Chapter 128: Tsunade

Deep beneath the Kingdom of Rōran, Danzo stared at the raging chakra before him and his arm, which had begun to turn to wood.

"A fusion of chakra and natural energy?"

The arm that had been turning into wood gradually regained its flesh, from the shoulder down to the fingertips. Once it had fully returned to normal, he turned his gaze back to the massive chakra source that formed the Ryūmyaku.

He could feel it. His body craved this power, longed for it.

That meant it could be absorbed—just like a Tailed Beast.

Ever since his reincarnation, having fused with the Senju, Uchiha, and Black Zetsu, his body had undergone some unknown transformations. His desire for massive chakra sources, like those of Tailed Beasts, had become insatiable.

Yet, the "natural energy" within the Ryūmyaku was something his body couldn't fully assimilate.

How did the Ōtsutsuki clan process natural energy?

Through the Divine Tree, absorbing it and condensing it into chakra fruit...

But that method was clearly impractical here.

"Are you alright, my lord?" Sara asked with concern.

"I'm fine. But it looks like the Ryūmyaku won't be of use to me for now..."

Danzo had no choice but to temporarily abandon the idea. He sealed the opened rift once more, setting up spatial coordinates at the site and ordering Root to establish a base in the Kingdom of Rōran to safeguard and study the Ryūmyaku.

With the internal strife in the Land of Wind coming to an end, the shinobi world experienced a brief moment of peace.

However, the major nations now viewed the shinobi villages with even greater wariness, as if they were dangerous beasts. Even within Kumogakure, the Daimyō of the Land of Lightning had begun placing his own officials in the village.

The implications were obvious.

Yet, internal political struggles within the great nations had little effect on smaller countries. In fact, over the past six months, the Land of Wind had been heavily promoting trade, allowing many small nations to profit and thrive.

The Land of Craftsmen was situated on an island between the Land of Fire and the Land of Water.

True to its name, it was a neutral country home to numerous skilled artisans. Though a small nation, its formidable manufacturing capabilities and superior weaponry made it an entity that all five great nations sought to court.

This, in turn, had allowed it to remain neutral throughout multiple Shinobi World Wars, suffering minimal losses.

Its unique status attracted wealthy merchants, gradually transforming the once-small island into a bustling hub that rivaled even the Land of Fire in prosperity.

Merchant ships crowded the coastline, and the lively towns were filled with people.

At the corner of a busy street stood a two-story building, its entrance adorned with a curtain that bore the large character "Gamble."

Inside, the air was thick with the shouts and cheers of gamblers, creating a deafening cacophony.

"Big! Big! Big!" A bold female voice rang out, standing out even in the chaotic din.

"Five! Five! Six! It's Big!"

As the dealer's announcement echoed, the crowd erupted in cheers.

"Quick! Follow the lucky lady! She's on a winning streak today—"

Before the man could finish his sentence, a sharp glare shut him up.

Not that he needed to say more. Everyone had already noticed the towering stacks of cash in front of Tsunade and had begun betting alongside her.

Meanwhile, the dealer, now drenched in sweat, nervously wiped his forehead.

"Bet everything on Big! All of it!" Tsunade commanded.

"My lady, you've won so much already. Maybe we should call it a day and come back tomorrow?" Shizune suggested timidly.

"All on Big! I finally turned my luck around—I need to make up for my losses!"

"Three, five, six! It's Big!"

Once again, the room erupted in cheers.

All eyes were on Tsunade, waiting for her next move.

She continued to bet fearlessly and won repeatedly, yet her excitement gradually faded.

"Lady Tsunade?" Shizune asked, her arms laden with three boxes of freshly exchanged cash, her face brimming with joy.

"Nothing. I just don't feel like playing anymore. Exchange the chips and let's go."

"But with such good luck, why not play a few more rounds?" A casual, familiar voice spoke from behind.

Shizune turned around, her face instantly turning red.

"He's so handsome! His voice is so gentle, and his eyes... they're like a galaxy..."

"Gather the money, Shizune. We're leaving." Tsunade stood up. The crowd instinctively stepped aside, making way for her as she strode out of the casino.

"W-Wait for me, my lady!" Shizune scrambled to collect the winnings, flustered.

"Here, let me help you." Danzo, watching the panicked, red-faced girl, couldn't help but chuckle slightly.

By the time the two of them left the casino, Tsunade was already nowhere to be seen.

"I need to find Lady Tsunade! Goodbye!" Shizune, her face still flushed, quickly ran off.

Not far from the casino, inside a quiet tavern, Danzo walked in leisurely. His eyes immediately locked onto Tsunade.

"Why did you follow me?" Shizune asked in surprise.

"I came to see an old friend." Danzo's gaze shifted to Tsunade, who had already downed an entire bottle of sake.

Whether it was the alcohol or something else, her cheeks were slightly flushed, and her relaxed posture at the table gave off an enticing aura.

Just as Danzo sat down across from her—

Bang!

Tsunade suddenly stood up and swung a fist straight at his face.

----------------

Pls Drop some Power Stones

Fanfic is finished on Patreon (195 chapters in total.) 

Patreon(.)com/Jixo (for only $4.50, read this entire fanfic)