Tsunade was now fully convinced of Shen Mo's interdimensional origins. The sheer variety and magical nature of the products defied any other explanation. She was genuinely curious to hear his assessment of Konoha, given his exposure to countless worlds.
"As I said before, the jar represents a change in fate," Shen Mo reiterated, turning his gaze from the bustling street back to Tsunade.
"I remember that part," Tsunade nodded.
"But not every world, nor every city, is filled with people who want to change their destiny," Shen Mo said, a subtle amusement in his eyes. "Human emotions are contagious. Complacency, apathy, self-abandonment, or ossified, unchangeable beliefs can stifle the desire for change."
Tsunade, a veteran of war, understood. War often bred a profound sense of futility, leading to a long period of dazed numbness, which she herself had endured.
"What do you do with those kinds of people?" she asked, genuinely curious.
"We do nothing," Shen Mo replied with a shrug. "We are merchants, not saviors. We don't push sales. The entire process—the willingness to change, the ability to afford the price, and the mere chance—is entirely up to the client. If they are satisfied with their stagnation, they simply stop purchasing the jars. Once their membership term expires, their badge is revoked."
This was partly strategic posturing, designed to emphasize scarcity. In reality, Shen Mo would offer guidance and encouragement, as he had with the life-changing promise of resurrection to Tsunade herself.
"...How long does it take for the membership to expire with this much activity?" Tsunade asked, a hint of anxiety in her voice. The less pressure Shen Mo applied, the more she worried about the deadline.
"For a Junior Member like you, it's six months, and the minimum requirement is purchasing ten sets of Tier Two Jars," Shen Mo revealed.
Tsunade breathed a sigh of relief. Ten sets was manageable, especially with her new ability to convert magical goods into high-value currency.
They walked in silence for a short distance before Tsunade spoke again.
"You talked about the desire to change, but you never told me what you think of Konoha itself."
"Konoha?" Shen Mo grinned, his expression instantly transforming into that of a shrewd financier. "It's a hotbed of business opportunities. This place is bursting with people who harbor deep needs and grand dreams. Regardless of their ability to succeed, they won't reject the possibility of change. Even those satisfied with their station still harbor hope for improvement."
Tsunade remained silent, acknowledging the truth. From her late grandfather, the First Hokage, to Jiraiya and even the defected Orochimaru, every significant person she had ever known in Konoha was driven by a relentless, profound quest. If only they knew about these magic jars... their enthusiasm would mirror her own.
This man, Tsunade thought, looking at Shen Mo's kindly, smiling face. If he truly has the power to back up his claims, he could ignite earth-shattering changes across the entire shinobi world.
"Is this the place?" Shen Mo asked, stopping before a small, unassuming one-story shop. Ichiraku Ramen was written simply on a white curtain, and the aroma of rich broth instantly wafted into the street.
Shen Mo's gaze sharpened as he realized who was inside.
Sitting at the counter were three children who looked to be twelve or thirteen: Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke—the newly formed Team 7.
Tsunade walked straight in. She looked at the owner behind the counter, Teuchi, and smiled. "You've aged, old friend."
"Lady Tsunade!" Teuchi exclaimed, genuinely startled. "I heard the rumors, but you're truly back!"
"Tsunade-sama?" Sakura turned, her eyes widening. As an aspiring medical ninja, she knew the history of the legendary Sannin. She looks so young!
Naruto looked confused, but Sasuke, who had been informed of the Sannin's return, eyed Tsunade with calculating vigilance. He wondered how her legendary strength compared to the sheer power Shen Mo had displayed.
"Five large bowls of ramen to start," Tsunade ordered, ignoring the children. She grabbed a seat at the counter. "Order the most expensive kind; it's a rare treat."
"Miss Tsunade, honestly..." Shen Mo shook his head with a helpless smile as he followed her in. Ichiraku Ramen was famous for its delicious affordability, but ordering the most expensive item was classic Tsunade extravagance.
"Don't call me Miss; just use my name," Tsunade said nonchalantly. She took a deep breath, savoring the familiar aroma. "I've traveled everywhere, but when it comes to ramen, this is still the best."
"This is truly exciting," Shen Mo said, sitting beside her and looking meaningfully at Teuchi. "But I am a very discerning customer." Having recently tasted the 'Explosive Flavor' cuisine from the Food Wars world, he sincerely doubted any simple handmade ramen could impress him.
Teuchi, however, looked supremely confident. "Then I must recommend the 'Best Taste,'" he said, pointing to the largest font on the menu. "It is my greatest creation."
"That's right, Mister!" Naruto shouted enthusiastically from his stool. "It's the best ramen in the world!"
"Mister?" Shen Mo looked at Naruto, then back at Tsunade, who was smirking with satisfaction. She is using her appearance to make me look older!
"Don't look at me," Tsunade laughed. "I was only pointing out the obvious."
Shen Mo's lips twitched. He narrowed his eyes at Naruto. "Then let me teach you a valuable lesson, boy. Never, in any field, use the word 'most' lightly."
"You'll understand once you try it, Mister," Naruto retorted, utterly unconcerned and pushing the recommendation.
Shen Mo said no more, but the smile on his face became sharper. Teuchi's unwavering confidence was intriguing, and if the ramen was truly exceptional, it would certainly be worth his time. A powerful merchant meeting the future protagonist team—the encounter was already shaping up to be more profitable than he'd initially planned.