Chapter 21: Katsuyu
Tsunade stepped out of the small casino, her face dark with frustration as night had fully set in.
"Damn it, the goddess of luck refuses to smile on me again," she muttered under her breath. Usually, her losses amounted to a few million, a mere trifle given her resources. But tonight, it felt more bitter than usual.
Her stomach growled, a sharp reminder that she hadn't had dinner yet. Patting her empty pockets, she consoled herself: At least I only brought a few million this time. If I'd brought more, I might not even have dinner money left.
The smell of sweat and lingering smoke clung to her clothes, and the thought of her grandmother's disapproving glare flashed through her mind. She'll definitely scold me again. Resigned, Tsunade began walking toward the Hatake Clan estate, figuring she could avoid her grandmother's lectures—at least for now.
As she made her way, her thoughts circled back to her missteps at the gambling table. She replayed every hesitant decision, every time she second-guessed herself when she should have gone all in. The sound of dice rattling lingered in her ears, a mocking echo.
When she finally reached the Hatake Clan's gates, the sharp-eyed butler appeared almost instantly, his steps brisk and purposeful.
"Lady Tsunade, the second young master is currently dining. Allow me to take you to him," he said courteously.
"Thank you," Tsunade replied, managing a polite smile that pulled her mind back from the endless loop of regret.
The butler led her to the dining room and announced her arrival.
"Young Master, Lady Tsunade is here."
Inside, Kawakaze was seated with Sakumo, sharing a meal and a bottle of baijiu. They'd been trying to cheer up Sakumo, whose repeated failures in mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique had left him dejected.