Chapter 201. Just Out of the Hospital

Chapter 201. Just Out of the Hospital

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As time passed, players from all over gradually arrived to participate.

The strange changes happening in Konoha even caught the curiosity of nations and ninja villages without internet access. Some had even started inquiring about how to get connected.

At this moment—

"Konoha has changed quite a lot."

"It really has! And in such a short time! Tsunade-sama, where should we go now? Do we need to report to Hokage-sama first?"

"No need!" Tsunade waved her hand casually, speaking in a calm tone. "The moment we entered, they must've already informed Minato. We'll deal with it later."

"What about Third Hokage-sama…?"

"Heh, one got caught for embezzlement! Another got reported for bribery! Those old geezers are getting worse as they age!" A smirk of schadenfreude appeared on Tsunade's face. "But I have to admit, the movie they made was pretty decent."

"Third Hokage-sama and Mitokado-sama wouldn't do something like that!" Shizune heard Tsunade's words and quickly whispered, "They must've been framed!"

"Who knows? Whatever, I don't care about those old guys anymore."

"So where are we going now? Back to the Senju clan's compound?"

"No!" Tsunade stroked her chin, her gaze landing on a nearby internet café. She seemed to have thought of something, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"Let's go online for a bit first."

With that, she didn't wait for Shizune's response and walked straight over.

"Ah! Wait for me!" Shizune sighed helplessly and followed.

At the very least…

Going online was better.

If Tsunade-sama kept gambling like this… Shizune was starting to worry that she'd have to sell her house.

"Boss! Private room. I'll settle the bill at the end!" Tsunade strode in confidently, pulling out her black card with a flourish. "Hurry up!"

However—

"Alrigh—" The café owner's words got caught in his throat as his eyes widened at the sight of the black card.

"The Yuto Group Black Card?!"

That was a VIP card only given to people who had spent over 10 million ryo. It symbolized elite status, and only one had ever been issued in all of Konoha.

He had heard that Mitokado-sama was the one who had it—obtained through corruption and bribery!

The owner's exclamation instantly drew the attention of the surrounding customers. When they turned to look—

That card was huge… round… and white—wait, no! It was square… and black! Everyone stared in disbelief at the blonde woman holding it.

A rich person!

Should we go play with her?!

Tsunade casually flipped her hair, basking in the envious and jealous gazes of the crowd, and said calmly, "Hurry up! Don't tell me you're out of computers?"

A mere 10 million…

So what?

She had lost more than that gambling.

She—

Tsunade.

A wealthy woman!

With her chest held high and an air of dominance, she strode up to the second floor, drawing all eyes to her. Just as she reached her station—

"One of the Legendary Sannin? Tsunade-sama?"

A sudden exclamation made her stop in her tracks.

She'd been recognized?!

Before she could turn to see who it was—

"Konoha's Ass-aulter?!"

A chorus of voices erupted.

"Is Obito here?"

"Call him Obito-sama! Show some respect! Didn't you see that Asuma landed in the hospital again?"

"Wasn't that because he got beat up after meeting an online friend in real life? He deserved it! Serves him right for always bullying people!"

"Alas, you don't understand~"

"???"

"Asuma was already in the hospital before that—because Obito-sama put him there first!"

"…How pitiful."

At this moment, Tsunade finally saw who had called out to her. Her face immediately darkened. She stormed over and slammed her fist down on the silver-haired boy's head.

"Damn it! Don't call me that!"

"Tsun—"

Bam!

"I've changed my name!"

"…"

Kakashi clutched his head, rolling his eyes as he looked at Tsunade-sama in front of him. Everyone in the ninja world knows you're just called Tsunade-sama!

He had only been momentarily surprised to see her back in the village. Now that he had calmed down… he simply chose to roll his eyes and stay silent.

"Didn't expect to see you here surfing the internet too!" Tsunade said with satisfaction, glancing at Kakashi before narrowing her eyes. "And what about the other Hero of the Third Ninja World War? Where's Uchiha Obito?"

"…Obito… is still busy with work in the village, so he hasn't finished yet."

"Is that so?" Tsunade squinted, rubbing her chin, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes. "I've been wanting to meet that so-called genius!"

"…"

Obito…

Good luck.

"Never mind, I'm back now, so there's no rush." Tsunade waved it off, then suddenly remembered something as she looked at the silent Kakashi. "By the way, let me ask you something."

"???" Kakashi blinked in confusion. "Tsun—please, go ahead."

At that moment—

Tsunade's eyes narrowed again. Her hands cracked as she clenched her fists, and she grinned menacingly, enunciating each word:

"Who is this [The Most Handsome Ninja of Konoha]?"

"I don't—"

"Hmm?"

"Sarutobi Asuma…"

"That little monkey? Where is he now?"

"Hospital…"

"Just got back from a mission? Injured?"

"No! He… just got out of the hospital… and then… was hospitalized again."

"???"

…

"Achoo!"

A familiar scent of disinfectant.

Familiar nurses.

And a very familiar hospital bed.

Lying there, Asuma took a deep breath, sighed, and blankly stared at the ceiling.

He was used to it.

His heart was as calm as a still pond.

What did disappoint him, though, was how lax Konoha's security was.

Seriously?

How could someone just casually assassinate the Hokage's son in broad daylight?

This, this… this means they don't take Konoha seriously!

Never mind.

Who told him to be like a shining beacon walking through the streets, drawing everyone's attention?

So, getting ambushed wasn't exactly a surprise.

He shook his head in resignation and turned to the medical ninja who had just finished examining him. "So, when can I be discharged? You know… the mahjong tournament is waiting for me!"

"How about… not participating this time?"

"No!" Asuma roared, his eyes brimming with unshed tears, his voice filled with passion. "Winning the Mahjong Tournament has always been my dream! I can't just give up like this!"

Really.

It's my dream!

"Doctor, please help me! I want to compete! My dream can't end like this!"

"…"

Mahjong has only been around for how long? And it's already been your 'lifelong dream'?!

You lying bastard.

The medical ninja rolled his eyes and scoffed. "That guy didn't hit you that hard. Your injuries aren't too serious." He hesitated, then glanced at Asuma's fully plastered right leg. "If you don't get injured again, by tomorrow, everything except your right leg should be fine. You can be discharged then."

"Got it! I'll definitely protect myself!"

Asuma waved firmly, his bruised and swollen face filled with gratitude as he watched the doctor leave.

When the door closed, he sighed deeply. "Dreams will never die!"

He, Sarutobi Asuma, would win that 10 million ryo prize.

Just as he lay back down, ready to rest and recharge for the tournament—

Knock, knock.

Someone was at the door.

Asuma turned his head in confusion. "Who is it?"

A deep male voice responded. "It's me. I'm here to change your plaster~"

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