Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 18: The Old Fox and the Young Fox

None of the people present could have guessed what Tonari was truly concerned about at that moment.

However, Sarutobi Hiruzen, being the seasoned Hokage he was, quickly brought the conversation back on track.

"Young man, your name is Tonari, correct? I am the Third Hokage of Konoha. You no longer need to worry about your safety—you're safe here now.

"If you don't mind, could you tell us about your recent experiences, particularly regarding the sealing technique on your stomach and the origins of the tailed beast inside you?"

Hiruzen put away his pipe and smiled warmly at Tonari, his eyes narrowing kindly.

Just from his expression, Hiruzen exuded a gentle, neighborly demeanor that would put anyone at ease.

Tonari's heart tightened. A master manipulator!

Quickly, Tonari put on a pitiful and helpless expression, elaborating on his story in great detail, with some exaggerations thrown in for good measure.

He recounted everything, from becoming the Two-Tails' jinchūriki to the circumstances that led him to return to the Land of Fire. He described his encounter with the ninja at the border and the ensuing battle, embellishing just enough to evoke sympathy.

While his account was mostly truthful, Tonari made sure to add dramatic flourishes, painting himself as a victim of cruel fate.

From his account, it became clear to everyone present: the beast sealed within him was indeed the Two-Tails.

The leaders of Konoha already knew the Land of Lightning possessed two tailed beasts, but they hadn't been sure which one was inside Tonari.

"I see…" Hiruzen nodded thoughtfully.

"So, Tonari, you're originally a resident of the Land of Fire, but circumstances forced you to leave. In a way, this is your homecoming," Hiruzen said, his tone warm and welcoming as he sat beside Tonari's hospital bed.

Tonari understood perfectly well that despite Hiruzen's grandfatherly demeanor, the Hokage was carefully weighing his options regarding Tonari's fate.

Tonari's only advantage was his status as a native of the Land of Fire. Additionally, his records in the Root archives verified his identity, which lent him credibility.

Hiruzen was undoubtedly a controversial figure, but Tonari didn't know enough about the intricacies of his character to form a complete judgment. What he did know was that Hiruzen was utterly dedicated to Konoha, willing to sacrifice even himself for the village.

Hiruzen's philosophy of the "Will of Fire" was something he upheld throughout his tenure as Hokage:

"Wherever leaves dance, the fire burns. The fire's shadow illuminates the village, and new leaves sprout once again."

While Tonari's possession of the Two-Tails was a significant issue, his identity as a Land of Fire native was equally important for Hiruzen's considerations.

Moreover, Danzo's earlier arguments held some merit.

Though Kumo and Konoha were allies on paper, the Land of Lightning had capitalized on Konoha's preoccupation with Iwa to launch a sneak attack on the Land of Earth. They hadn't even provided Konoha with a warning—an oversight Hiruzen couldn't ignore.

Additionally, the sealing technique on Tonari's stomach was a clue Hiruzen couldn't overlook. He recognized its origins and was reminded of events that had haunted him since his early days as Hokage.

If he had acted decisively back then, the outcome might have been different.

But the most pressing issue wasn't Tonari's past; it was the power of the Two-Tails itself.

As a seasoned veteran of war, Hiruzen had seen firsthand the devastation a tailed beast could unleash. To ordinary ninja, the number of tails didn't matter—all tailed beasts were equally terrifying, engines of destruction on the battlefield.

However, what intrigued Hiruzen most was Tonari's apparent ability to suppress the Two-Tails.

If such control could be achieved with Konoha's own Nine-Tails…

Hiruzen's thoughts wandered briefly to Kushina Uzumaki, the current jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails. She was strong, but the Nine-Tails' power remained a double-edged sword.

If Tonari could exert such control over the Two-Tails with his meager abilities, what might Kushina achieve with the proper guidance?

Even as the Second Shinobi War approached its conclusion, Hiruzen knew peace was temporary. The conflicts between the villages had not been resolved—only postponed.

As Konoha's leader, he needed to prepare for the future. The Nine-Tails was an integral part of those preparations.

"Uncle, who are you? And where am I now?" Tonari asked innocently, his wide eyes free of guile.

What pure eyes, Hiruzen thought, momentarily overcome by admiration.

Turning to Danzo, Hiruzen glared at his old friend. To use such a pure-hearted child as a spy and mark him with the Curse of Tongue Eradication Seal…

It was too much, even for Danzo.

Of course, Hiruzen conveniently forgot that he himself had approved the mission.

Danzo, oblivious to Hiruzen's disapproving look, had already anticipated the Hokage's decision.

After all, the allure of the Two-Tails was undeniable. And the prospect of weakening Kumo's power while strengthening Konoha's was too tempting to pass up.

Meanwhile, Tonari sat quietly, feigning obedience while his mind raced.

This place is both a sanctuary and a prison, he thought. For now, I have no choice but to play along.

No matter how cooperative he appeared, Tonari knew he was under constant surveillance. Leaving the hospital building, let alone the village, was out of the question. Even if he tapped into the full power of the Two-Tails, he couldn't hope to defeat Hiruzen, let alone the other Konoha elites.

"Little Tonari," Hiruzen said kindly, patting the boy's head. "You're in Konoha now. It's a safe place, and if you're willing, you can stay here forever. This village can become your new home."

Tonari nodded obediently, but inwardly, he scoffed.

A gilded cage is still a cage.

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(End of Chapter)