[28] Disappointment

The changes in Konoha were all within Sora's expectations—after all, he was the one behind many of the plans. But what he didn't expect was how fast everything had progressed.

Of course, he didn't know this yet. When he eventually returned to Konoha with Tsunade, both of them would wonder if they'd come to the wrong place.

At present, Sora was already on the road, heading toward Kakegawamachi.

Back in the previous town's casino, he had learned that the "big spender" was currently in Kakegawamachi.

Upon hearing this, Sora had smacked his forehead in frustration. Kakegawamachi was nearly as famous as the capital of the Land of Fire when it came to gambling.

Other than the capital, Kakegawamachi was the most well-known gambling city in the entire country.

It boasted dozens of luxurious, high-profile casinos.

And Tsunade, known as the legendary gambler among the Sannin, would most likely be found in a place like this!

Two days later, the town of Kakegawamachi came into view.

Even from a distance, Sora could see the bustling crowd—it was almost as lively as Konoha itself.

"To find Tsunade in this place... damn."

Letting out a frustrated sigh, Sora rubbed his forehead. His desire for detection-type ninjutsu grew even stronger.

If only he had such techniques, he wouldn't have had to rely on sneak attacks in battle, nor would finding Tsunade be such a chore.

Take that guy at the bounty exchange—he was just a Chūnin, yet Sora had gotten overly cautious for nothing.

As he journeyed, Sora also realized that until his physique broke through its current limit, even the drop rate of ninjutsu cards seemed lower.

If it weren't for that, he probably would have already collected the jutsu he needed by now.

Shaking off these distracting thoughts, he strolled into the vibrant town of Kakegawamachi.

The closer he got to Tsunade, the closer he got to breaking through his physical limits. The thought made him a little excited.

So instead of wandering around, he immediately headed toward the nearest casino.

"Big spender's on the run! After her!"

"She went that way—hurry up!"

"She still owes me five million ryō—don't let her escape!"

...

Before he could even enter the casino, more than a hundred people rushed out in a frenzy.

One man shouted while pointing in a direction, and the entire mob stormed off like a stampede.

In the aftermath of the chaos, the casino's entrance was nearly deserted.

Nearly—but not completely.

Standing nearby were two young girls. The older one had long black hair and cradled a pink pig in her arms. She looked around fourteen or fifteen, roughly Kakashi's age.

The younger one had blonde hair and looked to be about six or seven—around Sora's age.

At that moment, the little blonde girl stood with her hands on her hips, laughing gleefully. "Trying to get money from me? One Shadow Clone was all it took to fool you idiots!"

Her arrogant expression made cold sweat bead on Sora's forehead.

He recognized that look all too well. The familiar golden hair, the flat chest—it was none other than Tsunade in her childlike transformation from the original story!

The black-haired girl next to her was Shizune, and the pig in her arms was Tonton.

Sora hadn't expected to find Tsunade so easily. A small wave of pride surged in his heart—maybe he really was the protagonist.

But before he could indulge in that thought, Tsunade noticed a young boy staring at her and immediately barked:

"What are you lookin' at, punk? I'll break your legs!"

She even tried to look fierce as she said it. But in her childlike form, it just made her look even more adorable.

"Is she always like this? You have my sympathy."

Ignoring Tsunade, Sora gave Shizune a sympathetic look.

Then, reaching into his portable space, he pulled out his Konoha forehead protector and tied it around his head.

At the sight of the symbol, both Tsunade and Shizune instantly understood who he was. Shizune grew so emotional, she nearly cried.

With a puff, Tsunade dispelled her Transformation Jutsu and returned to her true form.

"She really is huge," Sora thought to himself, glancing at her chest. The stories hadn't exaggerated.

"Who the hell are you, kid?"

Tsunade had mixed feelings about Konoha, and thus about Sora as well.

If he hadn't looked like a child, she might have kicked him out already.

Understanding her stance, Sora quickly said, "My name is Sora. I'm the younger brother of Fourth Hokage Namikaze Minato, and currently a Genin of Konoha."

Tsunade's expression softened. So that's what it was.

She was well-informed about Konoha, and even more so because Sora had been adopted by Kushina, her close friend.

Naturally, her attitude toward him improved.

"Alright, let's talk back at my—uh, place."

She had been about to say 'bar' but changed it after glancing at his tiny frame.

A few minutes later, the three of them—plus Tonton—arrived at her inn.

Bang! Closing the door behind them, Tsunade asked, "So, kid, what did you come find me for?"

As she spoke, she gave Sora a good once-over. She'd read about him in Kushina's letters, but this was their first time meeting.

A quick chakra scan left even Tsunade stunned.

This kid had way more chakra than she had at his age!

And that was saying something—she was a direct descendant of the God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju. Chakra had always been her strong suit.

She even thought that this boy might one day reach her grandfather's level.

Then quickly shook that idea away. No one could reach that level—except Uchiha Madara.

"I came to ask Tsunade-nee if there's a way to permanently break through the body's physical limits."

Sora got straight to the point.

Tsunade was a blunt person, so there was no need to beat around the bush.

And since he was on good terms with her thanks to Kushina, there was no need for him to be reserved.

Tsunade didn't answer right away. Instead, she gave him a surprised look.

Why would a genius like this be asking how to break through physical limits?

Still, she didn't press. After a moment's thought, she replied, "I only know one method to break the body's limits—Eight Gates Release. You've probably heard of it."

Sora's eyes immediately dimmed. Of course he knew about the Eight Gates. But that wasn't what he was after.

He needed a way to break physical limits permanently—not a temporary boost that left the user crippled or dead afterward.