Chapter 167 : Encounter

Outside the bandit stronghold, Ryo used Instant Transmission twice in a row.

When he reappeared, he was already on a lively street bustling with people of all kinds coming and going.

"Phew—"

Ryo let out a breath. "This should be Tanzaku Street. Time to find a place to stay. At this point in time, Jiraiya and Naruto probably haven't arrived yet. I might have to wait here for a few days."

Muttering to himself, Ryo began looking around the street for an inn.

Tanzaku Street was famous even in the world of Naruto, so it didn't take long before Ryo found a place he was satisfied with.

"Damn it! I lost again! Shizune, how much money do we have left?"

Just as Ryo finished paying and was about to head to his room for a rest, he suddenly heard a voice at the entrance and turned to look.

His eyes immediately lit up—two very familiar figures had entered.

One was the famous princess of Konoha, Senju Tsunade. The other was Shizune.

Trailing behind Tsunade, Shizune spoke with exasperation. "Lady Tsunade, we're really out of money. All we have left is a few days' worth of food expenses. If you take that too, we'll be sleeping on the street."

Tsunade waved her hand dismissively. "Relax. I'm definitely winning tomorrow. I've got it all planned out. Once I win, I'll pay off all the debts first."

Looking at Tsunade indulging in her fantasy, Shizune sighed, her expression tinged with bitterness.

She really wanted to shake Tsunade and say, Wake up, woman! When have you ever won anything?

But she could only silently complain in her heart and, in the end, nodded reluctantly.

What else could she do? With Tsunade's personality, if you don't agree, she'll just rob you outright.

"What are you staring at? Keep staring and I'll smash your head in."

As they passed by Ryo, Tsunade noticed his gaze and waved a fist in warning.

Ryo couldn't help twitching at the corner of his mouth. Was it that obvious he was looking?

Well, to be fair, how could he not look at Tsunade? With that figure—if a modern woman had proportions like hers, she probably wouldn't be able to walk straight.

Feeling awkward, Ryo gave a sheepish smile.

Tsunade didn't make a big deal of it. She stretched and yawned. "Time for a good rest. I'll head back in the afternoon. Hmph, I, Tsunade, will conquer everyone in that casino!"

"Hm?"

As she made that bold declaration, the bored Hoopa, who had been lying in Ryo's arms next to Diancie, suddenly perked up. It floated right up in front of Ryo's face.

"Ryo! Ryo! I just heard the word 'casino'! Where? Where's the casino?!"

Seeing Hoopa like this, Ryo covered his face in dismay, not even wanting to speak.

He immediately regretted taking Hoopa to the casino that one time.

That one time was enough to get the creature completely hooked.

During their two days in Sunagakure, Hoopa had kept pestering him to go again, but Ryo had been busy tracking story characters and refused.

He still remembered how Hoopa sulked and ignored him for several hours because of that.

"Yo, what's this? A new kind of summoning beast?"

Tsunade also paused upon hearing Hoopa and turned curiously to look.

Hoopa, recognizing her voice, floated over. "You were just talking about a casino! Where's the casino? Hoopa wants to go!"

"You gamble? Gambling isn't a good habit, little one."

Shizune, behind her, couldn't help twitching at the corners of her mouth when she heard Tsunade say that. Says the one who literally gambles every day…

Ryo was also speechless. Was Tsunade really trying to give life advice now—as if she were some kind of reformed elder?

"Hoopa doesn't care what you say. Hoopa's not a kid. Hoopa has lived a long time. Hoopa can gamble!"

Ryo was dumbfounded at Hoopa's bold statement.

What the heck? What do you mean 'Hoopa can gamble'?!

He suddenly started to wonder if Hoopa was beyond saving.

"Hahaha—"

Tsunade burst out laughing. "What a fun little guy. Wanna come with me? I'll take you to the casino every day!"

Ryo stared at her wide-eyed, wanting to curse out loud.

Seriously? You're trying to steal Hoopa now?!

This was way over the line!

Hoopa shook its head. "No! Hoopa likes Ryo. Ryo takes Hoopa to the casino too."

Tsunade turned her glowing gaze toward Ryo.

"Don't even think about it. Not happening."

Before she could even say anything, Ryo shot her down, already knowing exactly what she was about to propose.

But Tsunade didn't give up. "No need to rush to say no. If you give me this summoning beast, I promise you a peaceful life for the rest of your days. I'll even pay for it."

"Lady Tsunade…"

Shizune tugged at her sleeve, hoping she'd realize how inappropriate that sounded.

After all, summoning beasts are partners. That kind of talk crossed a line.

Ryo's expression turned cold. "I let it go the first time. But I don't want to hear that kind of thing again."

"Tch—"

Tsunade clicked her tongue and muttered, "Fine, fine. You won't agree. No need to get so pissy."

Ryo felt like punching her. Who's being pissy here?!

"Alright, alright. I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by it. That little guy is just really my type, that's all."

Seeing Ryo's increasingly displeased expression, Tsunade offered an apology.

She did realize that what she said earlier had crossed a line.

But Hoopa really hit the right chord with her—it was hard to resist.

Hearing her apology, Ryo didn't pursue it further. He simply turned around and headed toward the room he had just rented.

But just as he turned, Tsunade called out again, "Hoopa, right? Let's go to the casino together this afternoon. Big sister will show you her incredible gambling skills!"

"Yes, yes! Ryo, I want to go this afternoon! If not, Hoopa won't talk to you anymore!"

Ryo turned back and shot Tsunade a fierce glare, then looked at Hoopa and gave a reluctant nod.

Back in Sunagakure, he had promised Hoopa that he'd take it gambling again next time.

It was only because of that promise that Hoopa had decided to forgive him back then.

Tsunade, ignoring Ryo's glare, approached with a cheerful smile.

"Let's get to know each other. I'm Tsunade. From now on, call me Sister Tsunade."

"I'm—"

"Hoopa! And Hoopa's not calling you sister!"

Ryo had just started to introduce himself, but upon hearing Hoopa's response, he glanced over—and saw that Tsunade wasn't even talking to him. She was speaking to Hoopa.

He instantly felt awkward, his face turning slightly red.

"Hello, I'm Shizune. Lady Tsunade is always like this—loud and carefree. Please don't take it personally."

Just then, Shizune walked up beside Ryo and apologized politely.

Ryo waved his hand. "Ryo. It's fine, I don't mind."

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