Kazuku was utterly baffled.
What was going on? Why was she crying out of nowhere?
No one did anything to Tsunade!
Could it be…
Kazuku suddenly thought of the confiscated bills. He cautiously pulled them out.
Instantly.
Tsunade's crying stopped.
Replaced by a beaming smile and waving hands.
Kazuku: "???"
"Hahaha." Seeing her reaction, Hashirama burst into hearty laughter. "Our Little Tsuna's a money-grubber already."
Kazuku stared, exasperated, at his less-than-one-year-old sister, unable to speak or walk.
Then, he carefully tucked the money away.
In a flash!
Tsunade's smile vanished, replaced by wails!
You'd think someone hurt her.
This sister was something else.
Not giving up, Kazuku handed her everything in the room.
Trying to stop her crying.
None worked.
Not even the dice and cup could win her over.
"Haha, even a genius like you can't handle Tsuna," Hashirama gloated.
"Fine." Kazuku sighed helplessly, pulling out the bills and offering them to Tsunade.
As expected…
When the bills entered her view, her crying ceased.
Her big, watery eyes widened, as if nothing in the world…
Except money could captivate her.
Snatch!
In a flash…
Tsunade grabbed the bills with lightning speed, clutching them tightly, taking a deep sniff of their scent.
No…
The scent of money.
Seeing Tsunade's enraptured look…
Kazuku didn't know how to react.
He pictured a three- or four-year-old girl with pigtails, counting bills, laughing maniacally.
Thud!
Kazuku collapsed onto the tatami, looking defeated.
In the realm of bawling, I, Senju Kazuku, have never seen a ninja as exceptional as you.
I call you the strongest!
"Look at me, Kazuku."
Just then, Hashirama smirked smugly, grabbing the cup, sweeping the dice inside with a flick.
As the dice spun, clattering crisply…
Tsunade sat up from the tatami, crawling eagerly, placing the bills down.
Hashirama slammed the cup onto the tatami.
With a serious look, he stared at Tsunade.
"So, Princess Tsunade…"
"What's your choice?"
As Hashirama spoke, Tsunade reached out, tapping "big."
"Bet's set, Princess Tsunade."
Hashirama lifted the cup.
This time, it was one, one, three.
"One-one-three, small."
Seeing her bet lose, Tsunade pouted, crossing her arms, sulking.
But she didn't cry.
Hashirama casually tucked the bills into his haori.
Though Baby Tsunade was upset, she didn't cry!
Kazuku: "???"
The whole process left Kazuku dumbfounded.
What was this?
Her money was taken.
No way!
Losing willingly was one thing…
But looking at Tsunade's pouty face…
She was clearly unwilling.
In a sense, Tsunade was a gambler who honored her bets, not throwing tantrums!
Shocking Kazuku for a year!
And…
Undoubtedly, Tsunade was a genius!
In losing money, she was unmatched!
A true prodigy!
"But, is this really okay, Grandpa Hashirama? Tsunade's not even one."
Kazuku shot Hashirama a look, as if saying, You're corrupting her.
"What's the issue? Tsuna's just young, lacking skill."
"I tried teaching her, but…"
"She can't understand me yet."
"When she's older, she'll master this field."
"Kazuku…"
Hashirama took a deep breath, speaking earnestly. "My two greatest dreams are entrusted to you two!"
Kazuku: "???"
Teach her some real skills!
The complaints were too many to voice.
"Grandpa Hashirama, give Tsunade her money back," Kazuku said.
"I wasn't planning to keep it…"
Hashirama said sheepishly, looking like he was just playing with her.
He pulled out the bills.
Not one stack, but ten!
So many?
"But…"
Kazuku watched Tsunade desperately trying to hug the bills.
He grew worried.
Tsunade, not yet one, loved money but didn't understand its value.
As her brother, he should hold onto it.
Return it when she's older.
Not just this, but future New Year's money.
As Hashirama's granddaughter, she was Konoha's princess.
Every clan would likely shower her with generous New Year's gifts.
She couldn't manage it or grasp money's concept.
As her brother…
Like a father.
He'd take the burden of safeguarding her New Year's money.
Return it when she's grown.
"Little Tsuna, wanna play a few rounds?"
Kazuku smiled, tossing the dice into the cup.
Meanwhile…
At the Hokage Tower.
Danzo recounted the Land of Waves events in detail.
Especially Kazuku's defeat of Gengetsu, sparing no detail.
Tobirama listened, stunned.
Kazuku defeated a Hozuki ninja?
And…
It was Gengetsu?
As the future Second Mizukage…
Even in the Warring States, he was renowned.
Tobirama respected him.
Yet…
Danzo said this respected man…
Died by Kazuku's hand?
Ridiculous!
But the flesh Danzo brought was undeniable proof!
Kazuku did defeat Gengetsu!
Suddenly, Tobirama had a wild idea…
Maybe he could teach Kazuku the Flying Thunder God Technique.
(End of Chapter)