Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 73: The Slightly Half-Hearted Test

"Shouldn't you start first, Tsunade-neechan?" Tonari muttered, immediately regretting his words. His voice trailed off as he realized what he'd said.

Tsunade shot him a sharp glare but sighed before starting her introduction.

"I'm Tsunade. I enjoy gambling and drinking, and I hate sweets. My dream… is for everyone I care about to live long and healthy lives."

Her words hung in the air, casting a subtle heaviness over the group. For someone as strong as one of the Three Legendary Sannin, such a simple dream seemed oddly poignant. Yet, considering her tragic past, it was anything but simple.

Quickly, Tsunade shook off the momentary sentimentality, flashing a bright smile.

"I already know a bit about your abilities, but to work together better in the future, I suggest you share what you're good at during your introductions. Let's start with you," she said, nodding toward Yoshinari.

"I'm Uchiha Yoshinari. My favorite food is my mother's cooking, and I don't have any food I dislike. My goal is to become a powerful ninja," he said, lifting his chin with pride.

Then, glancing at Tonari, he added, "My short-term goal is to defeat you."

He emphasized his declaration, ignoring Tonari's nonchalant expression.

"I specialize in offensive ninjutsu, especially Fire Release techniques and shurikenjutsu."

Next, Nara Yoshino hesitated, looking a bit embarrassed before starting softly, "I'm Nara Yoshino. I like cloudy weather and dislike people who dress sloppily. My dream…"

Her voice faltered as her cheeks flushed crimson.

"…is to find someone who likes me as much as I like them and to live happily together."

Tonari tilted his head, his curiosity piqued. How does this shy girl turn into the terrifying presence that Shikaku and Shikamaru both fear?

What's more, how did someone so particular about neatness end up falling for the perpetually lazy Shikaku?

"Also, I don't have any remarkable ninjutsu, but my Shadow Imitation Technique is decent. I can use it to restrain enemies during combat," Yoshino finished, her voice growing quieter.

Tsunade nodded thoughtfully, her expression softening. She had seen firsthand the potential of the Nara clan's techniques in battle.

All eyes turned to Tonari.

"Ahem. I'm Tonari. My favorite food? Hmm… I like a lot of things and don't really dislike anything. Oh, and I really like cats. My dream is to open a cat shelter here in Konoha. Actually, I've already started planning it, so please come visit once it's open! Here's a flyer—"

"Ahem!" Tsunade coughed loudly, cutting him off.

Her piercing glare said it all: "If you dare keep advertising, I'll tear down your shelter myself."

Tonari froze, slipping the flyer back into his pocket. "My bad, my bad. Yoshinari, don't ask about unimportant things like this during such a serious moment. If you want to visit, I'll personally take you next time."

"What? I didn't even ask!" Yoshinari thought, utterly baffled.

Crack!

The sound of Tsunade's knuckles cracking filled the air.

Tonari immediately straightened up. "Ahem! I specialize in medical ninjutsu, so I think I'd be best suited as a support ninja in our team!"

He puffed out his chest with mock pride. "Don't worry, as long as I'm alive, I'll make sure none of you go without treatment!"

Yoshinari: "???"

Yoshino: "???"

A medic ninja?

If you're playing support, then who's going to fight?!

Tonari continued confidently, ignoring their bewilderment. "See? Our team setup is perfect. Yoshino handles control and crowd management, Yoshinari takes care of offense, and I'll focus on keeping you guys patched up. Isn't this the ideal formation?"

Tsunade's sharp voice interrupted their train of thought.

"According to tradition, you'll need to pass a test to officially become ninja. If you fail, you'll go back to the academy for another year. So, if you don't want to study again, give it your best effort."

Her serious tone silenced the trio.

"We won't waste time. Here's the test: you'll have enough time to prepare, but all you need to do is withstand one punch from me. That's it," Tsunade explained.

Before she could finish, Tonari dropped to his knees, clutching her leg.

"Tsunade-neechan, please, I want to live a few more years!"

Her face darkened, veins bulging on her temple.

BAM!

She slammed him into the ground, leaving a crater in the dirt.

Tsunade turned to Yoshinari. "You first. You have one minute to prepare."

Yoshinari swallowed hard but quickly nodded. He activated his Sharingan, the tomoe spinning rapidly in his crimson eyes.

When Tsunade moved, he thought he could see her punch clearly. Yet, just as he began to dodge, her fist accelerated.

BAM!

He was sent flying, skidding across the ground in a spectacular arc.

Tsunade crossed her arms. "Not bad. The Uchiha's Sharingan really does excel at tracking motion."

Next, Tsunade gestured for Yoshino.

The girl took a deep breath and formed a series of hand seals.

"Shadow Imitation Technique!"

Her shadow extended toward Tsunade, linking with hers. For a brief moment, Yoshino managed to restrain Tsunade's movements. However, with a slight flex of her muscles, Tsunade broke free.

Beads of sweat formed on Yoshino's forehead as she gasped for air.

Tsunade frowned slightly but chose not to strike. "She's still too timid. This will take time."

Finally, Tsunade's gaze landed on Tonari, who was still sprawled on the ground.

"Get up. It's your turn."

Tonari scrambled to his feet, rapidly forming hand seals.

"Earth Style: Multi-Layered Earth Wall!"

One after another, walls emblazoned with cat-shaped carvings rose between him and Tsunade.

Seeing this, Yoshinari and Yoshino exchanged incredulous looks.

This guy is supposed to be a medic ninja?!

Even Tsunade couldn't help but twitch an eyebrow.

"Really?" she muttered, smashing through wall after wall with ease.

As she appeared right behind him, Tonari turned pale.

"Wait, wait! I still have time—"

BAM!

Tsunade grabbed his head and slammed him through his own earth walls, reducing them to rubble.

As Tonari lay dazed on the ground, only one thought crossed his mind:

"I need to learn Orochimaru's summoning technique. These walls just don't cut it!"

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