Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 194: Special Mission

For the time being, Konoha had no reinforcements to send, but Tonari estimated that Sunagakure's reinforcements would soon arrive on the battlefield.

The longer this dragged on, the weaker the deterrent effect of Tonari's earlier grand move would become.

The situation was gradually moving in a concerning direction.

"So, to alleviate the pressure on the other battlefronts and reduce our own burden, it's time to take a risk—go deep behind enemy lines and disrupt their supply routes," Orochimaru said, scanning the room as he shared his thoughts.

If they could thoroughly sabotage Sunagakure's supply lines, it would delay the progress of the war in the Land of Rain significantly.

In fact, Orochimaru had tried contacting Hanzo, the leader of the Hidden Rain Village, hoping he would ally with Konoha against Sunagakure.

But Hanzo wasn't foolish. At a time when the outcome of the conflict was still uncertain, recklessly siding with one of the great villages wasn't a wise choice.

So, he had found an excuse to decline Orochimaru's request, choosing instead to remain neutral and protect his position within the Land of Rain.

As for the Land of Rain's citizens, Hanzo's concerns didn't extend that far.

Orochimaru's suggestion, if successful, would be a boon for Konoha.

But clearly, this wouldn't be an easy mission. It required someone with exceptional strength to accomplish it.

The room fell silent as the gathered shinobi contemplated the task. Their gazes alternated between Orochimaru and Tonari, master and disciple.

Noticing their stares, Orochimaru gave a faint smile.

"This mission isn't for the faint of heart. At the very least, it requires the strength of a jōnin. Do any of you have recommendations?" Orochimaru asked.

The room descended into silence once more.

Having potential candidates was one thing, but actually naming them was another.

This mission clearly carried immense risks, and recommending someone meant bearing responsibility if that person didn't return.

Still, not everyone shared these concerns.

For instance, sitting to Orochimaru's left was Nara Shikaku.

"I think Tonari is an excellent choice. His 'Konoha Black Cat' moniker alone holds enough sway to intimidate Sunagakure's forces," Shikaku said, twirling his pen and deliberately avoiding Tonari's piercing gaze.

Tonari's eyes narrowed as he stared daggers at Shikaku, his nostrils flaring as he clenched his fists, emitting audible creaks.

"Ahem… I second that."

"I second it as well."

"Agreed."

The others in the room suddenly became fascinated with the tent's ceiling or started counting the hairs on their comrades' heads, avoiding meeting Tonari's eyes.

These guys…

Tonari sighed inwardly.

Though it seemed like Shikaku had thrown him under the bus, the reality was that this mission was always going to fall to him.

No one else had the qualifications or the ability to complete it.

Shikaku, knowing this, had used the opportunity to get back at Tonari for always assigning him dishwashing duties.

Hmph, you'll be washing dishes for the rest of your life.

Tonari made a mental note to talk to Shikaku's fiancée, Yoshino, about household responsibilities.

As if sensing a foreboding future, Shikaku shuddered slightly but didn't know why.

Orochimaru's usually cold demeanor cracked into a smirk as he watched Tonari fume.

"Well, it seems this is settled. Tonari, prepare yourself."

"Yes…" Tonari replied reluctantly.

"But," he added, "going alone would make this mission far too uncertain. I need competent teammates."

He cast a sidelong glance at Shikaku, hoping to see if he'd suggest more names and further tarnish his reputation.

But Shikaku, as sharp as ever, wouldn't fall into such an obvious trap.

"You can pick anyone you want from the camp," Shikaku replied smoothly.

Before Tonari could respond, a voice spoke up.

"I'll go. With my abilities, I should be able to assist Tonari."

Someone volunteering for such a dangerous mission?

Tonari turned to see who had spoken and was met with the sight of a young man with a calm yet determined expression.

What caught his attention most was the man's eyes—pale irises nearly indistinguishable from the sclera, marked unmistakably as Hyūga eyes.

The Byakugan.

One of the two kekkei genkai Tonari had always been interested in studying.

The Hyūga who had spoken was none other than Hyūga Hizashi, the younger brother of Hyūga Hiashi, the Hyūga clan heir.

Hizashi's decision shocked his elder brother.

"Hizashi!" Hiashi called, his voice laced with concern.

Hizashi turned to his brother with a gentle smile. "Brother, let me represent the Hyūga clan this time."

Hiashi was taken aback, his expression conflicted.

The two brothers were inseparable, growing up and training together. Yet their fates were drastically different.

Born just moments apart, Hizashi was condemned to be part of the branch family, marked with the caged bird seal, while Hiashi bore the responsibilities of the main family and the clan leadership.

Seeing the brothers silently reach an understanding, Orochimaru nodded.

"Tonari, how about it? The Byakugan would certainly be an asset."

"The Hyūga's Byakugan will be a tremendous advantage. I welcome it," Tonari replied.

As if in response, another voice chimed in.

"In that case, I'll join as well."

The speaker was none other than Uchiha Fugaku.

At around twenty years old, Fugaku was already a respected representative of the Uchiha clan. His participation signified the Uchiha's commitment to this mission.

"Good! With the Byakugan and Sharingan working together, this mission is sure to succeed. Fugaku, Hizashi, you'll assist Tonari as team leader," Orochimaru declared.

"Yes!" the three replied in unison.

Though Tonari had reservations, the combination of the Byakugan's scouting capabilities and the Sharingan's combat prowess was undeniably formidable.

"Prepare yourselves and get to know each other. I'll leave the details to you," Orochimaru said, dismissing them.

As the trio left, Tonari couldn't help but feel both annoyed and intrigued by his new teammates.

---

Later that night, under the cover of darkness, the three silently departed the Konoha camp, entering the war-torn Land of Rain.

The landscape had drastically changed.

Once a neutral ground, the Land of Rain had become a battleground in the war between Konoha and Sunagakure. Hanzo and the Hidden Rain had withdrawn to observe, leaving the citizens of the country to suffer the consequences.

The sight of the devastation weighed heavily on the group.

"War is always hardest on small nations and their people," Hizashi lamented.

"If we don't want the Land of Fire to end up like this, Konoha cannot lose this war. The cost of defeat is unimaginable," Fugaku added, his tone cold but resolute.

Tonari, who had seen the horrors of war in his previous life, simply sighed. "This is war…"

Their first challenge lay ahead: crossing the border between the Land of Rain and the Land of Wind undetected.

"Stick to the plan. Avoid detection if possible. If not, strike swiftly and leave no trace," Tonari instructed.

"Understood!"

With that, the trio vanished into the forest, moving like shadows through the night.

(End of Chapter)

---

Read up to 20 chapter ahead of time on patreon.com/Legendryweeb

{please give this novel 5 Star review and power stone}

*Thank you*