"I know a little."
Asuma lowered his voice and glanced around the busy street before continuing. As the Third Hokage's son—and, in the eyes of many villagers, Konoha's unofficial prince—he naturally heard things ordinary genin never would.
"After the decision to hold the Chunin Exams was finalized, my father sent invitations to the other three major hidden villages. Sunagakure was obviously excluded because we're still fighting them. So far, only Iwagakure has responded, and even they only said they're considering participating."
Obito frowned. "What about Kumogakure and Kirigakure?"
"Nothing yet. No reply at all."
Asuma adjusted the bottles of Konoha Raw Cola in his arms and continued.
"Takigakure, Amegakure, and Kusagakure have already accepted. Their teams are either on the way or have already arrived."
Ren nodded thoughtfully.
None of that surprised him.
The shinobi world was approaching a dangerous turning point. Konoha and Sunagakure had been locked in a brutal conflict for months, but the other great nations were no longer content to simply watch from the sidelines.
Kumogakure had begun gathering troops near the Land of Hot Springs. Their army was positioned perfectly for a southern advance, and once they decided the moment was right, the border could erupt overnight.
Kirigakure had problems of its own.
The Hidden Mist's internal conflicts had grown increasingly violent. The village was drifting toward the bloody era that would eventually stain its reputation across the entire shinobi world. An external war would give its leaders a convenient enemy to blame, a way to direct internal hatred outward and force rival factions into temporary obedience.
Only Iwagakure remained patient.
That was hardly surprising.
Ōnoki was old, calculating, and far too experienced to rush blindly into war. He would wait until the other villages had exhausted themselves, then move only when the rewards outweighed the risks.
The smaller villages had far less freedom.
Takigakure, Amegakure, and Kusagakure were caught between greater powers. No matter what their leaders truly thought, they could not simply ignore an invitation from Konoha. At the very least, they had to send a few teams, display a friendly attitude, and quietly gather as much intelligence as possible.
In the shinobi world, neutrality was often nothing more than weakness wearing a polite mask.
While Asuma spoke, Ren noticed several unfamiliar shinobi walking along the opposite side of the street.
Their forehead protectors bore the symbol of Kusagakure.
The Grass shinobi noticed Team Minato at almost the same moment.
Their gazes met briefly.
The visitors immediately looked away, but not before Ren saw the vigilance in their eyes. There was fear there as well, carefully hidden behind forced indifference.
Konoha was home to them.
To outsiders, however, it was enemy territory filled with unknown threats.
Ren's eyes followed them for a few seconds.
A thought suddenly surfaced in his mind.
Karin had not been born yet.
That meant her mother should still be somewhere in Kusagakure.
Ren knew only fragments of her history, but those fragments were enough to make his expression cool.
The Uzumaki woman possessed extraordinary vitality. Kusagakure discovered that wounded shinobi could recover by biting her and absorbing her chakra. Instead of protecting such a valuable person, they treated her as a living medical resource.
A blood bag.
A tool.
They drained her again and again until there was nothing left.
Karin later inherited several powerful Uzumaki abilities, including the Mind's Eye of the Kagura and the Adamantine Sealing Chains. If her daughter possessed that level of talent, then the mother could hardly have been ordinary.
She was young now.
Likely strong.
And, more importantly, still alive.
If Ren passed this information to Minato or Tsunade, Konoha might be able to locate her before Kusagakure completely destroyed her life.
Saving her would be worthwhile on its own.
The potential reward, however, was equally tempting.
Perhaps Hiruzen would grant him access to several advanced techniques. Perhaps Ren could negotiate for a forbidden jutsu, a rare medical scroll, or even supervised access to the Scroll of Seals.
Then there was another possibility.
The Box of Ultimate Bliss.
Its existence came from accounts outside the most reliable historical records, but if it truly rested somewhere within the Land of Grass, it was far too dangerous to ignore.
The object was said to be connected to the Sage of Six Paths. At its peak, it had supposedly granted Kusagakure enough power to threaten the shinobi world.
Something of that scale was comparable to a tailed beast.
It could become a disaster.
It could also become an opportunity.
Ren stored the thought away for later.
For now, he needed more information.
"We should go," Ren said.
Obito looked at him. "Already?"
"You have cola to repay."
Obito's expression became strained.
Asuma hugged his remaining bottles protectively. "Don't think I've forgotten."
After a brief farewell, Ren separated from Asuma, Kakashi, and Obito. Rin followed him toward the civilian district, where both of their homes were located.
The journey through familiar streets felt strangely peaceful.
For months, every path they walked had carried danger. Now they passed laundry lines, vegetable carts, laughing children, and elderly villagers resting beneath shaded storefronts.
When they reached the Ren family home, the building was empty.
Ren was not surprised.
His mother still worked at the Konoha Library, while his father had apparently transformed from an ordinary civilian into one of the busiest businessmen in the village.
Considering the popularity of Konoha Raw Cola, Tajima was probably buried beneath orders, deliveries, contracts, and production problems.
There was a chance Ren's mother had been dragged into helping as well.
He placed his travel pack inside his room, changed into cleaner clothes, and retrieved a paper-wrapped parcel prepared during the return journey.
The package contained several snacks purchased near the southwestern border, along with a scroll Ren had written himself.
Then he crossed to the neighboring Nohara residence.
The door had barely opened before Rin's father greeted him with a booming voice.
"Ren! You're finally back!"
Hiroshi Nohara stepped aside immediately and waved him inside.
"I just spoke with Rin. Come in, come in. You've both been working yourselves half to death on the front lines. You can finally rest for a few days."
Ren entered and removed his sandals.
"Auntie isn't home?"
"She went to buy groceries. She should be back soon."
Hiroshi looked toward the kitchen and smiled broadly.
"Stay for dinner tonight. Adding one more bowl won't make any difference."
"Thank you, Uncle Hiroshi, but I don't want to impose."
"What imposition? You practically grew up next door."
Ren smiled and handed him the parcel.
"These are for you and Auntie. Salted cherry blossoms from Ryūgetsu Outpost and rock-lizard jerky from Wildfire Outpost."
Hiroshi accepted the package, though he immediately began protesting.
"You didn't need to bring anything. You coming back safely is enough."
"It's only a small gift."
"Small?"
Hiroshi examined the contents with interest, then noticed the scroll tucked beneath the food.
His expression changed.
"What's this?"
Ren answered casually.
"Water Release: Water Wall."
Hiroshi froze.
For a moment, he seemed convinced he had misheard.
"Water Wall?"
"Yes."
Ren took the scroll from the package and placed it in Hiroshi's hands.
"You gave me the Water Clone Technique and Water Release: Rampaging Water Waves when I was still building my foundation. They helped me tremendously. I prepared this as repayment."
Hiroshi stared at the scroll as though it might suddenly explode.
Water Wall was not a basic technique.
It was a genuine B-rank defensive ninjutsu.
An ordinary chunin could serve for years without receiving access to something so valuable. Unless they completed a major mission or earned significant military merit, techniques of that level were usually kept beyond their reach.
Hiroshi pushed the scroll back.
"No. Absolutely not."
Ren did not take it.
"Uncle Hiroshi—"
"I gave you two basic Water Release scrolls. That doesn't come close to the value of this."
"At the time, those basic scrolls were exactly what I needed."
"That still doesn't make this equal."
Ren's tone became more serious.
"The world outside Konoha is becoming more dangerous. The war with Sunagakure may only be the beginning. If another village attacks, even shinobi who have remained behind may eventually be sent to the front."
Hiroshi's expression tightened.
Ren continued.
"Water Wall may save your life one day. If it does, then giving it to you will have been worth far more than keeping it."
The room fell quiet.
Rin stood nearby, watching the exchange with softened eyes.
She understood what Ren was truly saying.
He had seen enough death.
He did not want to return from another mission and discover that someone important to him had died because they lacked one defensive technique.
Hiroshi looked down at the scroll.
His hands slowly closed around it.
"All right," he said at last. "I'll accept it."
Ren smiled.
"Good."
"But only because refusing after that speech would make me look heartless."
"That wasn't my intention."
Hiroshi laughed and carefully placed the scroll aside.
Then his expression brightened again.
"Rin told me what happened at the border."
Ren glanced at her.
Rin suddenly became very interested in the floor.
Hiroshi leaned forward enthusiastically.
"You encountered Chiyo. You captured a Sunagakure jonin. You helped complete a mission that even veteran shinobi might not have survived."
"There were several people involved," Ren replied.
"Still, it's incredible."
Hiroshi slapped him lightly on the shoulder.
"At this rate, in another two years, I'll have to start calling you Jonin Ren."
Ren gave a modest smile.
"That may be a little early."
"I don't think so."
Hiroshi's eyes sparkled with genuine pride.
"And then there's Konoha Raw Cola."
Ren's expression shifted slightly.
"You heard about that too?"
"Who hasn't?"
Hiroshi laughed loudly.
"Tajima and Aoi have barely had time to breathe. Every shop wants another shipment. Ichiraku Ramen created a cola meal set. Yakiniku Q did the same. Even shinobi returning from missions are asking for it at the gate."
He gestured toward the street.
"You've started a village-wide obsession."
Ren shook his head.
"Lady Tsunade improved the recipe, and my father handled the business. I only gave them the original idea."
"That original idea is why the drink exists."
"It still wouldn't have succeeded without them."
Hiroshi smiled approvingly.
"Humility is good."
His smile then turned mischievous.
"But too much humility makes you sound like a politician."
Rin laughed.
Ren sighed. "I'll keep that in mind."
"Tomorrow night," Hiroshi said, "our two families are going to Yakiniku Q."
Ren blinked.
"My treat," Hiroshi added firmly. "We'll celebrate your safe return. Tell your parents they're expected to attend, and no business excuses will be accepted."
Ren nodded.
"I'll tell them."
After spending a little more time at the Nohara home, Ren rose to leave.
Before he reached the door, he looked toward Rin.
"I'm going to visit Lady Tsunade. Do you want to come?"
Rin's answer came immediately.
"Yes."
She hurried to retrieve her own souvenir.
"I bought something for her too."
Together, they headed toward Konoha Hospital.
The building was as busy as ever.
Medical shinobi moved rapidly through the corridors, carrying records and medicine. The scent of disinfectant filled the air, and low conversations drifted from examination rooms.
Tsunade, however, was nowhere to be found.
Instead, they encountered Biwako Sarutobi.
As one of the instructors responsible for advanced medical training, Biwako had taught both Ren and Rin on several occasions. She was also the Third Hokage's wife, making her one of the most respected women in Konoha.
The two greeted her properly and presented their gifts.
Biwako accepted them with a rare smile.
"You both look taller."
Rin smiled. "Do we?"
"You do. And more tired."
Her gaze sharpened as she studied them.
"The battlefield does that."
Ren said nothing.
Biwako's expression softened.
"You're back safely. That's what matters."
When she learned they intended to visit Tsunade next, however, her reaction became strangely awkward.
She coughed into her hand.
"Tsunade has… matters to handle over the next two days."
Ren noticed the pause.
Biwako continued.
"She may not have time to see you. There's no need to travel all the way to the Senju clan grounds. Go home and rest. If I see her, I'll tell her you visited."
Rin nodded obediently.
Ren did not.
He stared at Biwako for half a second longer.
Tsunade was not at the hospital.
According to Biwako, she was not at the Senju compound either.
And Biwako clearly knew exactly where she was.
Ren understood.
"Thank you, Lady Biwako."
Once they left the hospital, Ren stopped near the entrance.
"Rin, you should go home."
Rin looked confused.
"What about you?"
"I'm going to visit some acquaintances."
"I'll come with you."
"It may take a while."
"That's fine."
Rin clasped her hands together and looked up at him.
"I don't have anything else to do. I can wait outside while you handle whatever you need."
Her tone was gentle, but determined.
Ren hesitated.
The place he intended to visit was not somewhere he particularly wanted to take Rin.
However, refusing now would only make her more curious.
"All right," he said. "Stay close."
They changed direction and walked toward a quieter corner of Konoha.
The residential homes slowly disappeared.
The streets narrowed.
The cheerful smell of food stalls was replaced by tobacco smoke, cheap alcohol, and the heavy scent of people who had spent too many hours indoors.
Distant shouting grew louder with every step.
Rin's pace began to slow.
Then she saw the sign.
A wooden board decorated with painted dice hung above a broad doorway.
Two guards stood outside.
Rin stared at it.
Then she stared at Ren.
"Ren…"
"Yes?"
"Are we going into a casino?"
Her voice dropped to a whisper, as though saying the word too loudly might summon the Hokage himself.
"This doesn't seem like somewhere people our age should be."
Before Ren could reply, several men emerged from the building.
One of them shook his head.
"Lady Tsunade's luck is terrifying today."
Another laughed.
"Terrifying for her, maybe. Every table she touches wins money from her."
"How much has she lost?"
The first man raised five fingers.
"At least that much."
"She still hasn't stopped?"
"Stop? She looks ready to gamble until she loses the clothes on her back."
The third man sighed.
"That's why everyone calls her the Legendary Sucker."
Rin stopped moving.
Her eyes widened.
Her mouth fell slightly open.
Lady Tsunade?
The legendary medical shinobi?
The granddaughter of the First Hokage?
The woman Rin admired more than anyone?
A gambling addict?
Rin slowly turned toward Ren.
His face carried no surprise whatsoever.
Instead, his expression said only one thing.
As expected.
"We found her," Ren said.
Rin looked horrified.
The guards blocked their path immediately.
"Children aren't allowed inside."
Ren formed a hand seal.
Smoke briefly covered his body.
When it cleared, a young man in his twenties stood where Ren had been.
The guard blinked.
"A Transformation Technique?"
Ren nodded.
"You're shinobi?"
"Yes."
The guard stepped aside.
"Fine. Just don't gamble away all your money and cry when your parents find out."
Rin followed with a complicated expression.
The moment Ren pushed open the carved wooden doors, sound crashed over them.
Dice rattled inside cups.
Cards slapped against tables.
Gamblers shouted in triumph, rage, and despair. Coins clinked. Alcohol spilled. Thick smoke drifted beneath the low ceiling, turning the light hazy and gold.
Rin instinctively moved closer to Ren.
The atmosphere was nothing like the hospital.
There, Tsunade ruled with calm authority.
Here, desperation and greed hung in the air like poison.
Ren scanned the room.
He found her almost immediately.
A crowd had gathered around the largest dice table.
At its center stood Tsunade.
Her sleeves were rolled up.
One hand rested on her hip.
The other slammed against the table hard enough to make the chips jump.
"Open it!"
The dealer remained expressionless.
Tsunade leaned forward, golden eyes fixed on the dice cup.
"This round has to be Big."
The dealer lifted the cup.
"Two. Three. Four."
He paused.
"Nine. Small."
Tsunade's face went blank.
Then her eye twitched.
"Again?"
She struck the table with her fist.
The wood groaned.
Everyone nearby took a cautious step back.
Tsunade glared down at the few remaining chips in front of her.
"One, two, three…"
She counted them twice.
Her expression grew darker.
"Only a few thousand ryo left."
Rin stared at her idol in stunned silence.
Tsunade gathered every remaining chip and pushed them toward the betting area.
"One last round."
The gamblers around her exchanged excited looks.
Tsunade pointed decisively.
"Big."
The dealer reached for the dice cup.
Ren stepped through the crowd.
He stopped beside her and cleared his throat.
"Lady Tsunade."
Tsunade froze.
The dealer froze.
Even the gamblers closest to her seemed to sense danger and became silent.
Tsunade slowly turned her head.
Her eyes landed on Ren.
Then Rin.
For a long moment, she said nothing.
Ren's expression remained perfectly calm.
Rin's did not.
Disappointment, confusion, disbelief, and shattered admiration were all clearly visible on her face.
Tsunade looked down.
Only then did she seem to notice the dice clenched tightly in her hand.
Her face changed.
She immediately threw them onto the table as though they were evidence from a crime scene.
"Who put these dice in my hand?"
No one answered.
Tsunade straightened her back and forced a dignified expression onto her face.
"Rin. Ren. You must not misunderstand."
Rin blinked.
Tsunade gestured vaguely around the casino.
"I don't usually come to places like this."
The dealer looked at her.
Several gamblers looked at her.
The man collecting her lost chips looked at her.
Tsunade ignored all of them.
"Today was merely a coincidence."
At that exact moment, the casino owner hurried over carrying a thick ledger.
"Lady Tsunade, before you leave, could you settle the debt from your last eleven visits?"
Silence swallowed the entire table.
Tsunade's expression became rigid.
Rin slowly turned to Ren.
Ren said nothing.
Tsunade's fingers twitched.
Then, with terrifying calm, she smiled at the casino owner.
"What debt?"
The man opened the ledger.
"The one recorded under your name."
Tsunade's smile deepened.
A vein appeared on her forehead.
Ren took one cautious step backward.
Because he recognized that smile.
It was the expression Tsunade wore immediately before something—or someone—was smashed through a wall.
And judging by the chakra gathering in her fist, the casino was about to become the first casualty of their reunion.
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