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===
Sasame glanced around and couldn't help but marvel at how much wealthier the daimyo was.
The palace was lavishly decorated, exuding an aura of opulence everywhere.
In comparison, Konohagakure seemed rather modest.
First, because of a lack of funds, and second, because shinobi didn't prioritize such extravagance.
Aside from a few exceptions, most shinobi lived like ascetics—highly disciplined and frugal.
After all, there was the so-called Shinobi Code to uphold.
Of course, powerful shinobi could ignore it.
Take the Sannin of Konohagakure, for example.
"Lord Sasame."
Asama Santafu extended his arm to stop him. "Please wait a moment. Her Highness is changing into formal attire."
Just as Sasame was about to speak, he heard Fujikaze Yukino's voice from inside the room.
"Santafu, let him in."
"Please."
Asama Santafu immediately stepped aside.
Even though Sasame had knocked him out not long ago, the man bore no resentment—after all, it had led to the restoration of the Land of Snow.
If getting knocked out (or even killed) was the price for Yukino's return, he'd gladly pay it.
That was loyalty.
Sasame pushed open the door and entered.
Sunlight streamed through the silk curtains, casting a dazzling glow over the goose-feather bedding.
His gaze instinctively landed on the enormous bed at the center of the room—large enough to fit seven or eight people.
Luxurious.
For a brief moment, Sasame imagined rolling around on it. It had to be incredibly comfortable.
"Lord Sasame."
Fujikaze Yukino turned her head and greeted him before continuing to apply her makeup.
For some reason, there were no maids present.
Sasame watched for a while and noticed that her skills were quite refined—probably due to her acting experience.
The only downside was the Land of Snow's freezing climate. No matter how beautiful a woman was, she'd be bundled up tightly.
Ahem.
Not that Sasame had any ulterior thoughts. He just felt it lacked a certain… aesthetic appeal.
"Lord Sasame."
Fujikaze Yukino set down her lipstick, stood up, and gave a slight bow. "Thank you for waiting."
"No problem."
Sasame waved his hand. "But why did you call me here?"
"Well… I wanted to ask you to accompany me during the succession ceremony."
A faint blush spread across Yukino's cheeks, matching the hue of her lips—giving her a shy, maidenly charm.
"I was already planning to attend."
Sasame tilted his head in confusion.
"On stage."
Yukino took a deep breath and spoke seriously. "The Akatsuki organization will serve as the Land of Snow's hidden village from now on. I think it's important for the people to know they're under its protection."
Of course, the real reason was her personal desire to have Sasame by her side—it made her feel safe.
Unlike her counterpart in the original timeline, this Yukino hadn't undergone any major psychological transformation. She was still uncertain and anxious about everything.
"But I'd prefer to keep Akatsuki's existence hidden."
Sasame shook his head. "They don't need to know too much."
Though the Land of Snow wasn't a major player, a change in leadership would inevitably draw attention.
If word got out, Akatsuki's name would spread—something he wanted to avoid for now.
Sasame preferred to grow in secret and surprise everyone later.
Yukino panicked, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.
Her regal composure faltered.
Fortunately, her acting skills kicked in. "Then… I'd like to appoint you as the Land of Snow's Grand Minister."
Sasame blinked, caught off guard.
Under Japan's historical Ritsuryō system, the Grand Minister (Dajō-daijin) was the highest-ranking official—equivalent to a prime minister.
In the Land of Snow, this position would be second only to the daimyo herself.
Appointing an outsider was highly irregular.
"Well?"
Yukino stared at him eagerly, afraid he'd refuse.
Sasame chuckled at her unguarded, adorable expression.
Truthfully, the role suited him.
He did plan to reform the Land of Snow.
Originally, he'd intended to issue orders through Yukino, but now he could take direct action.
"Fine."
He nodded, then added a warning. "But I'll be busy. I won't always be in the Land of Snow."
"As long as you accept!"
Yukino's face lit up with joy, completely disregarding his caveat.
Sasame smiled.
It was clear the young woman had taken a liking to him.
Not bad. My charm's still intact.
Plus, this would strengthen ties between the Land of Snow and Akatsuki.
For now, Sasame had no romantic interest in her.
Let her grow up a bit first.
"One more thing—my identity is… special."
Sasame thought for a moment. "Publicly, call me 'Takashi,' not my real name, Sasame."
Yukino's eyes sparkled.
The fact that he'd trusted her with his true name meant a lot.
"Understood!"
She replied cheerfully.
"Your Highness, it's time!"
Asama Santafu's excited voice echoed from outside the door. "Everyone's waiting!"
He'd been anticipating this moment for years—it was hard to contain his emotions.
"Please… bear witness to my coronation."
Yukino flashed him a girlish smile.
A second later, she regained her regal dignity.
Impressive acting, Sasame mused.
Yukino reached the door, glanced back to ensure he was following, and then strode forward.
They soon arrived at the plaza, now packed with citizens.
The crowd erupted into cheers at the sight of Yukino.
Sasame stood behind her, his face now disguised as an ordinary man's.
Following tradition, Yukino began her speech.
The content was predictable—gratitude, promises, and visions for the future.
Ten minutes in, she raised her hand.
"Lord Takashi, please come forward."
Sasame blinked.
I'm part of the ceremony?
She must hold him in high regard.
He stepped up beside her.
"Let me introduce Lord Takashi, the newly appointed Grand Minister of the Land of Snow."
Yukino boldly took his hand, her face flushed as she exhaled nervously. "Thanks to him, our nation has been restored. With his guidance, the Land of Snow will flourish!"
After a brief silence, the crowd cheered again.
Their worldview was simple—whoever benefited them was a hero.
Only Asama Santafu stood frozen.
I was here first!
Why…?
He'd assumed his years of service and contributions during the restoration would earn him the title of Grand Minister.
Instead, Sasame had swooped in at the last moment.
Since when did shinobi bother with political appointments?
With the announcement over, the celebrations began.
Like a New Year's festival, the people rejoiced after years of oppression under Fubuki Dotō.
Meanwhile, Yukino's first court assembly commenced in the palace.
Sasame stood at the forefront, with the Land of Snow's officials behind him—all visibly uneasy.
They were remnants of Dotō's regime.
"Lord Takashi."
Yukino spoke calmly. "Please investigate them."
Sasame nodded but didn't move.
Uchiha Shisui appeared in a flash.
"Everyone, look at me."
His Mangekyō Sharingan activated.
"Starting with you—confess your crimes under Fubuki Dotō."
One by one, the officials began revealing their misdeeds.
Asama Santafu trembled.
This is terrifying!
I want out!
Everyone had secrets and selfish desires—himself included.
But who could've predicted this?
Clenching his fist over his heart, Santafu vowed absolute loyalty from now on—no lies, no betrayal.
Yukino listened and issued judgments.
By noon, half the officials had been purged.
A necessary sacrifice.
Rot had to be excised for the tree to grow.
Thankfully, the Mangekyō Sharingan could also identify loyalists.
Those who resisted the genjutsu were usually trustworthy.
By day's end, a new government was in place.
The burden on Yukino—still a young girl thrust into rulership—lessened considerably.
With competent ministers assisting her, governance became smoother.
And Shisui's methods ensured everyone feared Sasame's authority.
The Land of Snow entered an era of enlightenment.
Sasame's reforms were minimal.
Change couldn't happen overnight, especially in a poor nation.
Economic development took priority.
But the Land of Snow had one advantage: technology.
"To get rich, build roads."
With pre-existing railways, they expanded the network nationwide.
Meanwhile, geothermal devices left by the previous daimyo were used to construct ice-free ports for maritime trade.
This was where the Thousand Sunny Trading Company came in.
Their specialty.
Snow's unique resources could be exported to the Land of Fire, Land of Water, and beyond for massive profits.
Conversely, common goods from other nations could be imported cheaply.
After delegating these tasks, Sasame returned to Konoha.
Both the Land of Waves and Land of Snow only needed his proposals—execution fell to Uzumaki Ena and others.
Time passed swiftly.
Soon, it was New Year's.
In the original timeline, this would've been around the Uchiha massacre.
But thanks to Sasame, it had happened years earlier.
The shinobi world remained peaceful—until Uzumaki Naruto's graduation would kickstart the main storyline.
As Konoha celebrated, Sasame headed to Kirigakure.
Four months had passed since his last visit.
Today marked the official opening of five new shipping routes—chosen for auspicious timing.
As the nominal overseer, Sasame had to make an appearance.
And check in on the Mizukage.
"You're here."
Terumī Mei looked up, her tone carefully neutral.
In truth, she was annoyed.
Last time, Sasame had promised to bring her a new outfit.
She'd spent four months oscillating between anticipation and anxiety—only for him to vanish.
Now, seeing him again stirred both joy and irritation.
But as the Mizukage, she couldn't lash out.
"You seem upset, Lady Mizukage?"
Sasame smirked.
"I'm not."
Mei refused to admit it. "I'm actually quite pleased."
"Because of me?"
He stepped forward, sitting on her desk and admiring the view beneath her fishnet attire.
"What are you looking at?"
Mei crossed her arms, adopting a stern expression.
"Nothing worth seeing."
Sasame shrugged.
Especially compared to Tsunade, she was downright stingy.
"Excuse me?!"
Mei's composure cracked.
As a woman, she prided herself on her looks and figure.
But Sasame's teasing grin made her realize her mistake.
Blushing, she huffed. "I'll have you know many men pursue me."
Yeah, and in a few years, you'll be a desperate bachelorette, Sasame thought.
Objectively, Mei wasn't lacking.
So why her predicament?
Simple—Kirigakure had no outstanding men left.
The best they could offer was Chōjūrō, whose personality and looks didn't appeal to her.
Judging by her original crushes (Kakashi and Sasuke), Mei preferred handsome, charismatic types.
"So, who's the lucky man?"
Sasame grinned.
Mei's heart skipped a beat.
She didn't want to discuss this with him.
"I'm not interested right now."
She deflected coolly.
"You know what they say—'Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.'"
Sasame continued eyeing her. "Don't wait until it's too late."
"That won't happen!"
Mei's icy façade shattered.
If not for the power gap, she might've attacked him.
"Let's make a bet."
Sasame held up a finger. "If you win, I'll clear your debt in two and a half years. If you lose, it doubles."
"I—"
Mei hesitated, then met his gaze. "Why would I bet? Whether I marry or not is none of your concern."
Her heart raced as she spoke.
"Fair enough."
Sasame shrugged. "Then let's discuss business."
Mei exhaled, relieved yet inexplicably disappointed.
She reached for a document—only for an outfit to materialize before her.
"For you."
Sasame smiled. "You'll look even more captivating dancing in this."
Mei stared, momentarily stunned.
Then she smirked.
First you say I'm 'not worth seeing,' now you're complimenting me?
Hypocrite.
The outfit was an evening gown—far more elegant than her plain blue dress.
She couldn't deny she liked it.
"Want to try it on now?"
"…"
After a brief pause, Mei took the dress and vanished.
Minutes later, she returned.
Sasame's eyes gleamed with appreciation.
Her auburn hair was elegantly pinned up, exuding noble grace.
Her flawless complexion and glossy lips accentuated her beauty.
The low-cut, form-fitting gown highlighted her curvaceous figure perfectly.
"Standing next to you is intimidating."
Sasame laughed. "You're even taller now."
"What can I say? You're still just a kid."
Mei smirked, savoring her newfound advantage.
The high heels made her tower over him—a novel feeling.
Sasame hopped off the desk and approached.
Mei instinctively stepped back, then stopped herself.
Remembering his earlier jab, she defiantly straightened her posture.
"What now?"
She asked, pulse quickening.
"I take it back."
"Good."
Mei smirked, secretly thrilled.
Sasame suddenly found her reminiscent of a cat.
Too bad I can't pet her.
"Shall we discuss business?"
Uncomfortable in heels, Mei retreated to her Mizukage seat.
Sasame admired her graceful movements, his gaze lingering on her exposed back.
Such a shame not to leave cupping marks.
He followed and perched on her desk—an ideal vantage point.
"…Could you sit over there?"
"Why?"
"Desks aren't for sitting."
"Actually, desks have many uses."
Remembering Tsunade, Sasame grinned and moved to the sofa.
"The shipping route ceremony is this afternoon. I can reserve you a spot if you'd like to attend."
"You go."
Sasame stretched. "No one would notice me with the Mizukage present."
"Flatterer."
Mei smiled, pleased. "I'll oversee things for you."
"Much appreciated."
With her in debt, she had no choice but to cooperate.
"The chefs you requested have arrived."
Mei added. "You can start your culinary experiments whenever."
"Thanks."
Sasame nodded. "I'll treat you to a meal sometime."
"Looking forward to it."
She said politely, though she doubted fish could taste that different.
She was more curious about his underlying motives.
"Where are the chefs? Take me to them."
Sasame wanted to launch his high-end cuisine soon.
With the right presentation and flavor, he could market it to the Land of Water's daimyo.
Once it caught on among nobles, profits would soar.
Mei stood, then hesitated.
"Ao will escort you."
Soon, Sasame met the seven master chefs—all renowned in the Land of Water.
Money had persuaded them.
After explaining his vision (based on Earth's cuisine), he left the creativity to them.
Land of Waves, Daimyo's Residence
With Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Izumi in the Land of Snow, only Uchiha Mikoto's group remained.
Sasame again felt the manpower shortage.
But it couldn't be helped.
In a few years, with Konoha under his control, resources wouldn't be an issue.
"Here."
Yakushi Kabuto tossed him two scrolls—Shinnō's forbidden medical techniques: Physical Revitalization and Cellular Regeneration.
"Thanks."
Sasame left and headed to Uzumaki Ena's office.
He knocked.
"Enter."
She replied without looking up.
Recognizing his footsteps, she smiled warmly.
"Working hard again?"
Sasame felt a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry to burden you with so much."
"It's fine."
She shook her head. "I'm happy to help."
Sasame approached.
Before he could speak, she'd already vacated her seat.
"My apologies."
Leaning back, he relaxed completely.
"I-It's my duty."
Ena's breath hitched. "D-Did you need something?"
"Assemble a mining team."
Sasame steadied her. "Hire suiton users from Kirigakure to extract undersea resources—minerals, mainly."
Ore had countless applications.
Though the shinobi world couldn't utilize it all yet, the Land of Snow and Land of Sky's technology could.
Currently, seabed resources were unclaimed—why not take them?
Kirigakure wouldn't dare interfere.
Between Sasame's strength and Mei's debt, they were powerless.
Still, he'd leave them a share—after all, they provided labor.
Ena bit her lip and nodded, her face flushing.
"One more thing."
Sasame studied her dazed expression. "Does the Land of Waves have prisoners slated for execution?"
"Yes!"
She replied emphatically.
"Preferably shinobi."
He needed one to impersonate Shinnō and deliver the medical scrolls to Tsunade.
"Understood!"
Ena's voice was firm.
Sasame closed his eyes.
He was exhausted.
A short rest wouldn't hurt.
Three hours later, refreshed, Sasame returned to Konoha.
He immediately summoned Yamanaka Inoichi—head of the Analysis Team.
"Lord Sasame."
Inoichi greeted respectfully.
Though addressing someone younger as "Lord" felt odd, Sasame was the Hokage's advisor.
Moreover, Inoichi knew Sasame had helped his daughter, Ino, become Tsunade's apprentice.
So the title wasn't entirely grudging.
"Inoichi, if I asked you to keep something from my teacher, would you?"
Inoichi paled.
Is he plotting like Danzō?
The Yamanaka, Akimichi, and Nara clans traditionally supported the Hokage.
Helping Sasame would be disloyal—but refusing might alienate a future Hokage.
"What kind of 'something'?"
He asked cautiously.
"Ever heard of Shinnō?"
"Vaguely. A traveling doctor, wasn't he?"
"A cover. He was a shinobi from the now-defunct Hidden Sky Village, stealing techniques across nations."
Sasame fabricated. "A Hyūga from the Konoha Military Police exposed him. We captured him and recovered two valuable medical jutsu—meant for Lady Hokage."
A Hyūga had been involved, though not in this context.
Might Duy was too upright for such schemes, but Hyūga Hiashi could easily order a clansman to cooperate.
"So my role is…?"
"To claim you extracted the techniques from Shinnō's corpse."
Sasame clarified. "Except I'll give you a regular shinobi's body instead."
Inoichi understood now.
But the jutsu's authenticity troubled him.
If Sasame wanted to harm Tsunade, tampering with the scrolls would be effortless.
"Lady Hokage is the world's greatest medic. Do you think she wouldn't spot flaws?"
Sasame countered. "I just can't explain their origin—hence this arrangement."
After deliberation, Inoichi agreed.
As Tsunade's student, Sasame had easier ways to betray her.
Why involve outsiders?
"Thank you."
Sasame smiled. "Ino's my junior. I'll look after her."
Inoichi brightened.
With the Hokage's advisor as her protector, Ino's future was secure.
The next day, Tsunade reviewed documents in her office when Inoichi entered.
"Hokage-sama."
He presented the two forbidden techniques: Physical Revitalization and Cellular Regeneration.
Tsunade's calm demeanor shattered as she read.
Even Orochimaru had coveted these techniques.
As a medic, she recognized their immense value.
"Where did you get these?"
Inoichi repeated Sasame's story.
"Shinnō… I've heard of him. A shame he chose this path."
Tsunade sighed. "He could've been a great medic."
The techniques rivaled her Strength of a Hundred Seal.
And she could learn them—a huge boon for Konoha.
"You've done well."
She smiled. "The secretary will arrange your reward."
Preventing theft and securing such techniques merited recognition.
Inoichi accepted graciously.
Refusing would've seemed suspicious.
Thirty minutes later, Sasame arrived.
"You seem happy, sis."
He set down some files.
"Look at this."
Tsunade handed him the scrolls.
"Impressive."
He skimmed them.
"More than that."
She beamed. "These could solve medics' survivability issues."
It struck Sasame then—of course.
Tsunade, who'd pioneered the three-man cell system, saw the potential immediately.
On the battlefield, medics were prime targets.
These techniques, though difficult, could drastically improve their odds.
"Wait."
Sasame feigned realization. "Could these reduce the Eight Gates' side effects?"
Tsunade's eyes widened.
After a moment, she nodded. "Possibly. I'll need to test it."
"Pretty smart, huh?"
He sat on her lap, enjoying the human chair.
"Yes, yes, you're brilliant."
She hugged him, then added, "Let's wait a few years for children."
"Huh?"
"I'm the Hokage."
She adjusted her hold. "If I'm pregnant, how can I lead?"
"Oh, you mean I'll become Hokage first, then you'll take maternity leave."
"Exactly."
"But… can you control that?"
"I'm a medic with the Strength of a Hundred Seal."
She flicked his forehead. "Doubting me?"
"Sorry."
"You're thinking something perverse again."
Tsunade pushed him away, adopting a stern tone. "I have work. Leave."
Sasame hesitated, then left.
Duty came first.
Besides, his goal was achieved.
With these techniques and the Eight Gates, Tsunade would become an unstoppable combat medic.
Kabuto and others would benefit too—a win all around.
[Due to your actions, the destinies of Tsunade, Kabuto, Shizune, and Ino have changed. You've earned 37 Fate Points.]
A nice bonus.
Back in his office, Sasame lazed about until a knock came.
"Enter."
He straightened up, adopting a professional demeanor.
"Sasame!"
Yamanaka Ino bounded in, her midriff-baring outfit showcasing her toned stomach.
If only she were older—she'd have the perfect waistline.
"Sasame, are you free for lunch? My father asked me to invite you."
She fidgeted, then added, "To thank you."
Inoichi had suggested it after their collaboration.
"Sure."
Sasame never refused a maiden's request.
"What would you like?"
"Your place?"
He grinned. "Anything's fine."
"I-I…"
Ino turned crimson.
"What's wrong?"
"If you don't mind… I could cook."
She blurted out, then stared at the floor.
"Sounds great."
After surviving Tsunade's cooking, he feared nothing.
Ino's eyes lit up. "I'll do my best!"
What kind of response is that?
Sasame smiled. "Looking forward to it."
Ino excused herself, dashed home, and began preparing.
At noon, Sasame arrived at the Yamanaka compound.
Greetings followed him until he reached Ino's doorstep.
"Sasame, come in!"
She greeted him, still holding a spatula.
"Your parents aren't home?"
"Dad's at work. Mom's at the flower shop."
She hurried back to the kitchen. "Make yourself comfortable!"
"Need help?"
He half-expected disaster.
Thankfully, the meal—tempura, spinach in broth, miso soup—was edible.
"Not bad."
He took a bite. "You'll make a fine chef someday."
"Really? Thank you!"
Ino beamed, relieved.
She nibbled a shrimp, cheeks puffing adorably.
Noticing Sasame's gaze, she twirled her hair.
"If you like it, you're welcome anytime."
Her heart raced.
"I'll take you up on that."
He chuckled. "Don't turn me away hungry."
"Never!"
Ino's blush deepened.
Inviting a boy over anytime was practically a confession.
That afternoon, they returned to the Hokage Tower together.
"I'm off to learn medical jutsu with Shizune!"
Ino waved cheerfully.
Sasame smiled.
No wonder they said beauty prolonged life.
Two and a Half Years Later
Most of Sasame's time had been spent on missions—building credibility.
As a young Hokage's advisor, he needed achievements to justify future promotions.
Peace made progress slow, but his strength let him tackle high-profile assignments.
By now, his reputation was solid.
Water Release plus Sage Mode, the Fifth's apprentice, Konoha's rising star—his fame was assured.
In Konoha, he was a household name.
Everyone loved a prodigy.
Hokage's Office
"Mission complete."
Sasame teleported in via Flying Thunder God.
"Come here."
Tsunade beckoned.
He approached.
"Congratulations."
She placed his hand on her stomach. "You're going to be a father."
Sasame froze, then erupted with joy.
Pregnant.
He hugged her tightly, kissing her repeatedly. "Thank you! Thank you!"
"No, thank you."
Tsunade's eyes shimmered with love.
After losing so much, she'd expected only darkness—until he'd pulled her back.
And now, given her new life.
Her smile bloomed, radiant with happiness.
===
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