"Much obliged, handsome."
Tsunade did not know the good-looking stranger, yet she showed no restraint.
She swept up all of Senya's chips and kept betting.
"Um, Lady Tsunade, this is not really proper..."
After confirming she did not know this big brother, Shizune tried to whisper a warning.
"Quiet, Shizune. Make one more peep and I will reassign you to scrub hospital toilets."
Shizune's lips puckered at once.
She knew Tsunade might not be joking.
Seeing Tsunade take the chips without a second thought, Senya felt a flicker of relief.
Today's plan was on track.
Across the table, the house beamed at the return of their favorite whale and eagerly invited her into the next round.
...
Two hours later, Tsunade lost her last coin with satisfied ease and stretched languidly.
She turned her eyes to Senya.
"Spit it out. What do you want from me. Is someone sick."
Everyone knew her medical ninjutsu was unmatched.
Every few days someone came to throw money at her, begging her to save a life.
She still held the title of hospital director, but she rarely visited now.
If you wanted her help, you needed ties or a pile of cash.
Senya squinted at the phrasing.
That sounded off.
"How about we talk at the bar. My treat."
He glanced at the noisy floor. It was no place for a serious talk, so he offered what she liked.
At once Tsunade's eyes lit up.
Gamble, then drink. Life done right.
"If someone else is paying, why not."
She rose and followed him across to the tavern.
Shizune trailed with Tonton in her arms, a touch of pity stirring as she watched Senya's back. Both money and drinks, this big brother's loved one must be badly hurt.
In a private room, cups clinked again.
A soft flush warmed Tsunade's pale cheeks.
Money spent and wine poured, Senya judged it time and stated his purpose.
"You want a trip to Shikkotsu Forest."
After hearing him out, Tsunade studied him with surprise.
This man aimed for a holy land.
She did not refuse at once.
After a pause she asked, "Can you tell me why you want to go."
She owed favors, but if his aim were crooked she would not agree.
"I hit a bottleneck. I want to train in a holy land and seek a chance to break through."
He told the truth. Vast, pure natural energy was what he needed most.
At the current ambient level, even fifty years might not perfect his Sage Body.
"Training."
She had expected a plea for treatment, not this.
Why not ask her to introduce a strong mentor.
The war had left many who owed her.
After a moment's thought, Tsunade formed a seal and summoned a small slug.
It was one of the countless divisions of the Slug Sage.
Even pouring in all her chakra, Tsunade could only call a larger split body.
The true body of the Slug Sage lay hidden in Shikkotsu Forest.
Tsunade had once met it.
Its titanic bulk had left a deep impression.
Its strength was bottomless.
After a brief exchange, the Slug Sage consented.
Tsunade was not surprised. With its gentle nature, allowing training in the forest was no great ask.
"Let this little slug stay with you. When you are ready, tell it. It will take you to Shikkotsu Forest."
After a few instructions, the slug crawled obediently onto Senya's shoulder.
"Even with the sage's permission, hear me. Do not do anything foul in Shikkotsu Forest."
"The Slug Sage is gentle and easy to get along with. If you anger it, I will not save you."
"And the forest itself is dangerous. If you die there, do not blame me."
Her warnings given, Tsunade left with Shizune.
After gambling and drinking, a good sleep awaited.
Watching them go, Senya stepped out with the little slug.
In a quiet alley, he asked it to take him to the forest.
He had nothing else to prepare.
"Please brace yourself."
The slug answered crisply. It linked to its other selves in the holy land and prepared Reverse Summoning.
It would bring itself and Senya to Shikkotsu Forest together.
POOF!
Smoke billowed, and both vanished from the spot.
...