Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 197: Shukaku

An elderly monk with white hair and beard, his hands clasped together at his chest, walked calmly out of the sandstorm. His appearance exuded a serene, benevolent demeanor.

Tonari's frown deepened as he observed the old man, even his nose wrinkling slightly in irritation.

The scene that had unfolded moments ago replayed in his mind. His self-created technique Vermilion Bird, unleashed after opening the Gate of View, had shattered Rasa's golden sphere defense almost instantly. Even the gold dust clinging to Rasa's skin for protection couldn't withstand the assault.

After breaking through both layers of defense, the intense heat had rendered Rasa unconscious, stripping him of any ability to resist.

But at the crucial moment, a small clump of sand had intercepted the final remnants of the Vermilion Bird's attack, saving Rasa from certain death.

It wasn't that the sand was exceptionally powerful—it had simply appeared at the perfect time. A fraction of a second later, and Rasa would have been obliterated.

"Bunpuku the Monk," Tonari murmured, recognizing the figure immediately.

On his shoulder, a small, light-blue cat materialized, its gaze fixed intently on the approaching monk. "Tonari, there's something oddly familiar about this person. He seems pure and kind, but for some reason, I feel uneasy just looking at him."

Tonari cast a glance at the Two-Tails on his shoulder, his brow relaxing slightly. Returning his gaze to the monk, he said flatly, "That's to be expected. He's the Jinchūriki of Shukaku, the One-Tail."

The Two-Tails widened its eyes in surprise. "The One-Tail? That nasty tanuki?!"

The small blue cat scanned its surroundings warily, its expression growing grim. "This is bad. In the desert, that mangy tanuki is tough to deal with."

Tonari nodded. "Exactly. That's why I'm taking this seriously."

The elderly monk, Bunpuku, was the Jinchūriki of Shukaku. Once a key figure in Sand Village's efforts to weaponize tailed beasts under the Second Kazekage, Bunpuku had Shukaku sealed within him from birth.

For decades, he had been confined to the village's temple, forgotten by most, with only Shukaku's name remembered.

"Are you the ones the Council has tasked me with stopping?" Bunpuku asked, his voice soft but firm. "I apologize for what I must do. For the sake of the Sand Village, I will break my vows once more. But worry not—I will personally perform your funeral rites and guide your spirits to the afterlife."

Despite his kind expression, his words carried a chilling weight.

Uchiha Fugaku's Sharingan spun rapidly as he observed the monk. "Be cautious, Tonari. That man is… unnatural," he warned.

Hyūga Hizashi, using his Byakugan, made an even more startling observation. "His chakra flow… It's remarkably similar to yours, Tonari."

Tonari narrowed his eyes at Bunpuku. Turning to the Two-Tails, he said, "You'd better say hello to your old friend."

With a light push off the ground, Tonari vanished, dashing toward the monk.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Giant fists of sand erupted from the ground, aiming to crush Tonari. With nimble movements, he evaded each attack.

"Bunpuku, it seems I can't let you have your way," Tonari muttered.

Clang!

The sound of a blade being unsheathed echoed.

Bunpuku's closed eyes snapped open. In an instant, his left arm became encased in sand, morphing into a grotesque claw resembling Shukaku's.

Tonari's blade struck the sand claw, cutting through with effort. However, before the severed claw hit the ground, it reassembled, its sandy form flowing back into place.

The claw lashed out, aiming for Tonari's back.

Boom!

Tonari narrowly dodged, appearing behind Bunpuku with a hand on the monk's shoulder.

The world spun.

When Tonari's vision cleared, he found himself in an unfamiliar space. Water stretched endlessly in all directions.

Before him, Bunpuku sat cross-legged on the water's surface. Behind him loomed a massive wall, on which Shukaku, the One-Tail, was bound by thick iron chains.

Shukaku's eyes snapped open. Recognizing Tonari, it roared, its voice shaking the entire sealed space.

"You mangy cat! It really is you! I knew I smelled something familiar!"

The chains rattled violently as Shukaku struggled against its bonds.

Tonari ignored its outburst, walking across the water to face Bunpuku. From the shadows behind him, the massive figure of the Two-Tails emerged, its mismatched eyes gleaming.

Shukaku's anger intensified at the sight of the Two-Tails.

"You filthy cat! How dare you show your face here?! I'll crush you!"

"Quiet, tanuki," the Two-Tails growled.

But Shukaku was undeterred, its vulgarities spilling forth until Bunpuku calmly intervened.

"Shukaku," the monk said softly.

The One-Tail hesitated, muttering under its breath before finally falling silent.

The Two-Tails glanced at Bunpuku with mild amazement. "You can actually shut him up?"

Bunpuku stood, his expression serene. "So, you're a fellow Jinchūriki. And this must be the Two-Tails… Such a remarkable creature, with eyes that see yin and yang, and pierce the soul itself."

Tonari was momentarily surprised. Bunpuku had discerned the Two-Tails' unique abilities with just a glance.

Taking a deep breath, Tonari said, "Bunpuku, I understand you and Shukaku share a strong bond, and that this desert is your home turf. But even so, you're no match for us. Retreat now, and we'll destroy this oasis and leave without further conflict."

Bunpuku shook his head. "I'm afraid that won't be possible. My mission compels me to stop you here, even if it means breaking my vows. Prepare yourselves."

The ground beneath Tonari trembled.

When his vision cleared, he found himself back in the desert.

Bunpuku stood motionless, his body now encased in sand. Above him, the sand began to form a massive shape.

Boom!

The sand erupted, taking the form of Shukaku.

"Finally! I'm free again! The desert is mine!" Shukaku roared, its laughter shaking the battlefield.

Tonari looked up at the towering figure of the One-Tail, its presence oppressive.

"It's not going to be easy," Tonari muttered, gripping his blade tightly.

With a burst of speed, he leapt toward Shukaku, his sword glowing as it extended with the Two-Tails' chakra.

Clang!

His blade struck true, severing one of Shukaku's massive arms.

But the arm reformed instantly.

"Damn it," Tonari cursed. "This isn't going to be simple."

---

As Shukaku prepared a Tailed Beast Bomb, Tonari bit his thumb, weaving hand signs.

"Triple Rashomon!"

Three massive gates burst forth from the ground, shielding him from the oncoming attack.

The battle with Shukaku was far from over.

(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*