The next day, Tanzaku Quarters.
Jiraiya returned to Aoiya Inn.
"Mr. Matsuyama, here’s your IOU. When you come to Konoha next time, bring it with you, and I’ll have the money ready."
"This... You’re going to pay it?"
Matsuyama Koji asked cautiously.
Jiraiya smiled. "Don’t worry, it’s just transferring the debt from you to me."
Matsuyama Koji hesitated for a moment, then said, "You really shouldn’t take on her gambling debts. People like her, who are addicted to gambling, lose money everywhere they go. Even you might not be able to handle it."
Behind them, Kyohiko struggled to hold back his laughter and the urge to turn around and look at Tsunade, forcing himself to maintain a serious expression.
Jiraiya coughed lightly. "I’ll try to talk some sense into her."
"It won’t work! We see people like her all the time in the gambling world. They all say they’ll change, but they always come back."
Matsuyama Koji spoke from the heart. Otherwise, as a gambling house owner, why would he say such things?
Jiraiya forced a smile.
"Well, let’s not talk about that. Next time you come to Konoha for a mission, I’ll treat you properly, and we can chat more then."
"The one who handles business in the east is my uncle, Matsuyama Ichiro. He’s the one dealing with Gato."
Matsuyama Koji explained.
Jiraiya nodded. "No problem, we’ll get in touch then."
"Alright. And please, do try to talk some sense into your friend. Her luck really isn’t suited for gambling. Honestly, it’s rare to see someone who loses every single time."
Matsuyama Koji said kindly.
The door behind them was blown off its hinges.
Tsunade stood there, her face dark, the character for "gambling" on her green outfit glaringly obvious.
Her eyes were like daggers as she spoke word by word.
"Hey! I’ve had enough of you!"
"Calm down, calm down! He’s just a gambling house owner. Don’t take it out on him."
Shizune desperately held Tsunade back.
She was too used to this!
It was almost heartbreaking.
Kyohiko quickly averted his gaze, focusing on the shattered door.
The burst of chakra just now was the use of the Superhuman Strength.
Tsunade was too skilled!
Such bursts of power could be done effortlessly, without needing to focus or build up.
This was at least Master level, right?
Kyohiko thought to himself.
Matsuyama Koji hid behind Jiraiya, his face pale.
This woman’s strength was terrifying!
Kakashi, though wearing a mask, was clearly shocked from the look in his eyes.
The contrast between Tsunade’s appearance and her destructive power was staggering.
"Let’s leave it at that. We’ll be going now!"
Jiraiya quickly dragged Tsunade away.
If they didn’t leave now, they’d have to pay for the door too!
Matsuyama Koji didn’t dare to follow.
Such immense power, close ties with Jiraiya, a gambling addict, and a notorious loser...
All these descriptions pointed to one person.
One of the Legendary Sannin.
Matsuyama Koji had heard of her.
Incredibly powerful, with a temper to match.
Another day of surviving as a business owner.
"Tsunade, your temper... He wasn’t wrong, you know?"
Jiraiya couldn’t help but say.
Tsunade shot him a cold glance but remained silent.
Her gambling luck was indeed terrible.
There were some things she couldn’t explain.
If her luck was too good, someone she cared about would suffer.
Tsunade would rather have bad luck.
At least it meant the people she cared about were safe.
As they walked back to Konoha, they took a break after a while.
Tsunade sat down and suddenly glanced at Kyohiko.
Kyohiko looked around and confirmed that Tsunade was calling him.
He had no choice but to walk over.
"Sit. What ninjutsu do you know?"
Kyohiko listed the techniques he had mastered.
By the end, she couldn’t help but ask, "You didn’t learn any genjutsu?"
Kyohiko shook his head.
Tsunade was slightly surprised.
"Why not? Wasn’t it passed down?"
Senju Touka’s genjutsu was legendary, even known by ninja from other countries. It shouldn’t have been lost.
"Grandmother’s genjutsu was indeed powerful, but my parents weren’t talented enough to inherit it. There are some scrolls at home, but I didn’t study them."
Those genjutsu techniques weren’t very powerful but were extremely difficult to master. They weren’t a priority at the time.
Kyohiko had focused on physical training instead.
Tsunade listened, then asked, "How long have you been practicing Water Release?"
"Just over half a month. I’m still not very proficient."
Kyohiko looked ashamed.
To reach this level in just half a month was already genius-level among ninja. What was there to be ashamed about?
Was he trying to show off?
Her gaze gradually turned sharp.
"Kid, do you want a beating?"
"As a ninja, I should strive for perfection in my techniques. I still have a long way to go."
Kyohiko answered earnestly.
Jiraiya, standing nearby, secretly gave him a thumbs-up.
He was already preparing to light a candle for Kyohiko.
Tsunade raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything. Instead, her smile widened as she gently patted the boy’s shoulder.
"You said earlier that even with my hemophobia, my experience and techniques are still valuable. I think it’s time to test that on you."
"Thank you, Lady Tsunade."
Kyohiko bowed respectfully.
Tsunade’s "tests" were never easy. He would likely suffer a bit.
Countless people would kill for a chance to be guided by Tsunade.
No matter how tough it was, he had to seize this opportunity—
Kakashi and Kurenai were already green with envy, their eyes constantly darting toward them.
In this era, which young girl didn’t idolize Tsunade?
Kurenai dreamed of becoming Tsunade’s student. If she had the chance to receive guidance from her, she would be over the moon.
Unfortunately, by the time she graduated, Tsunade had already left with Shizune. Now, she understood why.
A condition that struck fear into the hearts of all ninja.
Thinking of this, Kurenai couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness.
After resting for a while, they continued their journey.
Along the way, Tsunade, though skeptical that anyone would target her and Jiraiya, remained highly cautious.
Konoha, Hokage Building.
The Third Hokage was stunned.
"Lady Tsunade has returned. She’s about ten minutes away from the village."
Hiruzen’s shocked expression gradually turned to panic.
For a moment, he didn’t know how to face her, his mind filled with complex emotions.
Finally, Hiruzen let out a sigh.
"I understand. You may leave. No need to make a big deal out of this."
The ANBU ninja bowed and left the Hokage’s office.
Once the subordinate was gone.
Hiruzen lit his pipe and gazed in the direction of Konoha’s gates. After a long while, he exhaled a cloud of smoke.