"Yes, Itachi has joined Akatsuki. Soon, he'll take advantage of the chaos in Konoha to infiltrate the village together with his partner. His purpose this time is not only to visit his younger brother Sasuke but also, as a spy, to deliver certain information to the high-ranking elders of Konoha."
Heiyan turned to Izumi and explained:
"Just like Orochimaru, Itachi is an important figure who will significantly impact the history of the shinobi world. He cannot die yet. However, that doesn't stop you from settling the score with him. Teach him a lesson and avenge your fallen clansmen."
"That's exactly what I intend to do."
Izumi clenched her fists tightly, a glint of coldness flashing through her eyes.
A few days later.
Master and disciple smoothly arrived in Konoha and settled into an inn by the hot springs.
Night fell, lights flickered on.
"Boss, two bowls of egg ramen please."
At Ichiraku Ramen, Heiyan sat at the counter, raised two fingers toward Teuchi, and said with a smile.
A few minutes later, just as the noodles were served, Izumi Uchiha lifted the curtain and entered the shop looking somewhat frustrated. She slid into the seat beside Heiyan.
"What's wrong? Couldn't find anyone?" Heiyan asked with a smile.
"Sigh... I spent the entire afternoon running around half of Konoha Village but didn't catch even a glimpse of that guy Sasuke."
Izumi said rather dispiritedly.
Ever since the Night of the Clan's Destruction several years ago, the once-proud Uchiha clan had been reduced to only one surviving member—Sasuke Uchiha. If Izumi wanted to confront Itachi upon his return to the village, she naturally needed to track down Sasuke first and keep tabs on him to learn about Itachi's plans.
"You won't find him, of course. Because recently, Team 7, which Sasuke belongs to, was sent on a mission to the Land of Waves. Come on, eat this bowl of noodles first and fill your stomach."
As he spoke, Heiyan pushed a bowl of ramen toward Izumi.
"The Land of Waves?"
Upon hearing that name, Izumi vaguely recalled it was some tropical island country located in the southeastern sea region near the Land of Fire.
"After eating, rest well for tonight. My task for you tomorrow is to depart for the Land of Waves, locate Team 7, and bring someone back for me."
Heiyan said mysteriously.
The next morning, early.
"Sensei, don't worry. I'll definitely complete the mission."
Brimming with confidence, Izumi vowed to complete her mission before immediately setting off toward the Land of Waves.
"Have a safe journey."
Heiyan raised a hand in farewell as Izumi vanished into the distance.
The person he wanted Izumi to bring back was naturally none other than the young Haku—who possessed the Ice Release Kekkei Genkai—and was currently traveling alongside Zabuza Momochi.
Similar to Izumi Uchiha, Haku was also considered insignificant in the history of the shinobi world, yet at the same time, he was a remarkably talented young man whose death would be greatly regrettable.
Actually, even before arriving at the original timeline, Heiyan had already realized one problem:
Back in his original parallel world, due to his unexpected appearance triggering a chain reaction of butterfly effects, many future young talents might never be born into existence at all.
Therefore, one of Heiyan's purposes in coming to the original timeline was to save the lives of young male and female talents like Izumi and Haku without altering history, and to bring them back with him to Penglai in the alternate world when he left.
Heiyan had full confidence in Izumi.
With Izumi's abilities, she could easily handle the combined forces of Kakashi's Team 7, Zabuza and Haku, and the Gato Corporation.
In case of any emergency, Heiyan had also placed a Flying Thunder God formula on Izumi, enabling him to instantly teleport to her side.
Before Izumi returned, Heiyan wasn't planning to stay idle at the inn—he had other arrangements.
Looking back, since arriving in the original timeline—from witnessing the final clash between Hashirama and Madara to his current visit in Konoha—more than fifty years had flowed by. Yet, throughout all that time, he had never laid eyes on that woman.
Tsunade.
Perhaps it was finally time to go see her.
After all, in the parallel world, she was his wife.
If Heiyan remembered correctly, during this period, Tsunade should be lingering near Tanukichou Street in the Land of Fire, drowning herself daily in gambling and drinking, or evading creditors.
At this thought, Heiyan vanished into a swirl of spatial vortex, using Kamui to leave Konoha and head toward Tanukichou Street.
Several hours later.
This must be Tanukichou Street—it really was a bustling town.
Standing atop a hill, Heiyan gazed down at the lively town below.
Once entering the streets, he made his destination clear: heading straight for the casino.
As Tsunade, known as one of the legendary Konoha Sannin, her fame had already spread across all shinobi nations. Among gamblers, she was known as "The Big Cash Cow"—a veritable gambling legend in their eyes.
Normally speaking, such a woman would not be difficult to find—wherever she appeared, she would surely cause a sensation.
Yet in reality, to avoid those who had lent her money, Tsunade often used Transformation Jutsu to disguise herself as girls in their teens, women in their thirties, or even middle-aged ladies in their forties. Her movements were unpredictable, constantly moving around like a shadow, practically roaming everywhere.
Under such circumstances, even her creditors couldn't track her down—let alone anyone else.
So, Heiyan decided to sit tight and let Tsunade come to him.
Within just a few days,
Heiyan became the Gambling God of the casino at Tanukichou Street.
Using his Byakugan's perception ability, Tenseigan's mind-reading skill, and his naturally good luck, he won nearly every game, cleaning house across the entire establishment.
During this time, many suspected Heiyan of cheating and wanted to confront him, but after he subtly revealed some of his strength, they quickly backed off in terror.
The casino owner grew worried—if Heiyan continued winning like this, the entire casino might go bankrupt.
Fortunately, Heiyan knew when to stop, halting after gaining his reputation, and subsequently accepted an invitation to reside in the casino's luxurious VIP suite, where he was pampered with gourmet meals and top-tier service.
Heiyan told the casino staff to notify him the moment Tsunade showed up.
Two more days passed.
Tsunade finally appeared.
Inside the room, over a dozen gamblers knelt on either side. Sitting in the central seat among them was a young man with flowing white hair wearing a white robe.
After Heiyan received word of Tsunade's arrival, he ordered the casino owner to set up this trap, waiting for her to walk right into it.
Not long after.
With a sharp WHOOSH, the sliding door was pushed open by a jade-like hand painted with red nail polish. A beautiful woman with golden hair in twin ponytails and wearing a green cloak strode into the room carrying a black leather suitcase.
Her skin was pale and flawless, and her figure was simply stunning—especially those curves on her chest that had everyone glued to the sight.
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