Chapter 81: Lady Katsuyu's Gentle Voice

At the Aburame clan's compound.

Boom!

Another explosion echoed across the courtyard, leaving a deep crater in the ground. Aburame Shino stumbled back, caught by Aburame Shinho's quick reflexes, pulling him away from the blast's aftermath.

"That was close... just a bit off," Shino sighed in frustration.

"Failure is a part of life. It's something we must all go through," Shinho responded, seemingly unfazed.

Shino blinked in confusion. Where does he come up with these lines? Despite the odd phrasing, it did calm him somewhat.

"Let's take a break," Shinho suggested, then casually asked, "Does our clan have any business ties in the capital city of the Land of Fire?"

After some reflection, Shinho realized he had been overthinking. Many ninja clans also had members engaged in business, particularly those whose skills weren't suited for combat. He could easily use them to make connections and handle his upcoming plans.

"Yes," Shino confirmed. "I believe Uncle Kyohei runs a business there."

"What kind of business?"

"He deals in pest control products."

Pest control? That makes sense. Being insect users, the Aburame would naturally be experts in dealing with pests.

Suddenly, an idea struck Shinho. The Aburame clan might be wasting their potential as ninja. With their skills, they could easily thrive in agriculture, ensuring bountiful harvests with their insect control abilities.

"Do you know his exact address?" Shinho continued. "I'm headed to the capital tomorrow. It'd be convenient to meet him."

"You'll have to ask Dad for that," Shino responded.

"Alright." Shinho glanced at the crater left by the explosion. The chaotic energy had dissipated. "Let's continue experimenting."

As night fell.

"What are you two doing?" Aburame Shibi, Shinho's father, arrived home, startled by the explosions. He rushed over to find craters scattered across the yard.

Were they destroying the place?

"We're practicing jutsu," Shinho said calmly, exchanging a glance with Shino. There was no need to reveal their secret experiment until they had results.

Shino nodded, following his brother's lead.

"By the way, Dad, I wanted to ask you something."

After learning about Kyohei's business details, Shinho left the compound.

The next morning, Saturday.

At the Senju estate, Tsunade seemed unusually energetic. Normally, she was laid back and lethargic in the mornings, living a life where everything was served to her. But today, she was full of enthusiasm, all because of one thing—gambling.

"Hey, kid, grab my coat from the sofa," Tsunade called as she stood by the door, slightly bent over, balancing herself against the wall while putting on her shoes.

From behind her, Shinho had a perfect view of her graceful figure and the curves of her hips, tightly outlined by her outfit.

The texture must be quite nice... He cleared his throat and handed over the coat.

Tsunade slipped it on with a casual flick of her arms, the large "Gamble" kanji emblazoned on her back flapping dramatically in the breeze. If they added some epic music, she might even pass for a gambling god.

Oh, wait—she was the exact opposite: the queen of losing.

"All set, Tsunade-sama. We're ready to go whenever," Shizune appeared, holding Tonton, the little pig.

"And the money?"

"I have it," Shizune glanced at Shinho. Earlier, he had given her the 500,000 ryo. In return, she had handed him an IOU from Tsunade—one that he knew might as well be worthless.

Given Tsunade's track record, getting that money back would be like throwing a meat bun to a dog—gone forever.

"Hey, kid," Tsunade asked while tying her shoes. Her golden ponytail slipped over her shoulder, swaying slightly, and her clothes barely managed to contain her... assets.

"Make sure you bring plenty of cash when we get to the capital. There's a lot of good food and fun stuff there," she smiled mischievously.

This feels way too much like a sketchy aunt trying to coax candy from a kid.

"That's too much, Tsunade-sama!" Shizune snapped, voice raised in exasperation.

"Yeah, yeah!" Tsunade straightened up, brushing it off. "Let's go."

They stepped outside. Shizune was the last to leave, carefully locking the door and pocketing the key.

"How are we getting there?" Shinho asked.

Given the distance to the capital, it would take at least a day or two on foot, even at a ninja's pace.

"Don't worry," Tsunade's chin lifted, looking smug. "Do you know what the signature skill of the Legendary Sannin is?"

Gambling, booze, and...

"It's their summoning beasts!" Shizune interjected. "We're going to use reverse summoning to travel."

Summoning jutsu allowed ninjas to call their creatures for aid. Reverse summoning was when a summoning beast transported its contractor.

Of course, only the creatures from the three Great Sage Lands could perform this technique.

"Come here and sign this," Tsunade unfurled a scroll. " I'm sure Lady Katsuyu will be happy to accept you with your talent,."

Shinho signed his name without hesitation. Slug summoning was an excellent support ability. Plus, it was his way into Shikkotsu Forest to learn more about Sage Mode.

With his name now on the contract, Tsunade rolled the scroll back up.

She exchanged a look with Shizune. They didn't need to say anything; their teamwork was seamless.

Shizune stepped forward, her thumb pricked and pressed against the ground. Black markings spread, and with a puff of smoke, a small slug about the size of a dog appeared.

"Shizune-sama," the slug greeted in a gentle, soothing voice. "Why have you summoned me?"

What a beautiful, mature voice, Shinho thought, surprised at the calming tone.

"Lady Katsuyu," Tsunade gestured toward Shinho. "This is my student, Aburame Shinho."

"How unexpected," Lady Katsuyu observed Shinho with curiosity. "I never thought you would take on another student, Tsunade."

As Tsunade's summoning beast, Lady Katsuyu knew everything about her past. She had assumed Tsunade would never return to the village, let alone take on a disciple.

"Nice to meet you, Lady Katsuyu," Shinho greeted, unfazed. He knew Lady Katsuyu was always polite, even addressing her contractors with honorifics.

Lady Katsuyu responded with the same politeness, "Nice to meet you as well, Shinho-sama."

"Lady Katsuyu, do you have a division of yourself in the capital city?" Tsunade asked. "We need you to reverse summon us there."

"Of course, give me a moment," Lady Katsuyu closed her eyes.

Due to her immense size, Lady Katsuyu often split herself into countless smaller versions to assist her summoners. These divisions remained connected, allowing communication and coordination.

"I have contacted one of my divisions near the capital," she said softly. "It will take approximately fifteen minutes."

"Thank you, Lady Katsuyu," Tsunade expressed her gratitude.

"It is my duty," Lady Katsuyu responded, her voice as gentle as ever.

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