Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 115: Action

In the end, Tonari accompanied Tsunade as they infiltrated the Third Stronghold.

What ultimately swayed Tsunade's decision was Mugime Kodachi's simple statement: "Let Tonari help you."

Although Tonari's reasoning was filled with twisted logic, she couldn't deny that the fundamental argument held water.

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"You've mastered most of Nibi's abilities, right?"

As they sped through the rain-drenched forest, Tsunade decided to clarify a few things.

At her question, Tonari glanced at the little "prideful cat" quietly perched on his shoulder. Why did so many people still treat it like an ordinary pet?

He had openly summoned the Two-Tails, yet most people preferred to assume it was simply his personal summoning beast—or maybe even a companion animal.

This wasn't their fault entirely. It stemmed from a deeply ingrained mindset:

When people thought of a Jinchūriki, they imagined a tortured host constantly at odds with the Tailed Beast sealed within them.

Most Jinchūriki lived their lives in perpetual conflict, enduring the Beast's rage and hatred. They were viewed as little more than weapons of war—destined to unleash their true power only in death.

This perception was true for most, but Tonari was the exception.

From the beginning, his unique perspective had allowed him to forge a genuine bond with Matatabi.

Seeing the Two-Tails dismissively turn its head, Tonari smiled faintly.

"Yeah, more or less."

Tsunade nodded thoughtfully. If Tonari truly had control over Nibi's powers as he claimed, he might actually be a useful asset.

"No matter what happens, protect yourself first."

Hearing her repeated reminder, Tonari nodded seriously.

Perhaps, in the beginning, Tsunade had viewed him as a stand-in for Nawaki. But over the past year, as they spent more time together, Tsunade had learned to see Tonari for who he truly was—not a replacement, but someone different.

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**"I know, I know. But Tsunade-nee-san, don't you go charging in recklessly, either.

"It's just a shame I'm too young for you to take my advice seriously."**

Tonari sighed dramatically, his tone just dripping with sarcasm.

Tsunade raised an eyebrow, black lines appearing on her forehead.

"Say what you mean already. Before I punch you so hard your mother won't recognize you."

She knew Tonari too well. Whenever he started talking like this, it meant he had some ridiculous idea brewing.

The worst part? His "bad" ideas often worked. It was the only reason he was still alive after pulling so many reckless stunts.

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"**Heh, it's simple. To avoid either of us getting carried away, let's set a rule. We each get one chance to veto the other's actions—provided it doesn't violate the mission or the ninja code.

"In other words, I get to say 'no' to you once, and you can say 'no' to me once.**"

Tsunade rolled her eyes.

"Do I really need permission to stop you? One punch is all it takes."

But she also recognized the good intentions behind his suggestion, so she nodded.

"Fine. Agreed."

---

With only two people moving together, their pace was faster and their movements far stealthier.

Matatabi, sensitive to chakra fluctuations, helped them avoid patrols. Combining this with the intel they had gathered from the Sand shinobi earlier, they slipped deeper into the Sand perimeter.

However, the closer they got, the more serious their expressions became.

Even with the rain washing the air clean, the faint scent of blood lingered through the forest.

For Tsunade and Tonari—both trained as medics—the significance was clear. And for Matatabi, it was even more obvious.

Blood meant death.

The Sand ninja wouldn't spill their own blood for no reason.

How many Konoha ninja still survived in the stronghold?

The thought weighed heavily on both of them.

The only small comfort was that the Sand forces hadn't withdrawn—proof that there were still survivors holding out.

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Finally, they stopped.

As careful as they had been, Tonari and Tsunade both knew that the last stretch would be the most dangerous.

The Sand ninja would have secured their perimeter with tighter defenses.

Finding a safe hiding spot, the two of them waited.

Tonari wasn't idle, though. One after another, snakes slithered from their hiding place, spreading out into the forest.

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"Boom—pop!"

Suddenly, far in the distance, a colorful burst of light exploded high into the air.

"Tsunade-nee-san, Watergate's team has started."

Tonari's voice broke the silence as he kept watch.

Tsunade opened her eyes, the faint purple diamond on her forehead glowing softly.

She stood up, brushing dust from her clothes.

"Let's move. From here on out, death is a very real possibility."

In moments like this, Tsunade's calm resolve reminded Tonari why she was called the Princess of Konoha.

"Take this slug."

Tsunade summoned a palm-sized Katsuyu and placed it on Tonari's other shoulder.

"This will let you communicate with me—and with Kodachi's team outside."

On his right shoulder, Matatabi shifted, eyes narrowing in mild annoyance.

Tonari felt the small slug flinch slightly under Matatabi's gaze.

But thankfully, the Two-Tails let it go with a dismissive huff, settling back down.

Katsuyu relaxed as well. "Pleased to meet you, young Tonari."

Her soft, gentle voice was soothing—like a comforting presence that calmed the heart.

"Thank you, Katsuyu-sama," Tonari replied warmly.

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"Are you ready? We're moving out."

Tonari nodded, though his excitement was tinged with nerves.

"**So, Tsunade-nee-san, what's the plan? We wait for Kodachi's team to draw the Sand ninja's attention, and then we slip inside, right?

"It's risky, but as long as they make a big enough…**"

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"BOOM!"

Before he could finish, Tsunade's fist came crashing down on the ground with explosive force.

The earth trembled violently as massive cracks tore through the terrain, sending shockwaves rippling through the forest.

The deafening impact echoed for miles.

Tonari froze mid-sentence, eyes wide with disbelief.

"…opportunity."

Tsunade stood in the middle of the devastation, her expression calm and fearless.

Tonari could only stare.

"Are you serious?!"

Once again, he wondered why he had volunteered to come along. He really should've stayed outside with Kodachi's team.

He thought he had mastered the art of caution, but clearly, he was still stuck on Level Two.

Tsunade was operating on a completely different level—one he could only describe as… reckless confidence.

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(Chapter End)

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