My Techniques are a bit off

Second World, Dusk, Allied Shinobi Forces Hospital

"Whew—"

Tsunade from the Main World let out a long breath and stretched, her expression quickly turning upbeat. She had put in the request for quite some time, and now that today's work was over, she was finally getting a long vacation—an entire month traveling to the Future World, taking her boyfriend along.

(Tsk, tsk… Just imagining it feels so romantic.)

(Should I bring my knockout lingerie…?)

She quickly dismissed the silly thought. Who was she kidding? Her boyfriend was physically only about three years old. Even if his soul was that of an adult, there was no way they could actually do anything.

"Sigh…"

At that thought, Tsunade heaved a deep sigh. Here she was, with a boyfriend and still forced to stay chaste—likely for another ten-odd years.

Ten-plus years!

She couldn't rely forever on Link's technique to alter her body's age. In another ten years, she'd still grow old. Even if ninjutsu could keep her looking young, it wouldn't change her body's true nature.

By then, her boyfriend would be a dashing young man in his prime, while she… well, somehow she still found that scenario a bit exciting.

"You're leaving already?"

Tsunade #2 (the one from this world) stood leaning against the doorframe, arms folded over her chest, her tone a little gloomy.

Her own boyfriend still hadn't been reincarnated yet. Like many who were waiting on that, she was frantically racking up contribution points. Her fear of blood had long since been cured. As for why she was at the hospital? She was filling in for her other self's shift. When someone could pay enough contribution, that's how things worked here.

But the thought that her counterpart was off for a sweet holiday together with her boyfriend made her feel no small amount of displeasure.

"Buh-bye~"

Tsunade #1, seeing the expression on "her" face, only felt more cheerful. Waving with a grin, she left the hospital in high spirits, even humming a tune, practically floating on air.

"Tsuna-chan~"

Hashirama #1 popped out from nearby, rubbing his hands together with a big grin, blocking her way as if by coincidence. "What a coincidence running into you here."

"Grandpa…"

Tsunade #1 was in a good mood, letting out a helpless sigh. "So, you've lost all your money again?"

"A-hahaha…"

Hashirama #1 laughed awkwardly, his gaze shifting around. All of a sudden, he waved at someone: "Yo! Over here!"

Hashirama #2, who had been lurking on the other side, came over with an equally delighted look. "What good timing. Let's go grab a drink."

"As much as I'd like to…" Tsunade #1 crossed her arms over her chest. "I spent all my contribution already."

She'd used it to pay her other self for filling in, to apply for a trip to the Future World, to buy the Future World's currency, to hire a guide from the future… She'd spent almost all the savings she had on this upcoming vacation.

Where did a gambling-happy, booze-loving woman like her come by so much money?

That would be courtesy of the hush money Link had given her.

Both Hashiramas froze. Two days ago, they'd discovered that their precious granddaughter had come into a large amount of contribution points. Now, having gambled away everything again and with not even enough for a drink, they'd hoped to bum a free round. But apparently, she had spent it all?

They both looked crestfallen. They knew she'd had quite a large sum. How could it be gone so fast? Could she have lost it gambling?

Tsunade #1 waved them off. "Anyway, I'm heading off~" She pivoted with a broad smile, ignoring her two grandfathers' renewed scheming by the doorway.

What about Tsunade #2 maybe picking up the tab when she got off work? Not her problem.

She popped by a restaurant she'd reserved via Web Net to pick up a fancy dinner for the night. Walking home, she pondered how to spend the little money she still had left.

Yes, she hadn't spent absolutely everything. She'd kept a little stash as her bankroll to gamble with after vacation. If she managed a big win, she could go on living the good life—pay others to do her shifts, spend freely, and her boyfriend wouldn't have to work. They could live happily ever after…

Now that was a fun daydream!

At present, the Allied Shinobi Forces largely used "contribution points"—a form of credit currency—for their economy. Aside from Edo Tensei (reincarnation)—which was basically tucked away for use only by huge contributors—there were other premium options, like traveling to other worlds, acquiring special jutsu from various ninja villages, scientific ninja tools from the Future World, Web Net's myriad services, and the labs' research results. Almost everything demanded contribution.

Basically, the old-world currency was nearly obsolete. Except for money from the Future World, no one really wanted to trade large amounts of contribution for old paper bills. Like how no one would trade gold for Zimbabwean dollars. As a result, in the Second World (and the Third World, which was still being rehabilitated), old currency no longer held any real value in circulation. Within just a year, it was filtering down to regular civilians.

Why? Because Web Net was expanding so fast. Not only ninjas but everyday people were either forced or eager to join the Alliance's system.

Don't think ordinary people can't use Web Net. Even rabbits could. Once its cords took root, it automatically siphoned their body's energy and spiritual energy to synthesize chakra. The only downside was that usage frequency was limited. But it wasn't impossible.

Anyone who registered a Web Net account could hold a virtual "Alliance contribution." This served not only as currency but also as credit in the Alliance. The higher your contribution, the stronger your purchasing power and status. You could access and unlock more stuff.

Before, if a civilian had money, they could at most hire some shinobi for protection or enjoy a fancier life. Now, with enough contribution, they could purchase the labs' advanced medical achievements.

For example, the "Original Cells"—after multiple rounds of safe processing—could be implanted in small increments, combined with advanced prosthetic technology from the Future World. In no time, an ordinary person could build themselves up to near-jōnin-level output.

That futuristic prosthetic tech was grown from Hashirama cells. Even the Seventh Hokage of the Future World sang its praises.

Of course, that didn't mean chopping off your limbs and attaching robot arms. Rather, it involved mixing degraded Original Cells with Hashirama cells, balancing them out to achieve synergy. A little bit at a time, you could augment your chakra reserves. That opened the door for nighttime "Sage Mode" classes at the ninja academy. With luck and intelligence, you might one day control wind and rain at will.

From a pure numbers standpoint—leaving aside combat skill—someone who completed over ten such operations could reach Kage-level chakra capacity and jutsu output.

As of now, no civilian was actually rich enough to buy themselves all the way to Kage-level. But some small organizations and minor ninja villages had pooled resources to enhance a few elite fighters, who then went to the Third World to earn more contribution through high-risk jobs.

Rumor was that the Alliance planned to revamp how ninja ranks were assigned. The old system was out-of-date in an era of biological engineering. If Original Cells and Hashirama cells advanced further, you could have Kage-level ninja everywhere—like a black comedy come to life.

Tsunade #1 drew her thoughts back from wandering. Maybe too much time with Link had led her to random speculation sometimes. For instance—

She arrived at her front door, seeing her boyfriend—a little boy—cheerfully waving goodbye to another three-year-old female "reincarnated" person. The easy smile on her face went frosty, her eyes turning to slits, as she slipped quietly behind him. Then she spoke with a dangerously soft voice:

"Dan, mind telling me who she is?"

Dan stiffened, the muscles in his back clenching. He forced a laugh. "She's… an Uchiha colleague, just a coworker!"

~~~

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