Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 180: The Cult of Jashin

Kawano Taro refused to reveal the sensitive information in front of everyone.

He and Tonari retreated to a nearby forest, engaging in a lengthy conversation before returning.

When they did, Kawano Taro's expression was heavy, but Tonari's face remained calm.

To the expectant gazes of Yuko and the three young shinobi, Tonari smiled. "As you wished, the mission will continue! And once it's complete, I'll treat you all to a visit to the most famous hot springs in Yugakure."

Hearing this, the three students' faces lit up with joy. Even Yuko flashed a sweet smile. Everything seemed harmonious and ideal.

However, Kawano Taro's eyes betrayed unease. Even his usually composed demeanor gave way to a flicker of fear when looking at Tonari.

The group continued their journey toward Yugakure.

After the ambush, their pace slowed considerably, and everyone became more vigilant of their surroundings.

Tonari, who had previously maintained a relaxed demeanor, grew more focused. He understood that by committing to this mission, he would face whatever challenges arose, whether it was a B-rank mission, an A-rank, or even an S-rank.

The three students, however, were unaware of this escalation.

If they knew, they might actually be more excited.

After all, they were eager to prove themselves on such a challenging first mission.

The earlier skirmish with the Genin opponents had given them their first taste of combat. Victorious, they had gained confidence, ready to demonstrate their growing skills against any foes.

Tonari, their instructor, knew their abilities best.

Were they weak?

A month ago, freshly graduated from the Academy, they certainly were.

But after enduring a month of grueling training under Tonari's "hellish" regimen, they had honed their basic skills and were no longer green novices.

Among the three, Asuma had shown the most noticeable improvement. If he could effectively apply what he had learned, his combat capabilities would be far from mediocre.

Yet, Tonari placed his highest hopes on Might Guy.

From a young age, Guy had undergone rigorous physical training under his father, Might Duy. The extent of his physical strength might even be beyond his own comprehension.

Tonari, however, understood. Duy's training methods were inhumanly demanding—few in Konoha, perhaps fewer than ten people, could endure such intense regimens.

Though Duy likely adjusted the intensity for Guy, it was still formidable.

What Guy lacked was an awareness of his own potential.

Tonari also knew that Duy had passed on the Eight Gates technique to Guy, with instructions that Tonari would decide when Guy could use it.

Should Guy ever unlock the Eight Gates, his power would surge exponentially—a strategic trump card worth considering.

Night fell once again.

Tonari divided the night watch among the students, assigning himself the last shift.

Though he anticipated a potential attack, the night passed uneventfully.

But the absence of an attack didn't mean the danger had passed—it might simply be that the enemy was gathering strength, preparing for a decisive strike.

Deep within the Land of Hot Water, in a shadowy underground base, a congregation of black-robed figures stood in eerie silence.

Their faces were obscured by hoods, leaving only pairs of fervent and crazed eyes visible, which were fixated on a towering altar in the center.

Atop the altar was a grotesque demonic statue, and beside it stood a figure garbed in black, holding a crimson scythe—a priest conducting a ritual.

The only sound within the base was the raspy, fervent voice of the priest.

"Lord Jashin demands more sacrifices!"

As his declaration echoed, a row of figures emerged from the crowd. They ascended the steps of the altar one by one, surrounding a massive stone coffin at its center.

Within the coffin lay a naked man with his eyes closed, motionless.

The figures around the coffin raised ceremonial daggers, slashing their wrists without hesitation.

Blood flowed freely, filling the coffin as the participants collapsed one by one, their faces twisted into eerie, blissful smiles.

The priest's voice rose again. "The great Lord Jashin is pleased! His power shall descend upon our chosen vessel!"

The congregation chanted an incantation in unison.

The blood within the coffin began to recede, revealing the man inside.

His eyes snapped open, and his chest heaved with newfound life.

As the last drop of blood was absorbed, the man stood, his body emanating an unsettling aura.

The priest approached and reverently offered him the crimson scythe. Two robed attendants stepped forward to drape a fresh black cloak over his shoulders.

The man inspected his arms, watching the blood coursing through his veins, and smiled with satisfaction.

Without hesitation, he drove the scythe into his abdomen.

Blood sprayed, but the wound began healing instantly, leaving no trace of injury.

The congregation erupted into frenzied chants of "Lord Jashin! Lord Jashin!"

Above the altar, the base's domed ceiling bore a crimson symbol—a circle enclosing a triangle—the emblem of the Jashin cult.

The journey to Yugakure continued without further incident until they reached the border of the Land of Hot Water.

On that night, as Tonari sat on watch, his sharp eyes snapped open.

"Enemies are approaching. Prepare yourselves," he announced.

The students awoke immediately, taking defensive positions around Kawano Taro and his daughter, Yuko.

Tonari leaped into the forest, leaving his students to guard the civilians.

Standing on a high branch, he assessed the approaching threat. His shoulders tensed as he sensed the overwhelming numbers.

On his shoulder, the translucent figure of a small two-tailed cat materialized.

"Tonari, there are at least a hundred of them," said the bijuu, its tone grave.

Tonari's expression darkened.

He hadn't expected the enemy to deploy such overwhelming numbers.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

Poof! Poof! Poof!

Three small cats appeared in puffs of smoke.

"You're up. Help protect the kids," Tonari ordered.

The cats nodded, disappearing into the forest.

These were no ordinary cats—they were infused with the chakra of the two-tailed, five-tailed, and eight-tailed bijuu. They were Tonari's most loyal and powerful allies, capable of holding their own in battle.

With the preparations complete, Tonari drew his Circular Dance Blade, spinning it deftly in his hand.

A sharp, bloodthirsty smile crossed his face.

"Let's dance."

The forest grew darker as the moon disappeared behind a cloud.

Tonari moved like a shadow, his blade flashing silver in the dim light.

With each strike, an enemy fell.

The attackers were relentless, their fanaticism driving them to charge forward despite the mounting casualties.

As Tonari dispatched the assailants, his eyes narrowed, noticing their expressions. Beneath their hoods, every one of them wore a twisted smile, as if they welcomed death.

"Jashin cultists…"

Tonari's voice was low, tinged with both disgust and intrigue.

From Kawano Taro, he had learned about the cult's practices, and they matched what he remembered from his past life—the Jashin cult, infamous for its dark rituals and unholy beliefs.

The cultists' blood filled the air with its metallic scent as Tonari's blade danced through them.

But suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows.

A young man wielding a crimson scythe, his eyes glowing with madness, stepped forward.

The man licked the blood from his weapon, a crazed grin spreading across his face.

"Such power! You're perfect for Lord Jashin! Your killing potential is divine!"

With those words, the man lunged at Tonari, his scythe slicing through the air.

Tonari raised his blade to meet the strike, and the forest erupted with the sound of clashing steel.

(End of Chapter)

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