Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 134: Chūnin!

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The Chūnin Exams had officially concluded.

Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Kirigakure left Amegakure immediately.

This exam, initiated by Iwagakure, was intended to suppress Konoha's growing influence following its victory in the Second Shinobi World War. It was also an opportunity for Iwagakure to strengthen its ties with Sunagakure, hoping the two nations could form an alliance against Konoha.

Sunagakure, already in a precarious position, agreed to Iwagakure's support, leading to the high-stakes gamble that this Chūnin Exam represented.

But things didn't go as planned. Sunagakure's pride, Pakura of the Scorch Release, fell to Tonari of Konoha.

Pakura's defeat didn't signify weakness; she was undeniably strong. However, the prowess demonstrated by Konoha left both Sunagakure and Iwagakure with heavy losses and doubts.

This result cemented Iwagakure's resolve—Konoha's vast resources, fertile lands, and consistent production of talented shinobi would only widen the gap between it and the other villages. A joint effort between Iwagakure and Sunagakure to counter Konoha was deemed necessary.

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Kumogakure also suffered significant losses during the exam.

The only silver lining for them was that their promising shinobi, Dikayi and Killer B, gained invaluable experience by witnessing the strength of other nations' prodigies. This encounter would undoubtedly push them to train harder and grow stronger.

Kirigakure, initially only present for observation, faced unexpected injuries among their participants and even their leader. Hōzuki Kaden was defeated, carried off in disgrace, and Jinin Akebino, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, was gravely injured.

The only unscathed Kirigakure shinobi was a young Mei Terumi. Her strength was notable, but realizing the gap between herself and others, she wisely chose to surrender early.

Tonari wasn't concerned about the repercussions of injuring Jinin. Kirigakure, having been in a semi-isolated state since the death of the Second Mizukage, was already preoccupied with internal strife. Under the rule of the Third Mizukage, Kirigakure would only become more closed off as power struggles intensified.

Furthermore, the mysterious influence of Uchiha Madara lurking in the shadows could not be ignored.

Kirigakure's potential resurgence was tied to Mei Terumi's eventual rise as the Fifth Mizukage, but by then, Tonari doubted he'd still view the village as a threat.

Tonari had briefly considered capturing Mei, but he decided against it. Without her, the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, might remain unchecked, allowing Madara's plans to proceed unchallenged.

With that, Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Kirigakure all left Amegakure. Only Sunagakure and Konoha remained, tension rising once again.

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Konoha's superior numbers and strength kept the situation in check. Additionally, Amegakure's Hanzo the Salamander had aligned with Konoha under the influence of Danzo's persuasion, believing it was Amegakure's best chance for resurgence.

With Hanzo, Hatake Sakumo, and Orochimaru present, Sunagakure's Elder Ebizō had no room for defiance.

Despite wanting to negotiate better terms, Ebizō faced fierce opposition from Sakumo and Orochimaru. The two outright threatened that Konoha would declare war if Sunagakure refused to pay reparations.

For the first time in its history, Konoha showed a willingness to initiate war if provoked.

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, exploited Sunagakure's vulnerabilities. Knowing the village lacked the resources and strength to endure another war, he adopted an uncompromising stance.

In the end, Ebizō signed the agreement, swallowing his pride.

The most devastating clause for Sunagakure was a five-year mandate that 30% of its missions be allocated to Konoha.

This was a massive blow.

For shinobi villages, mission commissions, alongside funding from their respective daimyo, formed the bulk of their revenue.

While Konoha benefited from the wealth of the Fire Nation, Sunagakure had long suffered financial cuts from the Wind Nation's daimyo. Missions were Sunagakure's primary income source.

Losing 30% of their missions meant Konoha would absorb nearly 20% of Sunagakure's total revenue over the next five years.

The repercussions would cripple Sunagakure's finances.

The only silver lining was the presence of the Third Kazekage, who used his Magnet Release to extract valuable resources from the desert. His disciple, Rasa, was also skilled in finding gold, which could help alleviate the crisis.

Still, Ebizō and Rasa left Amegakure humiliated.

Tonari, watching the negotiations unfold under Orochimaru's supervision, gained valuable insight.

This was how nations operated—strength dictated terms.

Konoha's unyielding stance forced Sunagakure into submission, ensuring their demands were met.

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Back in Orochimaru's lab, Tonari continued his research when his master broke the silence.

"Tonari-kun, what you used during the exam—was that Sage Mode?" Orochimaru asked.

Tonari paused, feigning confusion. "Sage Mode? I don't think so. I was merely utilizing the Two-Tails' chakra. By channeling it through my body, I could sense an energy different from chakra—purer and more potent. When incorporated into jutsu, it amplified their power."

Orochimaru studied him intently, then smiled faintly. "I see."

Though Tonari's explanation was deliberately vague, Orochimaru deduced the truth. It was indeed Sage Chakra.

Still, Orochimaru had little interest in pursuing Sage Mode. His aspirations lay elsewhere.

What intrigued him more was the cat, Little Blue.

"You've managed to inject Two-Tails' chakra into a regular animal and stabilize it within its cells. Remarkable," Orochimaru remarked.

"It was mostly luck," Tonari replied humbly. "The Two-Tails' guidance prevented the chakra from overwhelming Little Blue's body."

"Interesting," Orochimaru mused, dissecting the intricacies of Tonari's experiment.

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Days later, Hiruzen Sarutobi summoned Tonari and his peers to his office.

"Congratulations, Tonari, Minato, Kushina, Yoshinari, Dōtō, and Shibi. The Amegakure examiners have unanimously approved your promotion to Chūnin!" Hiruzen announced warmly.

His words brought smiles to their faces, though others in the group who didn't pass felt some disappointment.

Hiruzen continued, offering encouragement to those who hadn't passed. "Becoming a Chūnin is not the end goal. It's a journey. Each of you has immense potential, and I have no doubt you'll succeed in due time. This exam was especially challenging, and simply surviving is an accomplishment in itself."

The Hokage's words lifted their spirits, reinforcing his reputation as a wise and compassionate leader.

As Hiruzen addressed them, he emphasized the new responsibilities Chūnin would shoulder—independent missions, leadership roles, and higher-stakes risks. These experiences would prepare them for even greater challenges in the future.

When the meeting concluded, Tonari and the others left the office.

Once the room was empty, Danzo emerged from the shadows.

"Now that these children are Chūnin, it's time they bear more responsibility," Danzo said.

"They will, under my guidance," Hiruzen replied curtly, clearly annoyed.

Danzo's eyes narrowed. "Hiruzen, Tsunade's hemophobia has rendered her ineffective. It's time for her to step down from the medical division. Konoha cannot afford weakness—"

Bang!

Hiruzen slammed his desk, his eyes blazing with anger.

"Danzo! Tsunade is my student. She has given her all for Konoha, and I will not let anyone strip her of her contributions during her time of need. She stays!"

Danzo's expression darkened, but he didn't argue further.

Instead, he murmured, "Konoha's strength lies in collective wisdom, not individual will. You would do well to remember that."

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