Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 154: Uncle Tonari

As Little Silver slipped into a deep slumber, Tonari and Reika let out a collective sigh of relief after a night of painstaking work.

The Eight-Tails' chakra had been successfully integrated into Little Silver's cells. However, the assimilation process required time, forcing the cat into a state of prolonged rest.

Interestingly, a thin layer of bijū chakra cloak now coated Little Silver's body. Unlike Little Blue's integration with the Two-Tails, Little Silver's chakra manifested differently. Whenever the Eight-Tails' chakra activated, its tail morphed into a tentacle-like appendage, resembling the Eight-Tails' own limbs.

While this change slightly diminished Little Silver's aesthetic appeal, it posed no significant issues.

Having ensured the success of the operation, Tonari allowed himself a rare moment of respite.

"Now that the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise are all accounted for, the Four Guardians are complete. If the opportunity arises, I should consider acquiring chakra from the other bijū too," Tonari mused with satisfaction.

---

Life quickly settled into its regular rhythm.

Tonari's daily schedule consisted of missions, hospital duties, assisting Orochimaru in his lab, conducting his own experiments, and enduring rigorous training sessions with Might Duy.

Meanwhile, across the shinobi world, the major villages seemed to have reached an uneasy truce.

The surface peace, however, was deceptive. Beneath the calm façade, tension simmered as each village prepared for future conflicts.

Even Konoha, outwardly serene, was caught in the throes of a brewing storm—one that demanded Tonari's attention.

The storm centered on the selection of the Fourth Hokage.

---

As the political chatter grew louder, so did the names of three primary candidates for the position:

1. Hatake Sakumo (The White Fang of Konoha):

With his legendary feats during the Second Shinobi War, Sakumo was widely regarded as the most qualified candidate. His strength and leadership inspired confidence among the villagers and shinobi alike. As the head of Konoha's ANBU, his transition to Hokage seemed almost seamless.

2. Orochimaru (One of the Legendary Sannin):

Orochimaru's intellect, strength, and status as a disciple of the Third Hokage made him a strong contender. In recent weeks, his public support had surged unexpectedly, raising Tonari's suspicions of behind-the-scenes manipulation.

3. Jiraiya (The Gallant):

While technically a candidate, Jiraiya's carefree demeanor and lack of ambition for the role placed him far behind the other two. Most villagers mentioned his name more out of courtesy than genuine belief in his candidacy.

The growing fervor over the Fourth Hokage's selection highlighted a truth that even the current Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, could not ignore—his advancing age and waning strength necessitated a successor.

Still, Sarutobi refrained from addressing the matter directly, allowing the speculation to unfold organically.

---

In Orochimaru's Lab:

"What do you think, Orochimaru-sensei? Soon, you might be Hokage. That would make me the official disciple of the Hokage—a considerable step up in Konoha, don't you think?" Tonari teased.

Orochimaru's expression remained impassive as he glanced at his student. "The Hokage's position is not something to be taken lightly."

Though he didn't outright dismiss the idea, Orochimaru's tone revealed his indifference toward the role.

To Orochimaru, becoming Hokage had its perks: unrestricted access to Konoha's archives, including forbidden jutsu, and greater freedom to conduct his experiments. However, the administrative burdens and moral responsibilities outweighed these benefits, making the position less appealing.

Tonari smirked. "Becoming Hokage does come with its advantages—like unrestricted access to forbidden jutsu and secret techniques. Imagine the power one could amass with all of that knowledge."

"Forbidden jutsu and secret techniques aren't so easily mastered," Orochimaru countered. "Some require extraordinary conditions, while others alter the practitioner's very being. Pursuing everything indiscriminately is foolish. It's better to specialize and refine."

Tonari nodded in agreement, silently recalling the immense skill required to master techniques like the Flying Thunder God Jutsu.

Orochimaru's gaze turned contemplative. "There's something artificial about the recent surge in public support for my candidacy. Someone is clearly orchestrating this."

Tonari's suspicions solidified—Orochimaru was not behind the political maneuvering. This left only a few possibilities: either Hiruzen Sarutobi or Danzo Shimura was pulling the strings.

Though Danzo had a penchant for conspiracies, he rarely acted without Hiruzen's tacit approval. It was likely that Sarutobi was subtly positioning Orochimaru as his preferred successor.

---

The Next Day:

For once, Might Duy gave Tonari a break from their grueling training regimen. The reason? It was the first day of a new school year at the Konoha Ninja Academy.

Duy's son, Might Guy, was among the fresh batch of students.

Tonari, as a close friend of the family, had met Guy on several occasions. The boy's relentless optimism and unyielding determination mirrored his father's, endearing him to Tonari.

Though Guy's initial impression was that of an eccentric, Tonari knew better. He recognized the boy's extraordinary potential, born not from innate talent but from sheer effort and willpower.

---

Outside the Academy gates, Duy greeted Tonari with a characteristic thumbs-up and a gleaming smile.

"Yo, Tonari! Here to see the new students off?"

Tonari smirked as he approached. "Couldn't miss it, Duy. Today marks the start of a promising generation. Some of these kids might change the ninja world someday—including your son, Guy."

Duy's face lit up with pride. "Hear that, Guy? Tonari believes in you! That's the spirit of youth! Tonight, we celebrate with a hundred laps around Konoha!"

"Yessir, Father! Thank you, Uncle Tonari!" Guy exclaimed, his enthusiasm infectious.

Tonari's expression darkened. "Stop right there, Guy. It's Brother Tonari, not Uncle."

Guy blinked, confused, but quickly corrected himself. "Yes, Brother Tonari!"

Satisfied, Tonari ruffled the boy's spiky hair.

---

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of another prominent figure: Hatake Sakumo, accompanied by his young son, Kakashi.

Sakumo's mere presence caused a stir among the gathered parents. Whispers of admiration and respect rippled through the crowd.

"Is that Sakumo-sama?!"

"Look, it's the White Fang!"

"His son is attending this year too? What an honor for the other kids!"

Tonari couldn't help but roll his eyes. The public's adulation was overwhelming.

As Sakumo approached, his warm smile and easy demeanor instantly put everyone at ease.

"Long time no see, Duy, Tonari," Sakumo greeted them.

Duy greeted him with a hearty laugh and a firm handshake. "Sakumo, it's been too long! Let's catch up tonight over drinks!"

Meanwhile, Kakashi's attention was fixated on the short sword at Tonari's hip—a memory of the training session where his father had taught Tonari the basics of kenjutsu.

---

As the two fathers reminisced, Guy and Kakashi sized each other up.

Despite their contrasting personalities, Tonari decided to nudge fate along.

"Guy, Kakashi's a genius. But don't let that intimidate you. Genius or not, hard work can surpass talent. Mark my words—he'll be your lifelong rival."

Guy's eyes blazed with determination.

Kakashi, meanwhile, scoffed softly but said nothing. His father's hand on his shoulder reminded him of the value of humility.

---

Years later, this seemingly mundane day at the Academy gates would prove to be a pivotal moment for the next generation of Konoha's shinobi.

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