Naruto: A New Life with Tsunade

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Natsume hadn't anticipated witnessing this scene. Perhaps his insistence on doing one good deed a day had brought him this fortune. Narrowing his eyes, he realized the situation stemmed directly from his actions—a butterfly effect. His intervention had caused Shimura Danzo and Orochimaru to join forces in a failed attempt to steal Uchiha Shisui's Mangekyō Sharingan.

Their failure had led to Jiraiya, who was searching for the prophesied child, uncovering their secret dealings. Cornered, Danzo had exposed the existence of his Hashirama cell implants, prompting Orochimaru to sever ties with him. In exchange for his freedom, Orochimaru had even handed over the transplantation techniques to Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Naturally, Hiruzen wasn't one to waste such technology. After many experiments, he successfully transplanted Hashirama's cells into his eldest son, Sarutobi Seinosuke. However, Seinosuke and his brother Asuma were only average shinobi, their abilities not particularly noteworthy. Even with Wood Release (Mokuton), Seinosuke's most significant contribution was bolstering Konoha's forestry efforts.

Still, his new abilities had proven useful. On a recent mission, Seinosuke's Mokuton had saved his team from certain death. This drew the attention of the Uchiha clan.

One event sets off another, Natsume mused, observing from the shadows. Seinosuke's unique status could become a key piece in the larger game. If something were to happen to him, it might even force Hiruzen into early retirement.

Natsume made up his mind. Tonight, he would aid the three Uchiha he had been tailing. Leaving a shadow clone behind, his real body disappeared, reappearing moments later at the Sarutobi clan compound.

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Sarutobi Compound

In present-day Konoha, the Sarutobi clan had grown into the largest ninja clan, surpassing even the Uchiha and Hyūga in influence. Their close ties to the Hokage lineage had reaped them countless benefits. With Hiruzen as the Third Hokage, the clan enjoyed unmatched prestige and resources. Even after Hiruzen's passing, Hatake Kakashi, his successor, would continue to favor the clan. Moreover, Hiruzen had ensured his grandson, Sarutobi Konohamaru, would stay close to Uzumaki Naruto—Konoha's future Hokage.

But Natsume wasn't about to let that timeline play out. His goal was to disrupt the future, and the Sarutobi clan's influence was a prime target.

Natsume found Seinosuke training alone in the courtyard. Activating his right eye he cast the genjutsu with ease, placing Seinosuke under his complete control. The right eye's ability was less permanent than the left but boasted a shorter cooldown, making it ideal for this situation.

Under Natsume's influence, Seinosuke behaved as though nothing were amiss. Shortly afterward, he left the Sarutobi compound, walking straight into the Forest of Death.

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Forest of Death

"Who's there?" Seinosuke leaped back as kunai flew toward him. Landing gracefully, he found himself surrounded by three familiar figures: Uchiha Yashiro, Uchiha Inabi, and Uchiha Tekka.

"It's you three?" Seinosuke said, narrowing his eyes. "What's the meaning of this?"

"We need to talk," Yashiro said, stepping forward. His tone was calm, but his Sharingan spun ominously.

"Throwing kunai seems like an odd way to start a conversation," Seinosuke said, glancing at the weapons embedded in the ground.

"You're wasting time, Uncle Yashiro," Inabi snapped impatiently. "He knows what we want. Answer us, Sarutobi. Where did you get Mokuton?"

Seinosuke's expression darkened. "I'm under no obligation to answer."

Inabi growled, his Sharingan blazing as he stepped forward. "Then we'll force it out of you."

"Enough!" Yashiro barked, silencing Inabi. Turning back to Seinosuke, he said more diplomatically, "We know about the experiments with Hashirama's cells. This isn't just about you—it's about the village's balance. We can't let this kind of power remain unchecked."

Seinosuke said nothing, his silence confirming their suspicions.

"Have it your way," Inabi snarled, activating his Sharingan. Without further warning, he and Tekka lunged, forcing Seinosuke into combat.

Seinosuke was strong—far stronger than the average shinobi—but even with Mokuton, he struggled to hold his own against the combined might of three Uchiha with fully developed Sharingan.

Yashiro seized the opening, casting a powerful genjutsu. "Where did your Mokuton come from?" he demanded as Seinosuke fell under the illusion.

"It was given to me by Danzo-sama and Orochimaru-sama," Seinosuke answered, his voice devoid of emotion.

The Uchiha trio exchanged shocked glances.

"And the man from three years ago? The one with Mokuton?" Yashiro pressed.

"He also received his powers from Danzo-sama and Orochimaru-sama."

"Damn it! They've been colluding all along!" Tekka snarled, his grip on his kunai tightening. His Sharingan evolved in response to his anger, one tomoe transforming into two, then three.

Yashiro's heart sank. This had spiraled out of control. "Restrain him," he ordered grimly. "We'll take him back to Fugaku-sama."

The three Uchiha disappeared into the night, carrying Seinosuke's unconscious body.

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Elsewhere

Ding.

[Fate has shifted for Uchiha Yashiro due to your actions. You have gained 50 fate points.]

[Fate has shifted for Uchiha Inabi due to your actions. You have gained 49 fate points.]

[Fate has shifted for Uchiha Tekka due to your actions. You have gained 47 fate points.]

[Fate has shifted for Sarutobi Hiruzen due to your actions. You have gained 70 fate points.]

[Fate has shifted for Sarutobi Konohamaru due to your actions. You have gained 30 fate points.]

[Fate has shifted for Uzumaki Naruto due to your actions. You have gained 10 fate points.]

Natsume exhaled, satisfaction washing over him. So many rewards from one intervention. His total fate points now exceeded three thousand.

One step closer to invincibility.

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