Impure World Reincarnation

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“I… I… I’m not that strong…”

Ōnoki muttered, his tone lacking any confidence, making it hard for even himself to believe his own words.

He couldn't afford to seem strong!

He had inexplicably won!

The First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, was watching right next to him!

“Lord Tsuchikage, you really are impressive!”

Akatsuchi, who was sitting next to Ōnoki, chuckled foolishly. He didn’t notice Ōnoki's discomfort, thinking simply that Ōnoki was amazing for winning twice right off the bat.

“Shut up!”

Ōnoki raised his hand, intending to smack Akatsuchi on the head, but Akatsuchi was tall. Even sitting on the ground, he was still out of reach for Ōnoki's short arms.

Crack!

As Ōnoki raised his hand, he unfortunately strained his back, immediately clutching his waist as sweat beads formed on his forehead.

“Lord Tsuchikage, are you alright?”

Akatsuchi quickly leaned forward, slightly lowering his head, physically trying to comfort Ōnoki.

Akatsuchi’s meaning was clear.

Now I’ve lowered my head.

You don’t have to strain to hit me!

“Ouch~”

Ōnoki, seizing the opportunity, decided to play it up, supporting his waist with his right hand and waving his hand to everyone around him.

“I can't!”

“I can't!”

“I’m too old!”

“My back can't take it!”

“I can’t play anymore!”

“You guys go ahead!”

Ōnoki quickly used this as an excuse to try and retreat.

He really couldn’t continue like this!

It wasn’t just his back!

This game was draining his life!

“No way!”

Tsunade’s beautiful eyes widened, and she pointed at Ōnoki. In this gambling game, everyone was a gambler; no other identities mattered.

“Are you going to leave after winning money?”

Tsunade’s tone was accusatory. She didn’t know what Ōnoki was thinking, but she knew he was trying to run after winning.

How dare he!

There was no such logic!

In all her years at the gambling table, she had never seen anyone leave after winning a bit.

It was always her losing everything before she ran!

What kind of winner runs away!

“I… Alright, count it as I lost. I’ll give the money back to you!”

Ōnoki was at a loss, knowing that having a reputation for running after winning would be worse than losing money.

“No!”

Tsunade shook her head, with a sacred dedication to the game on her face, saying earnestly, “Winning is winning, losing is losing. I can afford to lose. Can’t you afford to win?”

Ōnoki’s eyelid twitched hard.

He truly wanted to say he really couldn’t afford to win right now…

But.

He didn’t dare to say it.

“I… Alright! I’ll hold on a bit longer!”

Ōnoki sighed helplessly. At this point, withdrawing was nearly impossible.

There was only one choice left.

Lose!

He had to lose!

Even if he had to force it!

He must lose all the money he won from Tsunade back to her!

"That's more like it. Who runs off after winning? It kills the mood. Come on, next round!"

Tsunade's face was glowing with excitement as she dealt the cards again, fully enjoying this break.

Hashirama stood nearby, watching the scene unfold with a gentle smile.

Oh well.

No rush to hit the road. Let Tsunade play a bit longer. Besides, Ōnoki and Hiruzen Sarutobi look tired. They could use a bit more rest.

If Ōnoki knew what Hashirama was thinking, he would definitely protest.

Not tired anymore.

Let's get moving!

Traveling is better!

...

Time passed by the minute.

Hashirama gave them a full hour of rest, mainly because Tsunade was having such a good time. As her nominal grandfather, he felt he should indulge her a bit.

However...

While Tsunade was happy, Ōnoki was not.

Ōnoki had been winning from the start, playing and winning for the entire hour, barely making an effort.

This made Ōnoki start to believe he had a natural talent for gambling!

Maybe...

This is what they call the Gambling Kage!

If he'd known this earlier, Iwagakure's revenue would have improved ages ago. Awakening this skill so late at 77 years old left him with little time to profit!

"Alright, let's continue our journey."

Hashirama's calm voice resonated in everyone's ears, signaling the end of their pleasant break.

Only Ōnoki sighed in relief.

Noticing this, Tsunade shot Ōnoki a glare. She'd never seen someone so jumpy while winning.

Ungrateful winner!

Soon after, Hashirama led the way again, with everyone else following behind, heading towards Kumogakure in the Land of Lightning.

At first, it was manageable.

Everyone's energy had returned.

But gradually...

As time went on, exhaustion crept back into their bodies and minds.

Tired!

Really tired!

Among the group were four Kage, who usually avoided such long journeys.

They all silently cursed the Raikage. If it weren't for him, the Five Kage Summit could have been held in Konoha, sparing them this long trek.

The setting sun cast a golden hue, and the sky began to darken. A hazy moon hung in the distance, signaling the onset of night.

Typically, ninja missions avoid traveling at night due to the risks—ambushes and wild animal attacks pose significant threats.

Only the Anbu, specializing in assassination and accustomed to operating in the dark, prefer night missions.

But…

Everyone’s eyes were on the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, who was leading the way. Each person felt a sense of helplessness.

It seemed…

The First Hokage had no intention of stopping.

Doesn’t he need to sleep?

Fatigue accumulates over time. When you’re tired, proper rest can alleviate that fatigue, but without rest, the exhaustion only builds up, becoming even more intense.

That’s exactly how they felt now.

Extremely tired!

They had reached their breaking point!

Even though they were powerful ninja, they couldn’t withstand such relentless travel without rest.

“Grandpa~”

Suddenly, Tsunade’s voice cut through the darkness.

In the pitch-black forest, her voice was like a beacon of hope.

A savior!

This was a true savior!

Everyone looked at Tsunade with gratitude in their eyes, deeply appreciative of her intervention.

“What’s wrong?”

Hashirama stopped, completely unaware of their discomfort. After all, with his Reincarnated Body, he had forgotten what it was like to be fatigued.

After all, in the anime…

Hashirama never saw any ninja get winded or exhausted from running.

(End of Chapter)