Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 234: Crisis Averted

"With the Yellow Flash and the Konoha Black Cat appearing at the same time, the brilliance they radiate is no less than that of the legendary Sannin and the White Fang of Konoha!"

Koharu Utatane couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

Homura Mitokado nodded in agreement, his usually rigid face breaking into a rare smile.

As for Hiruzen Sarutobi—there was no need to mention it. The smile blooming on his face spoke volumes about his emotions.

Among everyone in the office, the only one who didn't look pleased was Danzo Shimura.

The rise of Minato Namikaze and Tonari as powerful figures, their increasing fame throughout the ninja world—it was a repeated blow to Danzo.

He could feel the Hokage position slipping further and further away from his grasp.

"Inform Jiraiya immediately," Hiruzen ordered an attendant at the door. "Have him coordinate with Tonari."

The shinobi at the door bowed deeply and swiftly left.

Hiruzen then turned his gaze to Danzo, his expression gradually turning serious. "Danzo, what's the situation with Iwagakure and Kumogakure?"

Danzo's face remained stiff as he responded. "Not optimistic. Their objectives are clear. And Kumogakure—because of the Nibi (Two-Tails) inside Tonari, and what he and Minato did in the Land of Lightning recently—there's no chance of them backing down… unless we hand Tonari over."

"Absolutely not!" Hiruzen immediately rejected the idea, not even waiting for Danzo to finish his sentence.

Koharu and Homura exchanged glances. Unlike Hiruzen, they hesitated.

"Hiruzen," Koharu said, "at least let Danzo finish. Maybe we can find a compromise? If we can get Kumogakure to halt their offensive—or even forge a new alliance—then this war might come to an end."

Homura nodded in agreement, signaling Danzo to continue.

Danzo, seeing their support, spoke bluntly—

"If we hand over Tonari, along with the Nibi sealed within him, and maneuver the situation carefully, we might be able to make Kumogakure withdraw."

Hiruzen's face darkened instantly.

"Ridiculous!" he snapped. "Tonari is a hero of Konoha, and you dare suggest handing him over to Kumogakure?! This is no different from betraying a comrade. If survival means sacrificing our own, then we may as well die together with honor!

"Besides, the outcome of our battle with Kumogakure is still uncertain."

Hiruzen's rage was evident, and Koharu and Homura felt awkward for having encouraged Danzo's proposal.

They now realized that the timing was terrible—Tonari had just accomplished a great feat. Proposing to sell him out right now was nothing short of treachery.

Even if his sacrifice could secure peace, it was the worst possible moment to suggest it.

How would the other shinobi of Konoha react?

How would Minato Namikaze—who had also achieved great things—feel about it?

Hiruzen's anger was justified.

At the same time, Koharu and Homura began to notice something—Danzo was personally targeting Tonari.

Why?

Danzo's expression remained unchanged, as if he had expected Hiruzen's reaction.

"If that's the case," Danzo continued, "then Iwagakure is our only remaining option.

"Onoki is stubborn, but he's also cunning. If we can convince him, then we don't need to worry about Iwagakure anymore.

"Minato's actions have already delivered a severe blow to Iwagakure. We can use that leverage against them. But it's still not enough. We need to give Onoki a reason to step back."

Hiruzen's expression softened slightly.

This plan made sense.

"However," Danzo added, "if this works, you know what you'll have to do, right?"

Danzo stared directly into Hiruzen's eyes, as if searching for something.

Hiruzen's gaze remained calm. "I will make sure the families of our fallen shinobi receive the answers they deserve."

Danzo nodded in satisfaction.

Hiruzen then turned to his advisors. "We must inform all of Konoha about what Minato and Tonari have accomplished. The village must know that two young heroes are rising, bringing light to Konoha's future!"

Koharu hesitated. "Hiruzen, you're only mentioning Minato and Tonari… what about Orochimaru?"

But Hiruzen pretended not to hear the question, continuing instead—

"Also, Minato mentioned in his report that both Uchiha Obito and Hatake Kakashi played crucial roles. Their sacrifices and contributions should be honored as well."

Homura's eyes widened in realization.

Koharu, too, suddenly understood.

Orochimaru…

Hiruzen had already made his decision about him.

Danzo, however, remained unmoved, as if he had expected this outcome all along.

"Very well," Hiruzen concluded, "begin the preparations."

As his advisors left, Hiruzen walked to the window.

Looking out at the once-prosperous yet now war-torn village, his eyes revealed a moment of sadness.

Then, he buried those emotions and looked down at the scroll in his hands—

A dossier, delivered by Danzo through Koharu and Homura.

Inside, it contained recommendations… and evidence regarding Orochimaru's activities.

Hiruzen sighed. "Orochimaru… don't make me regret this."

---

In the Land of Lightning

At the northernmost cliffs of the Land of Lightning, where the sea met towering cliffs, a group of shinobi arrived.

Normally, this remote place wouldn't see any activity, but Tonari knew the tactical value of striking an enemy's rear lines.

Fuguki Suikazan looked at the landscape of towering mountains and deep valleys, unfamiliar to a shinobi born in the mist-covered islands of Kirigakure.

"Sanzo-sama, what are your orders?" he asked.

Tonari stood at the cliff's edge, smiling.

Behind him was the vast ocean, and ahead lay the Land of Lightning.

"You all specialize in Water Release, correct?"

"That's right."

Tonari had specifically requested for Water Release users from the Third Mizukage—for this moment.

With a grin, he turned to Fuguki. "Then let's flood this entire area."

Fuguki's expression stiffened.

Tonari continued—"Fifty shinobi, full power. I want this entire region submerged. With your strength and Samehada's chakra absorption ability… you can do it, can't you?"

Fuguki felt a chill run down his spine.

Tonari knew too much about Samehada's abilities.

He glanced at the Twin Swords: Hiramekarei strapped to Tonari's back.

A dangerous thought crossed his mind—"Does he want Samehada too?"

But he forced a smile and responded—"Of course."

---

The fifty Kirigakure shinobi formed a line along the coastline, their backs to the sea.

They began weaving hand seals in unison.

"Water Release: Super Exploding Water Shockwave!"

In an instant, a tidal wave erupted from their mouths.

The sheer scale of the water release was terrifying—

Entire forests disappeared beneath the flood.

Valleys became submerged canyons.

Only mountaintops remained as tiny islands.

It was as if the ocean itself had swallowed the Land of Lightning.

Tonari watched with satisfaction.

"Now… let's see how far we can take this."

This unexpected flood threw Kumogakure into chaos.

For weeks, they had been preparing to march on Konoha—but now, they had to defend their homeland.

With panic spreading, even the mighty Third Raikage hesitated.

And at that moment—Jiraiya struck.

Rumors spread like wildfire:

"Kirigakure's army has invaded! The Mizukage's elite forces are attacking!"

The panic reached a boiling point.

The Third Raikage had no choice.

Instead of attacking Konoha, he turned back to defend Kumogakure.

And just like that—the crisis at the Hot Water Country battlefield was averted.

---

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