Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 27: A Reunion with Sarutobi

The past two weeks had been nothing short of fulfilling for Tonari. His progress was undeniable.

Despite the short duration, his intense training regimen, coupled with the natural support from Matatabi's chakra, allowed his body to recover at astonishing speeds.

No matter how grueling the day's training, a single night's rest was enough to rejuvenate him completely.

That said, every night he still crawled into bed, completely spent. If it weren't for chakra's magical properties, anyone else following such a rigorous routine would've collapsed within days.

As his taijutsu skills improved, Tonari found himself able to perform feats he'd only admired from afar—like dashing across rooftops without leaving a trace.

His speed had significantly increased, making him much harder to track.

Of course, he was aware of the silent presence of the ANBU operatives following him every time he left the Nara clan compound.

Rather than hiding his progress, Tonari embraced it.

He knew there was no point in concealing his efforts—it would only arouse more suspicion. Better to display his diligence and talent openly, reassuring the powers-that-be of his loyalty.

"Work hard and let them see your potential," Tonari thought. "The more value I show, the safer I'll be in Konoha."

---

But today, his training plans were interrupted.

Just as he stepped out of the Nara compound, an ANBU operative appeared in front of him for the first time.

"Tonari, Lord Hokage summons you," the masked ninja said coldly.

The tone brooked no argument, making it clear refusal was not an option.

Tonari froze momentarily but quickly nodded, signaling his compliance.

---

Tonari had never been to the Hokage Tower before, though he'd often admired the majestic structure from afar, overshadowed by the imposing Hokage Rock.

Under the ANBU's escort, he moved through the village without incident, soon arriving at the Hokage's office.

Knock, knock.

The ANBU led him inside before vanishing without a word.

Tonari was left standing before none other than Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage.

---

Sarutobi was seated behind his desk, a warm smile spreading across his face as he saw Tonari enter. Casually, he waved his hand over the crystal ball on his desk, as if he hadn't just been using it moments earlier.

"Tonari, come in. How have you been adjusting to life in Konoha?" Sarutobi asked, his voice kind and approachable.

Tonari, ever perceptive, matched the Hokage's smile with one of his own. "Very well, Third Uncle! Everyone has been so kind to me—Lady Nara's cooking is amazing, and both Lord Shikashin and Shikaku have been looking out for me. It really feels like I've found a home."

Hearing this, Sarutobi's smile grew wider.

Tonari's integration into the Nara family, his connection to the village, and the warmth he expressed were all excellent signs.

"The closer his ties to the village, the more loyal he'll become," Sarutobi thought.

---

"I've also heard that you've been training in taijutsu recently," Sarutobi remarked. "And from what I understand, you've made impressive progress."

Tonari's eyes lit up at the praise. "Yes! I finally got the chance to train properly. Lord Shikashin gave me a lot of scrolls and books to study, and I've been working hard every day since!"

Sarutobi chuckled, though he couldn't help but feel slightly puzzled. Wasn't it odd that both he and Shikashin were being called "Lord"?

Pushing the thought aside, he continued, "Your efforts haven't gone unnoticed. Hard work is a rare and valuable trait."

Sarutobi paused, then added, "I've been busy lately, but soon I'll have someone finalize the paperwork for your enrollment in the ninja academy."

Tonari's expression brightened. "Really?"

Though the reaction seemed genuine, Tonari's excitement stemmed from something else entirely.

In his mind, he thought, "Finally! Once I'm in the academy, I'll have a whole pool of sparring partners! Why settle for just Shikaku when I can test myself against the entire student body?"

---

Sarutobi nodded, but his tone grew more serious as he posed a critical question.

"Tonari, why do you want to grow stronger? What drives you to study ninjutsu?"

Tonari knew this question would come. It was the kind of test designed to reveal his true intentions.

Feigning a moment of thought, he then replied earnestly, "I want to grow stronger... so I can live. So I can have enough to eat and make sure everyone around me has enough to eat too.

"My dream is simple—I just want to open a cat café here in Konoha and live a peaceful life."

---

Sarutobi blinked, momentarily taken aback by the simplicity of Tonari's answer.

In his decades as a shinobi and leader, he'd heard countless reasons for pursuing strength—revenge, ambition, duty, even bloodlust.

But this? This was... refreshing.

It was so ordinary, so sincere, and, perhaps, so tragic.

Sarutobi couldn't help but recall Tonari's frail appearance when they first brought him to Konoha. His thin frame and hollow cheeks told a story of survival against impossible odds.

Had they, the adults responsible for this world, pushed a child to such desperate dreams?

His heart twinged with guilt, though his face remained calm.

---

"That's a wonderful dream, Tonari," Sarutobi said finally, his voice tinged with genuine warmth.

But then, as if to test him further, he added, "And what do you think of the Will of Fire? Have you read the texts Shikashin provided?"

Tonari's thoughts came to a screeching halt.

"The Will of Fire?" he thought. "Is he seriously asking me about that right now? What is this, a pop quiz on loyalty?"

It felt like being asked to write an essay on Marxism as a grade-schooler.

---

(End of Chapter)