Just Half a Month-Pretty Average

The next day, Tanzaku Town.

Jiraiya returned to the Blue Flower Pavilion.

"Mr. Matsuyama, here's your IOU. You can bring it with you next time you come to Konoha, and I'll have the money ready then."

"Th-this... You're paying it back?"

Koji Matsuyama asked cautiously.

Jiraiya smiled. "Don't worry. I'm just transferring the debt from you to me."

Koji Matsuyama hesitated for a moment, then said, "You'd better not cover her gambling debts. Sheep like her lose money wherever they go. Even you might not be able to afford it."

Behind him, Kyohiko desperately held back a laugh—and the urge to turn around and look at Tsunade—as he kept a straight face and pretended to be serious.

However,

Jiraiya cleared his throat and said, "I'll try to talk some sense into her."

"You won't be able to! People like her, with an addiction that bad, are a dime a dozen in our line of business. They all say they'll quit, but then they sneak back the next time."

Koji Matsuyama was speaking from the heart. Otherwise, why would a casino owner say such a thing?

Jiraiya forced a smile.

"Um, ahem, let's not talk about that. Next time you come to Konoha on a mission, I'll treat you properly. We can talk then."

"The one in Konoha should be my uncle, Ichiro Matsuyama. He handles the business in the east, including the business with Gato."

Koji Matsuyama explained.

Jiraiya nodded. "No problem. We'll get in touch then."

"Good. You should try talking to your friend, too. She's really not cut out for gambling. Come to think of it, it's rare to see someone who hasn't won a single hand."

Koji Matsuyama said kindly.

But—

Crash!

A loud bang rang out.

The door behind them was blasted clean off its hinges.

Tsunade stood there with a dark expression, the green haori with the kanji for "gamble" on it especially eye-catching.

Her gaze was like a knife as she enunciated each word.

"Hey! I've put up with you long enough!"

"Calm down, calm down! He's just a casino owner. Don't stoop to his level."

Shizune clung tightly to Tsunade.

She was so practiced at it!

Practiced enough to break your heart.

Kyohiko quickly looked away, focusing his attention on the door that had just been smashed apart.

The chakra that had burst out just now was the work of the Strength Enhancement Technique.

Tsunade was so practiced at it!

She could unleash that kind of force with a casual motion. She didn't even need to consciously control or build it up.

Was she at least a master?

Kyohiko thought.

Koji Matsuyama hid behind Jiraiya, his face pale.

That woman had terrifying strength!

Kakashi wore a mask, but judging by his eyes, he was just as shocked.

Tsunade's appearance and the destruction she caused were a startling contrast.

"We'll leave it at that. We're heading off!"

Jiraiya immediately dragged Tsunade away.

If they didn't leave now, they'd have to pay for the door too!

Koji Matsuyama wouldn't have dared chase after them.

Then it dawned on him.

Such tremendous strength, on good terms with Jiraiya, a gambling addict, a Big Fat Sheep...

Put all those descriptions together, and there was only one person.

One of the legendary Sannin.

Tsunade.

Yikes!

Koji Matsuyama had heard a little about the princess.

She was incredibly strong, and not exactly good-tempered.

How lucky!

Another day alive and running my business.

"Tsunade, you really have a temper. He wasn't wrong, either!"

Jiraiya couldn't help saying.

Tsunade gave him a cold glance, then said nothing.

Of course, her luck at gambling was terrible.

But—

There were some matters of fate she couldn't explain.

For example—

When she had too much luck, someone she cared about would get hurt.

Tsunade would rather have bad luck.

At least then, it meant the people she cared about were safe.

She didn't explain.

They continued toward Konoha. After a while, everyone stopped to rest.

Tsunade sat down, then suddenly glanced at Kyohiko.

"You, kid! Come here."

Huh?

Kyohiko looked around, then realized Tsunade was calling him.

He had no choice but to walk over.

"Lady Tsunade."

"Sit. What ninjutsu can you use?"

Tsunade asked.

Kyohiko listed the techniques he had mastered.

Tsunade frowned as she listened.

Eventually, she couldn't help asking, "You haven't learned any genjutsu?"

"No."

Kyohiko shook his head.

Tsunade looked a little surprised.

"Why? Wasn't any of it passed down?"

Back then, even the ninjas of other countries had heard of Tokah Senju's genjutsu. It shouldn't have been lost.

Kyohiko explained.

"My grandmother's genjutsu was certainly powerful, but my parents weren't especially talented, so it wasn't passed down. There are a few scrolls at home, but I haven't studied them."

Those genjutsu weren't very powerful, but they were extremely difficult to learn—not an immediate priority.

So,

Kyohiko had focused on Taijutsu training first.

After hearing that, Tsunade asked, "How long have you been studying Water Style?"

"A little over half a month. I'm still not very good at it."

Kyohiko looked embarrassed.

Tsunade fell silent.

This kid...

For someone to reach his current level in half a month, he was already a genius among ninja. What was he embarrassed about?!

Was he even human?

Her gaze gradually grew less friendly.

"Kid, do you want a beating?"

"As a ninja, I should strive to make my techniques even more perfect. I still have a long way to go."

Kyohiko answered solemnly.

Beside him, Jiraiya quietly gave him a thumbs-up.

Brave!

He was already mourning for Kyohiko.

Tsunade raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Instead, her smile grew brighter as she gently patted the boy on the shoulder.

"You said it yourself earlier. Even though I have Hemophobia, experience and skill are important too. I think it's time I started testing that on you."

"Thank you, Lady Tsunade."

Kyohiko thanked her respectfully.

Tsunade's "testing" was definitely no joke. He might have to suffer a little.

But—

There were countless people who wished for Tsunade's guidance and couldn't get it.

For such a rare opportunity, he'd endure any amount of hardship—

Kakashi and Kurenai Yuhi were green with envy, their eyes darting toward him again and again.

In this era, what young girl didn't idolize Tsunade?

Kurenai had dreamed of becoming Tsunade's student. If she'd had a chance to receive her guidance, she would have been over the moon.

Unfortunately, by the time she graduated, Tsunade had already left with Shizune. She hadn't even had the chance to become Tsunade's student. Now she understood why.

Hemophobia.

The kind of condition feared by all ninja.

Thinking of this, Kurenai couldn't help feeling dejected.

After resting for a while, everyone set off again.

On the way, Tsunade didn't believe anyone would target her and Jiraiya, but she still remained highly vigilant.

Konoha, Hokage Building.

The Third Hokage looked stunned when he heard the news.

"What?"

"Lady Tsunade has returned. She's now ten minutes from Konoha."

"!!!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's startled expression gradually turned to flustered uncertainty.

Tsunade was back...

For a moment, he didn't know how to face her. All kinds of complicated emotions welled up inside him.

At last, Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a breath.

"I understand. You may go. There's no need to make a big announcement about this."

"Yes!"

The Anbu Ninja bowed, then left the Hokage Office.

Once his subordinate had gone,

Hiruzen Sarutobi lit his pipe and gazed toward the Konoha Gate. After a long while, he slowly exhaled a stream of smoke.