For someone with Tsunade's sharp judgment, the possibilities offered by the "Water of Life" were staggering.
Eternal youth?
Rapid regeneration?
Immortality, perhaps?
Her gaze toward the silent merchant shifted subtly.
Anyone capable of procuring such an item couldn't be an ordinary trader.
"Well played, little man." She swirled the small bottle in her hand, smiling slyly. "Care to tell me where you're sourcing these jars from?"
Little man? That was a promotion from "kid."
The effect of the life-giving water was clearly stronger than he had anticipated.
The merchant, Seth, maintained his polite smile, though his thoughts raced. "I'm afraid that's a trade secret. We've signed binding agreements to keep it confidential."
Tsunade's eyes narrowed slightly.
We?
That meant there were others involved in this mysterious trade.
For a moment, she pondered the existence of some undercover forces maneuvering behind the scenes.
But then...
"Never mind," Tsunade dismissed the notion with a wave of her hand, almost as though convincing herself. "It's none of my business anyways."
Her words carried a certain bitterness, a reminder of her self-imposed exile and the grief that haunted her. The world's affairs weren't her concern anymore.
Seth watched her for a moment, recognizing the familiar shadow of loss. He'd done his homework—this was the Tsunade at her aimless, wandering years, still crippled by the deaths of her brother and lover.
"Well, I should get going." He began packing up the remaining jars with exaggerated slowness, feigning effort as he tied them into a bundle.
"Wait," Tsunade called out, just as he had predicted.
He looked up with feigned surprise. "Yes, miss?"
"You're carrying all these jars around by yourself?" she asked, her expression casual but her eyes alight with curiosity. "How about you sell me the rest—at a discount?"
Jackpot.
Seth's lips curled in an apologetic smile. "Discounts aren't possible, I'm afraid. It's part of the rules. Even the two jars you've already opened—I'll need to pay their full price out of pocket later."
Rules were crucial. A good trader never appeared to bend them lightly.
"Tch." Tsunade scowled but didn't push further. She waved to Shizune. "Pay him."
"B-But, Tsunade-sama..." Shizune hesitated.
The woman's gambling habit had left them teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. Their funds barely covered basic living expenses.
"It's fine!" Tsunade dismissed the concern with a hearty laugh, holding up the vial of life-giving water as if it were a trophy. "These jars are worth it!"
Ah, the allure of the jar—the belief that you couldn't possibly lose.
Seth accepted the money with practiced gratitude, inwardly gleeful. He placed the eight remaining jars on the table.
"Please, go ahead," he encouraged, gesturing grandly. "If something rare appears, I'd be happy to explain its value to you."
Tsunade wasted no time. Her palm came down on the nearest jar.
Crack!
Another wad of cash—10,000 ryo.
Tsunade frowned and moved on to the next jar.
This time, a packet of powder spilled out.
"This is powdered root of asphodel," Seth explained smoothly. "If mixed with a specific extract of wormwood, it can produce an extraordinarily potent sleeping potion known as the Draught of Living Death. Tasteless, odorless, and nearly impossible to detect."
The ingredients came from the Harry Potter world, though Seth didn't bother mentioning that.
Out of the eight jars, five contained similar herbs or potions—healing potions, petrification serums, and, most expensively, a tiny vial of Veritaserum.
For Tsunade, each discovery was a marvel.
"For once, I'm actually making a profit!" she declared, her laughter ringing through the room.
Seth gave a controlled smile, inwardly pleased.
"Your luck is remarkable," he praised her. "This appears to be a medicinal-themed collection. But drawing so many high-value items is quite rare."
Tsunade grinned, basking in the compliment. Without hesitation, she smashed the final jar.
Out tumbled a small, unassuming book.
Seth's expression turned grave as he let a note of awe enter his voice.
"This is..." He paused for dramatic effect. "A treasure among treasures. 'The Application of Chakra in Cellular Regeneration.'"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "And?"
"It's part of a legendary series," Seth explained with exaggerated awe. "It's said that anyone who collects them all will become the greatest medical ninja in history."
"Pfft." Tsunade scoffed, flipping through the pages dismissively.
Her disinterest didn't last.
Her fingers stilled as her eyes scanned the words.
"Wait..."
Her brow furrowed, and she turned another page. Then another.
The room fell silent, save for the sound of rustling paper.
"Tsunade-sama?" Shizune whispered tentatively.
Tsunade held up a hand, silencing her.
Her heart raced as she read. The techniques and theories described within the book were astonishingly similar to her own research and hypotheses—right down to the smallest detail.
But there was more.
The book expanded on her ideas, providing insights and breakthroughs she hadn't yet reached.
Seth watched her with a knowing smile.
The book, of course, was her own work, written 15 years in the future. The system had stripped it of dates, names, and any identifying marks to maintain the illusion.
"Where's the rest?" she demanded, her voice low and urgent.
"This is only part of the series," Seth replied, shaking his head. "The remaining volumes can only be found in similar jars. Collecting them all is no easy feat."
The allure of the jar, Stage Three: Collectability.
Like a gambler chasing a full set, Tsunade was hooked.
And Seth, his mission accomplished, silently celebrated his growing fortune.