Didn't Let You Have Enough Fun

Konoha Casino.

Amidst the clamor of voices, Hikawa yawned in boredom.

He shifted his body, finding a more comfortable spot in Tsunade's warm, soft embrace.

But just as he was about to doze off, the enticing scents around him and the strange sights near and far made him open his eyes wide again.

At your age, can you even sleep?

Hikawa felt a pang of regret.

Too bad his Lexicon System didn't have features like a phone or computer; otherwise, he could kill time.

After gambling with Hikawa a few times, Tsunade realized that as long as he was by her side, it neutralized her luck.

So, using the excuse that kids shouldn't gamble, she stopped letting him get involved.

Before long, Hikawa heard a shout.

He perked up instinctively and asked, "Is it over?"

"Mm."

Tsunade's lips curled slightly; she was in a good mood. "My treat. Let's go eat some tender chicken."

"Sounds good."

Hearing the words "tender chicken," Hikawa suddenly felt ravenous.

The two left the casino and headed for a nearby Izakaya.

"Boss, come play again sometime~"

A sultry voice rang out.

Hikawa turned his head instinctively. Whoa, talk about dedication.

Though it was March, the weather, while not as harsh as winter, was still cold.

And this young lady—curves in all the right places—wore an extremely revealing kimono, like some kind of rope bondage getup.

"Hahaha! I'll definitely come back tomorrow!"

Beside her stood a white-haired young man, slapping her rear with a lecherous grin.

Hikawa froze for a moment.

Oh no!

There's killing intent!

He looked up at Tsunade and saw her face darken.

It's Jiraiya.

He instantly guessed the white-haired man's identity.

What a playboy. Karaoke and groping at the hostess bar.

Hikawa frowned and stepped back behind Tsunade.

Whatever happened next, he didn't need to think to know.

I'm sharp as hell!

"Why do I feel a familiar presence?"

Jiraiya scratched his head.

Suddenly, his expression shifted, and he quickly turned around.

The moment he saw Tsunade, his drunken haze cleared instantly.

Jiraiya's face went pale.

I'm already obedient. Please spare me.

"Tsunade, it's all a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding!"

Jiraiya forced a smile and hurriedly said.

Bam!

Tsunade clenched her fist and threw a punch.

Jiraiya's body flew backward, smashing into the wall and forming a perfect cross.

"Let's go."

Tsunade shot him a glance, took Hikawa's hand, and turned to leave.

"Ptooey! Ptooey!"

Jiraiya spat out two mouthfuls of dust and climbed to his feet.

He stared at Tsunade's retreating figure, on the verge of tears.

I finally get to go out for once, and I run into her?

But who was that little brat?

Aside from developing the Rasengan with Namikaze Minato, Jiraiya had spent the rest of his time lately writing his new novel.

Guided by his life mentor, Thunder Fire Sword, his pen flowed as if blessed by the gods.

He hadn't paid attention to Hikawa, so he had no impression of him.

At the Izakaya.

"That's Jiraiya."

Tsunade said with considerable displeasure. "Don't you copy him."

"I won't."

Hikawa quickly assured her.

At least not now—he'd wait until he could beat Tsunade before trying anything.

"This is for you."

Tsunade's tone softened as she pulled out a bankbook.

"...?"

Hikawa glanced at the bankbook, then looked up at her with a stunned expression.

"What's with that look?"

Tsunade snorted lightly. "Six hundred thousand ryo. Your share of the profits."

"I just didn't expect it."

Hikawa closed the bankbook, speaking with some disbelief.

"I haven't sunk so low as to steal a kid's money."

Tsunade rolled her eyes and emphasized, "I am, after all, one of the Konoha Three Ninjas."

"Am I the first person to get money from you?"

Hikawa asked curiously.

"What are you talking about?!"

Tsunade bristled, shooting back, "In your mind, am I really that kind of person?"

Yes.

But Hikawa didn't dare say it, afraid of getting beaten to death.

"You're the second."

Tsunade picked up her sake cup. "Enough of that nonsense—drink!"

The first was Nawaki.

As for everyone else, they lent money that was never returned.

It wasn't that Tsunade didn't want to pay them back—she just didn't have the money.

Before she met Hikawa, her gambling career was nothing but loss after loss, until she was cleaned out.

Where would she find spare cash to repay anyone?

Hikawa watched her drink and couldn't help but smile.

Aside from her fists, she was soft all over.

He ate while mulling over what to do with the money.

Besides forging a sword, he had no urgent need for cash.

And he was certain the money from Taimanin was several times more than six hundred thousand ryo.

A thought struck Hikawa, and an idea formed.

After dinner, Tsunade, her face flushed with drink, waved at him and headed toward home.

"Tsunade-sama, the telephone pole."

Hikawa reminded her.

Tsunade shook her head, realizing she'd veered off course and nearly walked into the pole.

Her dazed expression had a certain endearing contrast.

Hikawa looked away, crossed the tree-lined avenue, and reached the shopping district.

After a wild shopping spree, he returned home.

Hikawa pushed open the door, and two large bags thudded to the floor with a clatter.

He wiped the sweat from his brow—thankfully, the 30% arm strength boost from 'Ninja Tool Mastery' had let him carry it all back.

"What's this?"

Yuhi Shinko asked, puzzled.

Behind him, Yuhi Kurenai poked out her little head, looking adorable.

"Gifts I bought for you."

Hikawa waved at Yuhi Kurenai and said, "The bag on the left is for you."

"What is it? What is it?"

Yuhi Kurenai's face instantly flushed pink with excitement.

She ran up to Hikawa, opened the bag, and let out a cheer.

Yuhi Shinko glanced over and couldn't help but freeze.

Toys, snacks, clothes—everything a little girl could want was there in abundance.

He himself had never bought this many things for Yuhi Kurenai.

"Where did you get the money?"

Yuhi Shinko asked, puzzled.

"From investing in Tsunade-sama."

Hikawa said with a smile, "Uncle Shinko, this bag is for you."

What investment?

Yuhi Shinko opened the bag, and a flicker of emotion crossed his eyes.

Compared to Yuhi Kurenai's gifts, his looked quite expensive.

But why were there also ginseng, Deer Antler Velvet, and deer penis—all those tonic herbs?

"You spent too much, Hikawa."

Yuhi Shinko snapped back to reality and said with a sigh.

"Think of it as tuition."

Hikawa replied casually.

"Alright then."

Yuhi Shinko perked up and said, "Tonight, I'll teach you a new genjutsu."

A few minutes later, his expression turned numb and full of existential doubt.

Because Hikawa learned too fast.

Sumimasen, I couldn't let you go all out.

[D-rank Ninjutsu Entry: Fox Mind Technique.]

[Trigger Condition: Successfully perform this ninjutsu.]

[Effect: This ninjutsu automatically reaches the proficient level.]

The three genjutsu Hikawa had learned before were E-rank, and this one was D-rank.

In terms of effect, it was indeed worthy.

It could make those caught in the illusion wander unconsciously, as if bewitched by a fox.

By the time they came to, they would have already expended a large amount of Body Energy.

Moreover, it was an area-of-effect genjutsu.

They say foxes are demons, but this is clearly a blessing.

Another chapter in five minutes.