A Look Ahead at Karma's Future, Itachi's Crossroads

Afternoon.

After saying goodbye to Izumi and Itachi, Shimizu told Guren to head back on her own and made his way to the casino.

The afternoon sunlight filtered through Konoha's bustling streets and spilled into a small gambling hall.

The air inside was thick with tobacco smoke and the cries of gamblers venting their emotions.

Inside, a woman sat alone at a gambling table. Beneath her long teal-green coat, her sleeveless kimono-style top faintly outlined her voluptuous figure. The black sash around her waist hung slightly loose, giving her a carefree sort of beauty.

Her light brown eyes narrowed slightly as she watched the pile of chips before her dwindle ring by ring, and irritation began to rise within her.

Seeing the legendary big spender arrive brimming with confidence and carrying a large sum of money, only to lose nearly all of it in no time, the people across from her began to snicker.

"The big spender's here again today. She really isn't afraid of losing."

"Tsunade, want me to lend you some? Just sign an IOU and put your thumbprint on it."

Tsunade ignored them, merely snorting coldly as she continued to stare at the cards before her.

"Why is my luck so bad again? Why hasn't that brat Shimizu come yet?"

Tsunade furrowed her delicate brows, feeling thoroughly speechless.

Her luck at cards was terrible every time, and the money she had earned from practicing medicine lately was nearly gone again.

"Lady Tsunade, it's been a long time."

Just then, faint footsteps sounded from the entrance. Tsunade noticed them keenly and looked up to find Shimizu standing there.

At once, a sly smile bloomed across Tsunade's face, as though she had been waiting for this moment for a long time.

"Shimizu! Perfect, perfect!"

Tsunade called out and waved