Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 30: Shimura Danzo

Tonari and Minato trained tirelessly in the small forest grove for the entire day.

Since Minato was currently between missions, they agreed to meet and train there regularly.

While Tonari's main focus remained on taijutsu, meeting Minato had inspired him to start exploring ninjutsu as well.

With Minato's guidance, Tonari had also begun to refine the direction of his taijutsu training: prioritizing speed, with resilience as a secondary focus.

Satisfied with the day's progress, Tonari began his usual evening routine—trying to find his way home.

---

For the ANBU assigned to monitor Tonari, this time of day was a headache.

Even after two weeks in Konoha, Tonari still seemed incapable of finding his way back to the Nara clan compound.

What made things worse was his peculiar "solution": if lost, he would run laps around the village. Every evening, he would run five full laps before, as if by divine intervention, "finding" his way back.

To the ANBU tasked with shadowing him, it was both exhausting and absurd. They had no choice but to follow him, no matter how far he ran.

More than one ANBU squad member had secretly muttered, "Can't we just grab him and toss him back to the Nara clan compound?"

To Tonari, though, this was nothing short of exhilarating. "Who else gets to tour Konoha escorted by a squad of ANBU? It's the ultimate flex!"

But tonight, something unexpected occurred.

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As Tonari prepared for his routine laps, the ANBU captain raised a hand, signaling the squad to halt.

The squad immediately tensed. The captain's signal meant only one thing: potential danger.

The ANBU quickly scattered into the shadows, weapons ready. They weren't taking any chances—even in Konoha, vigilance was paramount.

Within moments, the ANBU squad found themselves ambushed. Mysterious assailants, moving with precision and familiarity, engaged each member of the team.

The ANBU were skilled, but their opponents seemed to anticipate their every move, leaving them no chance to send out a distress signal.

---

Unaware of the battle taking place in the shadows, Tonari continued his run. Suddenly, he skidded to a halt.

Standing in his path was a man in a long white robe, leaning on a cane. The scar-like "X" on his chin was unmistakable.

Shimura Danzo.

Tonari's mind raced. Danzo's appearance here could mean only one thing: the ANBU had been intercepted by Root operatives.

He had anticipated that Danzo might make a move eventually, but the timing still caught him off guard.

For a brief moment, his thoughts swirled. Then, with a puff of smoke, Tonari knelt on one knee.

"Danzo-sama!"

---

Danzo's cold expression betrayed a hint of satisfaction at Tonari's response.

Hmph! Sarutobi, didn't I say not to underestimate Root? This Jinchuriki's allegiance isn't decided yet!

"Rise," Danzo said curtly.

Tonari obediently stood, keeping his gaze lowered. He avoided meeting Danzo's eyes, exuding a demeanor of submission.

Tonari knew Danzo was nothing like Sarutobi Hiruzen. While Hiruzen had his flaws, he operated within certain moral boundaries—especially during his prime.

Danzo, on the other hand, was ruthless and manipulative, willing to sacrifice anyone and anything to achieve his goals. His mantra of "everything for Konoha" masked his true ambition: a Konoha entirely under his control.

Tonari understood this. When dealing with Hiruzen, he showcased his talents and intellect. But with Danzo, the key was to demonstrate loyalty first and foremost.

---

"I hear you've been working hard on your taijutsu," Danzo said.

Tonari nodded obediently. As Konoha's second-in-command, Danzo undoubtedly had access to reports detailing Tonari's every move.

With a puff of smoke, Danzo retrieved two scrolls from his robe.

"These contain insights from Root's taijutsu specialists—specifically, techniques for early-stage training. The other contains foundational ninjutsu and taijutsu techniques from Konoha, including battle strategies."

Tonari's heart skipped a beat. These scrolls were precisely what he needed.

For a moment, he imagined all the possibilities: mastering advanced techniques, enhancing his training efficiency… and perfecting moves like Thousand Years of Death (ahem, among others).

Danzo's voice interrupted his thoughts.

"I know you're a smart boy. Whatever Hiruzen can give you, I can give you too. And what Hiruzen cannot provide—I can!"

Danzo's tone grew firmer. "You may have your own thoughts, but remember this: I, Shimura Danzo, am the one who can offer you the most!"

Tonari accepted the scrolls with both hands, his fingers trembling slightly.

Danzo smirked. That reaction—eagerness, excitement—was exactly what he wanted to see.

To Danzo, this was the first step toward gaining complete control over the Jinchuriki.

---

"Do you have any other requests?" Danzo asked.

Tonari hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"If possible, I'd like to learn about the Shadow Clone Technique."

Danzo's eyes narrowed. He scrutinized Tonari, whose head remained respectfully bowed.

Sweat trickled down Tonari's back as he sensed Danzo's gaze boring into him.

Danzo was no fool. He undoubtedly knew the hidden potential of the Shadow Clone Technique—a utility that was often dismissed as impractical but held immense value for someone like a Jinchuriki, who possessed vast reserves of chakra and enhanced recovery abilities.

Tonari clenched his fists, waiting for Danzo's response.

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(End of Chapter)