Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 35: Someone Lacking Masculinity

Hokage's Office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind his desk, watching the crystal ball projecting a scene from the ninja academy's classroom.

Alongside him were three advisors: Danzo Shimura, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado.

Danzo had originally come to confront Hiruzen. He brought Koharu and Homura as backup, hoping to strengthen his case. This was all because, starting last night, Hiruzen's ANBU began a thorough investigation into the Root organization.

Danzo's minor oversteps, which Hiruzen had once overlooked out of old friendship, were now met with swift and decisive cuts.

Danzo understood the reason: it was a warning. Hiruzen wanted to deter him from meddling with the Two-Tails or reaching beyond his bounds.

But from Danzo's perspective, he had done nothing wrong.

Human jinchūriki were inherently unstable elements in the village. To ensure the safety of Konoha, the best course of action was total control—through cursed seals and brainwashing.

Hiruzen, however, chose to "free-range" jinchūriki like livestock, trusting them to grow at their own pace.

Danzo brought Koharu and Homura to argue the merits of his point. Yet, instead of discussing it outright, Hiruzen invited them to watch Tonari's first day at the academy.

Although Hiruzen was slightly surprised Tonari had chosen to join the graduating class directly, he maintained a composed demeanor.

"Look at this child," Hiruzen said, gesturing to the image of Tonari in the classroom. "All he wants is to survive. A life of hardship has made his needs simple: daily meals, safety, and stability."

Hiruzen recalled Tonari's words about his dream to open a cat café, and his heart softened.

Perhaps it was because he could see the boy's sincerity.

"You're still so naive, Hiruzen!" Danzo snapped, pounding his cane on the floor. "You take his words at face value? I question your competence as Hokage!"

Hiruzen smiled faintly, unperturbed by the insult. Such comments had become routine over the years.

"Just keep watching," he replied.

The four of them turned their attention back to the crystal ball as Tonari approached Kushina Uzumaki.

Hiruzen's expression grew slightly solemn at the sight, and for the first time, he felt a tinge of regret. Perhaps he should have sent Tonari to the first grade after all.

If the Two-Tails and Nine-Tails were to simultaneously rampage, Konoha would…

Bang!

"Reckless! Hiruzen, do you see what he's doing? You're playing with fire! If the Two-Tails and Nine-Tails go berserk, not even you can handle it!"

Danzo's cane struck the ground as he bellowed his disapproval. Koharu and Homura exchanged uneasy glances, concern evident in their eyes.

Through the crystal ball, they saw Tonari and Kushina's faint exchange of chakra. Subtle traces of their tailed beasts' chakra began to leak from their bodies.

"Dammit. Are they really going to rampage?" Homura muttered, his voice tense.

But before things could escalate, Tonari's chakra quickly receded. When he gently patted Kushina's shoulder, her erratic chakra also calmed.

"Phew." Koharu exhaled, finally relaxing. Her hands, clammy with sweat, unclenched.

"Why are you all so nervous? Did you see? Tonari not only subdued the Two-Tails within himself, but he also used its power to pacify the Nine-Tails," Hiruzen said, his tone calm but confident.

He leaned back, tapping his pipe on the ashtray, exhaling a puff of smoke.

Danzo scrutinized him. Although he doubted Tonari's ability to control two tailed beasts, Hiruzen's composed demeanor gave him pause.

Ultimately, the worst-case scenario hadn't occurred, so he begrudgingly left the matter at that.

"I believe Tonari's ability to coexist with the Two-Tails stems from his genuine affection for cats," Hiruzen mused aloud. "Maybe Kushina should try raising a few foxes."

The crystal ball's image dissipated, leaving Hiruzen puffing on his pipe with an air of satisfaction.

Danzo stormed out in frustration, having forgotten his original reason for coming.

Seeing no further purpose in staying, Koharu and Homura also excused themselves.

Once the office was empty, Hiruzen let out a long sigh of relief.

The jinchūriki didn't rampage, after all. Tonari might not perfectly embody the Will of Fire, nor did he seem particularly selfless, but at least he didn't exhibit violent tendencies or extremist thinking.

Judging by his modest dream, Tonari appeared to be a law-abiding individual.

Hiruzen tamped down fresh tobacco into his pipe, his thoughts drifting into unknown territories.

**At the classroom.**

Chunin teacher Chitada Nakai had been lecturing for some time, breaking down chakra nature transformation in detail.

Although his combat prowess was "only" that of a mid-level ninja, his teaching skills were top-notch. Being assigned to the graduating class was a testament to his expertise.

Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of class.

Kushina had been holding back her curiosity the entire time and couldn't wait any longer.

"You… you're a…" Kushina began, her tone hesitant yet expectant. She believed Tonari understood what she meant.

Tonari smiled and nodded knowingly. "It's a secret, okay? Please don't tell anyone."

Tonari's simple request resonated deeply with Kushina. She recalled her own struggles when she first became the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki: the loneliness, the confusion.

"Don't worry. I won't say a word!" Kushina replied with conviction.

In her eyes, Tonari was a kindred spirit, someone who shared her burden.

"By the way, your name is Kushina, right? Uzumaki Kushina?" Tonari asked suddenly.

"Huh? How do you know?" Kushina blinked, surprised.

Tonari grinned mysteriously. "A friend of mine told me about you. His name's Minato Namikaze. He said he'd introduce me to a friend at the academy—a girl with beautiful red hair. And that friend's name is Uzumaki Kushina!"

"Minato Namikaze? Minato? You mean that guy who keeps shouting about wanting to be Hokage? Sure, he's kinda good-looking, but isn't he a bit too… soft? Lacks masculinity, you know?"

Tonari: "???"

Did I read the wrong script?

Or did you get the wrong lines?

At this rate, how am I supposed to join their group? Waiting for advice. Urgent.

**Author's Note:**

About canon pairings—don't worry! I'm not the kind of author who breaks canon ships. According to official lore, Kushina initially didn't like Minato. It wasn't until he saved her from Kumo-nin that she fell for him. At this point in the story, she still sees him as somewhat effeminate and unreliable—similar to how she views Tonari right now.

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