--

  "Ah! Cool!"

  Tsunade drained the wine jug in one long gulp, then slammed it onto the table with a satisfying bang.

  Hanekawa sat beside her, the mingled scents of alcohol and her fragrance making his head swim slightly. The next second, he felt something soft and heavy press down on his skull.

  Tsunade draped an arm around his shoulders, her voice bold and cheerful. "Eat whatever you want! My treat today!"

  Of course you're happy, Hanekawa thought. You just won nine straight rounds.

  He understood exactly why she was in such a good mood. Earlier, he'd deliberately let her win—but not every time. If he'd suppressed her consistently, she would've caught on eventually. Better to let her think she was on a winning streak.

  The real reason for his cooperation was the new entry he'd unlocked.

  [E-Rank Talent Entry: God of Gamblers]

  [Trigger Condition: Guide Tsunade to win nine times]

  [Effect: Gambling luck increases by 100% on original basis]

  [Note: Cannot be synthesized]

  Tsunade's natural gambling luck was absolutely ridiculous. Even with his own luck doubled, he'd barely managed to neutralize hers. The woman was a walking disaster in a casino—which meant she was a walking goldmine if you could counteract her curse.

  "What are you doing just sitting there?" Tsunade picked up a piece of grilled chicken and brought it to his mouth. "Try this."

  "Thank you, Lady Tsunade." Hanekawa ate it in one bite.

  "When are you free next time?" she asked with a grin, clearly already thinking about their next gambling expedition.

  She's treating me like a lucky charm now, Hanekawa observed. Which, technically, I am.

  "I need to continue my medical ninjutsu training," he said seriously.

  "Easy. I'll teach you." Tsunade took another sip of wine, exhaled contentedly, and waved a hand dismissively. "No problem."

  This wasn't quite the same as accepting him as an official student—more like casual instruction. Hanekawa understood the distinction. He'd never master her signature techniques like the Yin Seal or her superhuman strength, but ordinary medical ninjutsu would be invaluable. More importantly, it would deepen their connection.

  And if he played his cards right, maybe one day she'd decide to take him on as a proper student.

  Shizune wasn't in the picture yet—Tsunade was still alone. If he impressed her enough, he might just fill that role.

  "Thank you, Lady Tsunade," he said readily. "After each medical ninjutsu session, I'll go to the casino with you."

  "Fair deal." Tsunade smiled and ruffled his hair.

  Stop touching my head! Hanekawa's eye twitched, but he kept his expression neutral.

  "Hahaha, you're so funny." Tsunade laughed harder at his obvious irritation, her body swaying slightly. Her fair skin seemed to glow in the lamplight, and Hanekawa quickly looked away before he got dizzy.

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  "Eat!" Tsunade turned her attention back to the spread of food and drinks.

  Hanekawa picked up his chopsticks and joined her. The smell of alcohol grew stronger with each passing minute, and he watched with growing concern as Tsunade reached for yet another bottle.

  "Lady Tsunade," he said carefully, "you've had enough. We should head back."

  Having lived two lives, he knew exactly how much trouble a drunk person could be. And he was just a kid. How was he supposed to get her home if she got completely wasted?

  "What...what did you say?" Tsunade's head swayed, her beautiful face completely flushed—like a ripe peach radiating heat.

  "It's time to go back!" Hanekawa raised his voice.

  "Back where?" Tsunade looked down at him, her eyes unfocused.

  "Home," Hanekawa said, then paused. "Where is your home?"

  "Home?" Tsunade's expression shifted. Her hand moved to her eyes, and for a moment, something sad flickered across her face. The question had reminded her of Nawaki.

  She seemed more sober now.

  "Don't worry about me," she said, reaching for the wine flask. "Just go ahead."

  "No." Hanekawa pulled it away.

  "Give me!" Tsunade's eyes flashed dangerously, her gaze sharp and oppressive.

  "No," Hanekawa repeated, meeting her stare without flinching. He knew her well enough by now.

  "You little brat!" She glared at him for a moment, then suddenly smiled. "Fine. Let's go back to sleep."

  She stood up, paid the bill, and walked out of the pub with Hanekawa in tow.

  The streets were busy with evening crowds. When people recognized Tsunade, they greeted her enthusiastically—like fans meeting a celebrity. In the ninja world, legendary shinobi really were celebrities.

  After walking for a while, Tsunade turned into a quiet alley. The noise of the main street faded away.

  Hanekawa looked around curiously. The original story never mentioned where Tsunade lived in Konoha, so this was new territory for him.

  "Why do you want to learn medical ninjutsu?" Tsunade asked casually.

  "I'm your fan," Hanekawa answered truthfully.

  "No, you're not." Tsunade shook her head. "That's not how you act around someone you admire."

  "I'm just reserved," Hanekawa offered.

  "Who are you fooling?" Tsunade turned around and bent down to his level, her face close to his.

  Hanekawa froze. Her skin was fair and smooth, her expression slightly drunk and playful. Her figure was... definitely not something a six-year-old should be noticing. He quickly looked away.

  "I..." He scrambled for a better answer. "I want to be Hokage."

  There. That's appropriately ambitious and vague.

  Tsunade blinked, clearly caught off-guard by the textbook response. Then she ruffled his hair vigorously. "That's boring."

  You don't believe the truth, you don't believe the lie. Make up your mind! Hanekawa fumed silently, not daring to speak.

  Tsunade withdrew her hand and continued walking. After passing through a bamboo grove, a row of houses came into view.

  "Here we are," she said, her voice thick with alcohol.

  She glanced down at him. "Want to stay and sleep?"

  "No, I need to get back," Hanekawa refused. He hadn't told Yuhi Shinku or Kurenai where he was going. If he didn't return soon, they'd worry.

  "See you tomorrow then." Tsunade waved dismissively.

  She'd asked out of politeness—consideration for Nonō and today's good fortune. Hanekawa wasn't quite important enough yet for her to genuinely care about his whereabouts.

  "Goodbye, Lady Tsunade," Hanekawa said, already mentally cataloging today's progress.

  If this were a favorability system, I'd say I've just entered the first stage.

  ---

  When Hanekawa arrived home, Kurenai was waiting by the door.

  "I went to Konoha Hospital today and met Lady Tsunade," he said with a smile.

  "Lady Tsunade?" Kurenai's eyes went wide with excitement. "What happened? Tell me everything!"

  She was a true fan—Tsunade had absolute fame among female ninja. In fact, most of the younger generation idolized her.

  Yuhi Shinku, observing from the side, felt something strange. How did this child keep meeting all the important people? First Minato Namikaze, now Tsunade... Tomorrow would he meet the Third Hokage himself?

  But it was a good thing, he decided. Hanekawa was already on the radar of Konoha's top leadership. As long as he continued to excel, opportunities would follow naturally.