CH - 40 Smash it!
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Filled with curiosity and confusion about the nature of the movie, Shizune and Tsunade settle down and attentively watch as the screen comes to life.
The story begins in Konoha, following the conclusion of the Second Great Ninja War, where the three Sannin have already established themselves as prominent figures in the ninja world. To accurately depict the state of the ninja world and the identities of these legendary ninjas, significant modifications were made to the script based on Jiraiya's suggestion.
Naturally, the familiar scenes and the presence of the well-known trio immediately capture Tsunade and Shizune's attention. One has a curious gleam in her eyes, while the other is filled with reminiscence. Tsunade seems to be transported back to the days of joy in Konoha. Despite the sadness caused by the loss of her grandfather and second grandfather, she quickly finds solace in the presence of Grandma Mito, Nawaki, and her two companions.
Those were truly blissful days. Tsunade observes the three youthful figures on the screen, diligently honing their skills under the guidance of their elder, and a smile involuntarily forms on her lips. However, after a while...
Tsunade's frustration reaches its peak as she angrily exclaims, standing up from her seat and pointing at the character on the screen that bears a resemblance to her. "What kind of absurd movie is this? What on earth is going on?" She expresses her disbelief, unable to accept the portrayal of herself. "Are they seriously suggesting that's me? Out of all people? As if I would ever stoop so low as to kiss that idiot!"
"Tsunade-sama, Tsunade-sama," Shizune is startled by Tsunade's sudden outburst and cautiously pulls her back, whispering, "Please calm down! We need to be quiet here, everyone is watching."
Shizune realizes that continuing in this manner would reveal Tsunade's true identity, and her words manage to pacify Tsunade to some extent.
Tsunade's frustration boils over as she mutters in anger, quickly composing herself and returning her attention to the screen. With a sneer, she remarks, "As if that would ever happen! If that idiot were here, I'd give him a well-deserved beating. That perverted toad would even beg to hold my hand, yet in this movie, he portrays himself as someone who rejects any such advances." Despite her annoyance, Tsunade manages to control her emotions and focuses on the unfolding story.
"Yes, yes! After all, Tsunade-sama is so beautiful! Jiraiya-sama shouldn't depict Tsunade-sama in this manner," Shizune quickly agrees, attempting to comfort Tsunade, before eagerly returning her attention to the big screen.
While Tsunade seethed with anger, Shizune found herself quite entertained by the movie. In an era where entertainment was scarce and simple, films like this, with their captivating plots, romance, and comedy, had their own charm. Even though the story didn't perfectly align with reality, it didn't dampen Shizune's enjoyment or her emotional investment in the unfolding drama.
She genuinely thought it was a good movie! Moreover, if Jiraiya-sama and Tsunade-sama could truly end up together, it would be wonderful. Shizune believed that even Uncle Dan wouldn't want Lady Tsunade to continue living in solitude. Despite Tsunade's anger towards certain aspects of the story, Shizune couldn't help but feel curious about what would happen next.
The plot continued to unfold, reaching a point where the three protagonists had to part ways and embark on their separate journeys due to the war.
Then, one day, driven by love, Tsunade embarked on a quest to find Jiraiya, accompanied by Orochimaru, and arrived in the Land of Grass.
Tsunade's face flushed red with anger, and she clenched her right wrist protector forcefully, causing nearby audience members, who were also engrossed in the movie, to startle. They couldn't help but think, "She seems dangerous!"
However, this time, Tsunade didn't stand up. Instead, she raised an eyebrow and spoke coldly, "Would I really go searching for that idiot? Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"
As time passed, their journey unfolded, and they reminisced about fragments of their ninja training. Eventually, Jiraiya let go of his inner hesitation and found his own love!
Finally, the moment arrived when the kiss that Jiraiya had pleaded with Akihiko to modify in the script took place onscreen. Perhaps he knew that Tsunade wouldn't be able to physically harm him from wherever she chose to watch the movie, so he dared to take advantage of the situation!
Yet, as the movie approached its conclusion, Tsunade's composure unraveled. With an enraged expression, she abruptly stood up, waving her fist.
"Demolish this place for me! What kind of wretched movie have they created?!"
…
"I deeply apologize! We will compensate for the damages," Shizune bowed to the theater manager, seeking forgiveness on behalf of Tsunade, who had caused significant destruction in the theater.
The manager of the theater, still taken aback by the earlier display of anger and the resulting damage, responded, "How could someone become so enraged while watching a movie? And now, the cost of repairing the damages will be substantial!" He surveyed the damaged theater and felt a pang of disappointment. Glancing at Tsunade, he added, "By the way, why does your teacher look familiar?"
Upon hearing the manager's words, Shizune quickly paid the compensation money, realizing that he might recognize Tsunade. She swiftly pulled Tsunade away, hoping to avoid any further attention.
Being away from Konoha, Tsunade had been keeping her whereabouts concealed, not wanting to be discovered by the village. It was best for them to leave the area quickly before attracting any more attention.
After putting some distance between themselves and the theater, Shizune complained while looking at Tsunade, "Tsunade-sama, how could you damage someone else's property? The compensation will cost a substantial amount of money! Even more than what Tsunade-sama usually loses in a single day."
'In that case, you should go to the gambling den instead!' Shizune thought inwardly, aware of Tsunade's tendencies to lose money.
"They were just trying to swindle us! They demanded an outrageous amount. Why are you pulling me away? As I said, we should just destroy everything!" Tsunade responded with an annoyed expression. "How dare they try to deceive me?!"
"Moreover, Tsunade-sama, you were in the wrong from the very beginning..." Shizune paused for a moment and continued, "Based on my investigation, they assert that Jiraiya-sama personally approved this movie. They even have a signed contract with him, and if he were to break it now, he would be obligated to pay a significant sum. I've heard that..." She paused once more. "Jiraiya-sama seems to be facing substantial financial trouble in the Land of Grass. He owes a considerable amount of money, leaving him no choice but to accept this project."
"Did that idiot get caught peeping on someone's wife?" Tsunade heard Shizune and was momentarily stunned. Then, she pouted and waved her hand dismissively. "Serves him right! I'll settle the score with him later. For now, I want to have some fun and blow off some steam."
"What? Gambling again? Didn't we agree not to gamble today? And, Tsunade-sama, that's not venting. Losing continuously will only make you more frustrated," Shizune tried to dissuade Tsunade, shocked by her decision.
"I derive pleasure from losing! So what?" Tsunade retorted, adopting the demeanor of a wealthy and assertive woman. "I can indulge in extravagant spending!" As she finished speaking, a loud voice rang out.
"Come and see! Grass Mystery Boxes! Thrilling and exhilarating! Experience something extraordinary."
"Officially authorized! It features all the heroes from various villages! You might even uncover the coveted hidden editions!"
"The neighboring Land of Grass Daimyo accidentally unveiled the legendary hidden edition. No more grazing on grass—live a blissful life from now on."
The booming voice captured their attention. Tsunade was taken aback and halted in her tracks, gazing curiously at the lively area nearby. What was happening? Was there another cinema? And if not, why was it so bustling?!
Unbeknownst to her, the majority of people in the crowd were connected to the seller, generating hype for promotional purposes. However, seeing the large gathering, Tsunade was deceived and approached out of curiosity.
"Tsunade-sama," Shizune had no choice but to hastily follow and observed Tsunade with a similar curiosity in her eyes. She also wondered, "Grass Mystery Boxes? What are they?" After grasping the concept of the Mystery Boxes, Shizune glanced at Tsunade's eager expression and couldn't help but deflate, muttering, "Isn't this just another form of gambling?"
Just as she finished speaking, it seemed that he overheard something. The shopkeeper in front of them suddenly grew displeased and picked up a box, saying, "What are you implying, little girl? Gambling? There's no gambling here. We are engaged in legitimate business. You buy, and I sell. It's a mutually agreed transaction. Inside these boxes, you can find adorable figurines, including the God of Shinobi wielding the Nine-Tails with one hand. How can it be considered gambling when you receive something? Can you obtain such exquisite dolls through gambling?"
"But a hundred ryo for one doll... It's quite expensive," Shizune still felt that it wasn't a good deal and merely a waste of money.
"It's different!" The shopkeeper shook his head earnestly, holding up the blind box. "Our dolls are meticulously crafted by eight esteemed clay molding masters from the Land of Earth. Each intricate detail requires countless efforts to bring to life. They are masterpieces, works of art! 'Grass Mystery Boxes' are masterpieces themselves! And our boxes are also designed by a professional sealing expert Jonin. Even a skilled ninja cannot discern their contents! They also hold collectible value. If you open a hidden edition, you could make a substantial profit!" He sighed with emotion and continued, "Life is like a Grass Mystery Box. You never know what the next second will bring!" Just as he finished speaking.
"Well said! Give me a hundred of them, shopkeeper!" Upon hearing Tsunade's words, Shizune, who had been dumbfounded by the shopkeeper's rambling, snapped back to reality and anxiously said, "But... Tsunade-sama, a hundred ryo for one doll..." Before she could finish her sentence.
"No problem! I have money!" Tsunade confidently patted her chest. "It's just a hundred ryo each, no big deal! This new type of exchange looks interesting."
"But it's not gambling," the shopkeeper weakly protested. "It's an exchange involving works of art!"
"This little trickster wants to deceive me? Spare me your breath, hurry up! Give me a hundred of them!" Tsunade said with a disdainful expression.
"...Okay!" The shopkeeper could only awkwardly nod in response.
Realizing she couldn't dissuade Tsunade, Shizune sighed helplessly and obediently paid the money. "Well, a hundred ryo each... It's still a lesser loss compared to gambling," she thought.
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