Konoha's Genius is a bit Ordinary?

While Tsunade examined the files, Natsuro continued his own research, looking through information on the Land of Snow. It was a small nation, so he quickly found all available information and reviewed it thoroughly.

After a while, the two returned to the Hokage's office, and Natsuro laid the gathered documents on Tsunade's desk for her to review.

"So, what does this have to do with our current mission? The girl Kakashi saved in the Land of Snow back then is the same person we're escorting now?" Tsunade asked, suspecting the answer but finding it almost absurd.

"That's right. Koyuki Kazahana, the actress who plays Princess Gale, is actually the princess of the Land of Snow, saved by Kakashi all those years ago," Natsuro confirmed.

Tsunade rubbed her forehead, feeling incredulous. Who would have thought such a seemingly minor mission would have such hidden implications?

"So, this mission to escort them to the Land of Snow for filming…" Tsunade felt a headache coming on.

"It will definitely lead to trouble," Natsuro said.

"Should we call back Team 7? They haven't gone far," Tsunade asked.

"That won't be necessary," Natsuro replied. "The current ruler of the Land of Snow, Dotō Kazahana, is an ambitious man. If Konoha wants to acquire chakra armor from the Land of Snow, it will likely come at a high price."

"Chakra armor?" Tsunade looked puzzled.

Natsuro i paused and said, "You don't know about the Land of Snow's signature equipment? It's armor that can enhance a ninja's combat abilities. While it might not affect high-level ninjas much, it can give chunin the power of a standard jonin, so it's quite valuable."

"It's that powerful?" Tsunade was surprised.

"Since production is low, they usually keep it for themselves and don't export it to other countries. Securing some would likely cost a fortune, and Konoha isn't the only village interested in it."

"So, if we help Koyuki Kazahana reclaim her throne, we'd likely gain her goodwill. We'd have a good chance of establishing a favorable trade relationship, and Konoha might even secure more armor than other villages."

Tsunade looked at Natsuro thoughtfully, saying, "Wanting to unseat a country's ruler for the sake of some armor isn't exactly…honorable."

Natsuro was silent, meeting her gaze before responding, "While being overly calculating isn't always good, Hokage should consider Konoha's interests without letting personal feelings cloud their judgment."

"Considering Konoha's interests means using morally questionable methods?" Tsunade asked pointedly.

"Lady Tsunade, you must have some idea how Doto Kazahana came to power," Natsuro replied.

"That's still another country's internal affair. It's not our place to intervene," Tsunade said.

"Fine, let me rephrase," Natsuro continued. "You should be able to guess what this mission request really represents. Someone is pushing Koyuki Kazahana back to the Land of Snow, setting her on a path she's destined to walk, whether she wants to or not."

"So, in this case, we're just protecting a poor young woman whose father was killed by her uncle and who was robbed of her birthright," Natsuro said. "And since she's the star of this film, we're responsible for keeping her alive, meaning our mission already aligns with that objective."

Tsunade fell silent, considering the possible outcomes. Was there any difference in the end result?

Reluctantly, she had to admit that Natsuro was right—the result would likely be the same regardless.

"So, Lady Tsunade, all we have to do is protect Koyuki Kazahana. From there, we can let things develop naturally without any moral burden," Natsuro explained.

"Accepting this mission already meant making a choice, didn't it?" Tsunade murmured, realizing the truth.

"Exactly. But who knows—maybe Doto Kazahana won't actually attack her," Natsuro said, shrugging.

Tsunade didn't respond, knowing that wasn't possible. Doto had been searching for his niece for years, and it was obvious he intended to eliminate her.

Feeling mentally drained, Tsunade rubbed her temples. This brief discussion had tired her more than any of her recent duties.

Watching her, Natsuro mused that Tsunade's idealism was understandable, given that the original story's "Hot-Blooded Youth" vibe had shaped her character.

He also wondered whether he should speak more tactfully in the future, appealing to Tsunade's moral side.

"Let's follow your plan," Tsunade eventually sighed. "But if Doto doesn't make a move, we absolutely won't provoke any conflict."

"There's no need to worry," Natsuro reassured her. "I don't believe Naruto would act recklessly. Team 7 can handle this themselves. And perhaps this will help illustrate how things would play out even if I didn't intervene."

Tsunade paused, then nodded. "Fine. Go and rest, Natsuro. I'll contact you if there's another mission."

Natsuro nodded, leaving the office. Outside, he gave Shizune a small nod before departing.

Shizune, feeling uneasy after eavesdropping on their conversation, sensed a significant disagreement. What if this turned into a real conflict?

After Natsuro left, Tsunade slumped into her chair, looking defeated. "Shizune, maybe I'm not suited for this role."

"Not at all, Lady Tsunade! You're just still getting used to it," Shizune reassured her.

"Is Natsuro really so much more prepared?" Tsunade asked, a bit incredulously.

Shizune hesitated, but then replied, "Natsuro's approach makes sense, but I still prefer your perspective."

Tsunade blinked, then smiled, nodding. She couldn't falter here.

"Lady Tsunade, where are you going? You still have a lot to take care of!" Shizune called as Tsunade stood.

"I'm going to talk with the old man." Tsunade replied, leaving Shizune to follow, understanding her master's need for guidance.

Tsunade soon found the Third Hokage fishing and recounted everything to him.

The Third Hokage took a puff from his pipe, pondering. He had initially thought her rush meant there was a serious issue. But this?

After organizing his thoughts, he asked, "Does Natsuro's suggestion benefit Konoha?"

"Yes, but…"

"Isn't protecting Koyuki Kazahana our duty?"

"Yes…"

"And if Doto leaves Koyuki alone, will Natsuro act against him?"

"Probably not…" Tsunade admitted, realizing Natsuro hadn't suggested any action beyond Koyuki's protection. Still, his words had implied Doto would attack.

"Then what's the problem?" the Third Hokage asked, smiling.

Tsunade fell silent as he continued, "Natsuro is sharp. He understands how to secure the best outcomes, but he's never compromised his values."

Tsunade suddenly understood. Recalling everything she knew about Natsuro, a smile crossed her face.

The Third Hokage, seeing her expression, chuckled and resumed fishing. Retirement was nice—just fishing and relaxing.

"Got it. I'll leave you to your fish," she said, departing.

…

Soon after, Team 7 returned, with Kakashi reporting to Tsunade. He couldn't help but wonder why Natsuro was present.

As Kakashi explained the mission's outcome, Tsunade looked over at Natsuro, surprised.

"Kakashi, did Natsuro intervene during the mission?" Tsunade asked.

"No…" Kakashi scratched his head, glancing at Natsuro, who yawned. Were they not getting along?

Tsunade was at a loss. Kakashi's report matched exactly what Natsuro had predicted.

Doto had indeed attacked Koyuki, leading to intense clashes with Team 7 as they protected her. In the end, Koyuki had reclaimed her throne as the new ruler of the Land of Snow.

Tsunade looked at the reports, feeling almost certain Natsuro must have intervened—how else could he have predicted everything so accurately?

"So, is this enough now?" Natsuro asked.

In the end, Tsunade could only nod and then looked over at Kakashi. "Kakashi."

"Yes." Kakashi had a bad feeling, as though some troublesome task was about to fall on him.

And sure enough, Tsunade assigned him the responsibility of handling communications between the Land of Snow and Konoha to help promote trade.

What could Kakashi do? He had to accept. As a direct order from the Hokage, he couldn't refuse. And it shouldn't be too difficult.

"Kakashi, it would be best not to make everything too public. If other villages catch wind of this, it could create problems for both us and the Land of Snow," Natsuro advised.

Kakashi nodded. He understood; Konoha's interest was obviously in obtaining the armor. He didn't see anything wrong with that—it was pretty standard procedure.

However, he gave Natsuro a long, deadpan look, realizing it was probably his idea.

"By the way, Kakashi, you're still single, right?" Natsuro suddenly asked.

Kakashi immediately froze and replied, "Well, I have other things to do. I've given my report, so I'll be going now!"

Without giving Natsuro a chance to continue, Kakashi promptly left the Hokage's office.

"You went a bit overboard there, Natsuro," Tsunade said, giving him a pointed look. "I was planning on assigning him another mission, but you scared him off."

"Hey, I was just saying it as a possibility. You know, as close as friendships are, family connections tend to be more dependable," Natsuro replied with a slight sigh. "I wasn't going to push him. If it worked out, great; if not, no big deal. I didn't expect him to run off so quickly."

"Well, I don't care. Since you scared Kakashi off, I'm assigning you this mission." Tsunade smiled sweetly.

Natsuro paused, then looked at Tsunade, who was smiling with clear satisfaction. He couldn't help but smile back and accept the mission scroll...

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Currently on Chapter 221 - Natsuro's Determination and Training