Konoha: The Honored One

"Master Tsunade, this is the money we just borrowed." Shizune clutched the pink pig, Tonton, tighter, her arms trembling as she grabbed Tsunade's wrist. "This is everything we've got left! What are we going to do if we lose it all?" she whispered in a panic.

The two had been on the move for weeks, hopping from town to town. Now they had landed in a bustling casino within the Land of Waves, Tsunade's latest hunting ground for "opportunities."

Tsunade, ever the picture of nonchalance, waved a dismissive hand as if Shizune were fretting over spilled tea. "It's just money, Shizune. Don't be so dramatic."

Shizune's mouth twitched. Just money? They were already drowning in debt so deep they could set up permanent residence there. She didn't even call it gambling anymore. She called it "spending." Because, as far as she was concerned, when Tsunade bet, it was as good as gone.

"Master Tsunade," Shizune hissed, leaning closer, "this isn't funny! We don't even have enough to eat if this goes wrong!"

Tsunade shrugged, an unapologetic grin on her lips. "Relax, Shizune. Today's the day my luck changes."

Around them, the energy in the casino was electric. The crowd of gamblers buzzed with excitement. Many had already caught wind of Tsunade's wager: 200,000 ryo on "small."

"Master Tsunade bet on small? I'll bet on big!" one man shouted, slamming his coins on the table.

"Put everything we've got on big!" his wife chimed in.

"Twenty thousand on big!" hollered another gambler.

The whole room seemed to be hedging their bets against Tsunade. After all, she had a reputation. The "Legendary Sucker." If Tsunade Senju bet on something, the opposite outcome was practically a guarantee.

Shizune pulled at Tsunade's sleeve, her tone desperate. "Let's go now before they roll the dice! Please!"

Even Tonton, her ever-loyal pig companion, squealed nervously as if echoing Shizune's pleas. But Tsunade didn't budge. She leaned forward with the calm confidence of someone who had nothing left to lose.

"Open!" The croupier's voice rang out as the dice tumbled across the table.

The entire room held its breath, eyes glued to the results.

One dot. Two dots. Three dots. Small.

The room fell into stunned silence.

"This… this can't be happening!" the croupier stammered, his face pale as he stared at the dice.

Shizune blinked in disbelief. "We… we won?" Her voice cracked with shock as reality hit her. "We won! Master Tsunade, we actually won!"

The crowd erupted into chaos. The gamblers who had bet against her groaned loudly, their dreams of easy money dashed. Meanwhile, the casino owner looked like he might faint as staff rushed to count out the staggering payout.

Shizune, practically glowing with joy, hugged Tonton tightly. "We can finally pay off our debts! This is amazing!"

But Tsunade's expression was anything but celebratory. Her golden eyes narrowed, and her grin faded into a grim frown. She bit her thumb lightly, an old habit when she was lost in thought.

Shizune tilted her head, puzzled. "Master Tsunade? What's wrong? We finally caught a break!"

Tsunade's voice was low, almost a murmur. "Every time I win… something bad happens."

Shizune blinked. "What are you talking about?"

Tsunade didn't respond. Memories of past "lucky streaks" surfaced in her mind. The last time she'd won this big, it led to her crossing paths with Gojo Satoru amidst a battlefield strewn with bodies. Luck, she'd learned, had its price.

The casino owner approached cautiously, forcing a smile through gritted teeth as several boxes of cash were placed before Tsunade. "Congratulations, Lady Tsunade."

Tsunade grabbed a box of money with one hand, her strength barely registering the weight. "Let's go," she said curtly, walking out of the casino. Her quick, deliberate steps betrayed her unease.

"Wait for me!" Shizune called, struggling to carry the remaining boxes as she chased after her mentor.

The duo had just reached the edge of town when a chilling, familiar voice cut through the air.

"Long time no see, Tsunade."

Both women froze.

"Who's there?" Shizune's voice was sharp, her eyes scanning for the source.

Tsunade turned slowly, her brow furrowing. She recognized that voice.

Perched on a nearby rooftop, Orochimaru stood with a wicked grin on his face. His golden, snake-like eyes gleamed with malice. Beside him, Kabuto Yakushi adjusted his glasses, his smirk cold and calculating.

"Orochimaru," Tsunade said evenly. Her voice was calm, but her muscles tensed. "What do you want?"

Orochimaru chuckled, the sound sending shivers down Shizune's spine. "You've grown rusty, Tsunade. I would've thought you'd sense me sooner."

"What are you doing here?" Tsunade demanded.

Kabuto stepped forward, his voice dripping with mock politeness. "Forgive our intrusion, Lady Tsunade. My master is in need of your… unique expertise."

Tsunade's gaze flicked to Orochimaru's lifeless arms, hanging limply by his sides.

"My hands," Orochimaru rasped, his tone filled with venomous frustration. "They've lost their souls. You're the only one who can fix them."

Shizune's eyes widened. "You're insane if you think Master Tsunade would help you!"

Tsunade crossed her arms, her expression unreadable. "And if I refuse?"

Orochimaru's smile widened, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I wouldn't recommend that. Refusal has its consequences."

The tension was thick, the air practically vibrating with unspoken threats.

Shizune moved closer to Tsunade, her grip on Tonton tightening. If it came to a fight, she'd protect her mentor no matter what.

"You're wasting your time," Tsunade said coldly. "Find someone else to fix your mess."

Orochimaru's grin faltered, his eyes narrowing. Before he could respond, Tsunade turned on her heel. "Shizune, we're leaving."

Orochimaru's voice darkened. "Wait. Let's make a deal, Tsunade."

Tsunade's temper snapped. She spun around, chakra flaring. "I told you not to bother me!"

With a burst of speed, she leaped into the air, her heel glowing with chakra.

Kabuto's eyes widened. "Master Orochimaru!"

Tsunade's chakra-enhanced kick slammed into the rooftop where Orochimaru had been standing, shattering it into rubble. Dust swirled as the ground quaked beneath them.

Orochimaru dodged the attack with snake-like agility, his grin returning as he watched her.

Tsunade straightened, her fists clenched. "If you want my help, Orochimaru, you'd better be prepared to pay in blood."

Shizune's heart raced as she glanced between the two Sannin, bracing for the battle she knew was inevitable.