Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 175: Leading a Team

With the task scroll in hand and wearing his ANBU mask, Tonari returned to Konoha, appearing before Hiruzen Sarutobi in the Hokage's office.

Hiruzen's aged face broke into a satisfied smile, reminiscent of a blooming chrysanthemum, as he accepted the scroll Tonari handed over.

Since joining ANBU, Tonari had never once disappointed.

Despite always completing missions alone, he had an unblemished record. No matter how difficult or complex the task, he delivered flawlessly.

Even Hiruzen himself wasn't entirely certain of Tonari's current strength, but it was clear that his power had at least reached the level of an elite Jonin.

The extraordinary talent that Tonari had once displayed was now materializing into tangible strength.

Hiruzen had never regretted his decision to keep Tonari in Konoha; it was one of the wisest choices he had ever made.

Although the White Fang incident had caused a rift, making Tonari more aloof toward him, Hiruzen accepted it as a natural consequence. After all, Tonari had been close to Sakumo Hatake, and Hiruzen's negligence had led to Sakumo's untimely and dishonorable death.

It was only natural for Tonari to harbor resentment.

But this bitterness, in Hiruzen's eyes, was proof that Tonari had internalized the "Will of Fire."

Even if Tonari bore grudges, he remained committed to the village and his missions—a testament to his loyalty.

"Tonari, how was your year and a half in the shadows?" Hiruzen asked, curious about his experience.

After a brief pause, Tonari replied, "This is what it means to be a ninja."

Hiruzen was momentarily taken aback, but his face soon lit up with approval.

Indeed, this is what it means to be a ninja.

Taking on missions, executing them, and completing them—without questioning motives, processes, or outcomes—such was the life of a ninja.

Hiruzen was certain that after experiencing the darker side of Konoha, Tonari would cherish the brighter, peaceful aspects of the village all the more.

"Still, one shouldn't remain in the darkness forever. Take a few days off and rest well," Hiruzen suggested.

Tonari nodded silently and turned to leave.

As Hiruzen watched him go, a sense of pride welled up. "The 'Blue Cat' of Konoha has made quite a name for himself in the shinobi world. Konoha's younger generation is finally beginning to shine."

---

Time Passed Quickly...

The weak grew stronger, and the strong became mightier.

Every individual moved resolutely toward their own goals.

With Tsunade and Jiraiya absent and Orochimaru secluded in his experiments, the once-famous Sannin were no longer Konoha's active mainstays.

Instead, Tonari's generation began to rise to prominence. Behind them, younger talents like Kakashi and Might Guy were poised to follow.

Konoha's seamless generational transitions, from the elderly to the young, ensured the stability of this towering tree, whose roots and branches extended far and wide.

Tonari's legendary team, which included Uchiha Yoshinari and Nara Yoshino, had dissolved naturally as their paths diverged.

Yoshinari, with his three-tomoe Sharingan and his newfound strength as a Jonin, had joined the Konoha Police Force as a squad captain, wielding considerable authority within the Uchiha clan.

Yoshino had transitioned to a desk job in the Hokage's office, leaving behind the battlefield. Her shift was motivated by personal reasons: she had fallen in love—with none other than Shikaku Nara, an old acquaintance of Tonari's.

Their romance had transformed Yoshino completely, much to Tonari's bemusement.

This left Tonari as the sole member of the trio still actively engaged in field missions.

It wasn't long before Konoha's Jonin were reassigned, and even Tonari, fresh from his ANBU duties, wasn't exempt from being tasked with leading a squad.

Tonari initially resisted. The added responsibility of leading a team would disrupt his tightly scheduled routine of missions, training, and experiments. But orders were orders.

---

Arriving at the Hokage's office, Tonari pushed the door open.

Inside, Hiruzen sat behind his expansive desk, his face showing hints of the wear of time. Beside him stood three young Genin, their expressions mixed with excitement and nervousness.

Tonari recognized them immediately.

One was a boy in a green jumpsuit with a distinctive bowl cut—Might Guy. His wide, bright eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Next was a girl with shoulder-length black hair, crimson eyes, and a red outfit—Yūhi Kurenai. She seemed both curious and shy, her red eyes betraying her fascination.

The last was a boy with a casual demeanor, hands stuffed in his pockets, a blade of grass dangling from his mouth—Sarutobi Asuma. His attitude radiated arrogance and defiance.

Tonari gave the trio a brief once-over before walking to Hiruzen's desk, his silence conveying his discontent.

Hiruzen, unfazed, picked up a document from his desk. "These three will be your team: Might Guy, Yūhi Kurenai, and Sarutobi Asuma. I've compiled their academic records, graduation evaluations, and instructor notes for your reference. Familiarize yourself with their strengths and weaknesses."

Tonari reluctantly accepted the file and skimmed through it. A headache brewed as he glanced at the trio again.

"Am I a babysitter now?" Tonari asked bluntly.

The three Genin froze in surprise, exchanging awkward glances. Even Asuma, with all his bravado, looked uncertain.

Hiruzen chuckled, unperturbed by Tonari's comment. "The role of a sensei often starts as babysitting. Wasn't Tsunade much the same when she trained your team?"

Tonari remained silent, though his expression betrayed his annoyance.

Asuma's cocky attitude grated on him. Kurenai's limited aptitude in ninjutsu and taijutsu wasn't encouraging, and while Guy had potential, his single-minded focus on taijutsu posed its own challenges.

Still, Hiruzen's logic was irrefutable.

"Fine. But don't blame me if I'm too strict," Tonari warned.

Hiruzen smiled knowingly. "They need it. You have my full support."

Tonari turned his gaze to Asuma, his annoyance finally boiling over.

This kid needs to learn some respect.

Before anyone could react, Tonari moved.

A resounding crash echoed through the room as Asuma was sent flying, slamming into the wall and sliding down in a heap.

"Lesson one: respect your sensei," Tonari stated, brushing his hands off.

The other two Genin stared in stunned silence.

Hiruzen sighed, rubbing his temples. This is going to be a long ride.

(End of Chapter)

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