Watching Takuya win hand after hand, Tsunade gritted her teeth in frustration. Why does he always get the best cards?
"You shuffle the cards. What do you mean, cheating? If you can't handle losing, then don't play. Pay up—thank you for your contribution, two thousand ryo, no credit," Takuya said, pushing the cards toward Tsunade.
If you're bad at the game, at least don't blame others. Takuya couldn't understand where Tsunade got the confidence to grab the cards.
"Fine, I'll shuffle!" Tsunade felt like she had been duped. My luck can't be this bad. Why does Takuya always get the good cards?
She was determined to win this time.
I'm going to wipe the floor with you!
"Bomb, straight,"
"Joker, airplane,"
"Two, straight…"
Watching Takuya win again and again, with even Kushina profiting from the game, Tsunade was fuming. Why is my luck so terrible? I can never get good cards.
"I don't believe this! Let's go again!" Tsunade, now fully invested, dealt another round of cards.
I dare you to be the Landlord this time. I'll destroy you!
Holding two Jokers and four Aces, Tsunade felt invincible. This round, I'll make Takuya beg for mercy.
"Pass," Takuya said, quickly passing on the Landlord role.
"Hahaha, Takuya, you're going to lose this time!" Tsunade exclaimed, grabbing the remaining cards. "Watch me win it all back."
Takuya: …
It seemed that hanging out with him, Minato, Kushina, and Mikoto had led Tsunade to pick up some of the funny phrases from his past life.
With two Jokers in hand, I'm unstoppable.
Feeling on top of the world, Tsunade confidently played a low Three.
Kushina hesitated as she examined her hand. She was stuck, unsure how to proceed. Something seems off with these cards. One wrong move, and Tsunade might cry if I win this round.
"What are you waiting for? Play a Two!" came the urgent voice of the Nine-Tails from within her.
Kushina had reached an agreement with the Nine-Tails. As long as it didn't interfere with her training, she wouldn't torment it with the Adamantine Sealing Chains. Occasionally, she'd even let it take a peek at the outside world.
Now, as it watched Takuya and Tsunade playing, the Nine-Tails was itching to join in. Seeing Takuya win round after round, with Tsunade almost losing her shirt, the Nine-Tails couldn't stand it.
Finally, she has good cards—why is she hesitating? Play your cards! I'm going crazy here!
"What do you know?" Kushina retorted. "If I lose, how could I face Takuya?"
Inside the seal, the Nine-Tails rolled its eyes, baring its fangs. "Trust me, you won't lose. If I'm wrong, I won't ask to be let out for three months."
"Really?"
"Yes, play the Two! Tsunade definitely can't beat it."
"Alright." Under Tsunade's impatient gaze, Kushina followed the Nine-Tails' advice and played a Two.
"Pass," Takuya said, giving up instantly.
Should I bomb her? Tsunade hesitated, feeling uncertain. The Nine-Tails smirked with satisfaction. "See? I told you it would work."
"Pass!" Tsunade eventually backed down.
"Straight," Kushina played a sequence, causing Tsunade's eyes to widen in shock.
"Pfft~~" Takuya turned away, stifling his laughter. Why is it so hard for Tsunade to win a round?
She had lost every game from start to finish. Poor Kushina hadn't had a single chance to be the Landlord. She either won alongside Takuya or lost with Tsunade.
"Pass…" I don't believe you can win with this hand!
"Pair of Twos."
"Are you doing this on purpose?" Tsunade snapped, veins bulging on her forehead. She was ready to punch someone. If it hadn't been Kushina sitting there, Jiraiya would've been sent flying by now.
"Can't I play a pair of Twos?" Kushina asked, looking at Tsunade with wide, innocent eyes.
…
Facing Kushina's sad expression, Tsunade's anger melted away, replaced by a forced smile. "Of course, you can. Keep going, I don't believe—"
"Straight," Kushina laid down her final cards, and the smile on Tsunade's face froze.
What happened to "Two Jokers in hand, unstoppable"? How did Kushina steal the win? And it's a spring game, which doubles the payout!
Argh!!!
So frustrating.
"Pfft-hahaha…" Takuya collapsed onto the table, laughing uncontrollably. Playing cards with Tsunade was too much fun. She couldn't win a single game, not even one.
"You're good!" Tsunade glared at Kushina.
I finally got a good hand, and you ruined it! Where's the justice in that?
"Want to play another round, Tsunade? I haven't been the Landlord yet," Kushina asked innocently.
"What's the point? I'm going to bed." Tossing the cards aside, Tsunade fled.
She had run out of money, and Takuya didn't allow credit, so unless Kushina lent her some, she was out of luck.
But Takuya wasn't about to lend her a single coin.
Why lend you money to lose when I could keep it for myself?
As a result, Tsunade never managed to borrow money from Takuya, and even from Kushina, the chances were slim.
The most frustrating part for Tsunade was that she couldn't strong-arm Kushina into lending her money. If it had been Nawaki, she would've kicked him until he gave in.
"Hahaha, she's only going to bed because she's out of money. If we kept playing, she'd lose her underwear too," Takuya chuckled, his stomach hurting from laughter.
He called out to Tsunade, "The guest room is clean, don't go to my bedroom."
"I like it. I want to, and I'm going to sleep in your room!" Tsunade yelled back, storming into the bedroom.
…
"Let's see you sleep there forever, then."
"I will! Who's afraid? I was wondering where I'd find dinner."
…
"If you're willing to take care of me, I don't mind," Tsunade continued.
…
So that's it, Takuya thought, shaking his head. Not only is Tsunade a gambling addict, but she's also a shameless hooligan. Just listen to her.
"I'm going to join Tsunade," Kushina said, carefully tucking away her winnings before heading to the bedroom.
After losing all her money, Tsunade had calmed down considerably, but it only took a day before she started acting up again. Unable to borrow money from Kushina, she suggested playing Landlord with sticky notes instead.
Takuya not only scorned the idea but also flat-out refused. Winning a bit of money was fine, but playing for sticky notes? No way.
On the fourth day, under the Third Hokage's orders, Tsunade reluctantly left Konoha, carrying a load of sealing scrolls as she headed to the Rain Country battlefield.
On the road, Tsunade slung her arm around Takuya's shoulders, grinning mischievously. "Takuya, aren't you going to say goodbye to Kushina and Mikoto?"
You just want to see me embarrass myself. Don't think I don't see through your little tricks.
Takuya rolled his eyes and pulled away, thinking, It's broad daylight, and you're acting all cozy!
"They know I'm going to the Rain Country battlefield. I've already said everything I need to say. What's the point of another farewell?"
"Aww, are you shy? Don't run away—come here and let your big sister give you a hug, so I can tell Kushina all about it later."
"Get lost!"
…
Are we going to war or on a fun trip?
Note: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 128 at patreon.com/Emik01.