Chapter 77: Fourth Raikage!
"Tch, where did this little brat come from?"
Tsunade was staring intently at the gambling table. The moment a kid suddenly appeared, he didn't hesitate to push all her money onto 'Small.'
"Also, they allow kids to gamble here?"
She snorted internally, but when she glanced at the dealer, he didn't seem to care. In fact, she could sense faint chakra fluctuations from him.
Her eyes narrowed slightly. That dealer was probably under a genjutsu!
"How boring."
Tsunade thought for a moment but ultimately decided she couldn't be bothered to meddle.
After all, she had been "traveling" for so many years, and this kind of thing wasn't uncommon.
"But if you think you can beat me, you're dreaming!"
She was still confident in herself. However, when the dealer stopped and lifted the dice cup, her face stiffened.
"The result is 'Small.' Lady Tsunade, you've lost again."
Sweat covered the dealer's face, but his eyes gleamed with excitement.
A true cash cow!
It was like she was cursed—no matter what she bet on, she lost. At first, the dealer didn't believe someone could have such terrible luck.
But now, he had no choice but to believe it!
"Damn it!"
Tsunade slammed the table. Fortunately, she didn't use her full strength, or the table would have been reduced to splinters.
Glancing at the empty spot in front of her, she realized she had lost every last chip. After a brief moment of thought, she raised her voice.
"I need a loan! Casino, lend me a hundred thousand!"
"L-Lady Tsunade, didn't you say that was your last bet?"
Shizune couldn't hold it in anymore. She hugged her pink piglet in one arm and tugged at Tsunade with the other, trying to dissuade her.
"Let's go. This is enough."
"No way!"
Tsunade refused outright. She stood up and glared coldly at the dealer.
"Give me another hundred thousand!"
"Um, Lady Tsunade, you already owe our casino five hundred thousand…"
The dealer looked troubled. After hesitating for a long moment, he finally lowered his voice.
"Given your current ability to repay and… your reputation as reported by other casinos, I'm afraid we can't extend you any more credit.
Oh, and by the way, your last loan is due tomorrow. If you can't repay it by then…"
"What?"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. The dealer looked like he was sweating bullets, but he forced a smile.
"If you don't pay it back, your debt will automatically increase to six hundred thousand. I hope you can find a way to gather the money in time…"
"Bastards! Stingy little rats."
Tsunade cursed under her breath but didn't make a move.
Her gambling luck was atrocious, but at least she had good character—she wouldn't lose her temper and attack ordinary people.
As for her gambling ethics…
Well, when she lost too much, she did tend to run away from her debts. Six hundred thousand? How was she supposed to pay that?
"Hmph, fine, fine. I'll pay you tomorrow. Shizune, let's go."
Tsunade got up and strode toward the exit without looking back. Shizune hesitated for a moment before quickly following.
"Finally, we're leaving, Lady Tsunade."
Shizune breathed a sigh of relief as they stepped outside. But then, her expression fell.
"Wait… where are we going to find six hundred thousand?"
"Find? We're getting out of here!"
By now, Tsunade had already calmed down. As she walked, her chest heaved slightly with each step, but her mind was clear.
"You think I'd actually pay them? That's basically a loan shark scam. Trying to con me? Hah!"
"Lady Tsunade…"
Hearing her words, Shizune was nearly in tears. Was this really okay?
"There they are! Over there!"
Just then, a voice called out. Looking up, they saw a large group of men armed with clubs rushing toward them.
Shizune's face stiffened instantly. She recognized them as debt collectors!
As for which city or town they had racked up debts in, she honestly couldn't remember anymore…
"Tch, not again?"
Tsunade looked unfazed—this wasn't her first time dealing with this.
She always managed to escape. Both of them were top-tier ninjas, after all!
Not to mention Tsunade, even Shizune was more than capable. If they wanted to, these ordinary thugs wouldn't stand a chance.
But Tsunade's morals meant she wouldn't hurt civilians. Glancing around, she suddenly grinned.
"Alright, Shizune, get ready to run. Once we reach the next city, I'll treat you to a feast!"
"Lady Tsunade…"
Shizune's face was a mix of amusement and exasperation. Her mentor was really something else.
"Alright, let's see who—hmm?"
Tsunade had been smiling, but suddenly, her expression froze and became serious.
"Who's there? Come out!"
"What? There's someone else?"
The debt collectors flinched. They knew they were dealing with ninjas.
Tsunade was one of the legendary Sannin, after all—her title was far more famous than her reputation as a gambling addict.
But she was also known for not attacking civilians. That was the only reason they dared to come after her. If it had been any other ninja, their casino's boss would have just accepted the loss.
They glanced around quickly but didn't see anyone. Only then did they relax, grumbling in frustration.
"Trying to act tough, huh? Hurry up and pay your debt, or… or we'll make sure no casino lets you in again!"
"Shut up."
Tsunade ignored them completely, her sharp gaze locked onto a shadowed corner of the alley.
"There's no point in hiding. I can already sense your presence. Come out!"
"…I never expected to run into you here, Tsunade."
A deep voice came from the shadows, and then a tall figure slowly stepped into the light.
"Lady Tsunade, that's the Fourth Raikage!"
Shizune immediately recognized him, and her expression turned serious.
"Hah, now this is a big shot."
Tsunade's eyes sharpened. Though her tone was mocking, she wasn't sure why the Fourth Raikage had come all this way.
"Well, since we already know each other, let's get straight to the point."
The Fourth Raikage didn't even spare a glance at the debt collectors. Instead, he looked directly at Tsunade and spoke calmly.
"One of my subordinates was injured. I was wondering how to treat him, and then I happened to run into you.
So, how about this—you help me heal him, and in exchange, I'll take care of your little debt problem?"
"And what makes you think Konoha has any reason to help you?"
Tsunade tilted her head slightly but stayed on guard.
"Don't forget, your village tried to steal the Hyūga clan's Byakugan."
"That matter was already settled between our villages, wasn't it?"
The Fourth Raikage raised an eyebrow, but Tsunade simply shook her head.
"Typical shamelessness from those who benefit. What did you do this time? Let me guess—you stole another village's secret technique?"
"…It seems this won't be resolved so easily."
The Fourth Raikage sighed, his expression growing dangerous.
"If you won't agree, I'll just have to force you."
"How amusing."
This time, Tsunade was completely sober. Her eyes turned sharp.
"Do you even know who you're threatening?"
In an instant, their powerful chakra surged, almost tangible. The sheer force of their presence sent the debt collectors flying!
A battle between high-level ninjas was not something ordinary people could meddle in—especially between powerhouses like the Fourth Raikage and Tsunade.
They stared at each other, neither making a move yet.
But just then, they both noticed three figures approaching.
Tsunade frowned.
"That kid from earlier…"
...
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