Hearing those words, Tsunade finally relaxed her serious expression and allowed a faint smile to play across her lips. "There's no need for you to keep probing. Honestly, my temper has never been the best. I'm sure you're quite aware of that."
Upon hearing this, Mabui's expression twitched slightly, an uncontrollable shiver running through her gaze. She forced a smile and wisely decided not to say anything more.
After all, while the Raikage had indeed ordered her to provoke Tsunade if possible, he hadn't asked her to court death.
Because if Tsunade really did get physical, Mabui doubted she would ever leave Konoha alive. Even with Killer Bee's support—an actual Kage-level fighter—escaping from this village was unlikely. After all, this was Konoha, and Jiraiya was still here too.
"Alright, now that the matches are over," Tsunade said, shifting the subject, "would you all like to move to another location? I'll have someone arrange accommodations for you."
Seeing Mabui's clearly unsettled expression, Tsunade chose not to dwell on the earlier tension. It was better to move forward.
Gaara immediately spoke up to accept the offer. "Thank you, Lady Hokage. We'd appreciate that."
He had been worried that the situation earlier might escalate into a physical confrontation. Now that the focus had shifted, he was eager to keep it that way.
The other guests, including Mabui, nodded as well.
"Good. I'll have someone escort you," Tsunade said, turning briskly on her heel. "I have some official duties to handle, so I won't accompany you personally."
With that, Tsunade exited the VIP room.
Not long after she left, Shikaku Nara appeared to take over hospitality duties, leading Gaara's group to their new accommodations.
Meanwhile, back in the arena, Ryo and Feng Tian had returned to their seats after their intense battle.
On the stage, Eliza reappeared, microphone in hand, smiling warmly as she addressed the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes today's matches! Tomorrow's battles will be even more thrilling, so please look forward to it!"
Although the official announcement signaled the end of the day's events, the audience wasn't ready to settle down. Groups of spectators buzzed with excited conversation.
"It's such a shame Feng Tian got eliminated. If only both of them could have advanced!"
"Yeah, that battle was incredible! I never imagined skills could be combined like that. I learned so much today."
"No kidding. Both of them easily have the strength to place top three in the senior division. It's just unfortunate they met so early."
"Well, at least it gave today's matches a perfect ending."
Chattering excitedly, the crowd began filing out of the stadium, the energy lingering even as people slowly departed.
Soon, the once-boisterous arena became eerily quiet.
Ryo and his group—Eliza, Konan, Nagato, and the others—stood near the edge of the field. Looking around at the empty seats, Ryo turned toward Eliza and the rest. "Alright, let's go. Time to head back."
Everyone nodded and began to move.
But just as they started leaving, a familiar voice called out.
"Ryo! So here you are. I've been looking everywhere!"
It was Tsunade.
Hearing her shout, Ryo and the others paused and turned around with curious expressions.
Tsunade marched toward them, her mood clearly not at its best.
"You're supposed to be entertaining the guests," Ryo teased with a chuckle. "Why come looking for us?"
Tsunade scowled fiercely. "Don't even mention those people. Just thinking about them makes my blood boil."
"Huh?" Ryo blinked, genuinely surprised. "Someone actually managed to piss you off that badly? Impressive. Maybe I should take notes."
Tsunade froze for a moment, then shot him a death glare.
Konan sighed and shook her head in exasperation. "Ryo, stop teasing her. Tsunade, what happened?"
Sensing the growing irritation in Tsunade's eyes, Konan wisely decided to mediate before things escalated.
Tsunade crossed her arms, visibly fuming, and began recounting her grievance, her voice dripping with venom.
"Hmph! If I weren't Hokage, I would've smashed that smug assistant's face into the ground!"
As she spoke, Tsunade clenched her fists tightly, swinging them threateningly at the air.
After hearing her story, Ryo shook his head. "You're supposed to be the leader of a village, and yet you're getting riled up over such obvious baiting? Honestly."
"I know it was bait!" Tsunade shot back fiercely. "But why shouldn't I be angry? I already restrained myself by not punching them!"
Ryo gave an exaggerated shrug and decided not to argue further. Instead, he fixed her with a meaningful look. "Anyway, you didn't just come here to complain, right? What's the real reason?"
"Uh…" Tsunade hesitated, caught off guard.
She awkwardly scratched her cheek. "Well, actually, there is something…"
Ryo raised an eyebrow, waiting.
Finally, Tsunade became serious. "Ryo, do you still have any of those items that boost a Pokémon's elemental power?"
"You want one?" Ryo asked, surprised.
Tsunade nodded quickly. "Of course! Those things are invaluable! Do you have any left?"
Previously, when Tsunade had asked, Ryo had said he didn't have extras. But now, since he was offering them as competition prizes, it was clear he had more stock.
"I do have a few," Ryo admitted. "But are you sure you want one?"
Tsunade frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Ryo looked her in the eye and said seriously, "I can sell you one, but it'll cost you around ten million ryo."
Tsunade froze.
"Wait… what did you just say?" she stammered.
"Ten million," Ryo repeated casually.
Tsunade stared at him in disbelief. "You're out of your mind! No one in Konoha has that much lying around! You're asking that much for a single item?!"
Ryo rolled his eyes. "It's a tool that boosts skill power by 20%. It doesn't matter if your Pokémon is weak or strong—it works regardless. If your Pokémon's strength reaches Kage-level, that 20% boost is basically priceless. Tell me, isn't that worth at least ten million?"
Tsunade went quiet.
The logic was undeniable. An item that permanently enhanced strength by 20% at high levels was a game-changer. In fact, at the Kage level, people would easily pay ten times that amount for such a rare treasure.
In that light, Ryo's price wasn't just fair—it was practically a bargain.
But there was still a problem.
Tsunade didn't have ten million ryo of her own. She could technically tap into Konoha's treasury, but she couldn't justify using public funds for a personal purchase.
Eyes sparkling mischievously, Tsunade batted her lashes at Ryo, trying her best to look pitiful. "Ryo, can't you give me a discount? Please?"
Ryo instantly recoiled, taking several exaggerated steps back. "Stay back! That face is terrifying! I'm scared!"
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