I Am Uzumaki Menma

Chapter 409 - 409 Farewell

The Aomori Grand Casino, a three-story structure standing in the most prosperous part of the concession, exuded an aura of extravagant luxury even in broad daylight.

A huge neon sign read [Grand Casino]. In the plaza before the entrance, fountain pools refracted dazzling colors under the sun. Well-dressed doormen respectfully pulled open the heavy gilded doors for every guest.

Jiraiya stood at the entrance to this den of iniquity, taking a deep breath.

The air was a mix of high-end perfume, cigar smoke, and a certain sweet, cloying scent of makeup.

He tried to maintain a serious expression, but his gaze was involuntarily drawn to the two bunny girls greeting guests at the door.

Black fishnet stockings hugged long, firm thighs. Fluffy bunny-ear headbands trembled slightly with each bow. Low-cut outfits outlined curves that quickened the pulse.

"Gulp—" Jiraiya's Adam's apple bobbed. His nostrils grew warm, two trails of bright red liquid slowly trickling down.

"This… this place is heaven!" He murmured, his eyes glazing over.

"Jiraiya-senpai!" Shizune's annoyed voice pulled him back to reality.

In one arm, she held the pink pet pig, Tonton. The other hand struggled with a heavy leather suitcase. Her face was slightly flushed with a mix of embarrassment and exasperation. "We're not here for sightseeing!"

"Cough!" Jiraiya jolted back to his senses, wiping the nosebleed haphazardly with his sleeve, putting on a serious expression. "Of course not! I'm here to… uh, to help Tsunade! Right!"

He guiltily averted his eyes, but their corners couldn't help darting back towards the bunny girls.

Shizune sighed, too tired to argue further, and headed for the casino entrance first.

Jiraiya hurried to catch up. The two passed through the revolving doors and stepped into another world.

The casino lobby's luxury was beyond imagination.

A dome ceiling over ten meters high was hung with a giant crystal chandelier. Thousands of perfectly cut crystals refracted dazzling light.

The floor was covered in deep red velvet carpet, soft and silent underfoot.

The center of the lobby held dozens of gaming tables… roulette, blackjack, dice …

Each table was surrounded by well-dressed gamblers. Dealers moved with elegant precision. The crisp clinking of chips mixed with people's chatter, sighs, and cheers, blending into a unique, pulse-quickening rhythm.

Waitstaff of both genders, all exceptionally good-looking, moved between tables in either sexy or elegant attire, wearing professional, sweet smiles.

The female waitresses wore tight cheongsams or miniskirts, revealing fair thighs. Male waiters were in neat tailcoats, behaving with impeccable manners.

Jiraiya's eyeballs were practically falling out.

"Ohhh! That one in the red cheongsam, the slit goes almost to the waist… Wow! That blonde over there, her figure is a work of art… And that one—"

"Senpai!" Shizune's voice hissed through clenched teeth. "Tsunade-sama is waiting for us!"

"Ah, right, right, business first, business first." Jiraiya reluctantly tore his gaze away, but his steps slowed, almost bumping into a bunny girl carrying a champagne tray.

Shizune moved familiarly through the noisy lobby towards a heavy pair of oak double doors in the back.

Two security guards in black suits, wearing earpieces, stood before the door. They were burly, sharp-eyed, bulges at their waists clearly indicating concealed weapons.

But seeing Shizune, they immediately bowed slightly. The one on the left spoke respectfully, "Shizune-san."

"Thank you," Shizune nodded.

The guard on the right pushed the doors open.

The world behind the doors was completely different from the lobby's clamor.

The VIP area was smaller than the lobby, but more private and luxurious.

Dark hardwood walls, soft leather sofas. A low table held an exquisite fruit platter and drinks.

There were only eight gaming tables here. The gamblers at each had an air of distinction, placing bets of hundreds of thousands, even millions, of chips with each hand.

The air carried the rich scent of cigars and premium champagne. Background music was soft jazz piano.

As soon as Shizune and Jiraiya entered, they saw Tsunade sitting in a corner sofa area.

She was leaning back on a leather sofa, one hand propping her chin, the other holding a wine glass.

She wore her green open-front jacket over a beige casual outfit. Her long blonde hair cascaded loosely over her shoulders. Her face held the flush of slight intoxication.

The low table before the sofa was scattered with several empty liquor bottles and a small pile of chips.

Shizune quickly walked over, placing the heavy suitcase on the table, pushing aside some obstructing bottles.

"Tsunade-sama, I've brought the money."

Tsunade turned her head unsteadily. Her amber eyes looked somewhat unfocused from the alcohol.

She looked at Shizune, then at the suitcase, grinning. "Oh, Shizune, you're here."

She hiccupped, a strong smell of alcohol wafting over.

"This money… enough?" She slurred, picking up a half-empty bottle from the table and taking a swig from the neck.

Shizune said helplessly, "Tsunade-sama, this is our last savings. If you lose this too, we won't even have money for next month's lodging."

"Hic… no money, then earn some." Tsunade waved a hand dismissively, pointing at the wealthy, privileged gamblers in the VIP area. "So many rich folks here. Just find a few who are sick, have hidden ailments, treat them. Money'll come."

This wasn't bragging.

As the Ninja World's best Medical-Nin, Tsunade's medical skills had long reached their peak.

Ordinary difficult-to-treat conditions were child's play in her hands. Even cases declared 'incurable' by others, she had methods to prolong life or alleviate suffering.

In the Ninja World, wealthy and powerful people willing to hire her were countless, with consultation fees easily reaching millions of ryo.

She also treated people based on their status. For commoners, she might only charge a nominal fee. For those with considerable wealth, she showed no mercy, quoting astronomical prices.

This was also one reason she could gamble lavishly in casinos, lose repeatedly, yet never truly go bankrupt.

The immense inheritance of the Senju Clan was her foundation. Her own medical skills were an inexhaustible 'money-printing machine'.

"At worst—" Tsunade took another swig, adding, "—go sell some patents in Star City. That kid… pays pretty good prices."

She occasionally sold some medical techniques or research results to Land of Stars' medical department. Land of Stars was generous in this regard, offering patent fees that could keep her living it up in casinos for months.

At that moment, Tsunade finally noticed Jiraiya behind Shizune.

She narrowed her eyes, looking carefully for a few seconds before realization dawned. "Huh? Jiraiya? What are you doing here?"

Then, as if thinking of something, a knowing, teasing smile appeared on her face. She pointed at Jiraiya. "Oh… I get it. The hostesses here really are outstanding, all kinds of types… I bet a 'research writer' like you loves the environment here, huh?"

"Ahem! Cough cough!" Jiraiya cleared his throat, hastily waving his hands. "Don't talk nonsense! I just happened to be wandering in this city, ran into Shizune and heard you were here, so I came to check on you!"

"Is that so?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow, clearly not believing it, but too lazy to probe further. She sat up straighter on the sofa, rubbing her temples, the alcohol haze dissipating slightly.

Over the past two years, Jiraiya truly had been traveling throughout Land of Stars.

Ever since that intense debate about 'the path to peace' with Shura in the Land of Rain two years ago, Jiraiya hadn't returned to Konoha. Instead, he shuttled between various counties and cities of Land of Stars, seeing and experiencing every aspect of this emerging nation firsthand.

He'd seen Star City's highly ordered, modern metropolis. He'd seen the bustling construction on border provinces. He'd seen ordinary people's daily lives under the new system. He'd also seen 'special zones' like Aomori City, deliberately preserved, full of desire and chaos.

These observations were slowly changing his understanding of the world.

As the three were talking, a middle-aged man in a deep purple velvet suit, hair meticulously combed, approached with two bodyguards.

The man held a delicate account book, a professional, humble smile on his face.

"Tsunade-sama." He bowed slightly. "Here is your account for this session. Please review it."

Tsunade took the book, casually glanced at the number on it.

Eighty-three million ryo.

She didn't even bat an eye, directly picking up the pen tied to the book and signing her name at the end.

"Shizune, pay."

Shizune sighed, opening the suitcase.

Inside, stacks of million-ryo notes were neatly arranged, along with a few gold bars.

As she was about to count, the manager hastily waved his hands. "No need, no need! Tsunade-sama's credit, our casino trusts one hundred percent!"

He signaled a bodyguard to take the case without even opening it to check, then bowed deeply to Tsunade. "You and your friends' entire expenses in the casino today are on the house! We wish you a pleasant time!"

With that, he quickly led the bodyguards away, as if staying another second would be an offense.

Once far enough, the casino manager wiped cold sweat from his forehead, letting out a long sigh of relief.

A young bodyguard beside him couldn't help but whisper, "Manager, that's over eighty million… not counting it? What if the amount is wrong—"

"Shut up!" The manager glared at him fiercely. "Do you know who that is? Tsunade-sama! One of the Legendary Sannin! The Princess of Konoha! If she wanted to renege, forget eighty million, even eight hundred million, we'd have to smile and accept it!"

He paused, lowering his voice. "And Gato-sama personally gave instructions. This lady is an important partner of the country's ruler. Forget losing money, if she one day gets angry and tears this casino down, we'd have to smile and hand her the hammer! Got it?"

"Y-yes, sir!" The bodyguard nodded repeatedly, not daring to say more.

Back in the VIP area, Jiraiya sat on the sofa next to Tsunade, surveying the surrounding extravagance.

"This place… is quite different from many places in Land of Stars," He said slowly. "I traveled so much these past two years. I thought that old-era extravagance and hedonism had already disappeared in Land of Stars."

Star City and other major cities also had entertainment venues, but most were regulated and orderly, emphasizing 'healthy leisure'.

Places like the Aomori City's casino, so blatantly displaying desire and squandering money, were indeed rare within Land of Stars' borders.

Tsunade poured herself another drink. Amber liquid swirled in the glass.

"I thought so too when I lived in Star City," She took a sip, her tone casual. "Who knows what that guy was thinking… Maybe he thinks it's better to redirect than to suppress when it comes to human greed and desire? Anyway, for me, having a place to gamble and drink is enough."

This place was indeed more luxurious than any gambling den Tsunade had been in before, allowing her to indulge in high-stakes gambling to her heart's content!

Shizune sat quietly nearby, holding Tonton, gently stroking the little pig's back.

Tonton made contented grunting sounds.

Silence hung for a moment.

Jiraiya suddenly spoke, his voice soft but earnest. "I'm planning to return to Konoha."

"Pfft—!"

Tsunade sprayed her drink, coughing violently.

Shizune quickly handed over tissues.

"What did you say?!" Tsunade wiped her mouth, eyes wide. "What sudden madness is this? Why think of going back now?"

'Her first thought was, had Konoha's higher-ups made some move against Land of Stars?'

'Had the old man called Jiraiya back to participate?'

But Jiraiya shook his head. "No one called me back. It's me… wanting to go back."

He leaned back on the sofa, looking up at the magnificent crystal chandelier on the ceiling, his gaze somewhat distant.

"These past two years, I've seen a lot, thought a lot. Land of Stars… truly took a different path. But Konoha… is still my roots."

Jiraiya paused, his voice growing even softer. "And, counting the time, Minato and Kushina's child… should graduate from the Ninja Academy next year and become a Genin."

These words were like ice, instantly freezing the air.

Tsunade's hand holding the glass froze mid-air, her expression stiffening.

Shizune's arms holding Tonton unconsciously tightened. Tonton squirmed uncomfortably, making a 'puyo' sound.

Jiraiya noticed their odd reactions, asking curiously, "What's wrong? You… have you met that child?"

Tsunade and Shizune quickly exchanged a glance.

The fact that Minato and Kushina were reanimated by Edo Tensei was one of Land of Stars' highest secrets.

Aside from core leadership and the two of them, no one in the outside world knew.

Though Tsunade and Shizune only resided in Land of Stars, they had promised Minato and Kushina to keep this secret.

This wasn't just to protect the couple, but also to avoid triggering unpredictable chain reactions in Konoha.

Imagine the uproar if Konoha learned the Fourth Hokage and his wife were 'revived' and had joined Land of Stars?

"N-no," Shizune reacted first, quickly shaking her head. "We just… just feel time passes so fast. In a blink, that child is about to become a Ninja."

Her voice was somewhat dry.

Tsunade also regained composure, downing the wine in her glass, slamming the cup down heavily. "Yeah… really fast."

Her expression was complex… nostalgic, guilty, indescribable emotions.

Jiraiya didn't suspect anything, and merely sighing. "I want to go see that child. With Minato and Kushina gone, as Minato's teacher… I should at least look after their son."

He looked at Tsunade. "Do you want to come back and see too? The old man must miss you."

Tsunade fell silent.

She leaned back on the sofa, closing her eyes, saying nothing for a long time.

In the VIP area, soft jazz music still flowed. The low chatter of gamblers and clinking of chips seemed distant and unreal, as if behind glass.

She thought of the empty Senju Clan's compound. She thought of Konoha's annihilation order against the Uchiha Clan. She thought of the Hyuga Clan's branch family seeking Shura's help to launch their rebellion…

Finally, Tsunade opened her eyes.

"I won't go back," her voice was calm, but firm. "Konoha… has nothing left worth me returning to."

She paused, adding, "Besides, I'm doing fine here. Casinos, good wine, money to spend… can even occasionally make some deals with that kid, trade for some novel medical equipment to play with."

Jiraiya looked at Tsunade, for a long time.

Finally, he nodded. "I understand."

He stood up, brushing non-existent dust from his clothes.

"I'll be off then. Boat leaves early tomorrow morning."

"So soon?" Tsunade was surprised.

"Mhm." Jiraiya smiled, but it seemed forced. "Go back early, rest easy earlier."

He turned to leave, took two steps, then stopped, looking back at Tsunade and Shizune. "Take care."

"You too," Tsunade raised her empty glass, shaking it towards him.

Shizune also said softly, "Jiraiya-senpai, have a safe journey."

Jiraiya nodded, giving one last look at the luxurious VIP area, then turned and left.

His back disappeared beyond the oak doors.

On the sofa, Tsunade and Shizune sat in silence.

After a long while, Tsunade spoke softly, "Do you think… if Jiraiya knew the truth, what would happen? Could he change Konoha if he goes back?"

Shizune shook her head, hugging Tonton tighter.

"I don't know."

She paused, whispering, "But I think… since Minato-sama and Kushina-sama chose to hide it, they must have their reasons."

Tsunade said nothing more.

She just picked up the wine bottle, found it empty, irritably tossed it aside, yelling at a distant waiter, "Another bottle! The most expensive kind!"