai couldn’t compare.

“Go to sleep,” Hanekawa said gently, pinching her cheek with a smile.

“Okay…”

Kurenai answered weakly, her gaze lingering on Tsunade’s composed form with a hint of envy.

“Sensei,” Hanekawa whispered, wrapping his arms around Tsunade.

Her fair skin glistened faintly with moisture, lending her an extra charm.

Tsunade bent down and kissed his forehead.

She felt a warmth in her heart, though her expression remained distant.

That kiss had been instinctive.

Hanekawa rested against her, breathing in her scent, and the night passed with quiet warmth.