Casinos naturally couldn't afford to ignore this situation.
Tian Yu, who had been standing calmly, noticed the front desk teller — the one who earlier hinted that other "services" could be provided — rushing over in a panic.
"Everyone, please calm down!"
"Our casino upholds fairness and transparency. We don't win money through cheating, nor do we slander our guests. Please rest assured!"
After making the announcement, the teller immediately ordered two chunin-level guards stationed inside the casino.
Pointing at the man who had accused Tian Yu of using counterfeit money, she commanded coldly, "Take him away! Lock him up for investigation!"
With several rounds of calming explanations, the chaotic crowd finally quieted down.
The female staff member then bowed politely to Tian Yu.
"Dear guest, on behalf of our casino, I sincerely apologize for the disturbance caused."
"This dice holder wrongfully accused you. He will be dealt with accordingly by the casino."
"As for the inconvenience you suffered... our casino would like to offer some compensation."
Speaking as such, the well-dressed receptionist gestured toward a more secluded lounge deeper inside the casino. "Please, follow me so we can discuss the details in a more comfortable setting."
Tian Yu narrowed his eyes slightly, scrutinizing the receptionist up and down — not because he was interested in her appearance, nor greedy for anything from her.
After all… Compared to the "big fat sheep" with blond hair and twin ponytails standing beside him, who could possibly attract Tian Yu's attention?
Naturally, Tian Yu didn't immediately accept the invitation.
Instead, he turned to face the gathered gamblers and raised his voice:
"Everyone, please listen carefully!"
"I had a prior agreement with the casino. However, if you don't see me returning from that back room later — if I simply vanish — you should understand what really happened. I advise you all to keep quiet and avoid inviting unnecessary trouble upon yourselves."
The receptionist's expression froze awkwardly.
She immediately smiled and said, "The guest is joking. Our casino is not a shady establishment. How could something like that possibly happen?"
"Please, this way."
Without waiting for further comment, she hurriedly gestured for Tian Yu to proceed toward the remote lounge, fearing he might sow more distrust among the crowd.
Tian Yu turned to glance at Tsunade and blinked playfully.
"Meeting you at the gambling table must be fate. Care to accompany me for a stroll?"
Tsunade, who had just enjoyed a hefty win, naturally remembered their earlier agreement.
She nodded and followed Tian Yu into the secluded lounge without hesitation.
The moment they stepped inside, a faint fluctuation of chakra filled the air.
This was clearly a private negotiation room.
Inside were four figures — all radiating powerful chakra signatures. Judging from the pressure, all four were jonin-level!
As soon as they entered, Sunflower, who had loyally followed Tian Yu, instantly dropped into a defensive stance, ready to engage at any moment.
"Relax, Sunflower."
Tian Yu gently raised his hand, signaling her to stand down. Under the watchful eyes of Tsunade and the casino jonin, he casually strolled to a seat and sat down.
"Let's not waste time."
"I'm from Konoha. Release our captured people, and I'll leave immediately. I won't cause any more problems for your casino."
The casino staff exchanged glances, clearly surprised at Tian Yu's bluntness.
Even Sunflower blinked in astonishment.
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
Konoha...
So this kid who helped her win big was from the Village Hidden in the Leaves?
One of the jonin finally let out a long sigh.
"You're... really straightforward. I'm not even sure how to respond."
"What's there to be confused about?" Tian Yu said indifferently.
"Your casino earns rivers of money daily, right?"
"If you don't accept my terms, I'll walk back into that crowd and tell them that your casino rigs the games and silences anyone who wins too much."
"What do you think will happen to your reputation then?"
He continued casually, as if discussing the weather:
"For a place like this, would you really risk your whole business just to trap three Konoha shinobi?"
A heavy silence settled over the room.
The four jonin stared coldly at Tian Yu, tension crackling in the air.
Finally —
"Fine," the leading jonin said, his voice low and gravelly. "We accept your terms."
"But..." he added, narrowing his eyes, "the money you won must stay here! As compensation!"
Before the words could even finish —
"Absolutely not!"
Tsunade immediately cut him off, her voice booming with authority.
"This money was won fair and square. Why should I leave it behind?"
"When I lose at a casino, does anyone offer to refund my losses?"
Sunflower cast a worried glance at Tian Yu, silently pleading with him to convince Tsunade to compromise — after all, the safety of their comrades was paramount.
Tian Yu caught Sunflower's silent message, but...
He didn't intervene.
Instead, he nodded approvingly at Tsunade's stubbornness.
"She's right," Tian Yu said, his voice firm. "We're not leaving the money behind."
---
Chapter 68: Trading
The atmosphere grew even heavier.
Both sides were on the verge of exploding into violence.
Silence hung thickly, time ticking by in oppressive stillness.
Sunflower was practically trembling with anxiety.
Tsunade stood tall and unflinching, looking ready to smash someone through a wall.
And Tian Yu...
Tian Yu casually stuck out his pinky finger and dug in his ear, appearing completely at ease, as if oblivious to the murderous tension around him.
He was the only one completely off-beat in this standoff.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity—
"Fine!" snarled the leading jonin, his voice dark.
"We accept your terms!"
"You can take your people and your money!"
"But—!" he added warningly, "you must leave peacefully. No causing trouble in our casino!"
Tian Yu dropped his pinky finger and nonchalantly blew off the imaginary dust.
"No problem," he said lazily. "As long as our comrades are safe, we have no reason to stir trouble."
"Bring them here."
As the jonin gestured for the prisoners to be fetched, Tian Yu spoke up again, casually tossing another bomb into the conversation:
"Oh, by the way..."
"I almost forgot — you've placed control seals or some kind of binding jutsu on them, haven't you?"
"Whether it's the captured spy from before, or the two who were caught recently — release all control techniques!"
The jonin's face twitched violently.
Grinding his teeth, he spat, "Fine. It'll be done!"
Tian Yu leaned back lazily in his seat, clearly satisfied.
At that moment, Tsunade shifted closer, eyeing Tian Yu curiously.
"You're from Konoha... You should know who I am, right?"
Tian Yu didn't even blink.
"Of course. Tsunade-sama."
Compared to Tian Yu's casual attitude, Sunflower immediately straightened and answered with the utmost respect.
Tsunade's expression grew complicated.
"You knew I was Tsunade — yet you helped me win all that money without asking for anything in return. Why?"
Before Sunflower could say anything, Tian Yu waved his hand lightly.
"It's true, I recognized you from the start. But helping you wasn't about seeking favors."
"After you bet on the leopard, I simply gave you the choice."
Tsunade blinked, frowning deeply.
After thinking it over, she realized Tian Yu was right — he hadn't manipulated or forced her in any way.
Understanding dawning, Tsunade's previously heavy mood lifted. She even chuckled.
"Kid, you're pretty good!"
"Helping out a senior without asking for anything... That's rare!"
But Tian Yu merely shrugged.
"You misunderstand."
"If I really wanted to help people for free, I wouldn't do it for just anyone."
"I helped you not because you're a Konoha senior — but because..."
"I felt sorry for you."
Tsunade: "???"
Tian Yu fell silent there, refusing to elaborate.
Tsunade, stubborn as ever, wanted to interrogate him further.
How could the granddaughter of the First Hokage, one of the Legendary Sannin, be considered pitiful?!
But Sunflower hurriedly tugged on Tsunade's sleeve, frantically signaling her not to ask any more questions!