NARUTO: Starting with Hinata

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Shizune appeared holding Tonton.

"Where's the money?" Tsunade asked, getting straight to the point.

"Yes." Shizune glanced at Shiki.

Previously, he had given her five hundred thousand ryo, and in return, he got an IOU. Based on Shizune's understanding of Tsunade, it was like throwing a meat bun to a dog—there would be no return.

Cough! Cough!

That description might sound a bit rude, but Shiki himself had said it, and Shizune agreed with him in her heart. It seemed her junior understood Tsunade's true nature quite well. But if that's the case, why lend her the money?

"Shiki, what about you?" Tsunade bent down, her golden ponytail sliding off her shoulder and fluttering in the air. Of course, the most eye-catching thing was her barely-held-together outfit.

"There are a lot of delicious foods and fun things to do in the metropolitan area. Remember to bring more money." Tsunade reminded him with a smile.

Shiki suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu. It was like the kind of promise a strange aunt would make to a little boy with a lollipop in her hand.

"That's too much, Lady Tsunade!" Shizune scolded loudly.

"Ahem." Tsunade stood up and said, "Let's go."

She walked over to the door. Shizune was the last to leave, locking the door and putting the key away.

"How are we getting there?" Shiki asked.

With a ninja's speed, it would probably take a day or two to reach the Fire Country's capital.

"Rest assured." Tsunade raised her chin slightly, looking rather proud, "Do you know what the symbol of the Three Legendary Sannin is?"

"Indulgence, gambling, and—" Shiki started.

"It's a summoning beast." Shizune answered quickly, cutting him off, "We can use the Reverse Summoning Technique to reach the capital."

Summoning usually involved calling forth spirit beasts, but the Reverse Summoning Technique did the opposite. However, it was complex; only a few powerful summoning creatures, like those in the three major holy lands, could perform it.

"Kid, come here and sign." Tsunade opened a scroll and said, "With your talent, I'm sure Lord Slug will like you."

Shiki nodded. The slug could heal and provide support, making it a valuable ally to have. Plus, this would give him a reason to visit the Shikkotsu Forest and learn more about Sage Mode.

After Shiki wrote his name on the scroll, Tsunade put it away. She looked at Shizune, and the two shared a silent understanding.

Without a word from Tsunade, Shizune moved slightly aside, bit her thumb, and pressed it to the ground. A series of black lines appeared, and with a puff of smoke, a slug about the size of a cat or dog appeared.

"Lady Shizune." The slug greeted her in a gentle, pleasant voice, "What do you need?"

Shiki raised an eyebrow. Its voice had a warm, mature quality to it.

"Lord Slug." Tsunade said, pointing at Shiki, "This is my student, Shiki."

"Impressive." The slug remarked, "I didn't expect you to take on another disciple."

As Tsunade's summoning beast, the slug knew her history well. It had assumed she wouldn't return to Konoha, let alone take on a student, until she had finally let go of her past burdens.

"Hello, Young Shiki." The slug greeted him warmly.

"Lord Slug." Shiki responded, unfazed. The slug was known for its polite nature, referring to its summoners with respectful titles.

"Lord Slug, do you have a split body in the Fire Country's capital?" Tsunade asked, "If so, could it perform the Reverse Summoning Technique to bring us there?"

"Certainly. Give me a moment." The slug closed its eyes in concentration.

Because the Slug Sage was too massive, it split into countless smaller parts that connected with each other, allowing contractors to summon parts of it anywhere.

"I'll have a clone hurry to the Fire Country capital." The slug said after a moment, "It should take about fifteen minutes."

"Thank you, Lord Slug." Tsunade said gratefully.

"It's my duty." The slug replied gently.

---

"Alright." The slug reminded them, "Please stand together. The clones will reverse summon you all at once."

Most summoned creatures couldn't perform synchronized summoning, but the slug was an exception.

"Shiki." Tsunade said, stretching out her hand.

Though unexpected, Shiki accepted it. Her hand was large and warm as it wrapped around his smaller one.

He felt a brief, intense shaking sensation, but it passed in seconds. When he opened his eyes again, he found himself in a secluded alley, the sounds of a bustling market drifting in from a distance.

"We're here." The slug announced, though it was now significantly larger, reaching up to Shiki's waist.

"Thank you, Lord Slug." Tsunade said, releasing Shiki's hand and clenching her fists with a grin, "Now, let's go to the casino!"

"I hope the three of you enjoy your time here." With a puff of smoke, the slug disappeared. Its service was impeccable.

Shiki nodded, admiring the slug's diligence. Compared to the toads, who often caused trouble, and the snakes, who were cold and distant, slugs certainly had a more reliable charm.

"Lady Tsunade!" Shizune called out quickly, "We still need to buy some sake!"

"Take Shiki with you, and meet me at the casino when you're done." Tsunade replied, leaping away and vanishing in a few swift movements.

"Really!" Shizune exclaimed, pressing a hand to her chest in frustration.

After a moment of breathing to calm herself, she looked at Shiki.

"Sister Shizune " Shiki said calmly, "You should follow Tsunade to the casino. I can go buy the sake myself."

"No." Shizune refused instantly.

"Nothing will happen." Shiki replied with a shake of his head, "This is the capital of the Fire Country."

"Accidents can happen even in Konoha," Shizune countered, frowning, "Who knows, some bad woman might come along and try to kidnap you."

'Childish.' he thought, rolling his eyes, 'I think you're more of a threat than they are.'

After a moment, Shiki asked, "Sister Shizune, do you want to win back the money Lady Tsunade lost?"