Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 71: Graduation

Tsuchidai, carrying a battered and semi-conscious Dicai, cast a long, scrutinizing look at Tonari, who was still being treated by Tsunade. He etched Tonari's face into his memory.

Truth be told, Tsuchidai's opinion of the young boy had undergone a complete transformation from disdain to respect.

This seemingly insignificant child had proven to possess formidable strength and remarkable hidden potential. If not for Dicai's exceptional abilities, Tonari might never have been forced to reveal his true power.

From the scale and intensity of Tonari's last jutsu, Exploding Water Shockwave, it was evident that this technique required chakra reserves rivaling those of a chunin or even higher.

More importantly, Tonari had withstood Tsuchidai's direct punch even after expending so much chakra.

That could only mean one thing: Tonari had not used his full power.

Deep within, Tsuchidai felt a growing sense of apprehension. This young prodigy, if allowed to mature, would undoubtedly become another towering pillar of strength for Konoha.

His affiliation with Orochimaru only solidified this belief. A genius like Tonari couldn't thrive without proper guidance, and under Orochimaru's tutelage, his potential seemed limitless.

---

Meanwhile, Tonari, who had been pretending to nurse severe injuries, kept an eye on Tsuchidai's movements. When he saw Tsuchidai lower his guard, he finally exhaled in relief.

"Ugh—I'm seriously injured, Tsunade-neesan! I need rest," he groaned dramatically, clutching his stomach with a pained expression.

Tsunade paused for a moment, confused. She had just finished treating him and hadn't found any significant injuries.

Then it hit her—Tonari was faking it.

A vein popped on her forehead as she grabbed him by the collar and bonked him on the head.

BAM!

The resounding thud left Tonari sprawled on the floor.

"Okay, okay! I get it! No more playing around!" he yelped, raising his hands in surrender.

Tsunade smirked and leaned down to whisper, "Don't worry, I'll make sure the Hokage rewards you appropriately."

Hearing this, Tonari's mood brightened instantly. "Hehe, thanks, Tsunade-neesan!"

---

Following Tonari's decisive victory over Dicai, the rest of the graduation exams proceeded smoothly. The Cloud Ninja refrained from interfering further, knowing their mission to test Konoha's young generation had partially failed.

Although Dicai's loss was disappointing, Tsuchidai still gathered valuable intelligence. He now had a clearer picture of Konoha's capabilities and their younger generation's potential.

Konoha's foundation remained robust. Despite the toll of the Second Great Ninja War, their reserves of young talent were evident.

---

As the exams concluded, Hiruzen Sarutobi ascended the stage, wearing a beaming smile. He delivered a long congratulatory speech to the graduates, touching on themes of duty, perseverance, and the "Will of Fire."

The speech dragged on for nearly two hours, and only the setting sun seemed to prompt him to wrap up.

With loud applause, the graduates celebrated the end of their academy days.

For many, this marked the beginning of their journey as Konoha shinobi. For others, it was a bittersweet moment, as they either needed to repeat their studies or choose a civilian life.

With the war nearly over, the new graduates wouldn't be immediately sent to the battlefield. This brought relief to some but disappointment to others who dreamt of becoming legendary heroes like the Sannin or White Fang.

However, Tonari had no such lofty ambitions at the moment. Instead, he dragged his two closest friends, Kushina and Minato, straight to Konoha's commercial district. Their destination? A high-end barbecue restaurant they had always wanted to try but could never afford.

Of course, the bill wasn't coming out of their pockets—it was all on their "kind and generous" elder sister, Tsunade.

---

"Tsunade-sama, thank you for treating us to such delicious food!" Minato said politely, bowing slightly.

His well-mannered demeanor had only improved since learning that the legendary Tsunade had been the one he and Tonari inadvertently scammed in the casino.

"Thank you, Tsunade-sama," Kushina chimed in, equally courteous.

Tonari, however, remained oblivious, wolfing down barbecued meat at an alarming pace.

Seeing this, Minato coughed lightly, while Kushina not-so-gently kicked him under the table.

Only then did Tonari stop and awkwardly wipe his mouth. "Thanks for the treat, Tsunade-neesan. You're the best!"

Before he could return to gorging himself, Tsunade slammed her fist on his head, planting his face firmly into the table.

WHAM!

At least the restaurant's sturdy furniture held up.

"Good grief," Tsunade muttered, rubbing her temples.

After settling down, she turned to address the trio. "Alright, listen up. Now that you've graduated, you'll need to register as official shinobi tomorrow morning. Once that's done, you'll be assigned to your teams.

"Each team will have a jonin or chunin leader. With the war winding down, several experienced jonin are returning to the village, so you're graduating at a great time.

"As for you, Minato," she added, "even though you graduated early, you'll be assigned to a team tomorrow as well."

Minato's face lit up at the news. Though he had progressed well on his own, having a mentor and teammates would undoubtedly enhance his development.

Kushina, on the other hand, had a more specific concern.

"Tsunade-sama, is there a chance the three of us could be on the same team?"

Tsunade opened her mouth to reply, but Tonari cut in first.

"Not a chance," he said bluntly.

"What do you mean by that?" Kushina glared, her red hair starting to rise threateningly.

Tonari quickly raised his hands in defense. "It's simple! Teams are usually balanced based on strengths and weaknesses. The three of us are probably the strongest in our class. If we're on the same team, it wouldn't be fair to the others."

Kushina frowned but eventually nodded, begrudgingly accepting his logic.

---

Meanwhile, at the Cloud Ninja's lodging, a different conversation was unfolding.

Tsuchidai sat with Dicai, who was heavily bandaged but resting calmly. Despite his injuries, Dicai maintained his usual nonchalant demeanor.

"What's your evaluation of today's events?" Tsuchidai asked.

Dicai sighed and replied, "That red-haired girl isn't simple. When I attacked her, I felt like I was facing an ancient beast. It was suffocating.

"As for the boy who defeated me... I don't think he showed his full strength.

"And the blonde kid? He gave off an equally dangerous vibe."

Tsuchidai nodded solemnly. "Konoha truly lives up to its reputation. Despite the war, their younger generation remains formidable."

Just then, two other Cloud Ninja stepped forward, their expressions grim.

"Tsuchidai-sama," one of them began, "these kids are dangerous. We should eliminate them before they grow any stronger."

As he spoke, he made a cutting motion across his throat.

Tsuchidai's eyes widened in anger. "Night One! Night Two! Do you realize what you're suggesting?! Konoha is our ally. Never speak such nonsense again!"

The two ninjas lowered their heads in shame and left the room.

Outside, a group of Konoha ANBU silently recorded every word, ensuring the village would stay vigilant.

---

To Be Continued...