"Apologies,"
"I'm not interested in that."
As expected by Tobirama Senju, Emiya Shigen politely declined Hashirama's invitation to join the dice game. Shigen didn't even consider taking up the task that had suddenly appeared on his internal commission list:
[D-Rank Task: Win against Tsunade at the gambling table.]
Shigen's commission list was always stuck at [Unfinished Commissions (2/3)], as he avoided taking unnecessary risks. He had learned to tread cautiously, especially after accepting a certain task during his time in the Land of Iron that required him to punish Danzo Shimura for his deceit. While that task was ultimately completed, it had taken far longer than anticipated and was more troublesome than expected.
More importantly, Shigen simply didn't trust his own luck.
As a transmigrator, he often lamented his misfortune—having been flung over a thousand years into the past during an era of chaos. It was only through immense effort, manipulating both the Sage of Six Paths and Black Zetsu, that he carved out a chance for rebirth in the current era.
What if he couldn't beat Tsunade at gambling? Being forced to stay in the ninja world indefinitely over a trivial D-Rank task would be absurd.
Worse still, what if he impulsively gave it a try and succeeded immediately, only to officially take on the task afterward, and then experience endless losing streaks? Imagine finishing his centuries-long scheme to defeat Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, only to still fail to win against Tsunade at dice—now that would be the ultimate cosmic joke.
To think that his millennia-spanning plans might unravel due to three little dice... the very thought was maddening.
"Eh?"
Little Tsunade, having just finished counting her money, looked curiously at Emiya Shigen. "You're not even a little interested in gambling?"
"There are far more meaningful pursuits in this world," Shigen replied, his gaze settling on the child before him. His eyes, though hollow and lifeless, couldn't fully obscure the radiant presence he exuded.
To anyone who laid eyes on Emiya Shigen, his visage was imbued with an aura of boundless compassion and kindness. It was a glow that even the forbidden state of Edo Tensei couldn't suppress.
"Little Tsuna, let me introduce you properly," Hashirama said with a chuckle, putting away the dice cup. "Do you remember the bedtime stories Grandpa and Grandma tell you every night?"
"Stories about Lord Emiya Shigen?"
Tsunade's eyes lit up instantly.
For a five-year-old girl, bedtime stories were the highlight of her day—especially the ones Hashirama told, which always managed to captivate her imagination.
The tales of Emiya Shigen had become her favorite.
In these stories, Emiya Shigen would always appear during moments of great despair: when entire villages were ravaged by incurable plagues, when families lost loved ones to illness, or when those left behind struggled in hopeless suffering. Just when it seemed all was lost, Emiya Shigen, the savior, would arrive to heal the sick and save countless lives.
Hashirama's versions were simple, like sweet desserts before sleep.
But Uzumaki Mito's renditions were far more intricate and detailed, making them even more mesmerizing to the young girl.
Mito's stories painted a richer, more vivid picture of Emiya Shigen. They even included conflicts where skeptics doubted his medical prowess, drawing little Tsunade into fits of indignant rage on Shigen's behalf.
In Mito's tales, Shigen was accompanied by endearing companions: a tiny, friendly slug that clung to his shoulder, and a massive, fox-like creature that pulled his carriage—so enormous it dwarfed entire houses. Together, they journeyed across the ninja world, bringing hope to the suffering.
The giant fox, sometimes gentle and sometimes fiery, was a particular favorite of Tsunade's. She had even cried over the story where the fox, fearing its size frightened the sick villagers, asked to be sealed away for their comfort. When Shigen refused, unwilling to restrict the creature's freedom, the fox eventually chose to leave the group—an event that left Tsunade heartbroken for days.
These stories, full of moral lessons about kindness, compassion, and justice, were perfect for nurturing a young child's heart. Naturally, they made Emiya Shigen her idol.
"I tell her your stories every day," Hashirama said, reminiscing with a smile. "Little Tsuna's been inspired by them, just like I was when I was her age. She dreams of becoming a medical ninja, just like you, Lord Shigen."
"She's even started practicing chakra control," Hashirama continued, beaming with pride. "She's far better at it than I was at her age! Who knows? She might one day become an even greater medical ninja than me!"
"I will!" Tsunade puffed out her cheeks indignantly, assuming her grandfather was underestimating her. In her frustration, she accidentally dropped the money she had just counted, but she didn't care. "I'm going to become the greatest medical ninja ever—just like Lord Shigen! I'll endure the pain that others cannot bear and dedicate myself to healing the suffering!"
"..."
Emiya Shigen fell silent for a moment, his hollow gaze lingering on the spirited little girl. Then, to everyone's surprise, he spoke:
"I'll be staying in the village for a while. If you have questions, feel free to ask me."
"Ah?"
Hashirama's eyes lit up with surprise and delight.
Tobirama, however, remained calm.
After years of knowing Emiya Shigen, Tobirama had grown accustomed to his demeanor. Shigen was always willing to share medical knowledge, meticulously documenting his findings and treatment methods.
Over the past decade, whenever Tobirama's messengers visited Shigen during his travels, they always returned with piles of scrolls filled with medical cases and research. These scrolls, enough to fill an entire chamber, were treasures Shigen intended to leave behind for future generations.
Of course, Tobirama had little interest in medical knowledge. What frustrated him was that Shigen stubbornly refused to share any techniques that could enhance combat strength.
"I am Emiya Shigen," Shigen introduced himself formally, extending a hand toward Tsunade. His expression was solemn, almost reverent. "A medical ninja."
"..."
Tsunade's wide eyes sparkled with disbelief.
At that moment, Emiya Shigen's demeanor was so dignified and earnest that it rendered her speechless. She hesitated briefly before slowly lifting her chubby little hand to meet his.
"My name is Tsunade..." she murmured, her voice tinged with awe and wonder.
For the first time, she found herself face-to-face with the hero of her bedtime stories.
"..."
Hashirama's expression turned serious, and even the usually composed Tobirama regarded the moment with solemnity.
They both realized they were witnessing something extraordinary.
In their eyes, this was more than just a meeting between a child and a legend. It was the moment a man who had shaped the medical ninja system millennia ago passed on his will to the future.
Little did they know…
The fate of Tsunade and Emiya Shigen had always been intertwined.
From the crystalline coffins of the Senju Clan to the reserves in Shikkotsu Forest, all of Shigen's legacies had been quietly waiting for this child.
Even now, as the second crystal coffin awaited its heir…
It was still hers to claim.
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Powerstones?
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