Chapter Forty-Eight: The First Encounter with Tsukasa Saegusa's Kodama

“Sorry.”
“I’m not interested in these.”

Just as Tobirama Senju had anticipated, Saigē Shigenori flatly refused Hashirama Senju’s offer, not even considering accepting one of the newly refreshed missions on his task list.

[D-Rank Mission: Win once against Tsunade at the gambling table.]

Saigē Shigenori’s mission list had long been in a state of [Unfinished Missions (2/3)], allowing him to take on at most one additional task at a time. To avoid mistakes, he never rashly accepted any mission, such as the one that would make Danzo Shimura take the blame.

Back when Saigē Shigenori was in the Land of Iron, he had attempted such a mission, causing Danzo Shimura to bear the blame as punishment for deceiving him. It took a considerable amount of time to complete, teaching Saigē the need for caution.

Of course, the most important reason was…

Saigē Shigenori did not trust his luck.

As a traveler from another world, his misfortune was to have been transported more than a thousand years into the ancient era, painstakingly using the Six Paths Sage and Kurotsuchi to forge a path of rebirth.

If he could never win against Tsunade and was forced to stay in the ninja world for the reward of a D-rank mission, that would be quite the predicament…

And if he decided to try his luck and won Tsunade once, then took the D-rank mission only to suffer consecutive losses thereafter, unable to beat her even after defeating Kaguya Ōtsutsuki—that would be an even bigger headache…

A grand scheme spanning a thousand years, all to complete a mission and leave the ninja world, only to be undone by three tiny dice—that would be maddening.

“Eh?”

Little Tsunade finished counting her money and curiously looked at Saigē Shigenori. “You’re not even interested in gambling money?”

“Because there are more worthwhile things to love doing in this world.”

Saigē’s gaze settled on the young Tsunade. His eyes were a void of stillness, yet even in this stillness, an undeniable brilliance shone from him.

Anyone who met Saigē Shigenori seemed to see compassion and kindness etched into his face from every angle—a radiance that even the Edo Tensei form could not obscure.

“Tsunade, let me introduce you.”

Hashirama Senju put away the dice cup and smiled gently, addressing his granddaughter. “Do you remember the stories Grandpa and Grandma used to tell you before bed?”

“The story of Lord Saigē Shigenori?”

A sparkle lit up young Tsunade’s eyes.

As a child, bedtime stories fascinated her, especially those told by Hashirama Senju—they perfectly suited her tastes.

How could a five-year-old girl not adore tales that ended as beautifully and perfectly as fairy tales?

Especially when she felt sorrow for the characters whose loved ones fell gravely ill or passed away, and those remaining grew weak and frail, struggling in despair—the real hero of the story, Saigē Shigenori, would appear to heal their suffering and save village after village from ruin.

Of course, Hashirama’s bedtime stories were simple.

For young Tsunade, they were merely a sweet treat before sleep.

In contrast…

The stories told by Mito Uzumaki were more intricate and captivating.

Because Mito’s tales often included strange elements; Saigē Shigenori’s image was more three-dimensional and vivid, the content strikingly realistic. When someone in the story doubted Saigē’s medical skills, it would ignite Tsunade’s fury.

Undoubtedly, such stories were more engaging.

Especially since in Mito’s tales, Saigē bore a slug-like creature on his shoulder, rode in a large carriage pulled by a nine-tailed fox bigger than their house, descending like a deity upon villages in distress.

A humble, highly skilled young medical ninja…

A cute, helpful little slug…

A nine-tailed fox, sometimes docile, sometimes fiery, like a beloved pet…

This strange yet charming story about traveling the ninja world kept the little girl spellbound.

When the nine-tailed fox worried its size might frighten patients and wished to be sealed away, Saigē refused, believing such a seal would imprison its freedom. Ultimately, the fox left the team, which saddened Tsunade for a long time.

Such stories, embodying truth, kindness, and beauty without losing their charm, were perfect to soothe an innocent five-year-old girl, who admired and adored the protagonist Saigē Shigenori deeply.

The little girl dreamed of becoming a medical ninja like him.

“We tell her stories of Lord Saigē every day.”

Hashirama Senju recalled his own childhood with a smile. “Little Tsunade, just like I did, listens to stories of Lord Saigē and wants to become a medical ninja too…”

“And…”

“She’s already started chakra refinement…”

“Her chakra control is better than mine was at her age!”

Hashirama beamed proudly at Saigē Shigenori as he praised his granddaughter, imagining his childhood dreams fulfilled in the next generation.

“Maybe Tsunade will surpass me and truly become an exceptional medical ninja!”

“She definitely will!”

Tsunade stood up spiritedly, thinking her great-grandfather was underestimating her. Even though the money in her arms spilled to the ground, she paid no mind.

“I won’t give up like you did, Great-Grandpa. I will become the most formidable medical ninja, just like Lord Saigē Shigenori! Enduring the pain the world cannot bear, striving to save those trapped in endless suffering!”

“…”

Saigē Shigenori was silent for a moment, gazing at the little girl before him. Then he suddenly said, “I will be staying in Konoha for a while. If you have any questions, you may come to me.”

“Ah?”

Hashirama Senju looked pleasantly surprised at Saigē’s words.

“…”

Tobirama Senju, however, was unsurprised.

Because he understood Saigē Shigenori’s character.

This ancient medical ninja never cared about sharing his medical knowledge with the world, although he meticulously documented all cases and treatment plans.

Indeed…

Saigē’s treatment methods were accessible to ordinary medical ninjas.

For ten years, whenever Tobirama sent someone to contact them, the returnees brought back piles of case scrolls—precious treasures he wished to leave for future generations, filling an entire secret chamber.

Unfortunately…

These case scrolls were not Tobirama’s interest.

Saigē Shigenori willingly shared medical ninja knowledge but never his secrets for enhancing a ninja’s combat power.

“I am Saigē Shigenori.”

Saigē introduced himself, standing up before the astonished little Tsunade. With solemnity, he extended his palm toward her. “A medical ninja.”

“…”

Tsunade stared wide-eyed in disbelief.

At this moment…

Saigē Shigenori was so earnest and dignified that Tsunade was momentarily at a loss for words. She simply stared, then shyly mirrored his gesture, extending her chubby little hand.

“My name is Tsunade…”

Confused and overwhelmed, the little girl could hardly believe the person before her was the very hero of her bedtime stories.

“…”

Hashirama’s expression turned solemn.

Even the usually indifferent and casual Tobirama grew serious.

This moment…

They might never forget.

Before their eyes stood a great figure who had founded the medical ninja system a thousand years ago. After transcending death and time, he sincerely acknowledged a child’s dream and passed on his will to the future.

Of course, they could never know…

Whether it was the crystal coffin of the Senju clan or the spare crystal coffin in the Forest of Death, both had always been prepared for Tsunade.

This little girl…

Had always been the destined bearer of the crystal coffin to enter the ninja world.

If Tobirama had not risked using Edo Tensei early to summon Saigē Shigenori, Tsunade would have been the true destined person to reveal Saigē’s crystal coffin to the world.

Even now…

The one who holds the second crystal coffin…

Is still her.