"Tsunade-sama…" Shizune lowered her head in shame at Tsunade's blatant plan to scam the Third Hokage.
"Keep going, still four jars left," Tsunade said casually.
She'd done way worse when her gambling addiction peaked.
Pull amazing stuff from the jars, trade with Konoha for cash, then keep opening more.
Eventually, those old fossils would recognize the value of the jars.
And once the village pulled its resources together—they would open something that could bring someone back to life.
That was Tsunade's current plan.
She was going to bring Nawaki back. No matter what.
Takuya could feel that burning determination—and that was good for business.
Time to slip in something special.
Shizune opened the rest of the jars.
One bottle of body-strengthening pills, one orb of surgical knowledge, one spiritual herb from a xianxia world, and finally… one small vial of potion that brought good luck.
That last one was key.
"A potion that brings good luck?" Tsunade frowned, examining the small vial.
"Miss Shizune," Takuya gave a dramatic sigh, "you might be someone blessed by the Omniscient and Omnipotent Merchants' Guild. Five tier-two jars, and every single one was high value—especially this one. Special Edition Felix Felicis. Drink it, and for the next hour, luck will be on your side!"
Not the version from Harry Potter—but one of Takuya's custom creations.
Still priced at the 6,000 transaction point minimum.
But with a far more real effect than the original "illusion of luck."
"Even luck can be controlled now?" Tsunade looked at the clear potion in disbelief.
Luck was abstract—way more absurd than something like the Cross of Courage.
Something clicked in her mind. "Can I use this to open jars?"
Opening jars was gambling—if this was a luck potion, then maybe...
"Nope. Doesn't work on jars," Takuya shattered the fantasy with a mysterious smile. "Jars are unique. No being, no method can affect the results. So, no need to worry about your usual bad luck. It's best if you open them yourself—the act represents the shifting of fate."
Jar pulls couldn't be influenced.
Because everything inside them was handpicked by Takuya.
But of course, he couldn't say that—so a little mystique would do.
"Fate shift…" Tsunade echoed.
"Exactly," Takuya nodded smoothly. "The contents don't belong to this world. In your fate, you were never meant to interact with them. The moment they appear, fate itself has already twisted. That's why even your cursed luck won't work on jars."
Tsunade's luck only turned when she lost someone dear.
Like when Hiruzen died.
Like when Jiraiya died.
"Mystical nonsense…" Tsunade shook her head, crossed her arms. "Whatever. I'm broke."
"I can tell," Takuya sighed.
He had Tsunade pegged as a cash cow… and she turned out totally broke.
Can't she find a way to make some money?
Grrrgle—
A strange noise cut through the air.
Takuya blinked, looking at Tsunade in surprise.
That sound came from her stomach.
Even with her thick skin, Tsunade's face turned red. She forced herself to stay calm.
Then—
Grrrgle—
Another stomach growl. This time, from Shizune.
"You two…" Takuya's expression twisted. "Don't tell me—you haven't eaten?"
"Tsunade-sama used all our money…" Shizune hugged her little pig, looking pitiful and holding her growling belly.
"I appreciate your passion for the jars, but…" Takuya rubbed his forehead, exasperated. "Fine. Since you're so devoted to our merchandise, dinner's on me tonight. Let's find a place in Konoha."
He wasn't just being generous.
Establishing a good relationship with Tsunade would naturally make others in Konoha more receptive to his business.
Plus, no matter how the timeline shifted—there was almost no chance anyone but Tsunade would become the Fifth Hokage. When that happened, she'd be holding a lot of resources.
Making money and making friends? Win-win.
"Oh wow, how generous!" Tsunade's eyes lit up as she slapped his shoulder. Then she spoke rapidly: "I know a yakiniku place—"
"We're getting ramen," Takuya cut her off. "A customer once mentioned Ichiraku Ramen—apparently it's famous. We're going there."
He'd come all the way to Konoha—there was no way he wasn't going to Ichiraku.
And maybe… land another deal while he was at it.
"Tch, cheapskate," Tsunade grumbled, clearly less thrilled.
Her droopy eyes, puffed cheeks—she looked downright pouty.
Takuya's eye twitched.
Lady, you're not some teenager. Sure, you look young. Sure, you're hot. Sure, those are massive. But still. You don't get to act this cute at your age.
"Fine, Ichiraku it is! Shizune, let's eat enough to make that money count!"
"Tsunade-sama, that's not realistic…"
"Shut up. Just eat!"
"..."
Takuya followed them, resigned.
And as they walked, the bustling town opened up before them.
Two- and three-story buildings, wide streets, stone-tiled roads, constant flow of pedestrians—it was more developed than any "village" he'd imagined. It was basically a full-on city, complete with unique architecture.
It felt like he'd stepped into a live-action movie.
So this was Konoha...
Takuya looked around with curiosity and awe.
All along the way, people bowed respectfully to Tsunade—her popularity was obvious. But she didn't really respond, just occasionally glanced at Takuya out of the corner of her eye.
"A merchant like you must've seen cities even more magnificent, right?" she asked casually.
"Magnificent?" Takuya shook his head. "Compared to the cities I've seen, this place is like a shabby little village. But I don't care about grandeur. I care about the people."
"Oh?" Tsunade seemed intrigued. She turned to look at him. "What's different about them?"