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Hashirama was completely unaware that the others were falling behind.
Since he first entered the ninja world, he had been using his reanimated body, and he never felt tired from traveling.
Naturally, he overlooked the fact that others might get tired.
He just wanted to reach the Hidden Cloud Village as quickly as possible.
Why were these few people getting slower and slower?
"Hey!"
Hashirama suddenly stopped, glaring at the group with an unfriendly expression, and said coldly, "Are you all deliberately dragging your feet?"
Upon hearing this, everyone was startled.
None of them could find the words to respond.
They didn't know what to say or how to say it, as making a reply would amount to accusing the First Hokage.
"Grandpa…"
Cough, cough, cough!
The reanimated body felt nothing!
"Well, since everyone is tired, let's take a break."
Hashirama nodded. He could already see that Tsunade was very exhausted; after leading the charge, Tsunade was gasping for breath.
"Phew!"
Upon hearing Hashirama's words, everyone finally relaxed. They were all extremely fatigued and were grateful for the precious break.
The previous sprint had left them no time to catch their breath.
For a moment, everyone stopped.
Those who needed to drink water did so, and those who needed to eat soldier pills did that as well. They treasured this rare moment of respite, fearing that Hashirama might decide to speed up again, which they couldn't handle.
"Everyone!"
Seeing that everyone had sat down, Tsunade immediately released Hashirama's hand, looked at the group with a meaningful smile, and said, "Since we have a rare break, let's not waste it—let's play some cards!"
Tsunade's right hand reached into her cloak and pulled out a deck of cards from somewhere, her eyes sparkling with excitement, clearly having been looking forward to this for a long time.
"…"
Everyone was speechless.
Heaven help us!
Are these two, grandfather and granddaughter, sent by the heavens to torment us?
To think that such a rare break time is being used to play cards?
Asking the esteemed Fourth Hokage to play cards?
Is this necessary?
Everyone's faces turned sour. They were very reluctant, but this wasn't a time when they could do whatever they wanted.
"Playing cards sounds good!"
Hashirama clapped his hands. Although he didn't have a habit of playing cards, he knew that Tsunade enjoyed it.
After all, she was his granddaughter.
Play!
They must play!
Hashirama had a purpose for this journey, but life shouldn't be solely goal-oriented. Allowing Tsunade to play a few rounds was fine, and they could travel faster later.
"Grandpa, do you want to play too?"
Tsunade suddenly turned to Hashirama, her eyes lighting up with deep anticipation.
"I'll pass this time, but I'll watch you all play!"
Hashirama folded his arms, adopting a spectator's pose. He wasn't sure if he would inherit the tendency to lose no matter how he played.
If he did inherit it, wouldn't that be like giving away money? Plus, he didn't have much money anyway…
But if he didn't inherit it, that would expose him!
No matter what, it's best not to play!
"Alright!"
Tsunade nodded, not thinking much of it. Now that she was thinking about playing cards, she was itching to start. With a beaming smile, she scanned the group and said, "Let's all join in!"
"…"
Everyone was at a loss for words.
The grandfather and granddaughter had made the decision, and it was set.
The problem was…
They had to comply!
They hadn't felt this kind of helplessness in a long time, almost like returning to their childhood. It was a very, very unpleasant experience.
With no other option, everyone reluctantly sat down.
Tsunade, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Koharu Utatane, Aoba Yamashiro, Gaara, Maki, Akatsuchi, and Onoki.
Exactly eight people.
They formed a circle.
Playing Tsunade's favorite game!
However…
None of them had a gambling addiction; they rarely played cards even on normal days. They were just going along with it now, planning to lose a bit of money to make the journey easier.
For someone like Koharu, who didn't know Tsunade well before, she already mentally labeled this as an opportunity to extort money.
Soon.
The cards were dealt.
And the game began.
Hashirama stood to the side, watching them play, saying nothing. He was like an extra, though a rather unsettling one.
A few minutes later.
"Ugh, I lost again!"
Tsunade glared at her hand, angrily throwing the cards to the ground. The displeased expression on her face lasted only a moment before quickly disappearing.
"Let's keep going, next round!"
Tsunade began collecting the cards from everyone, shuffling them with practiced ease. Her actions made everyone uneasy.
Damn it!
She actually won!
And Hashirama was still watching!
"Who won just now?"
At this moment, Hashirama's voice rang out clearly, causing everyone to break out in cold sweat.
"That person!"
Tsunade pointed to Onoki without thinking, then pouted and said, "He won it all!"
Onoki's forehead broke out in visible beads of sweat, streaming down his face, even covering his large nose.
What to do?
He shouldn't have won!
He had won inexplicably!
Wait!
To be precise, how did Tsunade suddenly lose?
Onoki felt the situation was a bit overwhelming. He wanted to explain, but he feared it might only make things worse.
"Impressive!"
Hashirama gave Onoki a thumbs-up, offering genuine praise. He wasn't thinking too much about it—the game was just a game, unrelated to past grievances. Those issues would be addressed at the Five Kage Summit.
"I… I…"
Onoki's eyelids twitched uncontrollably. Hashirama's words seemed to carry a different meaning, and he felt a chill run through him. He had never been so unsettled by a win before.
As Onoki's heart raced, the next round began.
"Oh no, I lost again!"
Tsunade threw her cards to the ground in frustration and glared at Onoki, saying, "I didn't expect this old man to be so skilled!"
"I… I mean… I'm just average…"
Onoki's face turned a deep shade of distress. He couldn't bring himself to meet the First Hokage's gaze, his heart feeling like it might burst.
"Onoki, impressive! I didn't realize you had such a talent for cards!"
Hashirama gave Onoki another thumbs-up, this time with sincere admiration.
However…
This praise…
It was the final straw for Onoki!
I really didn't intend to win!
Onoki felt like crying without tears. He had no idea how to explain his winning streak. In the face of two consecutive wins, all his explanations seemed hopelessly inadequate.
(End of Chapter)