At Genbu's table, the three of them were already devouring barbecue with gusto. Skewers and platters of meat kept arriving one after another. Meanwhile, Tsunade's table had shifted to discussing business matters.
Jiraiya leaned back, swirling his drink. "Tsunade, didn't the old man say that Shigemaru would be under Orochimaru's guidance after graduation? Why are you so worried? Why do you insist on teaching him yourself? Why compete with the old man? Why prove yourself as a lead ninja before you even need to? Don't mislead your students."
Tsunade's face turned crimson with anger. "Of course I'm teaching my little brother! Orochimaru has a sister named Shigemaru, but he still doubts me. I will prove him wrong, even if it costs me everything!"
Konoha was celebrating its 32nd anniversary, and Tsunade's brother, Senju Shigemaru, was set to graduate from the ninja academy in three years.
Tsunade had expressed her desire to become a jonin to the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, only to be denied.
Shigemaru was the grandson of the First Hokage. With the Senju clan's influence waning, many ninjas—both inside and outside the village—were eager to take his life before he came of age.
In the ninja world, as long as a single Senju Hashirama existed to maintain order, no one could allow a second. Possessing Hashirama's bloodline was considered both a blessing and a curse. Tsunade had faced life-threatening situations multiple times before adulthood. Without the protection of the Third Hokage, she might never have survived.
Shigemaru's safety was a constant concern. For both his well-being and his growth, the Third Hokage refused to entrust him to Tsunade, whose reckless nature could easily put him in danger.
Besides, what could Tsunade really teach him? Gambling skills that always led to loss? Handing Shigemaru over to someone more stable, stronger, and reliable—like Orochimaru—was clearly the safer choice.
Tsunade nearly overturned the Hokage's desk in her fury. Sarutobi, at a loss, decided to make a wager: she would lead a class now. If, in three years, her class had no casualties and all students became chunin, she would be allowed to teach Shigemaru. If not, she would forfeit the opportunity.
Tsunade, notorious for losing bets, immediately agreed. She naturally replaced the jonin who had been assigned to lead Genbu and his classmates.
Ino, Shikamaru, and Yu were also exceptional students. Because of Genbu, who had been delayed in age due to special circumstances, these three prodigies remained in the academy until 15, making them the strongest repeaters in the school.
In the original timeline, a tragic mission had claimed the lives of their classmates: Genbu was killed, Yu developed severe psychological issues, and Kiyomizu lost an arm. Tsunade's gamble had failed, the Pig-Deer-Butterfly team lost their future, and Orochimaru became Shigemaru's teacher. The young boy would die in a trap during the Second Ninja World War. Tsunade would be heartbroken, and the Senju clan's chance for revival lost forever.
But the outcome of this timeline remained uncertain.
"Alright, alright, you're right," Jiraiya conceded. "But if you run into trouble, make sure you inform Orochimaru and me. We'll always support you."
Seeing Tsunade's determination, he fell silent, and the three students continued enjoying the long-awaited dinner.
Twelve years had passed since the end of the First Ninja World War. The ninja world had enjoyed peace, but recent unrest across the borders hinted that a storm was brewing. As disciples of the Third Hokage, each carried heavy responsibilities, and it had been a long time since they had all gathered together.
After the meal, Tsunade left with the Pig-Deer-Butterfly trio. At the table remained only Orochimaru and Jiraiya. Jiraiya, having provoked Tsunade earlier, had been knocked out.
Originally, Orochimaru had planned to wait for Jiraiya to wake before leaving, but when he noticed the towering pile of plates at the table, he decided to leave immediately.
Much later, Jiraiya slowly awoke and looked around. He was alone.
The staff approached with a grin, handing him the bill. "Sir, here's your tab. Please pay."
Jiraiya glanced casually at it—and the shock was instant. "What? Thirty ryo for one barbecue? Why didn't anyone just rob the place?!"
Today, Jiraiya had failed in love and lost his wallet.
Meanwhile, Tsunade, instead of leaving peacefully, had dragged the three underage students straight into a casino when she spotted one. Zhongyu was appalled but, due to Tsunade's authority, had no choice but to follow. Kiyomizu didn't mind.
Genbu, however, was thrilled. Money had been tight lately, and as an orphan, his only income came from his late father's pension and his share of the Akimichi clan's property. Though enough for a modest life, he now needed funds for genetic engineering research. Today, Tsunade was offering him access to a casino—unbelievable.
Tsunade, rolling up her sleeves and exposing her fair arms, announced: "As my disciples, you must learn the art of gambling. Today is your first lesson in the world's most advanced gambling techniques."
She demonstrated the table: "Listen to the dice. This is a small bet." She placed 1,000 ryo. Genbu, with his last 500 ryo, bet boldly.
"Four… five… six."
"No way! Must be a mistake! I'll win next time!" Tsunade muttered, forcing herself to recover. She bet another 1,000 ryo on the smaller number.
Genbu fearlessly pushed all his money forward.
"No! Impossible!"
"Bring some alcohol. I must not have drunk enough to perform properly."
Back and forth they went, the dice clattering, the tension rising. Tsunade kept losing—28 rounds in a row—losing all 50 ryo she had saved.
Genbu's 500 ryo suddenly turned into 6,000 ryo in value.
Finally, Kiyomizu spotted a pattern and roped Zhongyu in, both winning with sizable advantages.
If Tsunade had stayed sober, Genbu joked that she might have become addicted to the casino.
Among the four of them, only Tsunade's chaotic streak had truly played out.
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