Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 203: The Rift

Standing before the familiar gates of Konoha, Tonari felt a strange sense of detachment.

The village… it no longer felt like the Konoha in his memories.

Something had changed.

Perhaps it was him.

Or perhaps, it was Konoha.

---

"Tonari-sama! You've returned!"

"Cang Mao-sama!"

The two gatekeepers immediately straightened up, their gazes filled with admiration and respect.

The name of Konoha's Azure Cat had already spread far and wide across the battlefield of Sunagakure. His exploits were now renowned throughout the ninja world.

Although he wasn't as famous as Konoha's White Fang or the Legendary Sannin, his reputation had already become one of Konoha's symbols.

One move—one thunderous, S-rank lightning technique—had annihilated nearly a thousand Suna-nin in an instant.

A single battle had turned him into a legend.

And recently, another rumor had spread from inside Sunagakure itself.

It was said that Konoha's Azure Cat had led a team deep into the Wind Country, engaged in a hundred-round battle against the One-Tail's Jinchūriki, and successfully completed his mission unscathed.

This only further cemented his status.

Now, any ninja who saw him couldn't help but look upon him with awe.

Tonari forced himself to relax.

He had spent so long maintaining a cold, emotionless demeanor on the battlefield that smiling felt almost… unnatural.

Slowly, he rubbed his face, adjusting his expression into his usual warm smile, and waved casually at the guards.

After handing in his entry papers, he officially stepped back into Konoha.

---

As he entered the village, he immediately noticed how tense and quiet everything felt.

Konoha had completely transitioned into wartime conditions.

Security was at its highest level, with barriers activated, and the only entry point was the village gate.

Even Tonari himself had to show proof of identity.

The village was locked down.

Inside Konoha, the streets were desolate.

Gone was the lively atmosphere, replaced with anxiety and uncertainty.

Even the few people walking around all wore expressions of deep worry.

Most of those outside were simply civilians—the presence of shinobi was scarce.

It was obvious:

Konoha was operating at its absolute limit.

Except for academy students, village defenders, and those on special assignments, nearly every active ninja had been deployed.

Even Danzō's Root operatives had been sent into the field, either gathering intelligence or engaging in covert operations.

Only a minimal force remained to protect Konoha itself.

---

"Tonari, is that you?! You're back?!"

A middle-aged auntie wearing a floral-patterned coat spotted him first.

Despite her exhausted appearance, her voice carried hope.

At her words, the entire street seemed to come alive.

People rushed out of their homes and shops, quickly gathering around him.

Many of them were shopkeepers and residents he had built relationships with over the years.

All of them had loved ones in the war—or were deeply invested in Konoha's survival.

"Tonari's back!"

"Azure Cat-sama is back!"

Their voices spread, and more people emerged.

For many, Tonari was their only reliable source of battlefield news.

Until now, the only information they received was from injured returnees or the bodies of the fallen.

Some had cried in grief.

Others had cried in relief, knowing their loved ones had survived—for now.

The village needed heroes, and the higher-ups of Konoha had deliberately promoted Tonari's image.

They needed symbols of strength to maintain morale.

Just like how Konoha's White Fang and the Sannin became legends during the Second Ninja War, Konoha now needed a new hero.

Tonari, the Azure Cat, was one of their chosen figures.

---

As the crowd surrounded him, he instinctively wanted to turn and escape.

But…

Seeing their worried, desperate expressions, his footsteps halted.

"Tonari, what's happening on the battlefield?"

"Tonari! Did you see my son?!"

"Tonari! Are we winning or losing?!"

The questions came one after another.

Some wanted strategic updates.

Others…

Just wanted to know if their loved ones were still alive.

Too many questions he couldn't answer.

Too many answers he couldn't say out loud.

All he could do was share limited information—just enough to offer them hope.

After a long while, he bowed slightly.

"I'm sorry," he said softly. "This is all I can say. I still have a mission to complete. Forgive me."

The people looked at him in understanding.

They did not stop him.

After all—

The war had to come first.

---

Tonari exhaled deeply as he finally escaped the crowd.

"That was more exhausting than facing an army of Suna-nin," he muttered.

It wasn't that he disliked these people.

But their emotions—their desperation—was something he wasn't sure how to handle anymore.

---

He arrived at the Hokage's Office.

Knock, knock.

"Come in," came the voice of Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Tonari pushed the door open and entered—

Only to see four old men sitting inside.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, sat behind his desk.

His hair had turned grayer, and age spots now dotted his face. His signature pipe rested in his mouth.

To his side sat three more elders:

Danzō Shimura, leader of Root.

Koharu Utatane, an elder advisor.

Homura Mitokado, another elder advisor.

As soon as Tonari stepped inside, Sarutobi smiled in approval and relief.

"Tonari, you've returned."

Tonari nodded silently, closing the door behind him.

From the moment he entered the village, they had likely been watching.

He approached the desk, bowing slightly.

"Hokage-sama. Advisors."

He could feel their gazes on him—evaluating him.

There was a coldness in the air.

---

Sarutobi sighed slightly.

He could sense the change in Tonari.

His aura felt colder—as if he had left something behind on the battlefield.

It wasn't unusual.

Those who killed too much often lost pieces of themselves.

Even he had once gone through the same phase.

But…

Would Tonari recover?

Or would he continue to change?

"You must be exhausted," Sarutobi said. "You should take some time to rest."

Before Tonari could respond, Danzō slammed his cane against the ground.

"Hiruzen! The battlefield is short on manpower! How can we afford to let him rest?!"

Tonari's eyebrow twitched.

As expected.

Danzō was already trying to exploit him.

"Tonari has accomplished great things," Sarutobi replied firmly. "He deserves a break."

Danzō scowled but reluctantly fell silent.

Tonari narrowed his eyes.

There was a growing rift between him and Konoha's elders.

He could feel it.

But for now—

He would play along.

---

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