Tsunade, renowned as one of the Sannin in Konoha, was even more infamous across the nations for another identity—The Legendary Sucker.
According to Orochimaru's intel, Tsunade had recently come into a large sum of money and was currently gambling in Shirakawa City, a coastal town in the Land of Fire. Deidara and Kisame needed to hurry if they wanted to find her there.
If they were too slow, Tsunade would gamble away all her money and vanish.
Setting off with Kisame again, they made their way to Shirakawa City, located on the eastern coast of the Land of Fire. The city boasted a high-quality port, making its shipping industry highly developed. This, in turn, supported thriving businesses such as red-light districts and casinos.
Deidara and Kisame moved quickly, taking just over a day to reach Shirakawa City. Including the time it took for Orochimaru to receive the intel, the entire process spanned only about three days.
However, Deidara had clearly underestimated Tsunade's gambling prowess. By the time they arrived, news had already spread throughout the city: the "Legendary Sucker" had appeared in Shirakawa City and, in just two days and one night, had lost 50 million ryō while accruing an additional debt of 20 million.
There was a good chance Tsunade had already fled.
Tsunade, can't you show some restraint? Deidara thought, exasperated. Two days and one night, and you've already lost enough to fund two Asumas. This is beyond excessive!
"What now, Deidara?" Kisame asked.
Deidara sighed helplessly. "I don't know either."
"Let's split up to look for clues. I'll check the taverns," Kisame offered. Ever since learning from Deidara that Itachi might also suffer from a bloodline-related illness, Kisame had been unusually proactive. He was now more anxious than Deidara to find Tsunade.
"Alright then."
"We'll just have to rely on luck. Maybe Tsunade hasn't left yet," Deidara said, convincing himself that he might have the same protagonist-like luck as Naruto.
After all, in the original story, Naruto managed to find Tsunade even after a week of searching, as if she had been waiting for him.
Deidara wandered aimlessly through Shirakawa City like a headless fly, finding nothing. Just as he was about to give up, a commotion erupted in a nearby alley.
"Tell us where that woman went!"
A group of burly, menacing thugs surrounded a petite, blonde girl who looked about eleven or twelve, slightly younger than Deidara.
"She went that way!" The blonde girl pointed to the left, her face filled with fear.
"Lead the way!"
"If you dare lie to us again, don't blame us for what happens next!" the leader of the thugs threatened viciously.
"Please let me go! I swear I'm not lying this time!" The girl leaned against the wall, pouting slightly, her eyes glistening with tears.
Deidara couldn't stand it anymore.
Tsunade, you old hag, you're too good at this! he thought. If I didn't already have my suspicions, I might've fallen for this act and come to your rescue. You're lucky I've got self-control!
That's right—this "blonde girl" was none other than Tsunade in her youthful form. Had Deidara not been familiar with the original story, even he might have been fooled.
"Stop right there! What do you think you're doing in broad daylight?" Deidara stepped out from the shadows.
Tsunade, disguised as the blonde girl, breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, the kid had taken the bait. It wasn't for nothing that she had thrown away her dignity to act cute and pitiful. Did he think she was doing this for the thugs?
No!
She was trying to trigger this boy's protective instincts so he would step in and help her escape.
With his chakra signature indicating he was a ninja, taking care of a few thugs should be a piece of cake.
"Kid, don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong!" one of the thugs growled, clenching his fists as if ready to fight.
Tsunade quickly hid behind Deidara, speaking in a soft, coquettish voice. "Oh, kind and handsome big brother, please save me!"
"No problem!"
Smack! Smack! Smack!
Using only taijutsu, Deidara easily defeated the group of thugs.
Of course, calling them thugs was a bit unfair—after all, it was Tsunade who had refused to pay her debts in the first place.
"Wow! Big brother, you're amazing!"
"Thank you! But I need to go home now, or my mom will worry," Tsunade said, bowing politely before attempting to slip away.
You think I'll let you leave after all this?
"Hey, no need to rush, little sister!" Deidara called out.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm the heir of the Musashi Trading Company. How about I treat you to a meal?" Deidara said, adopting the persona of a wealthy, arrogant young master.
For most people, this kind of introduction would be off-putting.
But Tsunade was different. Her eyes lit up as she prepared to flee.
A perfect sucker just walked right into my hands!
Judging by his demeanor, this kid wasn't a good person. She'd play along for now, drug him, and take his money. That would fund her next gambling spree!
"Holding onto the hem of her clothes, she shyly replied, "Of course, big brother. I suddenly remembered my mom is out today, so it's okay if I go home a bit later."
"Then let's go."
"Thank you, big brother!"
Tsunade followed Deidara as they left, but a figure hidden in the shadows was growing increasingly anxious.
"Tsunade-sama, what are you doing?!"
The figure covered their face in frustration, clearly embarrassed.
"Tsunade-sama is getting more shameless by the day. I can't believe she'd stoop to this... I'd better follow them. Hopefully, that kid keeps his hands to himself; otherwise, Tsunade-sama might kill him."
Deidara led Tsunade to a tavern, casually placing a large chest on a nearby seat and patting it dramatically.
"Don't worry, little sister. Big brother has plenty of money. Order whatever you like—eat and drink to your heart's content!"
"Big brother, you're so bad! I'm underage; I can't drink!" Tsunade said shyly.
If you weren't swallowing nervously, I might've believed you!
Aside from gambling, Tsunade was also a notorious heavy drinker. Resisting the urge to drink now must've been torture for her.
Deidara smirked mischievously. "Are you sure? This wine is really good. A little sip won't hurt, even if you're underage."
Does he think I'm one of those naive, innocent girls? Tsunade thought, her eyes flashing with disdain. If I actually drank and got drunk, I can already imagine what would happen next.
Her disdain was quickly replaced by determination. For the sake of money, she decided she could endure a little longer.
"Big brother, since you like drinking so much, let me pour you a glass," Tsunade said, pouring a drink and discreetly adding a sedative before handing it to Deidara.
You think you can fool me, old hag? Deidara thought. I'm not drinking that! Let's see how frustrated you get!
"Oh, little sister, how could I trouble you like that? Please, sit down," Deidara said.
"It's no trouble, big brother. It's my way of showing gratitude. Please, drink it."
Stop pretending!
"No, no, I can't possibly let a young lady pour me a drink," Deidara insisted.
Let's see how long you can keep this up!
"Drink it, big brother. It's fine," Tsunade said, holding the cup with a look of exaggerated disappointment.
Drink it!
"No, absolutely not!" Deidara refused again.
Finally, Tsunade snapped. She grabbed the cup and shoved it, along with the drink, into Deidara's mouth. Clearly, her patience had run out.
As the "Princess of Konoha," when had she ever been forced to lower herself like this?
"You little punk! If you won't drink willingly, then take it by force!"
"Sweet dreams!"
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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