The casino buzzed with the usual sounds of shuffling cards and clinking coins. Tsunade sat at the table, eyes locked onto the game, lips pressed into a tight line. She had already lost several rounds, but something else was nagging at her.
'Why hasn't he come yet?' By her calculations, Takeshi should have already clashed with those old geezers and used the Flying Thunder God to come seek her help, which is when she would use to extort- kindly ask for some money. 'So what went wrong?' She frowned, but the thought was fleeting.
The problem with losing money was that it made her hands itch even more. Despite the warning bells in her head, she kept playing a few more rounds, chasing the feeling, until-
She was broke. Tsunade blinked at the empty purse in her hands. Right. That fatal flaw again.
'What to do?' Well, no big deal. With a casual glance around, she made a quick decision-*Transformation Jutsu.* Disguising herself as an entirely different person, she quietly slipped away from the casino. As long as she wasn't caught on the spot, she'd be fine. Her jutsu was flawless. Even the seasoned guards stationed in Konoha's casinos wouldn't recognize her.
However...
"Boss, Tsunade-sama is gone."
The guards had long since noticed her disappearance. After all, it would be strange for such a 'The Legendary Sucker' to walk in and not draw attention.
The casino boss sighed, rubbing his temples. "Tsunade-sama has no money. Just write down the debt-we'll take it up with the Third Hokage later."
He wasn't particularly worried. Her reputation for being broke was as famous as her gambling addiction. That being said, she wasn't the type to resort to threats or violence over debts. She was just... utterly penniless.
If it were a Casino in another place, it would be one thing, but in Konoha, wouldn't finding the Third Hokage solve the problem? Understanding this, the boss never intended to get money from Tsunade in the first place. That was completely unrealistic.
"Understood."
Leaving the casino, Tsunade meanwhile was utterly unbothered.
She didn't know exactly what had gone down between Takeshi and the old man, but since he hadn't come running to her, she assumed the matter was settled. This trip back to the village had been perfect-she didn't have to lift a finger, got to gamble for a bit, and even breathed in some fresh air. A well-earned vacation.
Still, since she owed money, it was probably time to slip away before the debt collectors got any ideas. She decided to find Takeshi and ask what had happened.
There was just one problem.
'Where had that damn cat run off to?' Knowing him, there was no way he was still obediently sitting in the old man's office. She could barely stand being in that place for more than a few seconds, let alone a dead-eyed black cat.
---
Elsewhere in Konoha, a black cat sprawled lazily atop a sun-warmed roof.
"Meow."
The rooftops of Konoha were infinitely more comfortable than the cramped tent he had endured at camp. Most of the buildings here had high-quality tiles, and at this time of year, the sun heated them just right. It was like lying on a giant, toasty futon.
Much better than Jiraiya's dry camp or Tsunade's perpetually damp one.
Takeshi flicked his tail and narrowed his eyes as he spotted a familiar green-clad figure sprinting through the village.
Might Guy, still on his eternal training run.
Takeshi made no move to call out to him.
Surprises were best saved for dramatic effect. If he greeted Guy now, the reunion would lose its impact. It had to be sudden, shocking, unforgettable-that was how you made an impression.
Still, he found it a little ridiculous that the village had him leading Guy and his team. Weren't they worried he'd be a bad influence on those three innocent kids? Well, maybe not Ebisu. That one had a stick so far up his-
Takeshi smirked to himself. That kid always wore sunglasses and acted all serious, but deep down, he was just a closet pervert.
On second thought, maybe it wasn't such a bad team.
The only one he felt vaguely guilty about was Genma. But then again, the toothpick-chewing shinobi had plenty of proper mentors in his clan.
Yeah. Everything was working out just fine.
Takeshi pondered for a moment, his mind now unburdened. Since the village had entrusted him with the responsibility, it meant they weren't afraid of him being a bad influence. That gave him the freedom to proceed as he pleased.
But that was for tomorrow.
Today, he would rest. Go home, take a well-deserved nap, and then consider his next steps.
With that thought, he slowly made his way toward the Nohara household. He intended to savor the last bit of peace before responsibilities caught up with him, recuperate at home, and-more importantly-annoy Aizawa Nohara. If he didn't share the joy of his recent promotion to Jonin, what was the point?
That was the plan-until he caught sight of a familiar figure as he leaped across the rooftops.
The scheming brat, Kabuto Yakushi.
Takeshi's ears twitched. It had been a while since he'd collected any money from Kabuto.
Takeshi thought of this as soon as he saw him...
Not that he was particularly short on funds, but it was always good to have someone reliable to run errands for him. And in a village like Konoha, Kabuto was one of the few he could trust for certain tasks. The kid was sharp, resourceful, and-most importantly-knew when to keep his mouth shut.
Perfect for handling delicate matters.
Like procuring Chakra Paper.
He just returned to Konoha recently and wouldn't be immediately dragged back to the border, so he could have Kabuto buy some and send them to Ninja Cat Fortress.
With that in mind, the black cat changed course, effortlessly landing on Kabuto's shoulder. The boy reacted instantly, hand darting to his pouch to pull out a kunai. Purely out of reflex. 'Nono must be training him well to keep him away from clutches of one-eyed bastard.'
Seeing that it was the black cat, he paused for a moment, and then, seeing the familiar forehead protector and attire, he immediately recognized the black cat's identity.
Takeshi flicked his tail lazily. "Meow~ Relax, it's just me."
Kabuto adjusted his glasses as he slid the kunai back into place. "Takeshi. You actually came back to the village. That's... unexpected."
The boy adjusted his glasses, calmly putting the kunai back into his pouch, as if the reaction just now wasn't his but someone else's.
It seems a lot has happened recently...
The cat tilted his head. "How have you been?"
"Not bad. I spend most of my time studying medical techniques, watching the teachers treat patients." Kabuto replied calmly.
Takeshi's eyes flicked around. Too many people. Not the best place for certain conversations.
So, he followed Kabuto as the boy walked aimlessly through the village, eventually making his way toward the orphanage. Only when they had left the bustling streets behind did Takeshi speak again.
"Meow~ Has Danzo approached you?"
Kabuto's steps faltered. His expression remained neutral, but there was the slightest hesitation before he responded. "Yes."
Takeshi sighed. "Meow! Ignore him. He's an idiot. The more attention you give him, the worse it'll be for your orphanage in the long run."
If any Root members had been around to hear that, they'd have reported him instantly. But Takeshi had already confirmed they weren't being watched. The coming war had Root stretched thin, surveillance was at an all-time low.
"How so?" Kabuto asked, his voice carefully measured. Despite his intelligence, he was still a child. He had yet to consider what would happen if Danzo didn't keep his word.
Takeshi flicked his tail. "Meow~ Danzo is known as the darkness of the shinobi world, you know? Do you really think someone like that keeps promises? He'll likely threaten Nono to control you... and then uses you to control her..." He let the implication hang in the air.
Kabuto was silent for a long moment, his brows furrowing as realization set in. Finally, he nodded slowly. "That... makes sense." He exhaled sharply before glancing down at the cat. "But you understand all this already?"
Takeshi smirked. "Meow~ I understand a lot of things."
Kabuto said nothing, but the thoughtful look on his face told Takeshi he'd given him something to think about.
Takeshi flicked his tail smugly. "I'm a Jonin now, you know."
Kabuto's stride faltered. His eyes widened, lips parting slightly as he processed the words. "Wait... really? You're a Jonin?"
The black cat nodded.
Kabuto walked in stunned silence for a while before he finally huffed. "And yet, you're still sitting on my shoulder? Do you even realize how heavy you are?"
Kabuto was still just a child, while Takeshi was already quite heavy.
"Meow~ You'll live." Takeshi yawned lazily, completely unbothered.
Kabuto rolled his eyes but didn't push the cat off.
"By the way," Takeshi continued, "can you help me buy some Chakra Paper? And keep it quiet-I don't want anyone knowing it's for me."
Kabuto arched an eyebrow. "Chakra Paper? Hah, that's it? We have some at the orphanage. If you need it, just come by, and I'll get you some."
Takeshi's ears perked up. "That's great! Thanks, meow!"
Kabuto shrugged. "It's just paper. No big deal."
Of course, he knew Takeshi definitely had a use for it, and the use probably wasn't for anyone in Konoha, but for some of his own forces, but what did that have to do with him? Kabuto didn't care.
He only knew that Takeshi had goodwill towards him, while Danzo and Orochimaru were all trying to use him. However, Orochimaru was different from Danzo, Orochimaru was much better than Danzo.
Takeshi leaped off Kabuto's shoulder, padding along beside him instead. He had already imposed enough; there was no need to make a child carry his weight. Kabuto wasn't exactly training in heavy lifting-yet.
The two made their way toward the orphanage, walking side by side. But as they approached, Takeshi's nose twitched. His fur bristled slightly. A familiar scent hung in the air, sharp and unmistakable.
He was just about to step back when the person inside emerged.
"Hmph, didn't expect to see you two together." Tsunade smirked, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "That saves me the trouble of tracking you down."
As one of the Legendary Sannin, finding people was hardly an issue for her.
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