Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 174: The Organization

Tonari raised the scroll in his hand, casually tucking it into his ninja tool pouch.

Watching this, Rasa's face darkened further.

This bastard…

"You can leave now!"

Rasa flicked his hand, and the golden sand that had scattered across the oasis began to flow away like streams, exiting the area.

Yet Tonari didn't move. He stood motionless, silently watching Rasa.

Seeing this, Rasa frowned, misinterpreting the silence as an intent to continue the fight.

The sandstorm outside the oasis stirred again, the waves of sand that had just receded threatening to surge back, as though ready to swallow the entire oasis.

While Rasa had chosen to preserve the oasis, he wasn't going to allow anyone to exploit his restraint. If Tonari insisted on pressing the matter further, Rasa wouldn't hesitate to end him, regardless of the consequences.

But then Tonari calmly slid the Circular Dance Blade back into its sheath.

Rasa froze for a moment, unsure of what this meant.

Then Tonari spoke, his voice raspy but steady: "Rasa, Jonin of Sunagakure, your current standing in the village… it doesn't seem all that secure, does it?"

Rasa's frown deepened. He couldn't discern Tonari's intent, but he replied coldly, "My position in the village? What does that have to do with a Konoha ANBU member like you?"

For someone of Rasa's rank and stature in Sunagakure, his position was naturally secure. While he wasn't universally adored, respect and deference were never in short supply.

Tonari waved his hand dismissively. "Perhaps it's unrelated if I'm merely an ANBU operative. But if I were to offer you a partnership… then that changes things."

"A partnership?"

Rasa narrowed his eyes, suspicion rising. He had no recollection of ever forming alliances with anyone outside his village, let alone a foreign ANBU member.

Such actions were considered betrayal and treason under any village's laws. Even minor interactions with outsiders could lead to accusations of collusion.

Tonari raised an open hand, indicating his lack of hostile intent.

"Rasa, you're pragmatic. Don't be blinded by appearances. Think from your own perspective, your own needs. If you truly believe you can achieve your goals without assistance, feel free to ignore me. But if you're honest with yourself, I'd wager you're in dire need of a reliable partner right now."

For a brief moment, Rasa's composure faltered, his heartbeat skipping as the implications of Tonari's words sank in.

Tonari continued, "If your goal is merely to become a pillar of Sunagakure—an elder one day—then yes, your current abilities and connections are more than sufficient. But to be more than that? To ascend to greater heights?"

"Enough!" Rasa snapped.

Outside, the sandstorm intensified, its roaring winds now resembling a tiger prowling the desert, ready to pounce.

Tonari remained unfazed. "Rasa, you're talented, no doubt. A disciple of the Third Kazekage, one of the brightest stars in your village. If left undisturbed, your path to becoming the Fourth Kazekage would have been certain.

But unfortunately…" Tonari's voice trailed off, as though relishing Rasa's suspense.

He sighed dramatically, shaking his head as if in pity. "Unfortunately, there's another prodigy in your village—'Sasori of the Red Sand.'"

At the mention of Sasori, Rasa's face turned stony.

Tonari's voice carried a mix of feigned regret and intrigue. "A true genius. The grandson of Elder Chiyo, born into a family of prestigious lineage. Despite his parents' tragic deaths, their influence lives on, and their legacy bolsters Sasori's rise.

He's a prodigious puppet master. By the age of seven, he became a Genin. At eight, he was promoted to Chunin. By now, his fame eclipses that of any other ninja in your village."

Tonari's words struck a nerve. While Rasa remained expressionless, the faint flicker in his eyes betrayed his inner turmoil.

Tonari had pinpointed his dilemma with surgical precision.

Three years ago, Rasa was confident that he would succeed the Third Kazekage as Sunagakure's next leader. His efforts, skills, and connections all pointed toward that destiny.

But in recent years, Sasori's meteoric rise had changed the narrative.

The young puppet prodigy, aided by Chiyo's influence, had shifted public sentiment. Many now viewed Sasori as the future of Sunagakure, eclipsing Rasa's once-dominant position.

"You've said enough. What is your goal? To sow discord within Sunagakure and watch us tear each other apart? Or perhaps to install a puppet leader in our village, one who will bow to Konoha's whims?" Rasa's voice grew sharp, his killing intent unmistakable.

Tonari chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "No, no, you misunderstand. I'm not saying 'we.' I'm saying 'I.'"

"'I?'"

Rasa's eyes narrowed, the ambiguity of Tonari's statement putting him on edge.

He began to doubt Tonari's identity. Could this truly be Konoha's Blue Cat, the famed ANBU operative? Or was there something more?

Tonari's expression remained calm as he responded, "I am merely an ANBU operative of Konoha. My code name is Blue Cat."

"And you think I'll let this go unreported? Your words alone could brand you a traitor in Konoha. I could expose you, and you'd be hunted as a rogue ninja," Rasa threatened.

"Who would believe you?" Tonari countered smoothly.

Rasa froze. The bitter truth was that no one would take his accusations seriously.

Satisfied with Rasa's silence, Tonari continued, "I don't expect you to trust me outright. But soon, you'll see my sincerity. When that time comes, we'll talk again."

"What do you want from me?"

Rasa's tone was wary. While his ambition for the Kazekage title burned fiercely, he wasn't about to sell his village for personal gain.

"Nothing that would harm Sunagakure. All I ask is for you to wait and observe. The opportunity will reveal itself in time," Tonari replied cryptically.

The tension hung heavy in the air as Rasa stared at Tonari. Ultimately, he turned and left, the sandstorm around him subsiding.

Watching Rasa disappear into the distance, Tonari removed his mask and smirked.

"Such a man is destined to be the Fourth Kazekage," a deep voice remarked from behind.

"Not just destined—inevitable," Tonari replied without turning. He knew the speaker's identity.

It was Kakuzu, summoned by Tonari as a precaution. The mercenary had been keeping an eye on the meeting, ensuring Tonari's safety.

"Do you think he's worth it?" Kakuzu asked, his glowing green eyes reflecting a cold light.

Tonari's smirk widened. "Rasa's ambition knows no bounds. Men like him, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, always find a way to succeed. They're the ones who thrive in this world."

Kakuzu grunted in acknowledgment. A man driven by greed and profit, he understood Tonari's perspective all too well.

Their partnership was built on mutual benefit, and it was this shared pragmatism that kept their alliance strong.

Turning to Kakuzu, Tonari asked, "How are things progressing in the Land of Fields?"

"Smoothly," Kakuzu reported. "The daimyo has been cooperative, funding our operations as agreed. We've recruited four Jonin, twelve Chunin, and forty young recruits with potential. Ten of them have already reached Genin-level strength."

Tonari nodded, impressed by the rapid progress. The organization they were building had the makings of a formidable force.

For now, it remained nameless—a shadow network hidden from the eyes of the great nations.

"Let's keep it that way for now. No names, no unnecessary attention. Our time will come," Tonari concluded.

(End of Chapter)

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