To be honest, Kazuki initially wanted to reject Tsunade's request, hoping she would suffer a significant gambling loss and learn a lesson. Only then would he step in to help her wake up to reality.
But…
Tsunade ended up smashing other gambling houses in frustration.
It seemed that someone had truly provoked her, touching her reverse scale.
In this situation, Kazuki had no choice but to intervene.
Late at night, a man and a woman walked along the quiet streets of Konoha.
The blonde woman was in high spirits, her hearty laughter echoing through the night.
Tsunade felt a sense of relief.
Thanks to Kazuki, she had regained her pride once again!
Not only had she won back the 10 million ryo she had lost earlier, but she had also earned an additional 20 million ryo. Even though she didn't get to keep the full amount, she was still extremely happy!
Why?
Because the casino that had humiliated her was utterly crushed—by Kazuki!
"Kazuki, I owe you big time this time!" Tsunade grinned.
"Not only did I get my money back, but we also took down that filthy casino!"
"So tell me…" She turned to him, her golden eyes glinting mischievously under the moonlight. "How should I repay you?"
Kazuki remained indifferent.
"There's no need," he said plainly.
"Oh?"
Tsunade's expression shifted.
"Kid, are you saying I, Tsunade, can't repay a favor?"
Sensing danger, Kazuki quickly blurted out, "Then… how about Master Tsunade mentoring my little sister?"
"Your sister?"
Tsunade paused, recalling a certain girl who seemed rather wary of her…
"Tenten, right?"
She muttered something under her breath, likely calculating the total amount of money she had won back.
Then she nodded.
"Fine… I'll do it."
Kazuki's eye twitched.
Was she seriously counting all the money she had reclaimed?!
Was it really that hard to agree to train a single disciple?!
When he got home, Kazuki went straight into his forging room. He was at a crucial stage in crafting the Earth Grudge weapon and was eager to test its capabilities as soon as possible.
The Next Morning
By the time the sun had been up for hours, Kazuki was still in bed.
He had worked on forging Earth Grudge until dawn and had barely gotten any sleep.
But before he could enjoy his rest, loud knocking jolted him awake!
"Big brother!"
"Did you ask Tsunade-sama to take me as her disciple?!"
"No way! I refuse!"
Still half-asleep, Kazuki could barely process what was going on as Tenten's loud complaints filled the room.
"Disciple?"
"Wait… hold on… let me wake up first."
Sitting up groggily, Kazuki took a moment to recall what had happened the previous night.
That's right—he had told Tsunade that if she really wanted to repay him, she could mentor Tenten…
But…
Oh no.
She misunderstood!
Kazuki almost wanted to laugh at the situation.
"No wonder she was doing all those calculations last night… so that's what it was about."
After grasping the situation, Kazuki looked at Tenten and said, "Isn't it a good thing that Tsunade-sama agreed to train you? Why are you upset?"
Tenten pouted, her voice filled with grievance.
"I don't want to turn into a gambler!"
"Huh?" Kazuki blinked in confusion. "What does gambling have to do with training under Tsunade?"
"I was at the casino with you that day… and I heard people calling her 'The Legendary Sucker'!"
"They said she inherited the First Hokage's gambling addiction and awful luck…"
"If I become her student, I'll catch that bad habit too!!"
"I don't want to be such a useless adult!"
"Rumor! This is just a rumor! Don't believe it!"
Kazuki wasn't laughing. He reached out and patted Tenten's little head.
At the same time, he couldn't help but think...
The people in this gambling hall are really stingy.
Daring to say such things without fear of causing trouble for themselves.
"Everyone's habits are their own. If you don't want to be a gambler, no one can force you—let alone make it contagious."
A child is still a child.
Children in the Naruto world are precocious, but their knowledge isn't complete.
"Yeah, but I..." Tenten pouted.
Kazuki didn't know what was going through her mind.
"Tenten! Tenten!"
A loud voice came from downstairs—it was their father.
Step. Step.
Heavy footsteps approached.
"Tenten, come down quickly!"
"Lady Tsunade wants to take you as her disciple! This is a huge honor—why did you run off to Kazuki instead?!"
Tenten hesitated. "I..."
Her father pressed, "Come down now!"
"Do you know how many people dream of becoming Lady Tsunade's apprentice and never get the chance? Go, go! You won't regret training under her!"
Kazuki also spoke up. "Tenten, you should go."
"...Alright then..." she finally gave in.
"I just hope Tsunade-sama's gambling habits don't rub off on me..."
"Watch your mouth! You should call her Master Tsunade!" their father scolded. "No—actually, from now on, you have to address her as Sensei."
With that, he took Tenten downstairs for the formal apprenticeship.
Back in his room, Kazuki simply smiled.
Tenten had woken him up. Even though he had only slept for three or four hours, it was enough rest.
After washing up, Kazuki got ready to head to the forge.
Hmm... Tsunade taking an apprentice...
This wasn't just about gambling, or some favor that could be measured in money.
Kazuki wanted to forge something new for Tsunade.
He wanted to befriend her—and in friendship, helping each other was natural.
But when the favors exchanged were too great, it could harm the balance of that friendship.
What should I make...?
When he went downstairs, he saw Tenten kneeling before Tsunade, offering tea in a traditional apprenticeship ceremony.
Unlike the ninja academy, where students were assigned to a jonin mentor upon graduation, this was an ancient custom—dating back to the Warring States Period.
It was strict.
This was something their parents insisted Tenten do properly.
She held the teacup out with both hands, still pouting slightly, clearly not thrilled about the situation.
Tsunade accepted the cup and took a symbolic sip.
"From today onward, you are my disciple," she declared. "From now on, you will call me Sensei."
"...Yes..."
"Hahaha!"
Seeing Tenten's sulky face, Tsunade didn't get angry—instead, she burst into laughter.
"Acting tough, huh?" she smirked.
"Let's see how long that lasts!"
"Come with me!"
She stood up from her seat, exuding her usual commanding presence, and walked out without looking back.
"Where are we going?" Tenten asked.
"Since I'm your sensei now, it's my job to train you. Before we begin, I need to see what you're capable of."
"Meet me at the training grounds."
Tsunade left without waiting for a response.
Tenten hesitated for a moment before following after her.
Watching his daughter officially become Tsunade's apprentice, their father looked beyond pleased.
Kazuki chatted with him for a bit before heading off to his forge.
Two hours later—
Konoha's Training Ground No. 1.
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