Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 100: "Killing to Prove Your Way?"

Kusagakure and Konohagakure.

At first glance, they might seem like peers—both labeled as "villages." But witnessing Kusagakure firsthand, Tonari and the others quickly realized the enormous disparity between the two.

Konoha, as the largest Hidden Village in the shinobi world, was less a "village" and more akin to a vast town. With a fully developed infrastructure, production, food supply chains, and even governance, Konoha was essentially a nation within the Land of Fire. It was self-sufficient and thriving.

Kusagakure, however, lived up to its name: a modest "village."

Similar to many other minor nations' hidden villages, Kusagakure was a pale imitation of the five great villages. Its territory was limited, and resources scarce, forcing it to rely on the support of larger nations like the Land of Fire or the Land of Earth.

The trading convoy Tonari's team escorted illustrated this reliance perfectly. Without the explicit approval of the Fire Daimyō and Konoha's leadership, such well-stocked convoys would never make it through Kusagakure. This arrangement highlighted Kusagakure's dependence on Fire Country's goodwill.

Tonari speculated that Tsunade's mission likely involved negotiating further cooperation between Konoha and Kusagakure on behalf of the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Given the Taki ninja attack and the intel they'd gleaned from their interrogation, Kusagakure would find itself cornered—an advantageous position for Konoha.

After completing their escort mission, Tonari, Yoshino, and Yoshinari decided to rest briefly and restock supplies. Yet they quickly discovered that even basic items like kunai and shuriken were scarce in Kusagakure. Prices were absurdly high, and availability low.

Ultimately, the team decided against replenishing their weaponry and focused on refueling their bodies instead. Despite the bland taste of Kusagakure's food, Tonari's appetite showed no sign of diminishing. While Yoshino and Yoshinari barely nibbled on their meals, Tonari devoured his with gusto.

However, their presence soon attracted unwanted attention from the Kusagakure shinobi. Their distinctive headbands marked them as Konoha ninja, stirring wariness and animosity among the locals.

"Tonari-kun… Can we leave now?" Yoshino asked uneasily, clearly unnerved by the increasingly hostile stares.

Even Yoshinari, who normally exuded confidence and pride as a member of the Uchiha, appeared subdued. They both understood: in an unfamiliar village, they were outnumbered and outmatched. Picking a fight here would be unwise.

Sensing the tension, Tonari looked up from his meal, glanced around, and nodded reluctantly. "Alright. Let's get out of here."

But as they left the restaurant, they realized their departure hadn't dispersed their observers. Instead, several Kusagakure shinobi trailed after them, keeping their distance but watching them intently.

Once they exited Kusagakure's gates, the shinobi finally dispersed, leaving Yoshino to sigh in relief. "Are all shinobi from minor villages this territorial?" she muttered.

Yoshinari snorted. "It's not territoriality—it's insecurity."

"Hey, we're on their turf," Tonari warned. "Let's not—"

Suddenly, the distinct whistle of a projectile breaking through the air caught Tonari's attention. His reflexes took over as he kicked Yoshinari squarely in the rear, sending the Uchiha stumbling forward.

"What the hell—" Yoshinari began angrily, only to freeze as a kunai whizzed past where his shoulder had been moments ago. The weapon clattered to the stone pavement, gleaming faintly with a toxic sheen.

Tonari's face darkened, and Yoshinari's anger morphed into cold fury. Gripping a kunai tightly, Yoshinari scanned the surroundings, his Sharingan flickering to life.

Standing atop a nearby building wrapped in green vines was a young Kusagakure kunoichi. She had striking features, her beauty marred only by the hostility in her eyes.

"You call yourselves shinobi and don't even know how to hold your tongues in a foreign land? How rude," the kunoichi chided.

Tonari stepped forward, attempting diplomacy. "I apologize for my companion's words. He meant no offense to Kusagakure."

"Oh?" The kunoichi smirked. "How do I know you're not just saying that? After all, Konoha ninja are good at sweet-talking."

Her words dripped with mockery. Yoshinari's hand tightened around his kunai, and Tonari sighed, realizing she wasn't here to make peace.

"I've always wanted to test how much better shinobi from the great villages are," the kunoichi said, her voice tinged with excitement. Pulling out several black-coated shuriken, she added, "And don't say I didn't warn you—these are laced with poison."

As her voice trailed off, her figure dissolved into a flurry of petals, scattering in the moonlight. Yoshinari's Sharingan swirled rapidly, tracking her movements.

Yoshino and Tonari stayed back, letting Yoshinari take the lead. The Uchiha's pride wouldn't let him back down from a challenge like this.

"Yoshinari's really going all out, huh?" Tonari mused.

"Going all out? What do you mean?" Yoshino asked nervously.

"Just watch. He's out to prove himself."

As Tonari spoke, his expression suddenly sharpened. His hand darted to his blade as he sensed something—or someone—approaching from behind. In an instant, his sword clashed with a kunai.

"Impressive reflexes," the kunoichi murmured from behind him, her breath warm against his ear. "But this is checkmate."

With her poisoned senbon pressed against his throat and her kunai locking his blade, she leaned in closer, her tone smug. "Not so tough now, are you, Konoha ninja?"

But before she could claim victory, another voice interrupted them.

"Stop!" yelled Tsunade.

"Cease this at once, Sayen!" added a middle-aged man, his voice authoritative.

Both Tonari and Sayen froze, startled by the simultaneous commands. Turning slightly, Sayen noticed a second Tonari standing behind her, blade glowing faintly with chakra and poised just above her shoulder.

The realization hit her like a thunderbolt.

"An…an afterimage?"

The "Tonari" she had restrained vanished in a puff of smoke, revealing itself to be a shadow clone. The real Tonari smirked. "Almost had me."

Meanwhile, through the street's dim lighting, Tonari's gaze caught a flash of crimson hair disappearing into an alley.

His smirk faltered slightly.

Red hair?

---

(Chapter End)

---

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

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

*Thank you*