Hiruzen Sarutobi knew well.
If Konoha waged war against the Akatsuki…
Losses were inevitable.
This was why the Akatsuki, a mercenary group of rogue ninjas from various villages, had thrived.
They were a tough foe—costly to fight, with little gain. Heavy losses could leave Konoha vulnerable to other villages.
But an alliance changed things.
It would complicate matters but also create opportunities, perhaps…
Achieving multiple goals at once.
Tsunade's strategic acumen paled compared to Hiruzen's, but she agreed with his reasoning.
An alliance would reduce losses significantly.
"The Chūnin Exams?" Tsunade nodded, accepting readily. "Leave it to me."
She recognized the opportunity.
Organizing the exams meant coordinating with every facet of the village, deepening her understanding of Konoha's affairs.
And Hiruzen had assigned the Hyuga clan to assist.
It was like handing her a sweet deal.
"One more thing," Hiruzen said, his expression turning serious. "Shen Mo isn't cold or ruthless. I can sense he expects some of us members to become senior members. We must show effort in that direction."
He was cautious with Shen Mo.
Even in his absence…
His words were carefully considered.
Tsunade understood her teacher.
Even if they couldn't grow closer, they must avoid antagonizing Shen Mo.
She nodded, acknowledging.
Leaving the Hokage's office for home, Tsunade's mind lingered on Shen Mo.
From initial casualness to growing respect, gratitude for her heart's salvation, and now…
A trace of awe.
This shift…
Stemmed from Shen Mo's ever-growing displays of power.
Despite his unchanged smile and demeanor, his vast status and strength reshaped everything.
"Sigh…"
Tsunade sighed, a touch of loss. For a time, she'd truly seen Shen Mo as a friend.
"Lady Tsunade," a voice called.
Tsunade looked up, delighted.
It was Shizune, waiting at her door!
"You're back, Shizune!" Tsunade hurried over, thrilled.
"Lady… Tsunade?" Shizune was a bit overwhelmed.
"I was so bored without you."
Tsunade slung an arm over Shizune's shoulder, beaming.
For over a decade…
Shizune had been her constant companion. Her absence made Tsunade realize how much she'd grown used to her presence.
"Lady Tsunade…"
Shizune looked up at Tsunade's smile, her cheeks flushing. To shift focus, she said, "I've completed the mission. I won back seventy percent of the money you lost. Some heard rumors and refused to gamble with me, and others ran out of funds."
"That's still great," Tsunade nodded, eyeing Shizune. "No trouble?"
"Some suspected cheating, but they couldn't prove it and didn't dare act," Shizune said, a bit embarrassed.
After all, using luck potions…
Was a form of cheating.
Thankfully, Tsunade had opened more potions, sent via summoning beasts, or Shizune couldn't have won so much.
"Luck isn't cheating," Tsunade said, a bit guilty but bold. Then, eagerly, "How much did you win?"
"Over seven hundred forty million," Shizune replied.
"That much!" Tsunade's jaw dropped.
She'd gambled for years, scraping by when broke, never tallying her losses.
Hearing this figure shocked her.
"Lady Tsunade," Shizune said helplessly, "you're Konoha's princess and a renowned medical ninja across nations."
Though the Senju clan's wealth had dwindled, it was still the Senju.
Plus, Tsunade's fees from treating nobles…
This sum wasn't outrageous.
"No more gambling!" Tsunade blushed, then grew excited.
She'd never been this rich!
How many cans could she buy?
And this money came at the perfect time.
"Secure the funds. We're going to the Hyuga clan."
Tsunade's eyes shone, her voice brimming with confidence.
"The Hyuga clan?" Shizune, unaware of recent events, followed obediently.
The two headed to the Hyuga residence.
As a clan with a Bloodline Limit, the Hyuga differed from the Uchiha in their rigid internal structure.
Their conduct, etiquette, and rules were strict.
From the entrance to clan head Hyuga Hiashi's presence, Tsunade and Shizune felt the atmosphere. As high-status guests, nearly everyone treated them with respect, especially branch members—some with lesser ninja talent even seemed like servants.
"Lady Tsunade."
Hyuga Hiashi rose from the reception room floor, bowing slightly.
Tea was already prepared on the small table.
This showed the Hyuga's regard for Tsunade.
"No need for formalities," Tsunade gestured for Hiashi to sit, kneeling herself. "I'm here because it's time your clan bought some cans to boost your strength."
Hiashi's expression tightened.
Buying cans!
No simple matter.
"Lady Tsunade," Hiashi hesitated, then said, "Due to the confidentiality, only a few elders in our clan know. We can't pool the entire clan's resources."
A diplomatic excuse.
In truth, the Hokage's request for clans to pool resources for unified distribution had angered the elders.
Having never seen the cans' wonders firsthand…
They were reluctant to contribute much.
Though Hiashi was clan head, he wasn't a dictator.
He was powerless here.
"The Hokage only asked your top jōnin to pool resources for cans," Tsunade said, prepared. "Your clans should discuss this. I plan to buy some cans here and let Shen Mo see if your clan has any promising talents."
By promising, she meant can-opening potential.