Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 252: Confrontation

Every time Tonari saw the gates of Konoha, the feeling was different.

In the beginning, returning through these gates after a mission felt like coming home to a safe haven, a place where his body and mind could fully relax.

But now?

Looking at the same gates, he felt suffocated.

There was a hint of rejection, a trace of resentment, and—most disturbingly—a flicker of disgust.

To him, true relaxation no longer lay within Konoha's walls.

It was out there, in his own secret labs, where he was free from prying eyes and oppressive expectations.

"So this is why Orochimaru spent more and more time outside the village."

Tonari pushed aside his real thoughts, plastering on his signature smile as he approached.

"Tonari-sama, welcome back!"

The gate guards immediately straightened, faces lighting up with respect and admiration.

"Everything quiet while I was gone?" Tonari asked casually, handing over the official travel scroll Sarutobi Hiruzen had issued.

The guard quickly scanned the document, nodding.

"Nothing major, sir. Though, a few days ago, Minato-sama led a squad of elite shinobi out on a mission. No word on the details."

His partner chimed in, tone laced with gossip:

"Actually, I heard something. My cousin's uncle works near the Hokage's office—

Said Hiruzen-sama and Danzo-sama had a huge argument.

Right after that, Minato-sama left the village. Definitely connected."

"Watch your mouth!" the first guard scolded, shooting his partner a glare.

The gossiping ninja paled. Realizing he'd spoken out of turn, he glanced around nervously, breathing a sigh of relief when he saw no one nearby.

"Apologies, Tonari-sama. Forget I said anything."

Tonari merely chuckled, shaking his head.

"Don't worry. You're not wrong. Keep up the good work."

With that, he headed toward the Hokage's office.

On the way, he passed several Uchiha Police Force members patrolling the streets. Their reaction was instant.

"Tonari-sama!"

They halted, saluting with uncharacteristic respect.

It was no secret that Uchiha Fugaku had spoken well of Tonari. But it was more than just Fugaku's influence.

Strength.

To the Uchiha, respect wasn't given lightly. It was earned.

Tonari's power had won their recognition.

So this is the Uchiha mindset, Tonari mused.

They weren't just arrogant.

They were elitists.

To the Uchiha, the world was divided into two categories: strong and weak.

They despised the weak but revered the strong.

That's why they looked down on the Hyuga Clan—not because of rivalry, but because they truly believed the Hyuga were inferior.

"Strength is the only language they understand."

Tonari nodded politely, returning their greeting, before continuing toward the Hokage Tower.

Reaching the office, Tonari immediately sensed the tension.

Even without looking, he could feel the presence of multiple high-level chakra signatures.

The ANBU were stationed all around.

But the moment he stepped inside—

"Tonari-sensei! You're back!"

Three disheveled figures rushed forward, faces alight with relief and joy.

Might Guy.

Kurenai Yuhi.

Asuma Sarutobi.

His three disciples. Alive. Safe.

Tonari smiled, though his gaze lingered on Asuma, catching the troubled flicker behind the young man's excitement.

"Something's bothering him."

Pushing that thought aside, Tonari patted Asuma and Guy's shoulders, then ruffled Kurenai's hair.

"Good. You all made it back."

From behind the desk, Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled heavily, as if a great weight had lifted.

"Tonari… I'm glad you returned."

The coldness in Tonari's gaze didn't go unnoticed.

"He can tell. Good."

Hiruzen hesitated, then explained:

"There's an issue with Kakashi. Minato discussed it with me before his mission. The boy's... spiraling. If we don't act, we risk losing a genius to mediocrity."

Tonari frowned.

"So, you want him in my team?"

"Yes. But it's complicated."

Hiruzen sighed, eyes darting toward the three students.

"They've been with you for years. They're all Chunin now. I suggested pulling Asuma for individual mentorship. But…"

"No way," Asuma interrupted, arms crossed defiantly.

"Old man, you're ancient. You really think you can teach better than Tonari-sensei?

I feel for Kakashi. But I'm not abandoning my team for him."

Guy and Kurenai nodded firmly.

Tonari's gaze softened.

"They've grown. Stubborn, but loyal. Good."

"Enough. I'll handle this. Give Kakashi to me. No one's leaving my team. We'll find another way."

Hiruzen blinked, then nodded slowly.

"…Alright."

He turned to the trio.

"You've just returned from the front. Rest. Tonari will update you soon."

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

As they headed out, Tonari called after them.

"Wait. We're celebrating tonight. Guy, fetch Kakashi. We'll eat together."

"Yosh! Yes, sensei!"

That blinding smile… Even now, Guy's teeth gleamed like polished ivory.

Once they were gone, silence descended.

Tonari and Hiruzen stood quietly, staring each other down.

Eventually, it was Hiruzen who spoke first.

"I thought…"

"That I wouldn't return?"

Tonari's lips curled into a mocking smile.

"If you truly worried, you wouldn't have sent me on a mission with Danzo."

The veiled accusation hung in the air.

Hiruzen winced.

Because it was true.

"What happened? Danzo won't talk. None of his men returned. Not one."

Tonari's eyes narrowed.

"Rain Country. Danzo allied with Hanzo of the Salamander.

They ambushed a new faction—the Akatsuki."

"Akatsuki?" Hiruzen frowned, unfamiliar with the name.

"A peace organization. Idealists, led by Yahiko."

Tonari's tone darkened.

"Danzo and Hanzo underestimated them. When cornered, the Akatsuki's true strength surfaced.

One boy, Nagato, wielded power that…

Wiped out everyone. Every single shinobi—Root and Rain.

Only Hanzo and Danzo escaped.

They probably assume I'm dead, too."

Silence.

Hiruzen's face paled.

"So that's why Danzo was unusually quiet."

Regret. Frustration. Shame.

"I argued with Danzo about your deployment. But…"

"But what, Hiruzen? You yelled? Scolded him?

Was that supposed to protect me?"

Tonari's voice cut like a blade.

"If I'd died, would you have done more than argue?"

Hiruzen stiffened.

"…Would I?"

This was why Tonari was disgusted.

Hiruzen's leniency toward Danzo had grown cancerous, turning the once balanced leadership into a mockery.

First Sakumo.

Now me?

Who's next?

Hiruzen finally sighed, weariness etched into every line of his aged face.

He walked to the large window, gesturing for Tonari to join him.

Outside, Konoha bustled beneath the midday sun.

Children laughed.

Merchants bartered.

Life carried on, blissfully unaware.

"When I feel overwhelmed, I stand here and look out.

This village… It reminds me why I endure.

The weight feels lighter."

Tonari didn't respond.

"Tonari…" Hiruzen finally turned, eyes earnest and pleading.

"I know you resent me. And you have every right to.

I'm not the leader I once was.

Age has dulled my resolve.

I've ceded too much ground to Danzo."

His shoulders slumped.

"But let me see this war through.

Let me protect this village one last time.

After the war…

I promise.

Danzo will answer.

Sakumo's injustice will be rectified."

Tonari scoffed.

"Will it?

Or will you wait—

until someone else dies?"

Hiruzen flinched.

But he didn't deny it.

Tonari stepped away from the window, his decision made.

"Tell Danzo this—

Stop spying on me.

Stop surveilling my compound.

Because next time,

I won't hold back."

Hiruzen nodded instantly.

"Done."

Tonari paused at the window, one foot already on the sill.

"One last thing.

You and Danzo?

You're both relics.

Unfit to lead.

One's too sentimental.

The other's too ruthless.

So tell me, Hiruzen…

Do you even know?

—How many shinobi Danzo commands?

—How many Jōnin?

—How many Chūnin?

—Do you know what Root's really doing?

—How far they've gone?

—Do you know how many of your 'allies'

report to Danzo instead of you?

Hell…

Do you even know what you ate for lunch

before someone told Danzo about it?"

Silence.

Hiruzen's lips parted,

but no answer came.

Tonari's eyes gleamed coldly.

"You're not the Hokage anymore, Hiruzen.

Danzo is."

With that final damning truth,

Tonari leapt out the window,

vanishing into the streets below.

Hiruzen stood frozen,

the echo of Tonari's words reverberating in his mind.

Because, deep down,

he knew.

"I can't answer…

Even one of his questions."

For the first time in years,

Sarutobi Hiruzen felt the full weight

of his own irrelevance.

"Have I already lost the village…

to my own blindness?"

End of Chapter.

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