Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 74: The Steady Tonari

"Eat up. Someone's treating us today."

It was the same barbecue shop and the same seating area, but with a different group of people.

Tsunade's so-called "test" had simply been a pretext to understand her three new charges better.

The task of being a guidance teacher hadn't initially been assigned to her. However, yesterday, after promising Tonari that she'd get him some benefits, Sarutobi Hiruzen had suggested she lead Tonari's team.

Tsunade had hesitated for a while but eventually agreed.

The reason wasn't just Tonari's resemblance to Nawaki. More importantly, she needed something to distract her from her thoughts. Guiding Konoha's next generation seemed like a worthwhile endeavor.

Tonari, however, looked less than thrilled.

Karma seemed to have caught up to him after yesterday's feast. Now, on the team's first gathering, Tsunade was making him pay her back.

Tsunade took a sip of her drink, her tone turning serious. "I'm sure you've all heard about the situation outside. While things have mostly stabilized, minor skirmishes are still ongoing.

"The village is short on manpower, which means missions are piling up. But not all are suitable for you. That's why I've arranged a fifteen-day period for you. During this time, I'll personally train you."

Although the major conflicts in Ame and its neighboring countries were settling down, tensions with the Land of Wind and the Land of Earth persisted.

Thanks to Danzō's successful negotiation with Hanzō of the Salamander, an alliance had been secured, preventing the war from escalating further.

Still, Konoha maintained a presence along Ame's borders, where skirmishes with Iwa and Suna were frequent.

For the newly graduated team, the rule was to start with D-rank missions—mostly errands and chores.

Tsunade, however, had no patience for such mundane tasks. She had negotiated with Hiruzen to get a fifteen-day break, intending to train her team intensively to improve their skills and teamwork before taking on more challenging missions.

This break also gave her time to streamline Konoha's medical system, incorporating the knowledge she had gained on the battlefield.

"Today's test has given me a rough idea of your strengths and weaknesses," Tsunade said, sipping her sake.

"Yoshino, your timid nature holds you back. However, you have great potential. Over the next fifteen days, I'll focus on toughening your willpower. It won't be easy, so prepare yourself."

"Yoshinari, you've awakened the Uchiha clan's Sharingan, which is a great advantage. But your chakra control is lacking, which limits your effectiveness with ninjutsu and your Sharingan. My focus for you will be improving your chakra control, but refining your Sharingan is your responsibility."

Tsunade turned to Tonari, who was looking at her expectantly.

"As for you, Tonari, your strength is undeniable—even you don't fully grasp your potential. You've spent so much time hiding it that you've fooled yourself along with everyone else.

"Your training method is fine as it is, but remember this: as part of a team, your comrades are entrusting you with their lives. I expect you to be able to step up when the situation calls for it."

Tonari gulped, nodding solemnly.

Though Yoshinari was a bit of a hothead, he was just a prideful tsundere. Yoshino, on the other hand, was as sweet and amiable as could be.

"Don't worry, Tsunade-neechan. I understand," Tonari replied earnestly.

Tsunade stretched and stood. "Good. I'll leave you to it, then. I have work to do at the medical department."

Before leaving, she shot a knowing glance at Tonari, who had been quiet for a moment.

Tonari's lips twitched.

"I said I'd pay today, so why make an excuse to leave? Does she think I'm that stingy?"

After Tsunade left, Tonari sighed and addressed his teammates. "Yoshinari, I know you still have issues with me. But that's personal. Let's keep it out of missions."

"Hmph! I know how to separate work from personal matters. I don't need you to tell me," Yoshinari grumbled.

Tonari grinned. "Good. Progress."

Turning to Yoshino, he added, "Yoshino, you don't have to worry about holding us back. Your Shadow Imitation Technique is a valuable tool for control and support. I think we could collaborate on becoming a more defensive team.

"After all, the best way to protect our teammates is to stay alive and keep them from worrying about us. Right, Yoshinari?"

Though hesitant, Yoshinari nodded.

Tonari's logic seemed sound, but something about it felt… off.

Who was going to be the frontline fighter?

Was Tsunade supposed to fill that role? Or was he expected to take on three opponents by himself?

Yoshino, meanwhile, lit up with understanding. "That makes sense, Tonari! Staying steady is key."

With their first gathering ending on a positive note, the three headed home.

However, Tonari's peaceful walk was interrupted when a familiar figure appeared before him.

Blond hair fluttered in the wind—it was Minato. But unlike his usual calm demeanor, he looked unusually anxious.

"Minato? What's wrong?" Tonari asked.

Minato's expression darkened.

"Kushina… is missing."

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