"This is a high-purity chakra crystal," Seth explained, his voice calm and unyielding. "It only reacts to specific chakra types and has the power to suppress a jinchūriki's abilities. Its value is... about three million."
Tsunade narrowed her eyes. "That's it?"
"That's it," Seth confirmed firmly.
There was no curse tied to this necklace—just unfortunate coincidences. As for the tragic fates of Nawaki and Dan...
In the world of Naruto, who has not lost someone? Blame the cruel world, not the necklace.
Tsunade stared at him, her brows furrowing deeply. It was that expression—the classic Tsunade irritation face.
Her frustrations were almost tangible, more convincing than the most dedicated cosplay attempts. This was not just her beauty; it was her commanding presence.
"Tsunade... Miss Tsunade," Seth said, his voice steady and sincere. For the first time, he addressed her by name. "You need to understand, I'm not an ordinary merchant. I do not sell ordinary goods. Such trinkets aren't enough to cloud my judgment."
"You're... a mysterious one."
Tsunade gripped the necklace tightly in her hand. The weight of his words was matched only by the heaviness in her heart.
This necklace was her grandfather's legacy—a relic of the First Hokage. She did not genuinely believe it was cursed. Yet now, with Seth's affirmation, her unease did not dissipate; it only grew heavier.
"More jars!" she suddenly shouted, her voice rising with her frustration. She tipped back her bottle, draining the last of its contents. Her cheeks flushed from the alcohol, and she tossed the empty bottle aside. "Shizune! Bring more sake!"
Shizune hesitated, her lips parting as if to protest, but no words came out. With a soft bow to Seth, she retreated and quickly returned with another round of sake.
Seth watched Tsunade with quiet understanding.
Tonight, he thought, I am going to make a large profit.
Some people, when weighed down by their emotions, find solace in gambling or spending, clinging to the hope of a stroke of luck to lighten their burden. Of course, when misfortune persists, it only deepens the gloom.
Well then, Seth thought, let us prepare some "good luck."
He unfurled a scroll, quickly packing away the shards of pottery and leftover items.
"Hey, don't just sit there like a statue!" Tsunade barked, smashing another jar with her palm. Her bleary eyes glanced at Seth. "You're a businessman, aren't you? Drinking with your clients should be part of the deal!"
Seth sighed internally.
With his secrets, he could not afford to lose control. Still, refusing outright might provoke her temper.
"It would be my honor," he said, raising the cup Shizune handed him and downing it in one swift motion.
To be safe, he had already taken a detoxifying pill—he was not about to risk drunkenness.
"Good!" Tsunade declared, smashing yet another jar, her spirits visibly lifted as she inspected the treasures inside.
Seth observed her closely.
This woman…
Why does she command such admiration among Naruto fans? She is over fifty, impulsive, reckless, addicted to gambling, and a squanderer. On top of that, she has a violent streak.
But then there was her soft side—a blend of fragility and strength, kindness, and brashness. The stark contrasts formed a unique allure.
And, well... Seth's gaze briefly drifted.
Her biggest appeal is obvious.
"Hey, kid," Tsunade interrupted his thoughts, pulling him close with a firm grip on his shoulder. The strong scent of alcohol surrounded him as she waved a small bottle in his face. "What's this thing supposed to be?"
"Uh..." Seth's expression froze for a moment before he quickly regained composure. "That's a body-strengthening tonic. It is meant to be added to bathwater and used consistently. Even ordinary people could achieve a ninja's physical fitness with time. It's a treasure for any taijutsu practitioner."
Why is her body so soft? This is not some cultivation world where people cheat with immortal physiques!
"Whoa! Nice!" Tsunade exclaimed, tossing the bottle to Shizune. "This one's yours."
The jars Seth prepared contained assorted items tailored for ninja needs—potions, herbs, and tools, ranging from magical to alchemical. Though modestly priced at 600 trading points each, their origins spanned multiple worlds: magical world, cultivation realms, even the Overlord universe.
Among them, a healing potion—capable of swiftly mending injuries—was a particular highlight, priced at a humble 688 points.
By the end of the night, after Tsunade's war spoils were exhausted, Seth managed to extract knowledge and goods worth over eight million ryo—equivalent to 30,000 trading points.
When it was all over, shards of pottery and various items littered the floor.
Tsunade, flushed and slightly tipsy, held her last fifty million ryo tightly.
"One more batch!"
"Miss Tsunade," Seth said, his voice calm but tinged with amusement. "Congratulations. You've officially unlocked the right to purchase second-tier jars."
"Second-tier?" Tsunade blinked; her interest piqued despite her drunken haze.
"That's right," Seth explained, retrieving another scroll. "These are fifty million ryo each. The items in the first-tier jars are rare, but they're mere trinkets compared to the treasures in these."
"Mere trinkets?"
Tsunade's hazy eyes sharpened slightly. Even in her drunken state, her formidable intellect pierced through.
The medicines and herbs from the first-tier jars were not just extraordinary—they were revolutionary. Their mere existence could overturn the balance of power among the ninja villages, sparking war.
But now they were dismissed as trinkets?
"Fine, give me one!" she declared, unable to suppress her curiosity.
Seth unfurled the scroll, revealing a jar twice the size of the first-tier ones.
With her signature flair, Tsunade smashed it open.
Inside was a necklace shaped like a cross.
"Congratulations!" Seth exclaimed; his voice full of excitement. "I didn't expect the first second-tier jar to yield a special artifact: the Cross of Courage!"
"The Cross of Courage?" Tsunade muttered, examining the necklace before tossing it aside. "What does it do?"
"As the name suggests, it enhances the wearer's courage," Seth explained. "When worn, it relieves fear and helps the user face misfortune head-on. It's a rare item with a value of around seventy million ryo."
Tsunade stared at the necklace; her expression unreadable.
Courage.
Her fingers trembled as she slowly fastened the necklace around her neck.
The Cross of Courage gently touched her grandfather's pendant, their edges lightly clinking together.