Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 29: Chakra Attributes

Namikaze Minato was a genius who had applied for early graduation from the Ninja Academy.

However, the timing of his graduation application was less than ideal—right during the peak of Konoha's conflicts with other ninja villages. Most of Konoha's Jonin had been dispatched to the battlefield.

Since Minato graduated early, he hadn't been assigned to a formal team. Most of the time, he worked as a temporary addition to other squads for various missions.

Still, Namikaze Minato had no complaints.

The reason he applied for early graduation in the first place was his desire to contribute to the war. However, Konoha wasn't so desperate as to send fresh Genin to the front lines, so his request was rejected.

Minato belonged to a small group of highly gifted individuals, and the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, took notice of his talents and growth, keeping a close eye on him.

For now, Minato trained and grew stronger alone, yet he faced his solitary journey with a smile. Like a miniature sun, he warmed the hearts of everyone who crossed paths with him.

---

At first, Tonari and Minato trained independently in the same grove without interfering with each other.

Watching Minato train, Tonari couldn't help but admire his sheer dedication.

"As expected of the future Yellow Flash. Even without the Flying Thunder God Technique, his mastery of the Body Flicker Technique is remarkable," Tonari thought.

From a purely physical standpoint, Minato's taijutsu was clearly superior to Nara Shikaku's.

Despite his curiosity, Tonari refrained from approaching Minato immediately. He didn't want to seem too eager. Instead, he immersed himself in relentless training, pushing his limits in a manner that could rival Might Guy.

Gradually, Minato's curiosity about the tireless boy grew.

He had seen hardworking individuals, but none as relentless as this. Did Tonari not fear pushing himself to the point of breaking?

With good intentions, Minato decided to offer a reminder.

"Tonari, if you keep training like this, won't your body give out?" Minato asked.

Tonari, who was doing push-ups on the ground, suddenly flipped himself upside-down, balancing on his hands. Then he removed one hand entirely, relying only on five fingertips to continue his workout.

Minato: "…"

Alright, maybe his advice wasn't needed.

---

Tonari had been waiting for an opportunity to strike up a conversation. After all, Minato wasn't a fool, and it wouldn't be wise to immediately ask him for help. Building rapport was essential.

"Huff… Thanks for the reminder, Minato! Oh, I can call you Minato, right?" Tonari said, flipping upright and smiling at him.

"No problem. Everyone calls me that," Minato replied with a grin. "But Tonari, you're still a kid, and your body is still growing. Such intense training could harm your development…"

Minato's concern was genuine. While people in the ninja world were durable, even their bodies had limits. Overtraining could lead to long-term consequences.

Tonari scratched the back of his head, noting how his hair wasn't nearly as silky as Minato's.

"Well, I don't really have a choice," Tonari admitted. "Right now, all I can focus on is taijutsu. I haven't learned any ninjutsu or how to control chakra. This is the most straightforward and efficient way for me to improve."

Tonari understood the risks of overtraining for children, but as the Jinchuriki of the Two-Tails, his body's resilience was far beyond ordinary.

This extraordinary endurance allowed him to push his training to the extreme without much concern.

---

Minato was momentarily stunned. "Wait, you're not a student at the Ninja Academy? They should've taught you the basics, like chakra control."

"Uh…"

Tonari gave Minato a simplified version of his "tragic backstory." Of course, he left out any mention of the Two-Tails. The ever-watchful ANBU would jump out the moment he let that slip.

Hearing Tonari's story, Minato's gaze softened with sympathy.

As an orphan himself, Minato could relate to Tonari's struggles. Minato's dream of becoming Hokage had once been the subject of ridicule, but through relentless effort, he silenced the naysayers.

For Minato, seeing Tonari—a fellow orphan and an extraordinarily determined one at that—sparked a sense of camaraderie.

---

"You've never been to the academy, yet your taijutsu is already this strong? That's incredible!" Minato praised.

He clapped Tonari on the shoulder and gave him an encouraging smile. "Don't doubt your efforts. Even if you don't see immediate results, hard work always pays off in the long run. Your current taijutsu already surpasses most academy students. Keep it up, Tonari!"

Looking at Minato's radiant smile, Tonari froze for a moment.

For a brief instant, it was as if he had witnessed the smile of a goddess of dawn, illuminating everything in its path.

---

Fatigue melted away, replaced by a surge of renewed energy.

"Wow… This guy is like a walking encouragement buff!" Tonari thought, grinning inwardly.

"Thanks for the encouragement, Minato! By the way… I'll probably be starting at the academy soon. Could you tell me more about chakra? Maybe even teach me a few things before I enroll?" Tonari asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Minato immediately agreed. "Sure."

For him, teaching the basics wasn't a big deal—it was all standard academy knowledge.

"By the way, have you tested your chakra nature yet?" Minato asked.

At that, Tonari realized he hadn't.

---

Testing chakra nature was a relatively simple process involving chakra paper. When infused with chakra, the paper reacts based on the user's elemental affinity:

Fire: The paper burns.

Water: The paper becomes damp.

Lightning: The paper wrinkles.

Earth: The paper crumbles.

Wind: The paper slices in half.

However, chakra paper wasn't cheap, especially for someone like Tonari, who was penniless.

Minato reached into his pouch and pulled out a small piece of chakra paper.

"I happen to have an extra piece left. These are single-use anyway. Give it a try—it's pretty straightforward," Minato said.

Tonari nodded, taking the paper. He held it between his index and middle fingers, focusing his chakra into it.

For a while… nothing happened.

"Wait… Do you have no chakra nature?" Minato asked, confused.

Tonari's face turned red. "No, I just haven't managed to send in my chakra yet."

Minato: "…"

---

After some effort, Tonari finally managed to channel his chakra. The paper reacted instantly:

One-third of the paper ignited into flames.

Another third crumbled into dust.

The final third became soaked.

Minato's eyes widened in surprise.

"Three chakra natures?"

---

(End of Chapter)