Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 177: Two Teams

The next morning, dawn broke, painting the horizon with hues of light gray and pale orange.

At the training ground from the previous day, Might Guy arrived at 5:30 AM, as expected of someone with his disciplined routine. By 5:45, the ever-dutiful Yūhi Kurenai showed up.

Even Sarutobi Asuma, notorious for his late starts and resentment toward Tonari, begrudgingly arrived at 5:59 AM, just in time.

The conversation with his father the previous night had left Asuma with a new perspective on Tonari. He now saw him as someone deserving of respect, if only grudgingly. Especially since Hiruzen himself had granted Tonari the right to "discipline" him without restrictions.

As the three assembled, they noted the time ticking away. The second hand slowly crept toward the twelve, marking the arrival of 6:00 AM.

But Tonari was nowhere to be seen.

"Don't tell me that guy overslept?" Asuma grumbled, irritation creeping into his voice as the minutes passed without any sign of their teacher.

Ten minutes turned into twenty.

"This is ridiculous," Asuma muttered. "What kind of Jonin shows up late on the first day? And this guy is supposed to be a potential Hokage?"

His frustration grew as the clock ticked past an hour. Might Guy, ever the optimist, busied himself with push-ups. Yūhi Kurenai sat patiently, though her legs were beginning to cramp from sitting so long.

Just as they started to doubt whether Tonari would show up at all, a familiar voice broke the silence.

"Not bad, not bad. You've all lasted this long. Congratulations, you've passed today's test," Tonari announced casually, perched on a nearby tree.

Inwardly, he patted himself on the back for his quick thinking. The truth was, he'd been so engrossed in last night's experiment that he'd completely forgotten about the meeting. Upon realizing his oversight, he hastily concocted the "patience test" as an excuse.

Might Guy's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Sensei, was this a test of our endurance?"

Tonari jumped down from the tree and patted Guy's shoulder. "Exactly. It was a test of patience and perseverance. And you all passed with flying colors."

"Really?" Asuma asked skeptically, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.

Tonari coughed lightly. "What's that look for? I've been observing you the whole time. In fact, Guy performed the best. He arrived first and trained diligently while waiting. Isn't that right, Guy?"

Guy beamed with pride, flashing his signature grin. "Yes, Sensei! That's youth!"

Tonari quickly averted his gaze from Guy's dazzling smile and continued, "As for Kurenai, she arrived second and waited patiently.

"But you, Asuma…" Tonari pointed directly at him. "You were the last to arrive and the loudest complainer. If you'd left, you would have failed this test and been sent back to the Academy."

Asuma gulped, his earlier doubts silenced.

Tonari mentally breathed a sigh of relief. "Crisis averted. My reputation as a teacher is safe—barely."

Looking at the three of them, Tonari decided to reward their patience. "Alright, to celebrate your successful test, I'm treating you to lunch. What do you want to eat?"

"Barbecue!" Guy shouted enthusiastically.

Tonari nodded with a smile. "Barbecue it is."

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The team headed toward a bustling part of Konoha. Over the years, Tonari's cat shelter and Ichiraku Ramen had turned a once-quiet street into one of the village's busiest areas.

Thanks to his foresight, Tonari had purchased several properties in the area, making him a wealthy landlord. The barbecue restaurant they visited was one of his tenants, ensuring they received the best treatment.

As they approached the restaurant, Tonari spotted a familiar figure with golden hair. It was Namikaze Minato, recently returned from his training journey with Jiraiya.

The two rising stars of Konoha met eyes and exchanged smiles.

"Tonari, done with your team's test already?" Minato asked, glancing at the three Genin behind him.

"Of course. What about you?" Tonari replied, his gaze shifting to Minato's team: Hatake Kakashi, Nohara Rin, and Uchiha Obito.

Minato held up two bells, letting them jingle lightly.

Tonari smirked. "The classic bell test, huh? Who was the unlucky one this time?"

Minato didn't answer directly, but Tonari's experience and the team's reactions made it clear that Obito had struggled the most.

Not wanting to dwell on the matter, Tonari suggested, "Why don't we all eat together? It's a good opportunity for the kids to bond."

Minato agreed with a smile. "Sure, as long as you're paying."

The eight of them settled into a large private room. Tonari, as always, spared no expense when it came to food.

Throughout the meal, Tonari observed the dynamics of Minato's team. Kakashi, as expected, was withdrawn and focused, his gaze occasionally drifting to the blade at Tonari's side.

Obito, meanwhile, was bursting with energy, constantly trying to impress Rin, who politely indulged his antics.

Tonari leaned closer to Minato and whispered, "How's Kakashi holding up?"

Minato sighed. "He's still hung up on the ninja code. I'm doing what I can, but it's slow progress."

Tonari nodded, understanding the weight of Kakashi's struggles. "If he's interested, I can teach him a thing or two. He reminds me of his father."

Minato's eyes brightened. "That would mean a lot. Thank you."

The conversation shifted as Obito approached Tonari with wide eyes.

"Sensei! I heard you helped Uchiha Yoshinari awaken his Sharingan. Can you help me awaken mine too? Once I have the Sharingan, I'll surpass that arrogant Kakashi!"

"Idiot," Kakashi muttered, not even looking up.

"What did you say?!" Obito shouted, ready to charge at him.

Rin quickly intervened, placing a calming hand on Obito's shoulder. "Obito, don't fight!"

At her touch, Obito instantly deflated, his bravado replaced by a shy smile.

Tonari exchanged a knowing glance with Minato. Despite their differences, it seemed that Obito might be the key to breaking through Kakashi's emotional barriers.

As the meal came to an end, Minato and Tonari lingered behind the group.

"Tonari, Rin has shown interest in becoming a medical-nin like Tsunade. Could you help guide her?" Minato asked.

Tonari grinned. "For you? Sure—but it'll cost you."

Minato raised an eyebrow. "How much?"

"Ten meals."

"Five. That's all I can afford."

"Deal."

Satisfied, Tonari nodded. "Rin, if you have any questions about medical ninjutsu, feel free to come to me."

Rin's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Thank you, Sensei!"

Minato, meanwhile, silently mourned his soon-to-be-empty wallet.

(End of Chapter)

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