Uchiha Yuzuru and Tsunade walked slowly into the town.
Unlike the Village, the outskirts of the Black Market had no restrictions at all—anyone could enter freely.
However, almost everyone wore some kind of special mask.
Naturally, Yuzuru and Tsunade weren't surprised.
In this place, most shinobi were missing-nin or dangerous individuals.
Masks hid their identities and allowed them to do whatever they pleased.
"So this is the Black Market… it really is different from normal towns."
Although the streets were crowded, the atmosphere was strangely quiet.
Almost no one spoke. Even the shopkeepers stood silently at their doors, waiting for customers to approach them.
Suddenly, a sharp scream came from a nearby alley.
Yuzuru and Tsunade looked over just in time to see a masked man drive a kunai into another person's chest, seize his bag, and walk away without hesitation.
The surrounding people only glanced over coldly before returning to their business.
In this place, strength ruled. Even killing in broad daylight was ignored.
If someone targeted you, the only hope was that you were stronger than your attacker.
"He died…"
"These bastards!"
Watching someone die right in front of her left Tsunade deeply unsettled.
Yuzuru said calmly, "This is the unspoken rule of the Black Market. If you lack strength, you can only be slaughtered by others."
"But the ones who suffer the most are the ordinary townspeople born here—they have no power at all."
Hearing that, Tsunade frowned tightly, imagining scenes she didn't want to imagine.
Before long, she grabbed Yuzuru's hand and said seriously, "Yuzuru… can you help the people here?"
Yuzuru raised a brow. "Are you trying to use your charms on me?"
Tsunade glared at him. "I'm being serious!"
"Relax."
"Don't worry," Yuzuru Uchiha smiled faintly. "Why else do you think I came all this way?"
"My goal is for everyone in the ninja world to live peaceful, happy lives."
Hearing his answer, Tsunade smiled again.
Changing a whole country was nearly impossible for ordinary people—but Yuzuru could do it.
Since meeting him, she had come to understand him well.
He could be lecherous, yes… but his ideals were undeniably noble.
Because of his efforts, even nations like the Land of Lightning had seen dramatic improvements in the lives of their people.
Tsunade believed that with Yuzuru's intervention, order would return to the Land of Silence as well.
"In that case, let's go check out the casino first."
Tsunade tried to pull her hand away—only to find Yuzuru tightening his grip.
"Hey! Let go!"
"First of all, my name isn't 'hey.'"
Yuzuru tightened his grip on Tsunade's hand even more. "I'm about to fulfill your request. So holding your harm hand is a small price, isn't it?"
Tsunade froze, her eyes turning dangerous. "You are truly crossing the line now. Do you want me to teach you a lesson?"
Yuzuru's eyes shifted into the Mangekyō Sharingan, and he smirked. "You think you can win?"
Tsunade clicked her tongue speechlessly.
Back in the Hidden Cloud, she had sparred with him—many times.
And lost. Every. Single. Time.
His strength didn't even feel human.
"Then you can only hold my hand. That's my absolute limit. If you dare to do anything more excessive, I will never forgive you."
"Got it."
Yuzuru nodded cheerfully.
Tsunade probably didn't realize it—limits existed to be broken.
Hand in hand, they walked down the street like an innocent couple completely out of place in this dangerous town.
Before long, several people began eyeing them from the shadows.
If Yuzuru and Tsunade showed even a hint of valuable goods, those hidden figures would immediately make a move.
When they arrived at the Black Market casino, the two tacitly began gambling.
Tsunade always bet the minimum. Yuzuru always went all-in.
Within a few hours, they had earned a fortune.
"That was exhilarating! This feels amazing!"
Tsunade excitedly gathered the money, her eyes curving into crescents.
She had never won so much so effortlessly in her entire life.
"Alright, that was fun. Let's head to the bounty hall."
"No problem."
Tsunade nodded happily and followed him out of the casino.
But they didn't even make it far before several masked shinobi surrounded them.
"Hand over everything valuable—or die!"
Before the last word fell, Tsunade vanished.
Boom!
The speaker was sent flying dozens of meters by a single punch.
"These winnings are the result of all my effort, and you think you can rob me? Unforgivable!"
"Heavenly Foot of Pain!"
Tsunade roared, driving her heel into the ground.
The earth split apart instantly, and the masked nin lost their footing.
"Die!"
Her figure flashed, and within a few strikes, every attacker was defeated.
Finally, she glared at the watching crowd. "If anyone else wants to die, come on!"
Many eyes filled with anger—but no one stepped forward.
After everyone dispersed, Tsunade snorted. "So this is the infamous lawless zone? How disappointing. Those guys weren't even jōnin level."
Yuzuru laughed. "This place is unregulated. That doesn't mean the people here are strong."
Even in the Five Great Nations, jōnin were rare—key forces who could influence even the Kage.
In a place like the Land of Silence, most people barely reached chūnin level.
Of course, there were some powerful bounty hunters mixed in—but they were few.
From Yuzuru's observation, if someone attacked the Land of Silence, they wouldn't meet much resistance.
While talking, Yuzuru and Tsunade reached the bounty hall in the center of town.
The hall was large, with many shinobi entering and exiting.
The walls were covered in bounty posters.
Pulling Tsunade inside, Yuzuru suddenly smiled.
In the center, displayed in the most eye-catching spot—
Was a wanted poster of him.