NARUTO- CH-109. Don't give her money

No words were spoken that night.

The next morning, Shiki and the others resumed their journey without delay.

As for the Fourth Raikage, they paid him no mind.

By nine o'clock, they arrived at the border city of the Land of Lightning—Thunder City.

Compared to the bustling metropolises of the Land of Fire, Thunder City had a simpler, more ancient charm. Shiki couldn't help but think of it as Stone City.

"This is the hotel. Shizune, go and check us in," Tsunade said casually, her gaze already wandering toward a casino nearby.

"Lady Tsunade!" Shizune scolded angrily. "Don't forget why we're here!"

"Purpose?" Tsunade feigned ignorance for a moment, then looked at Shiki with sudden realization. "Oh, kid, you're coming with me."

Shizune's warning had reminded her of something important—she needed her sponsor close by in case she lost. No money, no fun.

"Lady Tsunade!" Shizune was fuming at Tsunade's audacity. "That's not what I meant!"

"It's a rare trip, Shizune," Tsunade said with a disarming smile. "There's no rush; let's take a look around first."

"Straight to the casino, you mean!" Shizune snapped, grabbing Shiki's wrist in an attempt to shield him from Tsunade's clutches. "Shiki, don't give her any money!"

Tsunade's expression hardened, her eyes narrowing as if she were facing an adversary. Without hesitation, she stepped forward, grabbed Shiki with precise movements, hoisted him up, and bolted toward the casino.

"Shizune! I'll return him after I'm done having fun!" Tsunade's voice echoed in the air as her figure vanished into the distance.

"Lady Tsunade!" Shizune stomped in frustration, fuming. "I won't let her get away with this!"

Shizune decided to follow. She would use Shiki as leverage to counter Tsunade's impulsive gambling.

Meanwhile, Shiki found himself utterly disoriented. His vision was filled with the sight of Tsunade's flowing hair and the veins on her pale skin. She had him tucked securely around her waist, pressing him against her.

Her… assets bounced with every step, repeatedly hitting his face. Flustered, he clung to her waist for dear life.

"We're here!" Tsunade exclaimed, her excitement palpable as she stopped in front of the casino.

"Welcome," two young women at the entrance greeted them with a bow.

"Do you have any open spots?" Tsunade asked, glancing back to ensure Shizune hadn't caught up. She was relieved to find no sign of her assistant.

"Yes, we do," One of the women replied hesitantly. "But according to our rules, children are not allowed inside the casino."

"He's my son," Tsunade lied without missing a beat. "If something happens to him outside, can you take responsibility?"

The woman hesitated before stepping aside to let them in.

"When did I become your son?" Shiki muttered, his lips twitching in disbelief.

"I'm your teacher," Tsunade replied nonchalantly. "If not your biological mother, at least consider me your godmother."

Shiki had no retort. At this point, her treatment of him was indeed similar to that of a parent dragging their child along.

"Get down," Tsunade ordered, leaning over to set him on his feet. "Now, give me the money."

The faint scent of her perfume faded as she pulled away. Shiki couldn't help feeling a pang of disappointment.

He stood firm and replied, "Shizune said I shouldn't give you any money."

"Tsk." Tsunade pouted, clearly displeased. Her eyes glinted dangerously. "Who do you listen to, me or her?"

"Both," Shiki said evenly. Now free of Tsunade's smothering hold, his rational mind had regained control.

"But you already agreed to cover my tuition," Tsunade countered, extending her hand. Her glare intensified. "Are you going back on your word?"

"I'll give you two hundred thousand ryo," Shiki conceded after a moment of thought.

"Deal!" Tsunade beamed, snatching the money. "Just watch—I'll turn this into five million in no time."

Shiki doubted her claim but refrained from commenting. Two hundred thousand was a trivial sum to him now, thanks to the lucrative business he'd started with Shengji Leaf.

"I'm a good teacher," Tsunade declared, pinching his cheek before dashing to a gambling table.

Shiki glanced around the casino with curiosity. It was larger and more modern than he had imagined, resembling an establishment from his previous life.

The left side was filled with slot machines and other automated games, while the right hosted traditional gambling activities like dice games. The only thing missing, in his opinion, was a glamorous dealer.

"Shiki!" A voice called suddenly.

Startled, Shiki turned to see a beautiful woman in a kimono with long black hair. It took him a moment to recognize her.

"Sister Shizune?" He asked tentatively.

"It's me," Shizune replied in a hushed tone. She glanced toward Tsunade and asked, "How much did you give her?"

"Not much—just two hundred thousand ryo," Shiki admitted.

"Not much?!" Shizune glared at him. "Stay here. I'm going to win it back."

She quickly made her way to a table opposite Tsunade, placing bets to counter her mentor's wagers.

Tsunade, engrossed in gambling, didn't even notice her presence. Shizune's transformation technique was flawless, a skill honed during years of evading debt collectors.

Shiki, meanwhile, lost interest in the commotion and found an empty seat. Closing his eyes, he began meditating. By his calculations, he could reach the second level of his Gu Master training within two or three months—possibly even one month if he remained diligent.

At the headquarters in city, the Fourth Raikage frowned as he observed Karai, who lay weakly on a bed.

"Lord Raikage, I'm fine," Karai said weakly.

"Don't push yourself," the Raikage replied sternly. He walked to the window and growled, "Where are Mabui and Cee? Why aren't they here yet?"

"Lord Raikage," a voice interrupted.

___________

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