Konoha Drunkard

"Cough! I'm not dead yet! Do you know who did this?" Hiruzen Sarutobi felt uneasy under Shanks' gaze.

When Shanks heard Hiruzen Sarutobi ask this, he said smugly, "Of course I know. I even made a deal with him, but he was too weak and couldn't complete it. He's Kakuzu, the man who got beaten up by the First Hokage and me."

"Him? Why did he kill Takikage? And what deal did you make with him?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked seriously. If Shanks had Kakuzu kill Takikage, then the problem was much bigger. Shanks's intentions had become more complex; he had just helped someone deal with the Seven-Tails, and then turned around and killed Takikage. No wonder he had given him the creeps earlier!

Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression, Shanks angrily retorted, "Hey! What kind of expression is that? You don't actually suspect that I paid Kakuzu to kill Takikage, do you? You're questioning my character, let me tell you! Kakuzu and I just wanted him to get me a bottle of Hero's Water, but who knew he was so weak, getting taken down by that cowardly Seven-Tails. Besides, if I wanted to kill him, I would have done it myself. Takikage is so weak, why would I need to pay Kakuzu? I'm not Uchiha or Sarutobi, I'm not short of money."

Hiruzen Sarutobi felt relieved after hearing Shanks' words. Thinking about it, it made sense; he wasn't a bloodthirsty person, and killing Takikage wouldn't have brought him any benefit. However, he felt something was off about the last sentence: "Who told you that Sarutobi isn't short of money?"

"You don't know? The owners of several newly opened casinos in Konoha are all surnamed Sarutobi! Are you planning to make Tsunade lose the entire Senju clan's fortune to your Sarutobi clan?" Shanks said disdainfully.

"How could such a thing happen? I just told him to open a shop and then give all the money Tsunade lost to Lady Mito," Hiruzen Sarutobi quickly said. This was no laughing matter, otherwise, given Shanks' big mouth, if word got out, Hiruzen Sarutobi would be stigmatized in the ninja world. He was only afraid of his wife before, but if word got out that he was plotting to seize the Senju clan's assets, his position as Hokage would probably be over.

He had indeed seen Tsunade gambling heavily all the time recently, and he was afraid that one day Tsunade would really lose the entire Senju clan's wealth. So he had his clan members open several casinos in Konoha, and every time Tsunade lost money, he would return the money. Otherwise, if Tsunade really lost everything, he would be called a piece of shit even if he wasn't! Just like now, Shanks suspected that he could at least give a reason.

"I'm off if there's nothing else." Shanks said, then ignored him and left. Shanks didn't say anything after hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's explanation. He believed that Hiruzen Sarutobi's character wouldn't allow him to do such a thing, especially since even his Observation Haki confirmed that Hiruzen Sarutobi was telling the truth. This kind of thing was usually something Danzo could do. If the Shimura clan owned the casino, Shanks would instantly become the gambling god Ko Chun, winning all those casinos until they went out of business. Did they really think Observation Haki was a joke? You can block a ninja's senses, but you can't block Observation Haki, which doesn't even exist in this world! He knows what the person rolling the dice is thinking. How can he lose? How can he lose?

Even Mito couldn't solve Tsunade's gambling addiction, let alone him. Watching his secret stash dwindle day by day made Shanks incredibly sad! Thankfully, the thought of Haruko, that little rich girl, the alimony he received from the Uzumaki clan, and the lavish gifts he got at his wedding eased his mind somewhat.

..........

After returning from Takikage Village, Shanks resumed his reclusive life, spending his days with Mito, practicing his Observation Haki at night, and habitually clapping hands with Haruko, always taking precautions. The two are still so young, and Shanks himself is too much of a homebody to have children. However, seeing Mito's resentful gaze every day is unbearable for him. Having a grandson isn't enough; he also wants a grandnephew...

So, to avoid Mito, Shanks has been going to the border between the Land of the Moon and the Land of Fire every few days for the past six months to have one-on-one fights with the Raikage. At first, many people came to watch, but seeing two monsters throwing punches and kicks at each other with no skill involved, like street thugs fighting—while powerful and impressive—became tiresome after a while, especially since it lasted for a month at a time. After that, nobody came to watch anymore.

However, the two of them did stimulate the development of the hotel and entertainment industry in the Moon Kingdom. As for the mountains they destroyed, it doesn't matter; they'll be used as battlefields later anyway.

Ever since his first fight with the Third Raikage, A, in Kumogakure, Shanks has loved this feeling—going all out without any restraint, ignoring all the techniques. He charges in with brute force, covering his entire body with Armament Haki, and doesn't dodge attacks, just going for the kill. His progress has been even greater than during his regular training.

At first, Hiruzen Sarutobi was worried that the two might get into a fight and cause conflict between the two villages, but after learning that they could drink and chat together after the fight, he went with Shanks.

65. Tsunade also harmed Orochimaru.

Shanks and the Third Raikage A fought several battles over six months, shocking the ninja world from the start with, "What! Shanks and the Third Raikage have a duel?"

Upon hearing the news later, he casually remarked, "Oh. They're fighting again. No one else can imitate those two, and watching them is useless."

Shanks has made good progress in the past six months, his body has become increasingly robust. He used to look a bit thin at 1.78 meters tall, but now he exudes a fierce aura, though his physique remains the same. However, with those three scars from last night, he does look quite intimidating when he's silent or serious, but that intimidation disappears the moment he opens his mouth.

"Old Raikage, retire now! It would be so much fun fighting every day after you retire. Look at you now, you're leaving before we've even had our fill of fighting." Shanks complained as he and Raikage A sat amidst the wrecked, cratered battlefield, the once-surrounding mountains now completely obscured.

"Hahaha! That won't do, I haven't fulfilled the Second Hokage's last wish yet! Besides, my son is still young, let's wait ten years or so until he's grown up!" Raikage Ai laughed loudly. He was usually hot-tempered, but perhaps out of mutual respect, he never got angry whenever Shanks called him an old man or made fun of him. If it were anyone else, he would have already killed them.

"Tch, what's so great about being a Kage? Look at you, Hiruzen Sarutobi, you're only in your thirties, but you look like a decrepit old man."

"Haha! I'm leaving!" The Third Raikage, A, laughed loudly and left without explanation!

Six months later, the two stopped fighting. After all, they were the same village's Kage, and although there was a chief steward there, he still had to make decisions on some important matters, unlike Shanks, who was a lazy bum.

After Shanks saw him leave, he finished the rest of his drink and closed his eyes.

←↓→↑←↓→↓→!

After returning home and taking a shower, he lay comfortably in bed and took a nap. Haruko hadn't returned by the afternoon, so Tsunade woke him up.

"What's wrong, young lady? I have no money, but I can take your life." Shanks saw Tsunade's pleading eyes and immediately got to the point.

"No, lend me another two million. I'll pay you back if I win tonight." Tsunade had gone mad at the casino. Having just completed her mission, she headed straight for the casino with her bounty. As a result, she lost all the bounty she had just earned from the mission.

"You've already lent me several two-million-dollar loans, and you've almost gambled away the dowry I prepared for you! Go ask your mother for more; there's still a lot of dowry left for you!" Shanks said.

"No way, that's my mom's stuff. What's yours is my future dowry, it'll be mine sooner or later anyway, just give it to me now! Anyway, you don't spend any money fighting the Raikage all day." Tsunade's reasoning was very convincing; it was all hers anyway, so what difference did it make when she took it?

Shanks covered his face and then changed the subject, "Why didn't you ask Jiraiya or Orochimaru for money? Aren't they very rich?"

"Orochimaru can't find him, and Jiraiya has gone to the Land of Water!" Tsunade had clearly looked for both of them, but one was hiding from him, and Jiraiya was nowhere to be found.

"If you keep gambling like this, you'll squander the whole Thousand Hands quilt one day! We only have two million left, and I haven't done a mission in six months." Shanks sighed and took out the treasure box from under the bed, giving her the last two bundles of cash.

Tsunade wouldn't listen to a word, and stormed into the casino with the money in hand.

After Tsunade left, Shanks couldn't fall asleep anymore. However, when he heard that Jiraiya was going to the Land of Water, Shanks thought that Hiruzen Sarutobi was really too bold. He had already let him infiltrate the Land of Water back then, but now he actually sent 13-year-old Jiraiya to the Land of Water.

After Tsunade took his last possessions, he returned to his old life, taking on missions and training in Haki.

After fighting Raikage A for half a year, Shanks' Armament Haki had improved along with his physical strength, a significant improvement over his previous clone technique. However, this method was clearly impractical; Raikage A couldn't fight him every day. The Kage of a large village are very busy—just look at Hiruzen Sarutobi, over 30 years old with many gray hairs. As for his friends, Koharu Utatane, on the other hand, was becoming increasingly charming, though no one dared to show her any interest for the time being. Homura Mitokado, with his intellectual air, reminded Shanks of his middle school teacher from his past life, always wearing glasses that would occasionally flash, giving off a cunning vibe. Danzo... he wasn't the sunny young man he used to be. He spent his days lurking in the shadows of Root, plotting something. Akimichi Torifu was no longer capable; at least when Shanks got married, he could still walk, but now he was bedridden and unable to fight. Koharu Utatane checks on his body every day, but her medical skills are only so-so. As the first medical ninja of Konoha after Tsunade's birth, Tsunade's level is currently about the same. In a few years, she will also have to step down. There's no way around it; talent isn't something you can just achieve through hard work. An ordinary person putting in 100% effort can't compare to a genius who puts in 99% effort plus 1% talent. That's the nature of the ninja world.

Haruko has been practicing her chakra control for ten years, reaching a level that surpasses even Tsunade's. This is the difference between a genius and an ordinary person. Tsunade is a Special Jonin, while Haruko is still a Chunin.

Shanks estimates that Haruko will only reach Chunin level in the future. Thankfully, her dream isn't to become Hokage. Otherwise, it would be really difficult for her to have such unrealistic dreams.

That day, Shanks arrived at the Hokage Rock and encountered a quiet, handsome man. The handsome man's eyes were fixed on the three great leaders of Konoha.

"Hey, Orochimaru-kun, stop looking. Of those three, only the Second Hokage can rival your looks; the other two are no match," Shanks laughed.

"Captain, still so relaxed." Orochimaru always had that same tone.

“Life goes on whether you rush through it or laze around, so why not relax?” Shanks said, sitting on Hashirama Senju’s head.

"Then, Captain, what is the meaning of your life?" Orochimaru turned to look at Shanks.

"I have too many reasons for living. At first, the First Hokage asked me to help him watch over Konoha, then the Second Hokage asked me to help him protect Konoha, and later it was Kagami. So what about you?" Shanks asked in return after puffing out his shoulders.

Orochimaru thought for a moment, "I don't know either. I used to want to learn all the ninjutsu in the world, but now it seems impossible to do so in a short life of only a few decades. Captain, have you ever thought about immortality?"

"Wow! What a brilliant idea! But I've never really thought of it. Dreams are too grand for someone like me. Maybe it's suitable for you though! You'll become the greatest scientist! That's even more awesome than the second generation!" Shanks laughed.

So keep up the good work, young man!

"Captain really knows how to comfort people. I'll tell you for free when I think of a solution," Orochimaru laughed.

"Haha, okay!" Shanks replied dismissively. Damn it, I can't stand that androgynous creature. But thinking about his future cell cloning technology, I have to admit Orochimaru is incredibly powerful. All his talent points are invested in the science tree.

"By the way, you didn't just come here to contemplate life, did you?" Shanks suddenly asked.

"Ah, it's also because I was trying to avoid Tsunade that she borrowed most of my money..." Orochimaru said expressionlessly.

"puff!"

Shanks sprayed a mouthful of sake onto Hashirama Senju's head. Tsunade is really something, she even got Orochimaru into trouble.

66. The niece caused trouble for her uncle.

Shanks felt too embarrassed to stay on the Hokage Rock. Not only had Tsunade caused him trouble, but she'd also ruined Orochimaru's life. After all, she was his niece, and Shanks was a little embarrassed to be there. He quickly made up an excuse to leave, but running into the protagonist of this era was never going to end well.

"Lord Shanks..." The Anbu was interrupted by Shanks before he could finish speaking.

"No need to say anything, I'm coming right now," Shanks said helplessly.

No need to show off this time, the Naruto Building is just across the street not far away...

"boom!"

Shanks, as usual, entered the Hokage's office. "Which Tail is it this time? I only have the Two, Three, Four, Five, and Sixth Tail left to deal with," Shanks said.

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at him and asked, "What do you mean by 'number of tails'? I called you here because I noticed you've been quite free these past few days, while all the other ninjas in the village have been busy, so I wanted you to manage the Jonin class."

"What? You didn't tell me wrong, did you? I wouldn't say anything if you asked me to fight the Seven-Tails, but now you want me to manage the Jonin team? I need someone else to manage me myself, and besides, isn't Shikamaru-nii always managing the Jonin team? I can't just take his job, can I? That's so unfair!" Shanks exclaimed excitedly, unleashing his full Observation Haki. He'd finally gotten a carefree life; how could he possibly go back to those daily grind of going to get off work and coming home? He didn't even want to think about it!

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed and said, "Shika came to me yesterday to resign. He's busy leading a genin class now, so he doesn't have much time. Besides, it's only temporary. He'll come back once the three boys in his class have grown up. And it was he who recommended you." Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't hesitate to betray his teammate; since they weren't best friends, he felt no guilt.

"Damn it, smart people are all the same, trying to slack off by making me their scapegoat. No way, not even a thought. I have so much to do every day, I spend hours just contemplating life." Shanks said resolutely.

"The Jonin squad is easy to manage. All you have to do every day is register them. You don't have to do anything else. Besides, it's not wartime now, so it's very relaxed. And you don't have to meet your monthly quota anymore," Hiruzen Sarutobi tempted him. Hiruzen Sarutobi thought to himself, "Why is this kid so unambitious? Sakumo is already the head of the Anbu. Giving him some power isn't like sending him to his death."

Shanks hadn't just recently unlocked his Observation Haki, and he scoffed inwardly, "Isn't this all because of your good buddy, Shimura Danzo, the best teammate of all the villains in the ninja world? Now even I'm just a nobody and people are still looking down on me. If I were the class leader of the Jonin class, I'd be constantly being watched, and I'd have to commute to and from get off work every day!"

"Let's not consider that. Konoha isn't just about me. I know I'm excellent, but it depends on the situation. I'm good at fighting, but management? Forget it. Orochimaru's been pretty free lately, let's have him. He's intelligent and calm, except for his lack of strength and the fact that his hair color is different. He's practically a second Tobirama Senju!" Shanks was also trying his best to shift the blame!

"Orochimaru... anywhere else will do. You said yourself, his strength isn't quite there yet. I won't look for you again in a few years. You know, Konoha is going through a generational transition these past few years, and there's simply no suitable candidate." Hiruzen Sarutobi also had a headache. If there were someone else, he wouldn't want to ask Shanks, who's usually unreliable. The problem was, there really wasn't anyone else.

"How about this... Orochimaru becomes my assistant, and Orochimaru does my work. What do you think? It'll also give Orochimaru some practice in this area." Shanks came up with a delightful idea. That way, he wouldn't have to clock in every day or do monthly tasks, and he'd still get paid!

Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes lit up upon hearing this. It was indeed a good idea; it could fill the vacancy of the ninja squad leader and also give Orochimaru some training. "Then let's do it this way. I'll have the Anbu inform Orochimaru that you'll report for duty tomorrow. Don't be late for your first day."

"You can trust me to handle things!" Shanks patted his chest and assured him.

........

Shanks was indeed on time the next day, and the Jonin team was right next to the Hokage's office. The so-called Jonin team wasn't a class, but rather a place in Konoha responsible for registering all Jonin's movements and outings. For example, if you needed to request leave, you had to register at the Jonin team after the Hokage approved it. The Hokage was so busy that he couldn't possibly remember everyone's names, unless they were known by name. For example, Shanks didn't need to register, but after Hiruzen Sarutobi took over, and during Tobirama Senju's time, he still had to come. After all, Tobirama Senju was known for his impartiality; even his own elder brother had to register when he went out, let alone Shanks.

When Shanks arrived at the Jonin team, he saw Orochimaru scribbling something in front of his seat. And it's true, young Orochimaru was an all-rounder from a young age; he excelled at anything that required intelligence. This is why he was able to transform from a male-to-female and female-to-male magician into a great scientist who mastered cutting-edge cell cloning technology.

"Well, Captain, it's rare that I'm not late on the first day." Orochimaru noticed someone in front of him and put down his pen to say this.

"Haha, it's only the first day. As expected of Orochimaru, nothing can stump you. I'll do you a favor. Just let me know if you need anything, even helping you take down the Nine-Tails!" Shanks patted his chest and promised. He couldn't help feeling a little guilty. It was one thing for his niece to squander someone's money, but for him, the uncle, to do the same was a bit unfair.

"Well, I remember this favor. The captain's favors are very valuable." Orochimaru narrowed his eyes.

"Don't worry, as long as you don't harm Konoha, you can tell me who you want to harm, and I'll make them call you dad."

"Hehe, then it's settled." After Orochimaru finished speaking, he continued to work away. Shanks sat in his seat for a while, watching as a Jonin would come in from time to time to register for an outing or a mission.

"Ah, Orochimaru, you continue, I'm going out to find some inspiration." Shanks stretched and disappeared.

"..." Orochimaru. Even when he's just coasting along, he uses clones...

That's right, Shanks woke up early in the morning, created a clone, and then went back to sleep.

"Yoshi, Nawaki, come here to Uncle. Come on, walk over here." Shanks went to the main room to tease Nawaki after getting up, and Nawaki wobbled over step by step. Shanks hugged him. Shanks couldn't see any of the spirit in Nawaki compared to Tsunade when she was little. Nawaki looked a bit like his father, a little silly. "Could it be that you used too much force when you gave birth to Tsunade and suffocated your brain too?"

Shanks looked at the Rope Tree in his arms and thought.

"Shanks, weren't you supposed to be going to the Jonin class today? Why haven't you gone yet?" Tsunade snatched Nawaki back from Shanks' arms.

"I went, I sent a clone. It's a small matter, I can just send a clone." Shanks waved his hand.

Tsunade scoffed, "You're hopeless! You're just wasting your time with clones!"

Seeing Tsunade's disdainful look, Shanks was furious. "You dare to talk back to me? You actually borrowed all of Orochimaru's money! Do you know that if I hadn't stopped Orochimaru yesterday, he would have already jumped off the Hokage Rock?" Shanks launched a verbal attack.

"Tch! Nobody believes you. I'm going to the hospital." Tsunade scoffed and left.

"Going to the casino again? You borrowed another 300 million from Haruko this morning," Shanks said disdainfully.

"Damn it!" Tsunade quickened her devilish pace. Every time Shanks overheard her thoughts, she felt terrified; thankfully, Shanks didn't do it often.

67. Kima dies, Conqueror's Haki awakens.

Since becoming the leader of the Jonin class, Shanks has successfully let loose, spending his days in clones while he sleeps in until he naturally wakes up and then goes to play with Nawaki. He finds all the little anime kids adorable.

"You like children so much, why don't you have one yourself?" Mito repeated yesterday's words again today.