Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 156: Assassination Mission in Progress

"This damp place is really hard to get used to," Tonari remarked, standing atop a tree, one hand resting on the massive trunk as he surveyed the dense mist around him.

"It's unavoidable," replied a voice nearby. A figure landed lightly beside him, golden hair swaying gently as he spoke with a touch of helplessness in his tone. "The Land of Water is surrounded by the sea. Early mornings are always this foggy."

It was Minato Namikaze.

---

"You two are far too calm! I'm practically sweating buckets here. Could you spare a thought for our feelings?"

The voice came from another figure who landed next to them, followed by two more figures. Despite the seemingly tense words, the tone carried a trace of laziness.

Tonari glanced at the newcomers but ignored them, turning back to Minato with feigned confusion. "Minato, why are we with them? Do we look like freeloaders who came along just to grab onto their coattails?"

Minato shrugged. "Their mission is different from ours. We just happen to be heading in the same direction into the Land of Water."

"Oh? So their mission isn't the same as ours? Here I was thinking the Third Hokage had kindly arranged for the legendary Ino-Shika-Chō trio to carry us through our jōnin examination." Tonari's tone was filled with mock regret, his expression a picture of exaggerated disappointment.

The three newcomers were none other than the current Ino-Shika-Chō: Shikaku Nara, Chōza Akimichi, and Inoichi Yamanaka—all familiar faces to Tonari and Minato.

---

Their relationship was close, especially since Tonari had once stayed at the Nara household for a significant period. During that time, he had managed to establish a remarkably high standing within Shikaku's family, to the point where he became something of a nightmare in Shikaku's mind.

Even after opening his now-famous cat café and earning a reputation as Konoha's entrepreneurial star, Tonari still frequently visited the Nara residence under the pretense of "checking in on Aunt Yoshino and supervising Shikaku's chores."

Naturally, Yoshino Nara welcomed his visits. As a loyal customer of Tonari's cat café, she had purchased three cats herself, earning her status as a "VIP client." Poor Shikaku, however, bore the brunt of her adoration for Tonari.

---

"Please, Tonari, stop underselling yourself," Shikaku groaned. "You say things like that too often, and people will actually believe you're useless. But when they face you in a fight, they'll realize you're full of lies."

Shikaku spoke from personal experience.

Having sparred with Tonari recently at the latter's urging—and under the "coercion" of his father, Shikaku Nara—the match had ended in Shikaku's utter defeat.

Though not primarily a combat specialist, Shikaku prided himself on his tactical acumen. Yet despite his early promotion to genin and Tonari's late start, he now felt thoroughly outclassed.

---

The five of them—Tonari, Minato, Shikaku, Chōza, and Inoichi—were traveling together solely because their paths aligned. Their missions, however, were entirely separate.

Minato remained silent on Tonari's earlier comment about freeloading, perhaps because there was some truth to it.

Although Tonari and Minato were capable on their own, facing the trio of Ino-Shika-Chō together would be an uphill battle. Individually, Shikaku, Chōza, and Inoichi might struggle against Tonari in a one-on-one fight. But together, their synergy made them a formidable force capable of outmatching even seasoned jōnin.

The legendary Ino-Shika-Chō formation had been honed over generations. The current trio represented the fifteenth iteration of this alliance between the Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka clans—a relationship dating back to before the founding of Konoha.

---

"If freeloading bothers you so much, how about treating us to a barbecue when we get back?" Chōza suggested, chewing on a snack as usual.

"Not a chance," Tonari retorted immediately, cutting him off. "I'm perfectly fine with freeloading, thank you very much."

Shikaku smirked knowingly, while Inoichi sighed in mild exasperation. Tonari's refusal was no surprise—he'd likely go bankrupt feeding someone with Chōza's appetite.

---

"Alright, enough banter," Inoichi interjected, his tone turning serious. "The mission comes first. We'll be parting ways soon. Let's all stay cautious."

His words brought a collective nod from the group.

Despite their camaraderie, entering the Land of Water for missions posed significant risks, especially with Kirigakure ninja patrolling the area.

"Take care," Minato said. "Remember, we're in hostile territory now, and we could run into Kirigakure ninja at any time."

With that, Shikaku gestured for his teammates to move. The trio vanished into the mist, leaving Tonari and Minato to continue alone.

---

Their mission was clear: assassinate the Minister of Finance of the Land of Water.

While the origin of the mission request was unknown, shinobi were not to question their tasks—only execute them.

As the two made their way deeper into the Land of Water, Tonari took the lead.

Minato followed closely, silently marveling at how Tonari, who had never been to the Land of Water before, navigated its terrain with uncanny familiarity.

The minister resided within the Land of Water's capital, protected by shinobi guards and surrounded by regular soldiers. Such a fortified position would pose a significant challenge, even for seasoned assassins like them.

---

After disguising themselves to blend into the bustling capital, Tonari laid out the next step.

"Minato, let's split up and gather intel on the minister's residence—its layout, defenses, and guard rotation. We'll meet back here in two hours."

"Got it," Minato replied, nodding as they went their separate ways.

---

Once alone, Tonari summoned his silver-furred cat, Shiro.

Shiro had been a standout among Tonari's feline companions, successfully integrating with the eight-tailed chakra over a year ago.

"Shiro, you know the mission. Gather intel on the minister's residence and rally the team for support."

The silver cat nodded briskly before leaping onto a rooftop and disappearing into the shadows.

By the time two hours had passed, both Minato and Tonari had returned to their meeting spot, their expressions equally grim.

"Two jōnin and two chūnin," Tonari reported, his tone somber.

Minato nodded in agreement, adding, "The estate is surrounded by highly trained soldiers. Any disturbance will likely alert all nearby forces."

"It's clear we're not the first to attempt this assassination," Tonari observed. "The minister must know he's a target. Such heavy security for a civilian official is highly unusual."

Minato frowned. "What's the plan?"

"Poison," Tonari answered decisively.

---

That night, beneath the cover of darkness, they infiltrated the minister's estate.

Silently dispatching patrolling guards, they moved with precision. With each step closer to their target, the tension mounted.

When they finally breached the inner courtyard, their stealth was broken—kunai and shuriken rained down on them from all directions.

"We've been discovered!" Minato shouted.

"Suiton: Water Collision Wave!"

Twin torrents of water surged toward them, accompanied by kunai tied with explosive tags.

---

Reacting instantly, Tonari and Minato countered in unison:

"Doton: Earth-Style Wall!"

"Fūton: Pressure Damage!"

The courtyard exploded into chaos, the sounds of combat reverberating through the night.

Their mission had just taken a perilous turn.

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