Rules and Rewards

"It's not difficult for Tsunade-sama to get funds with your ability." Kitazawa looked at the irritated Tsunade and said with a smile.

"Is there a way to get funds?" Tsunade took a deep breath but still clenched her teeth. She had returned because of the 'unlimited funds' Sarutobi Hiruzen promised.

But now, all these rules were making her very unhappy.

"Creating new ninjutsu." Kitazawa offered an example. "As long as it's related to psychological medical ninja techniques, even low-level ninjutsu can be exchanged for one million Ryo."

Typically, only S-rank missions reward one million Ryo. And those are extremely dangerous and time-consuming, even for someone like Tsunade.

"That's still pretty generous." Tsunade frowned slightly. "But creating ninjutsu takes time. Is there a faster way?"

"There is—but the funds you get will be less," Kitazawa answered honestly.

"Then what's the point?" Tsunade curled her lips. "I'll just go find the old man. If he doesn't give me money, I'm leaving!"

"Tsunade-sama!" Shizune was startled and quickly tried to stop her. She couldn't handle going back to that life of running from debt and skipping meals.

"I have a solution." Kitazawa blinked, then said.

"What solution?" Tsunade looked up at him.

"Among the budget allocations, there's a category for Yakumo's treatment costs." Kitazawa said meaningfully, "Tsunade-sama can draft a list of medical herbs and pick the most expensive ones."

"Oh?" Tsunade froze for a moment, then immediately caught on. "Why are you willing to help me cheat again?"

"I had no choice before. But now, I'm on your side, Tsunade-sama." Kitazawa replied seriously. The best way to motivate someone is a combination of rules and rewards.

Blindly following Sarutobi Hiruzen's restrictions would only push Tsunade away—and that wouldn't help the mission. Besides, when it came to choosing between Sarutobi Hiruzen and Tsunade, the choice was obvious. Especially considering Yakumo.

"Very good." Tsunade smiled, stretched out her arm, wrapped it around Kitazawa's shoulders, and said, "You're really something!"

Kitazawa was caught off guard and almost fell headfirst into her chest.

Noticing his flustered look, Tsunade realized her gesture was a bit too much. She pulled her arm back and patted his shoulder instead.

"Come on, come home with me," Tsunade said cheerfully.

As the best medical ninja in the world, she understood how wildly herb prices could fluctuate. She could definitely turn a profit while treating Kurama Yakumo.

Shizune stared at Kitazawa in disbelief. Weren't you a tough guy just now? How did you switch sides so fast? Your bottom line is too flexible!

"Where are you staying now, Tsunade-sama?" Kitazawa asked while following behind.

"You'll know soon," Tsunade said casually, already thinking about which herbs to write down.

Kitazawa didn't ask again. After walking for a while, he noticed the area was becoming more familiar—until they stopped in front of Kurenai Yuhi's house.

"Shizune and I live next door." Tsunade pointed to the house on the left. "It's mainly for the convenience of our project."

Kitazawa nodded and stepped forward to knock on the door.

"Kitazawa? And Tsunade-sama?" When Kurenai opened the door, she was stunned for a moment, then quickly stepped aside. "Come in."

Tsunade went in first, bending down to take off her shoes. Shizune followed behind.

Kitazawa entered last, closed the door, and walked into the living room. As soon as he entered, his eyes widened slightly.

Because in one glance—from big to small—he saw four pairs of pale legs and bare feet.

Tsunade wore long pants, revealing only her feet with red-painted nails. Kurenai Yuhi, Shizune, and Kurama Yakumo all had their snow-white calves and bare feet exposed.

"Give me a pen and paper." Tsunade sat on the sofa and asked.

"I'll get it." Kitazawa turned and went upstairs.

"You seem to get along pretty well." Tsunade raised an eyebrow playfully.

"Kitazawa and I were classmates." Kurenai's heart skipped a beat, but she answered calmly. She did have a favorable impression of Kitazawa, but it hadn't gone beyond that.

"Tsunade-sama." Kitazawa returned and handed her the pen and paper.

Tsunade crossed her legs and set the paper on her full thighs. She bent forward, and her ample chest shifted noticeably.

Kurenai glanced down instinctively, feeling a strange sense of inadequacy.

"How's your self-created ninjutsu progressing?" Tsunade asked while writing.

"We've created two: the Art of Speech Jutsu and the Truth-Telling Jutsu." Kurenai Yuhi explained their effects.

"Good techniques." Tsunade thought for a moment. "Very targeted."

"Kitazawa came up with them." Kurenai didn't take the credit.

"You sure know how to surprise people." Tsunade glanced at Kitazawa.

"Thank you, Tsunade-sama." Kitazawa smiled and shared the third ninjutsu idea they were working on.

"The concept is solid, but it has issues." Tsunade tapped her chin. "Mental illness isn't caused by negative emotions alone. Genetics, physical condition, and personality also play roles."

Kitazawa suddenly thought: Now this is what true professionalism sounds like.

"Transforming the Genjutsu: Hell Viewing is a great idea, but it needs fine-tuning." Tsunade added with a smile, "We'll go over it tomorrow. For now, let's buy the herbs Yakumo needs."

"Alright." Kurenai agreed. With Tsunade's involvement, she and Kitazawa could relax a little.

Shizune sighed softly. Buy herbs? More like skimping off the top…

"Let's go, Kitazawa," Tsunade said with a satisfied smile, handing over the herb list.

"Okay." Kitazawa didn't mind swindling a little from Konoha. Given how important Tsunade was to the village, she wouldn't go overboard—just take a small advantage.

After reviewing the list, Kitazawa confirmed his hunch. Tsunade could likely pocket around 500,000 ryo—not a huge sum.

Soon, they arrived at the Hokage's office. Sarutobi Hiruzen looked over the herb list. He noticed a few things but chose to let it slide.

If he didn't offer some incentive, Tsunade would vanish again—like Orochimaru.

"Kitazawa." The Third Hokage put down the list. "Go to the Anbu and collect the funds."

"Yes." Kitazawa went to the Anbu office and returned with a passbook containing 2 million Ryo.

"Give it to me." Tsunade immediately reached for it.

"Sorry, Tsunade-sama. I'll be holding onto the money." Kitazawa said as he gently held her wrist.

Tsunade glared fiercely at him. But Kitazawa only smiled, unfazed.

"You're so annoying!" Tsunade pulled her hand back, shot him a glare, and barked, "Go buy the herbs!"

She realized she couldn't do anything about Kitazawa. He wasn't afraid of her at all.

After purchasing the herbs, Tsunade took the leftover money. 

"See you tomorrow." Tsunade grinned, slipped the passbook into her shirt, and strolled toward the casino.

Kitazawa watched her go and silently thought—She really does have a big heart.