42 Shall we bet?

"No, I won't give you one, and don't ask again," I repeated for the fifth time to Tsunade as we walked towards Konoha. Let me tell you, I was walking on one of the busiest routes, and the state of the road was pretty bad.

Doesn't the daimyo invest in maintaining the roads or something?

"Tch!" Tsunade clicked her tongue, but I think she finally gave up.

Or not, but whatever, let's change the subject for a while.

I think I should have made the call in private. Tsunade quickly figured out how the den den mushi worked during my short conversation, and I don't know if she's thinking about selling it to pay her debts, really wants one due to its incredible strategic importance, or is just throwing a princess fit.

"By the way, why are we walking?" I asked them. Since both of them have gone through ninja training, they should be leaping through the trees.

"Do you think I want to walk?" Tsunade looked at me with an annoyed expression. "Although you seem to be in good shape, you don't have chakra, and since you're coming with us, we can't leave you behind."

Oh, is she actually being considerate of me?

"Do you realize I'm actually faster than either of you?" I'm not bragging, I swear. I'm probably the most humble person when compared to the original Enel.

Just stating a fact here.

"You seem pretty sure of that statement," Tsunade responded as I could almost see the gears turning in her head as she squinted her eyes at me. "How about we make a race and place a bet?" she said boldly.

"Do you even have anything left to bet?" I replied without thinking, and seeing Shizune trying to contain her laughter while a vein on Tsunade's forehead throbbed, I think I hit the mark.

Tsunade stayed silent for a moment, apparently considering if she actually had anything left to bet.

"How about I give you a complete free medical examination if you win?" Tsunade played one of her most reliable cards, but I think she forgot something.

"I'm better at medicine than you, so no," I shot down the proposal without hesitation. "And you didn't even say what you want if you win."

"Do you mind if we make it a favor within reasonable limits instead?"

That sounds more reasonable.

"Deal," I agreed. "What will be the finish line?"

"The tea and dango stand about ten kilometers north of the village entrance, just before the crossroads," Tsunade said.

"Alright. On your mark, get set, go," I said calmly as I continued walking with all the calm in the world.

Tsunade took a moment to process that I had given the starting signal and then jumped onto the treetops at the side of the road before rushing forward. Shizune hurried to follow her once she also reacted.

"She's still underestimating me," I sighed.

I've seen the speed of Konoha ninjas when they move like this, and I don't think for a moment that Tsunade is as slow as the genin.

Since she hasn't seen me fight or anything, I suppose it makes sense that her perception slipped.

"Anyway, a favor is still worth a favor."

There was a flash, and I disappeared from the spot.

...Much later, at the tea shop by the road...

Tsunade was worried that her new friend hadn't caught up yet, even though she had reduced her speed significantly. Although she had a lot of interest in Enel's village's medical books, she also didn't want to leave him humiliated.

"My friend?" Tsunade thought, realizing how quickly she had accepted Enel after sharing drinks. She hadn't made a friend in many years; most people who still knew her in person were superficial acquaintances, brainless fans, mission clients, or patients. But friends...

Two silhouettes appeared in her mind: one belonged to a pervert, and the other had become a traitor to Konoha.

Tsunade sighed, hoping this newfound friendship wouldn't be troublesome.

Shizune continued to jump behind her master, not noticing the subtle smile on Tsunade's lips, a genuine smile she had lost a long time ago.

The two arrived at the rest stop and were about to sit down and order something while waiting for Enel when they saw an unmistakable tall, half-naked figure sitting on one of the outdoor benches, holding a cup of tea next to a plate of pink dangos.

"I thought a Sannin would be faster," they heard a slight tease.

Was she serious? Did she actually lose the race? It was a sure victory!

How could she lose to someone who didn't even have chakra?

"All right, you win," Tsunade sighed in defeat as she took a seat next to him. "Let's have something to drink while we wait for your companion."

"Actually, he's already here," Enel leaned back not to obstruct the line of sight, and Tsunade saw a cute girl with long, dark, straight hair.

She was dressed in a very strange ninja uniform and had the same headband as Enel.

"Hello! I'm Haku. (^０^)ノ" she greeted happily while munching on an apple.