The Konoha Casino thrummed with noise and energy. Hanekawa stifled another yawn, shifting into a more comfortable position in Tsunade's warm embrace. Every time his eyes began to close, the cacophony of voices and the rich scent of sake would jolt him back to awareness.

  This is torture, he thought. If my Ability System had a game function, I could at least play something. Instead, I'm stuck being a living good luck charm while adults throw money around.

  After a few rounds of gambling, Tsunade had discovered the truth: with Hanekawa nearby, her legendary bad luck simply... neutralized. She'd immediately forbidden him from interfering, insisting children shouldn't gamble. So here he was, trapped in boredom.

  After what felt like an eternity, Tsunade's voice cut through his drowsy haze. "Is it over?" he asked hopefully.

  "Ah." Tsunade's lips curved into a satisfied smile. "My treat. Let's get some chicken."

  "Okay." Hanekawa perked up immediately. Food sounded infinitely better than watching dice roll.

  They left the casino and headed toward a nearby izakaya. As they walked, a coquettish voice called out from behind them. "Uncle, come back soon!"

  Hanekawa glanced back and did a double-take. Despite the cold March weather, a woman in a scandalously short kimono was waving goodbye to a white-haired man. The outfit looked more like bondage wear than actual clothing.

  "Hahaha! I'll definitely be back tomorrow!" the man called, his hand lingering on her backside as he laughed.

  Oh no.

  Hanekawa felt it before he saw it—a sudden spike of murderous intent so sharp it made his skin prickle. He looked up at Tsunade and found her expression had gone dark as a thundercloud.

  Jiraiya, Hanekawa realized immediately. Of course it's Jiraiya.

  He quickly retreated behind Tsunade, already knowing what came next.

  "Why does this feel familiar?" Jiraiya muttered, scratching his head. Then his expression shifted. He spun around—and sobered up instantly when he saw Tsunade.

  His face went pale.

  "Tsunade, it's all a misunderstanding!" he yelped, forcing a desperate smile. "A complete misunderstanding!"

  BANG.

  Tsunade's fist connected with his face before he could finish. Jiraiya's body flew backward like a ragdoll, slamming into the wall hard enough to leave a crater shaped like his body.

  "Walk," Tsunade said coldly, taking Hanekawa's hand and turning away without a backward glance.

  Behind them, Jiraiya spat out dust and slowly peeled himself off the wall, looking like he wanted to cry.

  ---

  Inside the izakaya, Tsunade's mood was still sour.

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  "That's Jiraiya," she said, her tone sharp. "Don't learn from him."

  "I won't," Hanekawa assured quickly. At least not until I can actually beat you in a fight.

  Tsunade's expression softened slightly. She pulled out a small passbook and slid it across the table. "This is for you."

  Hanekawa stared at it, then at her, clearly confused.

  "What's that look?" Tsunade snorted. "Six hundred thousand ryō. Your share of the winnings."

  "I... didn't expect that," Hanekawa admitted, opening the passbook in disbelief.

  "What, you think I rob children?" Tsunade rolled her eyes. "I'm one of the Legendary Sannin, brat. I have standards."

  "Am I the first person you've given money to?" Hanekawa asked curiously.

  "What kind of question is that?!" Tsunade looked genuinely offended. "Is that really what you think of me?"

  Yes, Hanekawa thought carefully. But I value my life.

  "You're the second," Tsunade said, taking a long drink of sake. "Now stop asking stupid questions and eat."

  The first had been Nawaki, her brother. The rest had borrowed money and never paid it back—not because Tsunade was unwilling, but because she'd been broke. Before meeting Hanekawa, her gambling career had been a masterclass in losing everything.

  Hanekawa smiled as he watched her drink, her cheeks flushed. Soft everywhere except the fists.

  As they ate, he considered what to do with the money. He didn't need it for forging tools, and his earnings from his novels under the pen name Rai Kaen were already several times higher than this. An idea began forming.

  After dinner, Tsunade waved at him with a flushed face and started walking home—directly toward a telephone pole.

  "Lady Tsunade, the pole," Hanekawa called out.

  She blinked, realized her mistake, and corrected course. The slightly silly expression on her face was almost endearing.

  Hanekawa crossed the boulevard and headed to the commercial district. By the time he returned home, he was carrying two large shopping bags that made his arms ache despite his enhanced strength.

  He pushed open the door and dropped the bags with a heavy thud.

  "What is all this?" Yuhi Shinku asked, raising an eyebrow.

  Kurenai poked her head out from behind him, eyes wide with curiosity.

  "Gifts," Hanekawa said, gesturing to the smaller bag. "That one's for you, Kurenai."

  "Really?!" Kurenai's face lit up like a lantern. She rushed over and tore open the bag, immediately squealing with delight. Toys, snacks, clothes—everything a six-year-old girl could want spilled out.

  Yuhi Shinku examined the contents with a stunned expression. He'd never bought Kurenai this much.

  "Where did you get the money?" he asked carefully.

  "I invested in Lady Tsunade," Hanekawa replied with a smile. "This bag is for you, Uncle Shinku."

  Shinku opened his bag and his eyes widened. Inside were expensive medicinal herbs—ginseng, deer antler, and other tonics. His expression grew emotional.

  "You're spending quite a lot," he said quietly.

  "Consider it tuition," Hanekawa said casually.

  Shinku's eyes brightened. "Well then. I'll teach you a new genjutsu tonight."

  Twenty minutes later, Shinku's expression had shifted from pride to something resembling shock and existential doubt.

  Hanekawa had learned the technique almost instantly.

  A notification appeared:

  [D-Rank Ninjutsu Entry: Fox Heart Technique]

  [Trigger Condition: Successfully perform this ninjutsu]

  [Effect: This ninjutsu automatically reaches proficient level]

  The three genjutsu he'd learned before had been E-Rank. This one was D-Rank—a clear step up. The Fox Heart Technique was a range genjutsu that made targets wander unconsciously, as if bewitched, draining their energy before they even realized what was happening.

  Not bad, Hanekawa thought. The fox gets a good reputation after all.

  Shinku stared at him with an expression that suggested his worldview had been fundamentally challenged.