Chapter 37: Tsunade’s Skills Are Next Level

When people talk about Tsunade, it's not her title as one of the Sannin that comes to mind across the great nations.

No, she's better known as the Legendary Sucker!

According to Orochimaru's intel, Tsunade recently came into a huge sum of money and was last spotted in Shirakawa Village, in the Land of Fire. If Deidara and Kisame could move quickly, they might catch her there.

But they had to hurry—because if Tsunade lost all her money, she'd skip town.

Shirakawa Village, located on the eastern coast of the Land of Fire, was a bustling port with a thriving shipping industry. Where sailors gathered, entertainment thrived: red-light districts, gambling dens, you name it.

Deidara and Kisame reached the Village in just over a day, moving as fast as possible. Including the time Orochimaru received the information, it had only been about three days. Yet somehow, Tsunade managed to leave her mark.

By the time they arrived, the whole Village was buzzing about how the Legendary Sucker had blown through 50 million ryo gambling in just two days and one night—and even racked up 20 million in debt.

Deidara groaned. She might've already skipped town.

"Tsunade, come on! Can't you have just a shred of dignity? Two days and one night, and you've already lost the equivalent of two Asumas?!"

"What now, Deidara?" Kisame asked.

Deidara sighed. "Hell if I know."

"Let's split up and gather information," Kisame suggested. "I'll check the taverns." After finding out about Itachi's potential bloodline illness, Kisame had been much more proactive—arguably more anxious than Deidara himself.

"Fine," Deidara agreed. "We're just gambling on luck now anyway. Maybe she hasn't left yet."

He wandered aimlessly through the Village, frustrated and running out of leads. Just as he was about to give up, a commotion in a nearby alley caught his attention.

"Where did that woman go?! Spill it!"

A group of burly thugs was surrounding a petite blonde girl who looked about 11 or 12, slightly younger than Deidara.

"S-She went that way!" The girl pointed fearfully to the left, her big eyes shimmering with tears.

"You better not be lying again!" the leader growled. "Or we won't go easy on you this time!"

"P-Please, I swear I'm not lying!" The girl leaned against the wall, her lips trembling.

Deidara couldn't take it anymore.

Tsunade, you crafty old hag! I might've fallen for this act myself!

Yes—this delicate, trembling young girl was none other than Tsunade in her youthful transformation.

If Deidara hadn't read the original story, even he would've been fooled!

"Stop right there! Broad daylight, and you're pulling this crap?!" Deidara stepped out of the shadows.

The youthful Tsunade sighed inwardly.

Finally! Took you long enough, kid. You think I was putting on this whole helpless act for these thugs?

No, she was banking on triggering the protective instincts of this random passerby—someone who could help her escape without getting her hands dirty.

With his chakra presence, it was clear Deidara was a shinobi. Dealing with a few lowlifes would be no problem for him.

"Hey, kid," the leader growled, cracking his knuckles. "Stay out of this, if you know what's good for you."

Before Deidara could respond, Tsunade darted behind him, clutching his sleeve with trembling hands.

"Please, kind and handsome brother, save me!" she pleaded in a syrupy tone.

"No problem!"

With a few swift strikes, Deidara knocked the thugs out cold using just taijutsu.

Though to be fair, calling them "thugs" was a bit harsh—after all, they were just trying to collect a debt Tsunade owed them.

"Wow, you're amazing!"

"Thank you so much! But I should get home now, or my mom will worry." The young Tsunade bowed politely, ready to slip away.

Like hell I'm letting you run off!

"Hold on, no need to rush!" Deidara flashed a sly grin. "Allow me to introduce myself—I'm the heir to the Musashi Trading Company. Would you do me the honor of having dinner with me?"

Tsunade's eyes lit up.

A walking piggy bank?! Perfect!

Judging from his demeanor, this kid wasn't exactly an upstanding citizen himself. She just needed to play along, then knock him out and rob him blind.

Next round of gambling, here I come!

Feigning shyness, she clutched her dress and blushed. "I guess it's okay… My mom's out tonight, so I can stay out a little longer."

"Excellent! Let's go!"

"Thank you!"

As they left, someone observing from the shadows facepalmed.

"Tsunade-sama, you're unbelievable…"

The unseen observer muttered, "She's gone so far as to pull stunts like this… I better keep an eye on them. If that kid steps out of line, he's dead meat."

Deidara led Tsunade to a tavern, dramatically dropping a large box onto the table with a flourish.

"Don't hold back. Order whatever you like—your brother's loaded!"

"You're so naughty!" Tsunade feigned innocence. "I'm too young to drink, you know!"

Deidara smirked. If you weren't literally drooling over the booze, I might've believed you.

Tsunade, a notorious drunk, was clearly struggling to hold back.

"Come on, just a sip won't hurt," Deidara teased, pouring her a drink.

You think I'm some naïve little girl? Tsunade thought, her eyes narrowing briefly. She smiled sweetly and poured him a drink instead, lacing it with a potent sedative.

"Here, let me pour for you. It's my way of saying thanks."

Nice try, old hag. Not falling for that!

"Oh, no need for that. Sit down and relax."

"It's fine, really!" She pushed the drink toward him, her face a picture of gratitude.

"Nope, can't let a girl pour for me. I'm a gentleman, after all."

Drink it already, you little brat!

"Come on, it's just one drink…"

"Nope!"

Finally, Tsunade snapped. Her delicate façade crumbled as she grabbed the glass and shoved it into his mouth.

"Drink it, damn you!"

The sudden force made Deidara choke slightly, but he swallowed the concoction.

Tsunade smirked, her voice shifting back to normal. "Nighty night, kid. That sedative's my latest formula—knocks you out in seconds."

Deidara slumped onto the table with a groan.

"Thanks for the donation!" Tsunade cackled, grabbing the box of money. "Consider it compensation for my emotional distress!"

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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