The reason for purchasing Haimaru, as Shen Mo had said…
Was to dispel loneliness.
Being alone in another world wasn't pleasant, even if this world held many characters Shen Mo once adored. Now, they were just strangers.
And as a mature adult…
Shen Mo knew well.
Affection was best placed in those who valued him in return.
Like the little kitten on his shoulder.
Initial loyalty: a staggering ninety percent.
With that foundation, as long as he treated her well, she'd reciprocate his care.
He couldn't resist scratching her chin, earning a few "meow meows." Satisfied, Shen Mo tucked away his tender expression and turned his focus to today's "clients."
The other wealthy families in this town.
In his impeccable tuxedo, the mysterious can merchant appeared once more.
…
While Shen Mo conducted high-profit deals, raking in wealth…
Tsunade, after two days and nights of relentless travel…
Finally returned to Konoha.
Gazing at the familiar yet unfamiliar surroundings, she slowed her steps, her eyes tinged with complex emotions.
"Is that… Lady Tsunade?" a shocked voice called from the village gate.
Despite years away, the gate guards recognized her instantly.
Of course, her unchanged appearance helped.
"It really is Lady Tsunade!"
"Lady Tsunade's back!"
"Lady Tsunade!"
"You're finally back!"
From the gate guards to passing ninjas, even ordinary shopkeepers—anyone of a certain age greeted her with excitement, a testament to her popularity in Konoha.
Not just as one of the legendary Sannin, a war hero, and the First Hokage's granddaughter…
But for her masterful medical ninjutsu.
During the war, she'd saved countless ninjas and civilians alike.
"Lady Tsunade…"
Shizune, trailing close behind, felt the villagers' warmth, her eyes slightly red.
"Hmph, these people haven't changed," Tsunade said, her expression a touch grim. But her quickening steps and clenched fists betrayed that her heart wasn't as calm as she appeared.
Along the way, people kept greeting her with joyful surprise.
She reached the Hokage's office unimpeded.
Pushing the door open…
Inside sat the Third Hokage, with several ninjas reporting missions.
"I heard you were back and could hardly believe it," the Third Hokage said, chuckling at Tsunade. "Good to have you back. You still look so young."
"…And you, Sensei," Tsunade said, pausing before adding, "completely an old man now, huh?"
"Hahaha."
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, took no offense at his disciple's words, laughing heartily and waving the other ninjas out.
"Are you back temporarily, or did something happen?"
In truth, a day earlier, Hiruzen had received word of Tsunade's return to Konoha.
Even after her departure…
Ninja spies always lingered around her, as did those from other villages.
So Hiruzen had some vague information, but it was incomplete.
"Take a look at these."
Tsunade produced a sealing scroll, placed it on the desk, and opened it. With a soft pop, numerous vials, herbs, and odd items appeared.
"These are…" Hiruzen examined them.
"I purchased them from a mysterious merchant," Tsunade said, her face grave. "They're incredibly miraculous. Some potions' effects are beyond imagination. And that merchant… he claimed to be from another world."
"Another world?" Hiruzen blinked.
As Hokage, he knew many secret techniques.
Like the Reaper Death Seal, which summoned a death god.
At the very least, an afterlife existed.
But what Tsunade described was clearly different.
"He showed me many visions," Tsunade said, recalling what she saw. "Images of entirely different worlds. He said he was a merchant from something called the Omni-Potent Chamber of Commerce, and his wares—cans—truly contained all sorts of wondrous items. Some herbs and potions, even I've never heard of."
"Tell me everything, in detail," Hiruzen said, his expression turning serious.
Though the ninja world seemed to be in a rare period of peace…
Storms were never far off.
The Akatsuki, other ninja villages, various threats—they all persisted.
Tsunade recounted her encounter with Shen Mo, every dialogue, in full, with Shizune adding details.
Finally…
She presented the badge Shen Mo had given her.
"You're saying, when you checked his body, you confirmed he was just an ordinary person?" Hiruzen zeroed in on a key point.
"I'm certain. But when he left, he did display a technique similar to the Flying Thunder God," Tsunade said, her brow furrowing as she recalled Shen Mo activating the Omni-Potent Eye. "And… when that pattern appeared on his forehead…"
That regal aura.
It was hard to describe.
"I understand, Tsunade," Hiruzen said, puffing his pipe, head lowered in silence, deep in thought.
Tsunade's feelings, the miraculous items before him, all the signs—they pointed to this merchant's mystery.
From another world?
Whether believable or not, these wondrous items demanded caution.
After a long pause…
"Tsunade," Hiruzen said, a warm smile breaking across his aged face. "You're staying this time, right? The medical institute director's position has always been reserved for you. Oh, and your condition…"
"…It's healed," Tsunade said after a moment, pulling a cross necklace from her neck. "This came from the only tier-two can I purchased. The Cross of Courage. Wearing it grants courage…"
"Oh?"
Hiruzen's cloudy eyes fixed on the gleaming silver necklace.
"It suits you."
In this world, crosses also symbolized healing.
Tsunade took a deep breath, looking at her teacher, and said slowly, "He said tier-three cans contain treasures that can resurrect people."
The room fell silent.
Hiruzen puffed his pipe, smoke soon clouding the Hokage's office.
"Tsunade."
Finally, Hiruzen broke the silence, his voice heavy with age but carrying a certain strength.
"I understand your feelings. But Nawaki, Dan… they burned themselves out protecting Konoha, protecting the village. Even if they could be resurrected… they wouldn't want your love for them to be exploited, or for it to… harm the village."
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