Ten Bets, Nine Losses

According to Yamaki Atsushi's original plan, they were to find a low-key inn to rest and avoid unnecessary trouble. However, he couldn't stand the nagging of the other two in his team and finally agreed to eat at a roadside shop before finding an inn.

Although the three of them loudly shouted cheers, they were drinking fruit juice. Alcohol was one of the three ninja prohibitions, and ninjas rarely drank, especially during missions, which was strictly forbidden.

"This time, it's all thanks to Yamanaka-kun. Your early warning and that last beautiful Shuriken Throwing Art... If this were the beginning of the Third Shinobi World War a few years ago, you could have applied to become a Chunin." This encounter, which was dangerous but ultimately safe, gave Yamaki Atsushi a new understanding of Xing Ran. He would be a good subordinate, but unfortunately, this mission was a temporary team-up. If he wanted Yamanaka Xingran to become his subordinate, he would have to become an Anbu first.

"Captain Yamaki is too kind. Just call me Xing Ran," Xing Ran replied with a professional smile. This was the result of his research on the Fourth Hokage. A kind smile could strengthen bonds between comrades, but at certain moments, it could also make enemies inexplicably wary.

The way Xing Ran subdued Junpei back then was with ruthless action, yet a kind and approachable expression on his face. This startled Yamaki Atsushi, who was wearing a cat mask, causing him to unconsciously draw his kunai on a fellow villager.

"Uh, don't give me that look. Um, don't misunderstand, I'm just not used to people being too enthusiastic towards me." Indeed, Xing Ran's smile reminded Yamaki Atsushi of unpleasant memories. But at this moment, he had to pretend they didn't know each other, explaining himself as he spoke, feeling completely out of sorts.

Seeing Yamaki Atsushi's reaction, Xing Ran found it even more amusing.

"Captain doesn't like people being too enthusiastic, but I do. I really like Xing Ran-kun like this." Junpei, who had been pinned to the ground by Xing Ran, couldn't see his expression. Seeing the atmosphere turn awkward, he quickly chimed in to lighten the mood. Yamaki Atsushi's expression turned strange, and he sighed inwardly, thinking what a fool this guy was, not knowing the meaning of fear.

However, Junpei had a different thought in his mind at this moment. What was wrong with Yamaki? According to the Hokage's instructions, they were supposed to observe and guide Yamanaka Xingran to be more cheerful and optimistic. Wasn't this mission supposed to be covert?

It was rare for Xing Ran to get along with them, so why was he rejecting enthusiasm? What was this idiot thinking?

Just as the two Anbu Chunin were suspecting each other of being idiots...

"It's open—Five, five, six, big!"

"Damn, lost again. Today's really weird. I've opened seven big ones in a row."

"Hahaha, I made a profit."

Amidst a clamor of shouts and curses, a few excited low roars reached the ears of Xing Ran and the other two.

It turned out that across the street from the oden stall was a gambling house. Every time bets were placed, a commotion would erupt.

Xing Ran had seen places where people gambled in Konohagakure before, but because this kind of entertainment involved money, one of the three ninja prohibitions, they generally weren't interested in such things.

Things were different now. After awakening his Superman-like super vision and X-ray vision, Xing Ran had never considered an economic source outside of missions. Now that he noticed this gambling house, an idea suddenly popped into his mind.

His strength was still very weak. The reason he had come out on missions now was largely due to financial hardship. Who wouldn't want a life where they could focus on training for 20 years and become invincible upon emerging?

If he could solve his financial problems through "financial fundraising," he would have plenty of time to cultivate.

"You guys eat first, I'll go take a look over there." Xing Ran called out and, like a gambler eager to win back his losses, he rushed into the gambling house across the street.

Yamaki Atsushi and Junpei were slightly surprised. Then, they unconsciously exchanged a glance, simultaneously thinking of something. With somewhat displeased expressions, they quickly finished their food, paid the bill, and headed towards the gambling house across the street.

Xing Ran entered the gambling house. The decor was casual, or rather, there was no decor at all. In a room with only painted walls, three large tables were set up.

One table was playing Pai Gow, while the other two were playing dice.

Xing Ran was eager to verify his thoughts. He first used his sensing ability to test the items. As expected, just like the gambling houses in Konoha, these props had been specially treated, and no information could be detected through sensing.

Then, Xing Ran activated his X-ray vision. He could now control it at will, and because the stabilization period after his awakening had not yet passed, the thickness of his X-ray vision was still increasing. It had now reached the point where he could barely see through a thin wall.

As expected, Xing Ran easily saw the dice covered by the dealer's hands. One, three, three points. It was a small.

"Let's go. Gambling isn't a good thing." Just as Xing Ran was about to place a bet, Junpei appeared behind him and pulled him out of the gambling house without a word.

"Ten bets, nine losses. Do you know about the legendary fat sheep?" Yamaki Atsushi also put an arm around Xing Ran's shoulder, applying force and half-dragging, half-pulling him out of the gambling house.

After the encounter this afternoon, the two of them felt that little brother Xing Ran was quite good. Originally, they had been a little happy, as they hadn't found any post-war trauma in Xing Ran according to the Hokage's instructions during their journey. However, during dinner, they discovered a problem.

Could this kid have become addicted to gambling after the last team wipe? There was no information in his file about him liking gambling before.

Gambling was also one of the three ninja prohibitions, and it was even more serious than reckless spending. The madness and lack of bottom line of gamblers often made them unsuitable for the ninja profession. Of course, Tsunade was an exception. Although Tsunade gambled and lost heavily, she had good gambling ethics and a strong ability to control her bottom line (she was willing to be chased by creditors everywhere).

But how many people had Tsunade's principles? "Ten bets, nine losses" was not to be taken lightly. In the ninja world, people who lost everything often sold village intelligence. The Anbu duo did not want their newly recognized little brother to go astray.

"The legendary fat sheep." Xing Ran heard someone mention Tsunade for the first time and couldn't help but repeat the phrase. As for the gambling house problem, there would be plenty of time later. He had already confirmed the feasibility of making money through gambling.

"Yes, the legendary fat sheep. There are rumors that this is our Princess Tsunade, who, like her grandfather, the First Hokage, was addicted to gambling and nearly ruined the great Senju Clan... Listen to your brother's advice, gambling is not a good thing..." Seeing that Xing Ran's attention had been diverted from the gambling house, Yamaki Atsushi began to nag him, even attributing the decline of the Senju Clan to Tsunade's gambling, hoping to scare away Xing Ran's budding desire to gamble.

To be continued, rolling on the ground begging for recommendations and collections. Many brothers are raising their accounts, don't forget to vote for recommendations when they are fat. Thank you.