The purchase of Himari was purely for comfort. Being a solitary figure in an alien world was taxing, and Shen Mo knew that forming bonds with those who inherently valued him was the safest path. The kitten, with its 90% base loyalty and innate obedience, fit the role perfectly.
After a few satisfying "Meows" and a moment of gentle affection with the kitten nestled on his shoulder, Shen Mo refocused his professional demeanor. The remainder of his time in the small town was spent discreetly visiting other wealthy families, neatly dressed and carrying his magical jars, leaving behind a trail of excited, slightly poorer clients.
Meanwhile, two days of rigorous fast travel had brought Tsunade and Shizune to the massive gates of Konohagakure.
Tsunade slowed down as they entered, her eyes reflecting a complex mix of nostalgia and lingering pain. This village was both her sanctuary and the grave of her loved ones.
"Is that... Lady Tsunade?" a stunned voice came from the guard station.
Her return, after years of self-imposed exile, ignited a wave of joyful recognition. From the gate guards to passing shinobi and even the shopkeepers, everyone above a certain age greeted her with genuine, excited reverence. She wasn't just a Sannin; she was a war hero, the First Hokage's granddaughter, and the legendary medical ninja who had saved countless lives.
"Tsunade-sama..." Shizune's eyes welled up, moved by the warmth of the villagers.
Tsunade, outwardly somber, nevertheless quickened her pace, her tightly clenched fists betraying the fact that the enthusiastic welcome was unsettling her more than she let on.
She proceeded directly to the Hokage's Office without opposition, pushing the door open to find the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, seated at his desk, concluding a meeting.
"I heard you were returning, but seeing you is better than any rumor," the Third Hokage said, his face crinkling into a warm smile as he regarded his former student. "I'm delighted you're back. And you haven't aged a day."
"...Teacher," Tsunade began, her tone dry, "does that mean you've become a complete old man?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen merely laughed heartily, waved away the briefing ninja, and placed his pipe in an ashtray. "Are you returning temporarily, or did something finally lure you home?"
Sarutobi had received partial intel of Tsunade's movement but lacked the specifics.
"Look at these," Tsunade commanded, placing a sealing scroll on the desk. With a puff of smoke, an array of small vials, potent-looking herbs, and mysterious potions materialized.
"These..." Sarutobi leaned forward, inspecting the artifacts with keen interest.
"I bought them from a mysterious merchant," Tsunade stated, her face serious. "Their effects are powerful, unlike anything I've ever researched. And the merchant claims he is from another world."
Sarutobi's calm demeanor faltered slightly. "Another world?" As the Hokage, he knew of the summoning of the Death God through the Shiki Fūjin, but that was a spiritual realm—not a tangible, different dimension.
"He showed me projections—images of completely alien worlds," Tsunade confirmed, describing the chaotic, magical scenes Shen Mo had conjured. "He calls himself a merchant for the Omniscient and Omnipotent Chamber of Commerce and says the items he sells—these jars—contain incredible, magical artifacts."
"Tell me everything, in detail," Sarutobi ordered, his voice immediately serious. Despite the surface-level peace in the shinobi world, threats from Akatsuki and rival villages were ever-present. Any unknown factor, especially one bearing magical artifacts, was a severe liability.
Tsunade recounted her entire encounter with Shen Mo, with Shizune adding confirming details. Finally, Tsunade produced the communication badge.
"When you examined him, are you certain he was an ordinary human?" Sarutobi asked, cutting to the heart of the matter.
"I am certain," Tsunade confirmed, "but when he left, he used a method similar to the Flying Thunder God Jutsu, and when that pattern appeared on his forehead..." She frowned, recalling the inexplicable aura of nobility.
Sarutobi Hiruzen picked up his pipe, the Hokage's office quickly filling with smoke as he absorbed the gravity of the report. The artifacts, Tsunade's emotional conviction, and the strange disappearance—it all suggested the merchant was not just a powerful individual, but an existential anomaly.
"Tsunade," Sarutobi said, his tone softening into a familiar mentor's voice. "Now that you've returned, you won't be leaving. The Director of the Medical Corps position is still yours. And how is your... affliction?"
"...Cured," Tsunade said after a moment of silence. She unclasped the silver cross from her neck. "I purchased this from the Tier Two Jar. It's the Cross of Courage. While I wear it, I am immune to the debilitating effects of fear."
Sarutobi's eyes lingered on the cross. "It suits you, Tsunade."
Tsunade took a deep breath, her gaze locking with her teacher's. "He said the Tier Three Jar contains a treasure that can grant Resurrection."
A profound silence descended upon the room, broken only by the gentle hiss of the burning pipe tobacco. Sarutobi smoked until the air was thick.
"Tsunade," the aged leader finally said, his voice quiet but firm. "I understand your heart. But Nawaki and Dan Kato sacrificed themselves to protect Konoha. Even if a resurrection were real, they would not wish your love to be exploited or used to harm the village."
The Hokage's words were a warning: If you pursue this, your pursuit must not endanger Konoha.
Tsunade, however, knew what she had to do. She had to find the money.