The smoke of the casino still clung to the night air when Tsunade, Shizune, and Raven slipped through the back alleys of the port town. Yumi padded alongside them, her paws silent against the cobblestones. The glow of the fire behind them flickered faintly in the distance, painting the skyline orange. Only when the shouting and sirens of Gatō's men faded did they stop to breathe.
Hours later, they settled inside a small roadside inn on the edge of town. The scent of cheap sake mixed with the faint tang of smoke still clinging to their clothes. A low table sat between them, bottles scattered across its surface. Yumi lounged lazily in a chair, one tail swaying rhythmically.
Tsunade lifted her cup with a grin of satisfaction. "Shizune, go count the money in the other room. I haven't robbed a casino in years. Gods, it feels good to take their money for once instead of losing it all." She took another swig and sighed. "I could get used to this again."
Shizune looked up, exasperated, her face still smudged with soot. "My lady, we really can't keep doing that. We need to pay people back properly."
Tsunade waved her off. "Shizune, you've become too honest. Back in my day, when I lost too much at a casino, I just robbed the place afterward to balance the books. Then I'd go to the next one with even more money. That's what we call smart investment."
"My lady," Shizune said in disbelief, "that's not investment, that's—"
"—genius," Tsunade interrupted, leaning back smugly. "But ever since you started tagging along, I'm suddenly respectable. What happened to living a little? What happened to being a reckless, glorious ninja?"
Shizune sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You don't want to end up in the Bingo Book again, do you? You really don't want every bounty hunter in the nations after you."
Tsunade poured herself another drink, shrugging. "What of it? I'm drenched in blood, cured of my phobia, and back in fighting shape. Let them come."
Shizune lowered her voice. "If you're not worried about yourself, at least worry about me. I'm not that strong, my lady."
Tsunade paused, her expression softening. "You're right. That's going to change. From now on, I'm doubling your training. I won't have my apprentice collapsing in fear while I'm out there cracking skulls."
Shizune's eyes widened in alarm. "My lady, I don't think I can—"
"You'll manage," Tsunade said with a wolfish grin. "I'll train you up to elite jōnin level if it kills you. The best training's a beating followed by perfect medical ninjutsu."
Shizune's smile faltered. "Something just came up!" she blurted, clutching the sack of money and darting into the next room before Tsunade could elaborate.
Tsunade chuckled softly, turning to Raven. "I haven't fought like that in years. I'd forgotten how good it feels to let loose."
Raven raised her cup, her shadow clone eyes reflecting the dim lantern light. "It's a shame my real body can't enjoy this drink."
Tsunade reached across the table and snatched the cup away. "You're one and a half years old. You shouldn't even be pretending to drink."
Raven glared at her. "Who died and made you my mother?"
Tsunade smirked. "You did. And I was your mother figure once, remember?"
Raven blinked, then let out a faint laugh. "Point taken."
The moment lingered quietly before Tsunade leaned back. "All right, enough jokes. You said you're after Gatō. What's your real plan here?"
Raven placed her cup down, folding her hands together. "Simple. I want to create a criminal empire—and I'm going to make him run it for me. Gatō's ruthless, but efficient. Once I place a control seal on him, I'll make sure he never crosses the line again. No slaves, no cruelty, just order. His resources are too valuable to waste."
Tsunade's eyes widened. "You're serious? He's that rich?"
Raven nodded slowly. "More than you can imagine. The casino we burned was pocket change. His real empire's buried beneath layers of fake companies and proxies. Once I control him, I'll have everything I need to start building my sanctuary."
Tsunade gave a low whistle. "You've got ambition, I'll give you that. Where's this new village going to be?"
Raven shook her head. "I already know, but I can't say yet. You've done your part. I'll handle Gatō. You focus on your training and Shizune's. When the time comes, I'll summon you to the sanctuary myself."
Tsunade sighed, stretching her shoulders. "Fine. But until then, I'm drinking, gambling, and training. In that order."
Raven smiled faintly. "Do whatever makes you happy. When I call, you'll know it's time."
Tsunade nodded. "You'll have my strength when you need it."
Raven reached into her cloak and produced a small ivory card engraved with glowing seals. "If you need me first, pour your chakra into this. It'll alert one of my operatives—Riko, most likely. If it's urgent, I'll come personally."
Tsunade examined the craftsmanship, impressed. "You're full of surprises. All right then. Get going."
Raven stood, Yumi leaping to her shoulder. They stepped out into the cool night air, the stars dim against the haze.
Yumi looked up at her. "You're sure you want to leave her now?"
Raven nodded. "She'll be fine. I can't interfere with everything. The Third still has to finish his part before she takes over."
Yumi tilted her head. "You're planning to make her Hokage?"
Raven's eyes gleamed faintly. "Eventually. She'll complain about the paperwork, but I'll bribe her with sake."
Yumi chuckled softly. "You really are wicked sometimes."
Raven's gaze turned toward the dark horizon, her voice low. "The sanctuary will rise in the Land of Whirlpools—the true home of the Uzumaki. I have to reclaim Mito's inheritance from the Senju compound first. The keys to the Whirlpools lie there."
"The world's still hunting the Uzumaki," Yumi murmured.
"I know," Raven replied quietly. "But I'll get there first."
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