Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 96: The Debut of Konoha's Little White Fang

"Looks like I'll have to rely on you again," Tonari said, glancing at the small Nibi perched on his shoulder.

Ever since the second day of their mission, Tonari had been summoning the miniature Two-Tails. After all, he'd promised to show it the world outside of Konoha. Having explored every corner of the village, it was time to give the tiny beast a broader perspective.

More importantly, the little Nibi compensated for a critical shortcoming in their team—it provided superior chakra sensory abilities, an invaluable asset in reconnaissance.

The fourth day of their journey brought them close to the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Grass. The atmosphere grew tense as they approached the notoriously dangerous borderlands.

"Stay alert," Tonari ordered, his voice low but commanding. "This stretch of the road is notorious for ambushes. Keep your weapons ready and your senses sharp."

Both Yoshinari and Yoshino immediately snapped to attention, gripping their kunai tightly. Over the past few days, Tonari's leadership had earned their trust, despite initial doubts. Yoshinari, though still prideful, now prioritized the mission above his personal grudges. Yoshino, meanwhile, showed increasing confidence, bolstered by Tonari's steady guidance.

Just as the group settled into a defensive formation, Nibi's ears twitched. Its eyes narrowed as it whispered into Tonari's ear, "Tonari, I'm sensing unfamiliar chakra signatures ahead."

Tonari's heart skipped a beat.

"So, it's finally happening," he muttered under his breath.

The team had been expecting trouble, but now it was confirmed—they were about to face enemy shinobi.

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Tonari signaled silently to his teammates, who quickly understood the situation. Yoshinari's Sharingan flared to life, and Yoshino readied her shadow possession jutsu. However, when Yoshinari seemed ready to confront the enemy head-on, Tonari gestured sharply for restraint.

"Patience," his eyes seemed to say. "Don't alert them."

Thanks to Nibi's warning, they had the element of surprise—a significant advantage if used wisely. Tonari began preparing their counterattack, making a series of rapid hand signs.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

Several small snakes slithered out of the ground, their sleek forms vanishing into the underbrush. Simultaneously, Tonari created a shadow clone to take his place, his real body melting into the forest shadows.

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Not far ahead, three shinobi stood perched on tree branches, their headbands marked with the symbol of Takigakure—the Village Hidden by a Waterfall.

Their leader surveyed the approaching caravan, his eyes narrowing. "Here they come," he murmured.

"Captain," one of his subordinates began, "there are three chakra signatures accompanying the caravan. None are particularly strong, but one of them is at least chūnin-level."

The leader smirked. "A single chūnin and two genin, huh? Perfect. Remember, no witnesses."

"Yes, sir!" the other two Takigakure ninja replied in unison.

As they prepared to strike, none of them noticed the small snake coiled on a nearby branch, silently observing their every move.

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Back on the ground, Tonari processed the information relayed by the snake. His heart sank as he realized the attackers were Takigakure ninja. Unlike rogue shinobi or common bandits, shinobi from an organized village posed a far greater threat.

"Takigakure..." Tonari muttered under his breath. "This won't be easy."

Takigakure was one of the more powerful minor villages, boasting a rich history and even a tailed beast under its control. While not as formidable as the Five Great Villages, its ninja were far from pushovers.

"Nibi," Tonari whispered, "what's their strength?"

"They're trash compared to me," Nibi replied with a smug tone. "But compared to your two teammates, they're significantly stronger. That leader, though—he's at least chūnin-level."

Tonari clenched his fists. The upcoming fight would test his team to their limits. But this wasn't the time for fear. It was time to act.

"Move!" the Takigakure captain barked.

Dozens of shuriken flew from the trees, aiming directly at Tonari and his team.

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Prepared for the ambush, Yoshinari and Yoshino reacted instantly. Kunai flashed in their hands, deflecting the incoming projectiles with a series of metallic clangs. The Takigakure shinobi, using the shuriken barrage as cover, closed in with blinding speed.

The battle was on.

Tonari's shadow clone intercepted the Takigakure captain, locking him in combat. Yoshinari faced off against one of the other shinobi, his Sharingan blazing as he tracked every movement of his opponent. Yoshino engaged the last attacker, her shadow possession jutsu forcing him to stay on the defensive.

The captain's eyes gleamed with excitement as he clashed with Tonari's clone. "So, you're the leader? Let's see what you've got!"

Tonari, meanwhile, had already repositioned himself in the shadows, observing the battlefield and preparing his next move.

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With Yoshino occupied, her opponent barely noticed the shadow creeping closer to his feet.

"Shadow Possession Jutsu!" Yoshino cried triumphantly.

The enemy ninja froze in place, his body no longer his own. Before he could react, a flash of white light streaked toward him.

Slash.

Blood sprayed through the air as a short blade pierced his throat. The Takigakure ninja collapsed to the ground, lifeless.

Tonari emerged from the shadows, his blade still glinting with fresh blood.

"Konoha's Little White Fang... has arrived," he murmured.

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(Chapter End)

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