Hiruzen Sarutobi understood that any direct military conflict between the Hidden Leaf Village and the Akatsuki organization would inevitably result in severe losses.
This systemic attrition was why Akatsuki, a mercenary group composed of S-rank rogue ninja from various nations, had flourished—they were too difficult to engage, and the cost of victory often left the attacking village vulnerable to opportunistic rivals.
An alliance, however, fundamentally changed the equation. While it introduced political complexities, it generated significant tactical opportunities, potentially allowing Konoha to achieve multiple objectives simultaneously.
Tsunade, less versed in the grand strategy of political maneuvering, readily agreed with the core concept: facing a unified enemy together drastically minimized Konoha's exposure and losses.
"The Chunin Exams?" Tsunade nodded, accepting the mission with a direct gaze. "Leave the organizational duties to me."
She recognized the opportunity her master was presenting: a chance to fully immerse herself in Konoha's intricate political fabric. Overseeing the Exams demanded communication and coordination with every sector of the village administration. By assigning the Hyūga Clan to assist her, Hiruzen was effectively handing Tsunade a valuable political tool, easing her integration back into the village's power structure.
"There is one final matter," Hiruzen said, his expression turning serious. "Master Shen Mo is not an unemotional entity. I perceive that he genuinely hopes to see several of us evolve into high-level clients. We must actively demonstrate our commitment to this progression."
The Hokage maintained extreme caution regarding Shen Mo, ensuring his words were carefully chosen even when the merchant wasn't physically present.
Tsunade immediately grasped the gravity of the statement. While they might never achieve personal intimacy with the merchant, they could not, under any circumstances, provoke his disdain. She nodded firmly, acknowledging her understanding.
💰 The Return of Shizune
As Tsunade walked home from the Hokage's office, her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Shen Mo.
Her feelings toward him had undergone a dramatic evolution: from initial casual acquaintance, to serious respect, then profound gratitude for saving her life, and finally, a creeping sense of awe.
This shift was driven entirely by the continuous, immense power Shen Mo displayed. Despite his unchanging, easygoing smile, the fundamental reality of his status—a transcendent being capable of rewriting fate—was sufficient to alter everything.
"Hah..." Tsunade sighed with a pang of complicated loss. For a brief period, she had genuinely treated him as a friend.
"Lady Tsunade!" a voice suddenly called out.
Tsunade looked up, surprised and delighted. Standing at her door, waiting patiently, was Shizune!
"Shizune, you're back!" Tsunade hurried over, her demeanor instantly softening.
"Lady... Tsunade?" Shizune was overwhelmed by the unexpected, warm reception.
"It was dreadfully dull without you here," Tsunade confessed, placing a hand affectionately on Shizune's shoulder, a bright smile lighting up her face.
For over a decade, Shizune had been her constant companion. Only her absence had revealed how deeply Tsunade relied on her presence.
"Lady Tsunade..." Shizune's cheeks flushed slightly under the affection. To quickly change the subject, she reported her success: "I completed the mission. I managed to recover over seventy percent of the money you had lost. However, later rumors made some gamblers wary, and others simply ran out of funds."
"That's fantastic!" Tsunade nodded, then gave Shizune a careful once-over. "You didn't encounter any serious trouble, did you?"
"A few people suspected foul play, but they couldn't find any actionable proof and thankfully didn't escalate the situation," Shizune admitted, slightly embarrassed.
Using Luck Potions and other Jar-derived enhancements was, technically, bending the rules of the game. Tsunade had thankfully opened and sent her enough Potions via summoning animal to achieve such massive gains.
"How can something related to luck be considered cheating?" Tsunade scoffed with feigned indignation, fighting a wave of guilt. "So, how much did you actually recover?" she asked, her voice brimming with anticipation.
"Just over 740 million Ryo," Shizune replied calmly.
"That much?!" Tsunade's jaw dropped.
She had never dared to calculate the total she had lost over her wandering decade, often only gambling to replenish the coffers when they ran dry. Hearing the total now was a genuine shock.
"Lady Tsunade," Shizune said helplessly, "You are the Hidden Leaf Princess and one of the world's most renowned medical ninja. Between the remnant Senju Clan funds and your substantial medical fees from treating the world's elite, that total, while large, is not entirely improbable."
"I am never gambling again!" Tsunade announced, her cheeks flushing slightly from embarrassment and excitement.
She had never possessed such an overwhelming quantity of disposable wealth! And the timing could not have been more perfect.
"Secure the funds, Shizune. We're going to the Hyūga Clan compound." Tsunade's eyes were sparkling, her voice energized by her newfound fortune.
"The Hyūga Clan?" Shizune questioned, unfamiliar with the recent developments, but she followed her master instantly.
🥋 The Hyūga Clan's Calculation
The two women proceeded directly to the Hyūga compound.
The Hyūga Clan, known for its Byakugan Kekkei Genkai, operated under an exceptionally rigid system—far stricter than the Uchiha Clan's. Every gesture, every piece of etiquette, was governed by tradition.
Tsunade and Shizune were received as high-status guests, treated with profound respect by every member they passed, particularly the members of the Branch Family, many of whom held roles little better than specialized retainers due to their lack of talent.
"Lady Tsunade."
Upon their arrival in the meeting room, Hiashi Hyūga, the Clan Head, rose and offered a slight bow. Tea was already prepared on a low table, demonstrating the respect the clan held for the Sannin.
"There is no need for such formality," Tsunade waved him to sit, then knelt herself. "I am here today because I believe the time is right for you to acquire some Jars and significantly enhance your strength."
Hiashi Hyūga's posture stiffened immediately. Buying Jars. This was the very subject of recent, tense internal debate.
"However, Lady Tsunade," Hiashi began cautiously, "due to the necessity of strict confidentiality, only a select number of elders within the clan are currently aware of this phenomenon. I am afraid we are unable to pool the resources of the clan in its entirety."
This was a diplomatic way of stating the elders' refusal. Upon receiving the Hokage's request for centralized resource pooling, the senior leadership had been furious. Since they had not personally witnessed the Jar's miracles, they were deeply reluctant to contribute substantial wealth. Despite being the Clan Head, Hiashi did not wield absolute, unquestioned authority.
Tsunade, having been briefed by Hiruzen, was prepared for this resistance.
"Master Hiruzen's intent is simply to manage the distribution among a select group of you high-ranking Jōnin," she clarified directly. "For that portion, you few clans must settle the distribution amongst yourselves. My purpose here is to purchase Jars directly, and at the same time, allow Shen Mo to assess if anyone in your clan possesses truly outstanding potential."
The "potential" she referenced, of course, referred to their natural affinity for drawing favorable items from the Jars.