Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 228: The Situation Changes Rapidly

The Land of Hot Water.

A wave of morale-boosting news swept through the Konoha ninja army's camp today—the long-missing Blue Cat of Konoha had finally returned!

During this period, under Danzo's command, the Konoha forces had managed to hold off the attacks from the Hidden Cloud Village.

However, due to Danzo's extreme methods and rigid policies, the entire camp had been weighed down by a heavy atmosphere. No one knew when they might be deemed disposable and abandoned by Danzo.

While his iron-fisted rule had produced results, it had also created an overwhelming sense of paranoia among the troops.

Upon arriving at the camp, the first thing Tonari did was not to report to the main tent and meet Danzo. Instead, he went straight to find his close friend, Namikaze Minato, and his perverted teacher, the self-proclaimed Pervy Sage—Jiraiya.

The moment Minato saw Tonari, his emotions surged. He rushed forward and gave Tonari a tight bear hug.

As he embraced him, Minato kept whispering softly in his ear, "Tonari, I'm sorry, I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…"

He repeated it over and over, his hands gripping the fabric of Tonari's clothes tightly, as if afraid he might vanish again. The strength of his arms reflected the turmoil in his heart.

Feeling Minato's emotional turmoil, Tonari patted his back lightly. "It's okay, Minato. I'm fine, aren't I?"

Standing behind Minato, Jiraiya watched with an understanding smile.

"This is what the old man has always talked about—true bonds."

It took a long time for Minato's trembling body to calm down, and when he finally let go, his eyes were slightly red.

Only he knew how much guilt and pain he had endured during Tonari's disappearance.

If not for his naturally gentle and composed personality, the self-reproach might have completely broken him.

Seeing the expression on Minato's face, Tonari felt a surge of emotion and patted his shoulder.

"Minato, you should have more faith in me. Even if every ninja in the world dies, I'll still be alive. My survival skills are top-tier!"

Tonari's confident words made Minato feel a little better.

At this moment, Jiraiya also walked up and patted Minato on the shoulder.

"I told you, didn't I? With this brat's abilities, there was no way he wouldn't make it back alive. You had nothing to worry about. He's just like his teacher, Orochimaru—his ability to survive is top-notch."

Hearing this, Minato nodded, gradually regaining his composure.

He had simply been overwhelmed by emotions when he first saw Tonari again.

After confirming Minato was alright, Tonari and him exchanged a genuine, joyful smile.

Jiraiya suddenly thought of something.

"By the way, Tonari, did you report to Danzo yet?"

No matter who it was, any ninja returning to camp had to report to the commanding officer. It was a sign of respect.

Tonari opened his mouth, about to reply, when an unexpected voice interrupted from outside the tent.

"He did not."

The three of them stiffened immediately.

They all recognized that voice too well.

Jiraiya exchanged a look with Minato and Tonari.

The moment they understood each other, the tent flap was pulled open by a masked ANBU operative, revealing Danzo Shimura in full combat attire.

His single visible eye swept across the three of them before locking onto Tonari.

Tonari did not look away. He met Danzo's gaze head-on.

Though Danzo had one eye covered, Tonari suspected that beneath the bandages, a Sharingan was implanted—likely a standard three-tomoe Sharingan, though not Shisui's yet.

Having experienced implanting a Sharingan himself, Tonari knew how intoxicating its power was. If one's will wasn't firm enough, they wouldn't want to give it up.

"Lord Danzo," Minato greeted politely.

Tonari, on the other hand, put on an exaggeratedly shocked expression, his face full of mock disbelief.

"Lord Danzo! I had no idea you were here! When did you arrive?! As a half-host of this camp, I truly regret not welcoming you properly… what a grave oversight!"

Danzo: "..."

In an instant, whatever serious speech he had prepared was completely thrown off by Tonari's over-the-top performance.

Even Jiraiya, standing nearby, found it hard to watch.

This brat… is so shameless.

"Tonari, before you returned, the *command of this camp had already been transferred to… well…" Jiraiya gestured toward Danzo.

Hearing this, Tonari's expression turned even more exaggerated—if he had covered his mouth with his hands in fake shock, it would've been a perfect theatrical act.

"Ohhh! So that's why Jiraiya-sama is still here! I was just about to go report in! Lord Danzo, my sincerest apologies… my deepest regrets…!"

Minato and Jiraiya: "..."

At this moment, they were both considering denying they even knew him.

Danzo's face twitched in frustration.

He had intended to assert dominance by scolding Tonari over an unspoken rule, but Tonari played dumb so well that he had no choice but to drop the subject.

From a technical standpoint, Tonari had been gone for a long time, so it was plausible that he genuinely didn't know about the leadership change.

But Danzo knew better.

This brat is just messing with me.

Their personal feud had long passed the point of reconciliation.

Tonari still bore the Curse Mark of Root on his tongue, and his exile in the Land of Lightning had been Danzo's doing.

And most importantly—Danzo no longer wanted to see Tonari grow stronger.

If Tonari continued to rise, he would block Danzo's path to becoming Hokage. In fact, he already had.

This was why Danzo saw him as an enemy.

Once, Danzo thought he could control Tonari easily.

After all, even someone as talented as Orochimaru had fallen into his grasp.

But Tonari had grown too fast. Before Danzo could react, he had already become a threat.

The final straw had been the death of Konoha's White Fang, Sakumo Hatake.

That incident had solidified the divide between them, revealing to Tonari the true nature of both Danzo and Hiruzen Sarutobi.

With power in his hands, Tonari no longer feared Danzo.

And today's performance was proof of that.

Danzo glared at Tonari. He had intended to pressure him but ended up being humiliated instead.

Taking a deep breath, he lowered his voice.

"Tonari, do you realize the pressure Konoha's forces have been under while you were absent?"

"If we lost this war, do you understand the magnitude of responsibility you would bear?"

A massive accusation—if confirmed, it could lead to dire consequences.

But Tonari didn't even blink.

He merely smiled and said, "No way, right? Am I really that important? If I was gone, Konoha would lose? No way, no way—I didn't know I mattered so much!"

Danzo's face darkened further.

Used to ruling Root with absolute control, he found Tonari's defiant sarcasm utterly infuriating.

But he couldn't take action yet.

Instead, he gave Tonari an ultimatum.

"You have one day. I expect a full written explanation on my desk by then."

With that, he turned and left.

As soon as Danzo was gone, both Minato and Jiraiya looked at Tonari with concern.

They knew Danzo well.

Tonari had now become his primary target.

If he wasn't careful, Danzo would assign him to a suicide mission.

Jiraiya sighed. "Tonari, there was no need to provoke him like that."

But Tonari simply waved it off.

He knew—whether he provoked Danzo or not, the man would still try to get rid of him.

At least this way, he had some control over the game.

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