"That was fast…"
"We reached the capital of the Land of Fire in less than half a day!"
Half a day later.
Outside the capital of the Land of Fire.
In a secluded forest.
A massive sunflower—almost impossible to notice with the naked eye—continued spinning.
The simple Ren–brand helicopter slowly descended and landed in a clearing.
Two figures jumped onto a large tree and gazed at the prosperous city ahead. Tsunade and Shizune couldn't help but sigh in amazement.
The journey should have taken at least three days.
Yet they had arrived so quickly.
"This technique is very convenient… but our purpose isn't just to treat people. It's also about training and gaining experience."
After thinking for a moment, Tsunade spoke to Ren.
"In the future, don't use it too casually."
"You're right, Tsunade-nee. I understand."
Ren nodded in realization.
They were mainly traveling.
Unless they were in a hurry, there really was no need to use it.
With Wood Release, he could build a house anytime and anywhere anyway.
They wouldn't need to sleep outdoors.
That was more than enough.
Strictly speaking, their journey didn't have a fixed destination.
Treating people and collecting payment was only a side task.
With Tsunade—the famous "Princess of Konoha" and one of the Legendary Sannin—leading the group, they could go wherever they pleased without fear.
There was no need to rush.
They had plenty of time.
Besides, the long and sometimes dull journey itself was also a form of training.
Along the way, he could devote time to cultivation.
And receive guidance from Tsunade, a truly great teacher.
"It's good that you understand."
Tsunade nodded in satisfaction.
She had to admit that Ren was very intelligent.
He understood things with just a hint.
She barely needed to worry about him.
"Next, we'll probably stay in the capital for a few days. Let's find an inn first."
Tsunade made the decision immediately and said with a smile,
"Then Shizune can take you around the city."
"As for treating patients, we'll deal with that tomorrow."
"Wait, Tsunade-nee. What about you?"
Ren raised his hand.
He looked at Tsunade suspiciously.
"You're not planning to go to the casino again, are you?"
"That's adult business. Kids shouldn't interfere!"
Having her thoughts exposed, even Tsunade blushed slightly.
She flicked Ren's forehead with her finger.
"Fine, fine. I won't interfere…"
Rubbing his slightly reddened forehead, Ren shrugged.
"Just in time. I still need to study the ninjutsu scroll you gave me."
If he hadn't suppressed his elemental transformation ability,
Even if Tsunade punched him with her monstrous strength, he wouldn't blink.
Let alone a simple flick to the forehead.
But honestly—
He really couldn't praise Tsunade's gambling luck.
During these days in Konoha, Ren had once followed her to a casino out of curiosity.
He wanted to see whether the Princess of Konoha was really as exaggerated as the rumors said.
Only then did he realize—
Some people really could have luck that terrible.
There was a saying: nine out of ten gamblers lose.
Even if someone had terrible luck, after playing ten rounds or so, they might win one or two.
But Tsunade was different.
She was truly ten losses out of ten.
Slot machines, dice, cards…
No matter what game it was, Ren had never seen her win.
Her gambling luck was truly a rare disaster in the ninja world.
He didn't even know how to complain anymore.
It was painful to watch.
No wonder she was known as the legendary Fat Sheep.
Whenever casino owners saw her arrive, their eyes would light up with excitement.
Not because of her stunning beauty and figure.
But because someone had come to deliver money to them.
"Wait, Lady Tsunade… we don't even have any money left."
Shizune said miserably as she took out a nearly empty wallet and checked it.
"If we pay the deposit for two rooms and cover meals for the three of us, that's basically everything."
Although treating those noble lords would definitely earn them a good reward,
They couldn't just shamelessly ask for payment before even curing the illness.
"Then we'll save money and just get one room. Ren can sleep with us."
Tsunade knocked Shizune lightly on the head and said impatiently.
"He's just an eight-year-old kid. What's the problem?"
"Even then, it's still not enough for you to gamble, Lady Tsunade!"
Shizune covered her head and looked pitiful.
"Ton~ Ton~"
Tonton shook its head and squealed in agreement.
"I still have some money here."
Ren had just taken out his wallet—
"You're just a child. Carrying too much money isn't safe. Big sister will keep it for you."
Tsunade's eyes lit up.
With lightning speed, she snatched Ren's wallet.
Under Ren's speechless gaze, she pulled out a few small bills and handed them back to him.
"Here's your pocket money. It's settled!"
Tsunade looked completely righteous.
As a teacher, helping her young disciple safeguard his money and temporarily borrowing it wasn't a problem, right?
It wasn't like she wouldn't pay it back.
At worst, she could win big later and return the money.
"Fine, you can hold onto it."
Ren shook his head helplessly.
He treated the money as tuition.
Sure enough—
You really shouldn't let a woman stay idle. She needed something to occupy her.
Perhaps the Fifth Hokage could take office earlier?
Or maybe he should just get her pregnant sooner so she'd stay home and focus on raising children?
Although he didn't lack money at all,
He certainly wasn't going to spoil Tsunade's gambling habit.
If she thought she could cheat him out of money, that was impossible.
At most, he would guarantee everyone could eat and drink well.
As for the fleeting thought that crossed Ren's mind—
Tsunade, standing nearby, seemed to sense something.
She suddenly sneezed several times in a row.
Rubbing her nose, she muttered,
"Strange… I shouldn't have caught a cold."
Soon after,
The three of them entered the capital.
The streets were bustling with people and carriages.
It was lively and prosperous.
All kinds of shops and street vendors dazzled the eyes.
It truly lived up to being the capital of the Land of Fire.
Whether in size or prosperity, it far surpassed Konoha.
After all, although Konoha Village was the strongest of the Five Great Ninja Villages and received numerous mission commissions every day,
The income from mission fees and village taxes alone was far from enough to support a ninja force numbering at least ten thousand.
Even during peacetime,
They still relied on financial support from the Fire Daimyō.
This was also one of the ways the daimyō controlled the ninja villages.
For example, after Sunagakure lost the Third Great Ninja War, the Wind Daimyō continuously reduced the village's funding.
This forced the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa—
A Kage himself—
To spend large amounts of time extracting gold dust from the desert and selling it just to maintain the village's finances.
"Boss, we'd like two—"
"Wait!"
Inside an inn,
Before Ren could finish speaking,
Shizune quickly interrupted.
"Sorry, one room will be enough."
Meanwhile, Tsunade stood beside her with her arms crossed and didn't object.
It wasn't that she didn't understand Shizune's difficulties as the group's "finance minister."
Saving money was saving money.
Besides, Ren was just a child who hadn't grown up yet.
There was nothing to worry about.
"…"
Ren was speechless.
You arranged this yourselves.
…
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