A special thank you to all my patrons.
The List of My "Wandering Reader":
-[ ]
-Cain
-Jacob Mooe
-Varun Madhu
-Mp Gaming
-Paul Panzer
-Austin Levy
-TylerD
You can read 30 chapters ahead of everyone on p@treon.
P@TREON - p@treon.com/lessaservantofcosmos
(just replace the "@" with "a")
ps: Please support me on P@treon. I can really use your help!
—————————————————————
Extra Chapter: On Every 50 powerstone
—————————————————————
No longer burdened by the weight of her clan's responsibilities, nor confined by its rigid cage, she could finally live as happily as any ordinary girl.
Of course, while she was free to loosen up, she couldn't completely let herself go—such behavior was unacceptable for a member of the Hyūga clan. Otherwise, rumors would spread, tarnishing the Hyūga name and making people question whether the clan's upbringing was flawed.
"Lord Advisor, the village has guests from Kumogakure. The Hokage requests your presence to receive them."
The pleasant atmosphere was abruptly shattered by the arrival of an Anbu ninja.
"Fine, let's head back. I'll bring you out again next time."
With important matters in the village, and having already taken several days off as the Hokage's advisor, he couldn't afford to laze around any longer. Tsunade wouldn't allow him to remain idle like this.
Sure enough, as soon as something came up, it was dumped straight onto his plate.
"Mm."
Hinata quickly finished the skewer of grilled meat in her hand and washed off the grease.
"Ah?!"
Just as she finished cleaning her hands, she suddenly found herself being lifted off the ground, letting out a startled cry.
"..."
The Anbu ninja trailing them promptly averted his gaze, pretending not to see anything.
"Don't move. You're too slow—I'll carry you back."
Scooping up the still petite Hinata, Kazuki swiftly made his way back to the village with the Anbu in tow.
It wasn't that he had any ulterior motives—he simply wanted to return as quickly as possible.
Hinata's current abilities were still weak, and her speed was nothing to speak of. If she had to run all the way back, she'd be exhausted.
"Mm."
Understanding that Kazuki wasn't trying to take advantage of her, Hinata blushed but obediently rested against his shoulder, letting him carry her back to Konoha.
"Escort Hinata safely home."
Once they arrived, Kazuki handed the task of seeing Hinata back to the Anbu.
"Rest assured, Lord Advisor. I will ensure Miss Hinata returns safely to her clan."
"Go on."
Waving Hinata off, Kazuki headed straight for the Hokage's office building.
What kind of scheme is Kumogakure plotting this time?
The issue with the Sharingan seal hadn't even been fully resolved yet, and now they were sending envoys to Konoha again.
Though the frequency of their visits had increased, at least things were moving in a positive direction.
In a way, it meant Kumogakure was starting to rely on Konoha rather than constantly trying to assert dominance, as they had in the past.
"Where are the guests from Kumogakure?"
"In your office, sir."
"Got it."
Straightening his clothes, Kazuki pushed open the door to his office—only to pause in amusement at the sight before him.
"Well, well. What a coincidence. Or should I say… why is it you two again?"
Inside the Hokage Advisor's office stood Mabui and Samui.
The last time Kumogakure sent envoys, it had been these two as well, hadn't it?
Thankfully, neither had been dispatched to the front lines during the recent conflict—otherwise, Kumogakure's two rising beauties might have met their end in Amegakure.
No matter how many times they heard it, Mabui and Samui couldn't help but feel that Kazuki's tone was downright infuriating.
If they weren't guests…
If they weren't acting under the Raikage's orders…
If they weren't outmatched…
…Okay, being outmatched was the real issue.
Otherwise, they would've taught him a lesson already.
Seeing the barely restrained frustration on the two women's faces, Kazuki took his seat and cut straight to the point.
"State your business."
"Sir, we come bearing the sincerity of our village and the Raikage's orders. Please review this scroll."
Mabui forced a diplomatic smile as she handed over the scroll.
What is the Raikage scheming now?
Curious, Kazuki unrolled the scroll and skimmed its contents. After a quick read, he understood A's intentions.
In short, Kumogakure wanted to form a joint investigation team with Konoha to gather intel on the Akatsuki and track their movements.
"Sorry, but this isn't my jurisdiction."
Rolling the scroll back up, Kazuki gestured for Mabui to take it.
"Exit right, walk to the end of the hall, and knock on the Hokage's office door. I won't see you out."
Since he and Tsunade had already discussed the investigation team—with Tsunade taking charge of personnel selection—there was nothing wrong with directing Mabui and Samui to her.
However, unaware of this arrangement, the two kunoichi interpreted Kazuki's dismissive attitude as deliberate antagonism.
After all, he had barely glanced at the scroll—spending no more than three seconds on it—before rolling it back up and telling them to leave.
Mabui didn't take the scroll back. Her smile stiffened as she struggled to keep her composure.
"Sir, may I ask… what exactly do you mean by this?"
"Huh? What do I mean?"
Kazuki looked at her, puzzled.
"I just told you—exit right, walk to the end, and knock on the Hokage's door. If you're too shy, the Anbu outside can do it for you. Now, if there's nothing else, please leave."
Tsunade had plenty on her plate, and so did he.
After several days of rest, the pile of documents waiting for him had grown exponentially.
Ever since he became Hokage Advisor, that woman had gotten lazier and lazier.
"..."
While Mabui was still barely holding herself together, Samui looked ready to explode—her already impressive bust swelling even further in anger, nearly rivaling Tsunade's.
Gently tugging Samui's hand, Mabui maintained her strained smile and spoke in a carefully measured tone.
"Sir, if there was any misunderstanding between us in the past, please voice it directly. I would hate for minor issues to affect the cooperation between our villages. The Raikage has approached Konoha with utmost sincerity."
Misunderstanding? Sincerity?
Rubbing his face, Kazuki stood up, took the scroll from Mabui's hands, and placed it back into her grasp before patting her shoulder.
The moment his hand made contact, Mabui tensed. If not for the fact that he didn't push further, she might have flipped him over right then and there.
"There may have been some friction during my visit to your village for the jōnin exams, but I consider that matter long resolved. There's no need to dwell on it—I, Uchiha Kazuki, am not that petty."
Pointing at the door, he kept his tone even.
"Regarding the investigation into the Akatsuki, the Hokage and I have already discussed it. She will be handling the team selection, which is why I told you to take this to her. I'm not deliberately making things difficult for you."
"Understood now, ladies?"
Mabui: "..."
Samui: "..."
*
T/N: 🔥 Unlock Chapters in Advance – Join the \$12 Patreon Tier! 🔥
Support the stories you love and get exclusive early access to over 200 chapters across all ongoing series! Right now, enjoy a massive 45% discount using code "BEAR" — limited time only!
For just \$12/month, you'll receive:
📘 30 Chapters in Advance for each of the following:
-System to Dominate Football
-Douluo Dalu: Unlock the Body's Secrets, Rise as the Immortal
-I Am Uchiha Sasuke's Uncle
-Naruto: Saving the Uchiha
-Naruto: Starting as a Defector in the Hidden Mist Village
⚔️ 50 Chapters in Advance for:
-Cunning Three Kingdoms
👉 Join now, use code "BEAR" at checkout, and grab your 45% off while it lasts. Stay chapters ahead of everyone else!