The Protagonist Trio

Chapter 17: The Protagonist Trio

Tsunade now completely believed that Shen Mo had come from another world.

There was no other explanation for so many unbelievable products.

Thus, she was curious about what someone who had witnessed different worlds thought of Konoha.

"I said before that Jars change one's fate, didn't I?" Shen Mo withdrew his wandering gaze and looked at Tsunade as well.

"You did," Tsunade nodded.

"But not everyone in every world or every city wishes to change their fate." There was a faintly teasing look in Shen Mo's eyes. "Human emotions spread collectively. Contentment, numbness, self-abandonment, or stubborn beliefs that are difficult to change—any of these can make it hard for people to muster the desire to change their fate."

Tsunade seemed deep in thought.

War brought out every facet of human nature. Having experienced war and wandered from place to place, Tsunade could understand what Shen Mo meant.

Even she herself had spent a long time numbing herself in a daze.

"What would you do with people like that?" she asked.

"Nothing." Shen Mo shrugged. "We're merchants, not saviors. We don't force people to buy anything. Whether they wish to change their fate, whether they can pay the price, and whether they have that kind of luck are all decisions for the customer. If a customer feels satisfied, they simply need to stop buying Jars. Once the time is up, their Badge and membership status will be revoked."

Of course, he was only saying that to make himself sound impressive.

A salted-fish mindset would never do for business.

If he could guide and tempt them, it was still necessary to do so.

Take Tsunade, for example.

If he had not brought out resurrection, where would she have found her current drive?

"How many transactions do I need to complete within what amount of time?" Tsunade actually sounded a little nervous.

People were like that. The less anyone pressured them over something they cared about, the more they cared about it.

If someone begged and pleaded for them to buy it,

they would instead feel contempt and disdain.

"Junior Members have half a year and need to buy at least ten sets of Level 2 Chests," Shen Mo gave a roughly appropriate number.

Tsunade let out a sigh of relief. Fortunately, it was not too much.

The three of them walked forward in silence for a while.

Then Tsunade spoke again.

"You mentioned the desire to change one's fate, but you still haven't told me what you think of Konoha."

"What do I think? It's full of business opportunities." Shen Mo grinned. "There are people here everywhere with dreams and needs. Whether or not you have the ability to achieve them, you won't refuse change. Even if you are content with your current situation, you still hope for something better."

Tsunade did not speak again.

Of course, she knew what Konoha was like. From her deceased grandfather, second grandfather, Nawaki, and Dan Katō to the current Third Hokage, and even Orochimaru and Jiraiya—nearly everyone she knew harbored some profound pursuit.

If they learned about these magical Jars,

they would probably become deeply obsessed with them, just like she had.

This mysterious man.

From the corner of her eye, Tsunade studied Shen Mo beside her. He wore a smile and seemed friendly and well-mannered.

If he truly possessed the strength to bear all of this, he might bring earth-shaking changes to all of Konoha.

"Is it here?" Shen Mo stopped walking.

Before them stood a humble little shop that could only be called shabby: a single-story building with the words "Ichiraku Ramen" written on a white curtain. Yet even from outside, the aroma of ramen drifted straight toward them.

Shen Mo's gaze suddenly sharpened.

Because he saw several people inside.

Those clothes...

It was actually the protagonist trio.

Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke—three children who looked to be around twelve or thirteen.

That was a little unexpected.

Although Shen Mo had wanted to visit the famous Ichiraku Ramen, he had not intended to seek out these three. At the end of the day, they were only children who had become ninja not long ago.

"Teuchi." Tsunade walked straight in and looked at the Ichiraku owner standing behind the counter. "You've gotten quite a bit older."

"Lady Tsunade?" Teuchi looked at her in delighted surprise. "I heard customers mentioning it, but Lady Tsunade really has returned!"

"Lady Tsunade?"

Sakura, seated nearby, turned to look at Tsunade, and her breathing immediately quickened.

Was this Lady Tsunade, one of the Legendary Sannin and a top-class Medical Ninja?

She looked so young!

As a war hero of Konoha, Tsunade had been included in the Ninja Academy's history textbooks. Thus, aside from Naruto, who still looked utterly confused as a poor student, even Sasuke regarded her solemnly.

Nearly all of Konoha had been spreading word of Tsunade's return that day. Even Sasuke had heard about it.

A legendary powerhouse of Konoha.

He wondered who was stronger, her or that man.

"Bring us five huge bowls of ramen first." Tsunade ignored the little brats' stares and found a seat. "Someone is treating us for once, so bring out the expensive stuff."

"Lady Tsunade, you really are..." Shen Mo shook his head helplessly as he followed her inside.

Ichiraku Ramen was famous for being cheap and delicious. Since they had come here, what was the point of ordering something expensive?

"Stop calling me Lady Tsunade. Just use my name." Tsunade spoke casually, then sniffed the fragrance in the air and could not help sighing. "I've been to quite a few places over the years, but when it comes to ramen, the ramen here is still the most delicious."

Teuchi had poured sincere emotion into his ramen, so he had already become famous while still young.

Even Tsunade had left behind many memories here.

"That truly makes me look forward to it." Shen Mo sat down beside Tsunade and looked meaningfully at Teuchi. "However, I'm a very picky customer."

Although it had only been a few days, after tasting the explosive deliciousness from the Food Wars! World, Shen Mo felt that Teuchi's ramen might not necessarily earn his praise.

After all, once one had grown accustomed to luxury, it was difficult to return to simplicity.

But Teuchi was full of confidence.

"In that case, I have to recommend the 'Best Taste.'" Teuchi pointed at the largest words on the menu. "This is my proudest creation."

"That's right, Uncle!" Naruto immediately shouted from where he sat. "This is the most delicious ramen!"

"Uncle?" Shen Mo glanced at Naruto, then looked around.

"Stop looking. He's talking to you." Seeing Shen Mo's expression, Tsunade actually smiled with considerable satisfaction.

Judging by appearances alone, she looked far younger than Shen Mo.

Shen Mo's mouth twitched. He narrowed his eyes at Naruto. "Then let this uncle teach you a truth: never use the word 'best' lightly, no matter the field."

"You'll know once you taste it, Uncle." Naruto did not care in the slightest and only continued his fervent recommendation.

Shen Mo said nothing more.

However, the smile curving his lips seemed to grow even wider.

Teuchi should have quite a bit of savings, shouldn't he?