Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 33: The Joy of Petting a Cat

Although Matatabi (Two-Tails) described it as an incomplete state, it still brought an exhilarating rush to Toneri.

Based on what Toneri knew, future protagonist Naruto, upon using Kurama's chakra, would instantly enter a near-Six Paths Mode—what Kurama referred to as the "chakra Mode."

Comparing his current state to that, Toneri couldn't help but feel he fell embarrassingly short.

Sure, Matatabi's chakra reserves might not rival Kurama's, and its raw power might be slightly weaker, but fundamentally, both their chakras originated from the God Tree, which had transformed into the Ten-Tails.

This meant that, at their core, the quality of Matatabi's chakra was almost identical to Kurama's.

When fully synchronized with its jinchūriki, Matatabi's state should theoretically rival Kurama Mode in power. It would likely be weaker overall and have shorter sustainability due to Matatabi's smaller chakra reserves.

Of course, this was just Toneri's optimistic hypothesis. Reality, he knew, rarely matched expectations.

But right now… what exactly was this? Cosplay?

That said, the boost felt amazing.

---

For the first time, Toneri drew the short blade strapped to his waist. Slightly longer than a kunai, its quality outclassed any standard issue weapon.

Though it wasn't made of chakra-conductive metal, its hardness was close enough.

After all, Kumogakure (the Village Hidden in the Clouds) was renowned for its kenjutsu (swordsmanship), so superior weapons were only to be expected.

"With this speed boost, maybe I really could emulate Konoha's White Fang… or perhaps become the *Little White Fang* of Konoha!" Toneri muttered, his excitement growing.

The idea of dashing through enemy lines, cutting down commanders with precision, and leaving a battlefield untouched by blood—it was exhilarating. Who wouldn't prefer that to being a heavily armored meat shield, taking every hit for the team?

Still, Toneri understood his limitations. While the enhancements were impressive, they only gave him an edge against opponents of the same level. Against stronger enemies, this power-up wouldn't be enough.

Toneri also understood why.

Despite his current rapport with Matatabi, there wasn't enough trust between them to achieve complete synchronization.

The "barrier" between them was both literal and metaphorical. While they could cooperate to some extent, the psychological distance between them remained vast.

Matatabi knew Toneri's motives for approaching it.

And Toneri knew Matatabi's longing for true freedom—something it had been denied for so long that it harbored a deep resentment toward humans. Their current relationship, built on persistence and shameless determination, was still fragile.

Even Naruto, with his unparalleled talent for persuasion, spent over a decade earning Kurama's trust. It took countless encounters, mutual understanding, and external crises for Kurama to truly accept him.

Toneri's persuasive skills, unfortunately, weren't at that level.

In short… the road ahead was long.

---

Seeing Toneri's excitement, Matatabi scoffed.

"Sure, your body's improved enough to handle some of my chakra. But you're still far too weak. So, work harder!"

Toneri nodded, allowing the chakra cloak to dissipate. However, the black magatama pattern on his chest didn't vanish with it. Instead, it slipped beneath his clothes and merged into his body—though no one noticed this subtle detail.

Toneri's eyes wandered to Matatabi's extended paw.

"What's with that look?" Matatabi asked, a sense of unease creeping in.

Toneri grinned and pointed at the paw. "Hey, uh… can I pet it again?"

Matatabi: "..."

Seriously? You think I'm just some ordinary cat to be petted whenever you please?

Before Matatabi could protest, Toneri's hand had already reached through the barrier, gently stroking its paw.

The soft, silky fur brought a wave of satisfaction to Toneri.

As someone who had once owned three cats, Toneri understood the unparalleled joy of petting cats. If petting a cat once was enjoyable, petting it constantly was heaven.

Unfortunately, Matatabi's massive size meant only one paw could be stroked at a time, which felt somewhat unsatisfying.

---

Matatabi sighed, rolling its eyes at Toneri.

Though it didn't understand this strange obsession of his, it allowed the contact—for a moment.

But its patience didn't last.

Its muscles tensed slightly. With a flick of its paw, Matatabi sent Toneri flying.

---

When Toneri opened his eyes again, the sun had already risen.

---

He leapt out of bed, finding his body fully recovered from the previous day's grueling training. Even the lingering fatigue had vanished.

What's more, his mind was now filled with detailed plans for taijutsu training—courtesy of the Shadow Clone Jutsu (Kage Bunshin no Jutsu).

---

Downstairs, he devoured the breakfast made by Nara yoshimi.

Unlike usual, Shikashin (Shikaku's father) was also present, enjoying breakfast with them instead of heading out on a mission.

"Toneri, you've been working hard lately. Shikaku's been keeping me updated on your progress," Shikashin said, watching Toneri wolf down his food.

The corners of his mouth twitched as he quickened his own pace. Ever since Toneri had moved in, the entire family had learned to eat faster—especially Shikaku, who used to eat leisurely.

To outsiders, they might have seemed more like the Akimichi Clan than the Nara Clan.

---

Toneri nodded silently, his focus still on eating.

Shikashin: "..."

Maybe I should've waited until he finished before bringing this up…

"Anyway, the Third Hokage has finalized your enrollment in the Academy. I'll take you there today to get you settled."

Shikashin managed to finish his food, albeit hurriedly.

Toneri continued nodding silently.

Shikashin: "..."

Fine. You win.

---

Ten minutes later, the two stood at the gates of the Ninja Academy.

"The Third said you can choose which year to join based on your abilities. But remember, the higher the grade, the tougher the curriculum. Also, the Academy is a six-year program. Once you're in sixth grade, you must pass the graduation exam—or you'll have to repeat."

Shikashin smiled as he explained.

---

Toneri, however, had other plans.

"I'm… 11 years old," he declared confidently.

Shikashin: "..."

Lying through your teeth, huh?

Fine. If you want to join the higher grades, suit yourself. It'll be your own lesson to learn when the workload crushes you.

---

Toneri's logic for lying about his age was simple.

Joining the first grade would mean six long years of hiding his true strength. Sure, it would be the ultimate chance to lay low, but who had time for that?

Besides, who cared about age? Face? What's that? You can't eat it!

Even as a first-grader, Toneri was confident he could dominate the Academy in under a year. A "graduate and become a Jonin" scenario sounded pretty exciting.

But starting at the top? That was true strength.

Of course, it had nothing to do with the fact that higher grades meant better teammates (aka tools). Nope. Not at all.

---

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