Naruto: Adopted By Tsunade

"Orochimaru is someone you can rely on—he really shows up when it counts."

Natsume felt a bit regretful.

He didn't get to witness the epic battle between Orochimaru and Uchiha Shisui in person.

It must have been spectacular.

In the original story, Orochimaru was utterly defeated by Uchiha Itachi's Mangekyō Sharingan, which sparked his obsession.

Unable to beat Itachi, he set his sights on Sasuke instead.

But now that this beating happened early, there's a high chance Orochimaru will turn his attention to the still-young Itachi.

Why did Uchiha Shisui contribute fate points as well?

Natsume thought about it and found it reasonable.

Like Itachi, Shisui possessed ideals beyond his clan and embraced the Will of Fire.

He was just more naïve and principled.

When the Uchiha clan prepared to rebel, rather than taking action against them, he sought help from Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura, even revealing the power of his Mangekyō Sharingan.

The result was predictable.

Danzo began targeting him, and to prevent conflicts arising from his eyes, Shisui ultimately killed himself in despair.

His death delayed the Uchiha revolt by two years.

Afterward, Itachi awakened his own Mangekyō and, together with the masked man—Uchiha Obito—slaughtered the entire clan, sparing only Sasuke.

Right now, Shisui is a staunch believer in the Will of Fire.

As for Orochimaru, as the Third Hokage's student and one of the legendary Sannin, he's seen as a representative of that Will.

Yet now, he's attacked by Shisui.

Shisui is probably questioning everything right now, as fate starts to shift.

Nineteen points.

How should I put it?

Not much, so Shisui's fate probably doesn't change much.

Orochimaru contributed fifty-eight fate points, which means his fate shifted only partially—not completely.

That makes sense.

Orochimaru isn't like Kimimaro or Kabuto—he's capable and strong-willed.

Completely changing him won't be easy.

"Natsume, I don't get this problem. Can you teach me?"

A little girl, cheeks slightly red, shyly asked him.

Natsume glanced at it and said, "I don't know either. Ask Uchiha Itachi."

The girl looked shocked—she'd purposely picked an easy question, how could he not know?

She blanked for a second, then looked at Natsume's handsome face and said, "N-no need, I'll ask someone else."

Because of his personality—and his Uchiha status—Itachi was a bit isolated, so the girl didn't dare approach him.

Natsume knew she was just trying to strike up a conversation.

Too young!

In every sense.

Unlike Tsunade, who's… well, developed everywhere.

Obvious choice for anyone.

Natsume didn't hesitate.

After that brief episode, the rest of his school day passed calmly.

Except, after school, Shisui didn't come to pick up Itachi—Uchiha Mikoto did.

She was quite pretty.

Natsume waited a bit and saw Tsunade being chased by a debt collector again.

This time, it was an old man.

He raised an eyebrow—clearly, he'd have to act sooner than planned.

A few minutes later, the old man dropped his disguise, turning back into Tsunade, and came over.

"Anything interesting happen today?"

Tsunade pinched his cheek, then took his hand.

"Nope."

Natsume shook his head. "Sis, did you go gambling again?"

"Just played a few hands," Tsunade admitted. After so long together, there was no point hiding it.

"How's your luck?" Natsume asked.

"Uh…"

Tsunade hesitated, then gave a high-EQ answer: "I'm just unlucky."

Unlucky? You have no luck at all—you lose every time!

Natsume didn't call her out. "Can you take me next time?"

Tsunade frowned. "You're too young—don't get hooked on gambling. Wait till you're older."

She sounded earnest.

If Natsume didn't know she'd learned to gamble from Hashirama since childhood, he might have believed her.

"I'm not gambling, I'm making money," Natsume explained. "Since you mostly lose, if I bet against you each time, I'll always win."

Tsunade paused, eyes lighting up with the glint of money.

Great idea!

Why didn't I think of that?

She squatted down, excitedly kissed Natsume's cheek. "That's for being clever."

"Now my face is all wet." Natsume pretended to complain.

Tsunade laughed, then, as if teasing him, licked his face.

Natsume immediately felt gross.

Just wait—give me a few years, I'll get my revenge.

"Tomorrow's Saturday. I'll take you to Tanzaku Quarters, not far from Konoha," Tsunade said, already planning. "Together, we'll win big."

Honestly, only Natsume could make this suggestion.

If anyone else tried, Tsunade would have punched them into the ground: "You dare question my gambling?"

…

While Natsume enjoyed his sister's affection, Orochimaru had just one feeling—

Pain! Excruciating pain!

And not just physical—mental, too. It was hard to bear.

That morning, Orochimaru found Shisui. Seeing how young he was, he ignored Natsume's warning.

Just like Jack in One Piece, "Do you know who I am?"—he charged right in.

At first, Orochimaru's experience gave him the upper hand.

Then Shisui activated his Mangekyō Sharingan—Susanoo and genjutsu combined.

Orochimaru couldn't take it.

He was forced to reveal his identity.

Shisui recognized him, stunned.

Those few seconds were enough for Orochimaru to escape.

Back home, he realized Natsume had been right all along.

From personal experience, the Mangekyō was truly powerful.

Especially with Shisui so young—who knows how strong he'll get in a few years?

"I must have those eyes!"

Orochimaru licked his lips, but blood seeped out, making him cough.

Nearby, Aburame Ryoma's eyes widened in shock.

Orochimaru was injured?

Who in Konoha could do that to him?

Ryoma thought for a moment, then hurried to report to Danzo.

Orochimaru noticed.

He'd known for a while, but didn't bother to expose him.

Now, obsessed with the Mangekyō, he planned to confront Danzo directly and settle things quickly.

…

Root Headquarters

"He's injured?" Danzo gripped his cane, deep in thought.

Unbelievable.

Even he, without using Wood Release, couldn't guarantee hurting Orochimaru.

"What about Tenzō's whereabouts?"

"No sign," Ryoma replied. "I didn't dare probe too much and alert Orochimaru."

"In that case, let's go visit him," Danzo said, standing up and smiling. "When an ally is hurt, we should show concern."