Two days later, at the entrance of the Pokémon House.
Tsunade turned to Jiraiya beside her and asked, "You're sure this is the place? Ryo is the owner here? And the Pokémon you and Naruto got are also from here?"
Jiraiya nodded. "Yeah, this is the place. This is the Pokémon House—all the Pokémon come from here."
Tsunade frowned but didn't ask further, stepping inside.
Jiraiya and Shizune followed behind her.
They pushed open the door and entered, curiously surveying the interior.
"Doesn't look all that special," Tsunade murmured, her gaze turning more intrigued.
Just then, Ryo walked over. Upon seeing them, a surprised smile appeared on his face.
"Tsunade, you're back?"
"Ryo? You're here?" Tsunade and Shizune looked at him in disbelief.
They had rushed back because of the Hokage situation—and yet, Ryo had already returned?
Even Jiraiya looked astonished. "Boss, how did you get back so fast?"
Ryo just smiled and chose not to explain. "No need to talk about that. You just got back, huh? What brings you here?"
Seeing Ryo like this, the trio didn't press further.
Jiraiya nodded. "Yeah, just got back. I brought Tsunade over so she and Shizune could each get a Pokémon."
Ryo's eyes lit up, and suddenly Jiraiya didn't seem quite so annoying anymore.
"You told them the rules for getting a Pokémon, right?"
Jiraiya nodded again. "Yeah, I told them."
Ryo grinned. "Alright then. Go pay and start the process."
"Hold on." Tsunade raised her hand. "Pay? Pay for what?"
Ryo frowned and looked at Jiraiya. "You didn't tell her?"
Jiraiya scratched the back of his head. "No, but it's not that important, right?"
Ryo rolled his eyes. Maybe not important for people with money, but for Tsunade? It was the most important part!
Tsunade was broke—completely broke. In fact, she still owed him some money!
Tsunade also gave Jiraiya a look that screamed: What do you mean it's not important?
She turned to Ryo. "So, how much does it cost to get a Pokémon?"
Ryo pointed to a price list nearby. "You'll need a Poké Ball to catch one."
Tsunade glanced at the prices and breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, not bad. Still manageable."
"Ahem—" Jiraiya interjected, "That Poké Ball only lets you catch the Pokémon. You still need to feed it with Energy Cubes."
Tsunade froze and turned to Ryo. "Ryo, do I have to feed it?"
Ryo's face twitched violently. What the hell kind of question was that?
Do you have to feed it? Do YOU not have to eat?!
"Ahem—" Jiraiya coughed again, barely able to hold in his laughter. "Tsunade, that's their food. You have to feed them."
Tsunade looked at the Energy Cube prices and fell silent.
They weren't cheap, and she genuinely wondered if she could afford to take care of a Pokémon.
Just then, Shizune stepped forward. "Ryo, we'll take two Pokémon, two bags of low-grade Energy Cubes, and two Pokédexes."
Ryo nodded and handed over the items after receiving the payment. Though, he was curious—where did Shizune get the money?
Tsunade was also puzzled. "Shizune, where did you get that money?"
When they were together, Shizune was always complaining about being broke. Why now…?
"That's a secret, Lady Tsunade," Shizune said, blushing and avoiding eye contact.
Tsunade's curiosity deepened, and her tone turned serious. "Shizune. Tell me."
Shizune looked down. "A few days ago, I followed Ryo's example and bet against you at the casino. That's how I won the money…"
"Brilliant idea!" Jiraiya nodded in admiration, giving Ryo a thumbs-up. "Boss, that strategy of yours—genius! If only I had thought of that sooner, I'd be swimming in cash!"
"Jiraiya!!"
Tsunade let out a roar and slugged him hard, sending him flying.
After that, she turned to Shizune. "How much do you have left? Give it to me."
Shizune didn't argue and handed over the rest of her winnings.
Tsunade's mood shifted instantly, her lips curling into a smile. "Hahaha! Well done, Shizune! We'll have a drink later!"
But just then, Ryo stepped forward, face dark, and held out his hand.
Tsunade blinked. "What now? You're not asking me to pay you back, are you? No way, not yet—give me some time."
Ryo replied flatly, "Compensation."
"Compensation? For what?"
Ryo pointed toward the entrance, where the door was now missing. "What do you think?"
Tsunade glanced at it, her mouth twitching before blinking innocently at Ryo. "That was probably Jiraiya's fault, right? Shouldn't you be asking him for compensation?"
"You're unbelievable! I just got punched, and now you want me to pay for it?!" Jiraiya, who had just limped back after being launched by Tsunade, stared at her in disbelief.
Tsunade grumbled a bit but still gave in. "Fine, fine. I'll pay."
After taking the money, Ryo continued, "Just head to the back mountain to catch a Pokémon. Jiraiya's been there before—he can guide you."
Jiraiya nodded. "Come on, follow me. I'll take you."
He led the way, with Tsunade and Shizune following behind.
When they arrived in the backyard, Jiraiya politely greeted Cynthia and the few Pokémon around Ryo.
Meanwhile, Tsunade's eyes lit up the moment she saw Hoopa. "Hoopa! Long time no see. Wanna hit the casino with me this afternoon?"
Hoopa, who had been happily playing, turned around with shining eyes. "Little Tsunade? Really? Hoopa wants to go!"
Hearing herself being called "Little Tsunade" again, her eyelids twitched—but she let it slide. She was getting used to it.
"Ahem—" Jiraiya suddenly coughed. "Tsunade… don't forget we've got things to do this afternoon."
Tsunade looked deflated, then turned to Hoopa with a bit of guilt. "Sorry, Hoopa. Looks like we can't go today. I'll come back next time, and we'll go together."
Hoopa pouted. "Okay…"
After a few more casual words, the group continued on their way toward the mountain.
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