Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 26: Taijutsu and Measurement Units

Two weeks later.

Boom!

Tonari's body flew backward, slamming into a tree trunk with a muffled thud.

However, instead of staying down, he bounced back up with a nimble kip-up, clenching his fists as he charged toward the figure who had just sent him flying.

Laughing wildly, he shouted, "Hahaha! Is that all you've got, Shikaku? Did you even eat breakfast? Your kicks are getting weaker!"

Shikaku: "..."

He stared at Tonari, who was completely unscathed despite being sent flying moments ago, and now rushing toward him with a manic grin.

This scene had been playing out for over a week now.

---

Tonari's physical abilities had improved at an astonishing rate since he began training in taijutsu.

The progress was so rapid and visible that even Tonari, a former doctor, couldn't help but marvel at his own body.

If not for knowing he hadn't secretly activated any hacks, he might have considered dissecting himself to understand the changes better.

In the end, he attributed it to the inherent physical resilience of people in the ninja world, coupled with the transformative effects of chakra.

The stronger his body became, the more satisfying his training felt.

But practicing alone wasn't enough. Tonari needed a benchmark to measure his growth.

That's when his eyes landed on Shikaku Nara.

---

Shikaku wasn't just any random ninja—he was an early graduate of the ninja academy and part of the next generation's legendary Ino-Shika-Cho trio.

Although technically a genin, Shikaku's intellect and skills already far surpassed that level. He wasn't just strong in taijutsu; his mastery of Nara Clan techniques and basic ninjutsu made him a formidable opponent for any genin.

For Tonari, this made Shikaku the perfect "measuring stick."

Once he could hold his own against Shikaku in taijutsu, he'd know his training had paid off.

---

Initially, Shikaku had been dismissive of Tonari's challenge.

To him, Tonari was just a kid who'd barely started using chakra. How could someone like that possibly pose a threat?

But after a week of sparring, Shikaku was starting to regret agreeing to this.

Tonari might not have been strong enough to land a decisive hit, but his resilience was otherworldly.

No matter how many times Shikaku sent him flying, Tonari would bounce back, grinning and taunting as if the previous blow had never happened.

And then there were the names Tonari gave his attacks.

---

"Here I come!" Tonari roared, his fist aimed straight for Shikaku's face.

Shikaku calmly sidestepped, using his right hand to deflect Tonari's punch. At the same time, he countered with a left hook aimed at Tonari's jaw.

But Tonari ducked at the last moment, shouting, "Take this! Great Tree Rooting Technique!"

Shikaku: "..."

Hearing yet another absurdly named technique, Shikaku groaned inwardly.

Tonari lunged forward, wrapping his arms around Shikaku's legs in an attempt to topple him.

Anticipating this, Shikaku swiftly raised his right leg and kicked Tonari away.

However, Tonari had already predicted the move. Twisting his body mid-charge, he slipped behind Shikaku, wrapping his arms around the older boy's waist.

"Got you now! Prepare for my Spinning Tree Toss!" Tonari declared triumphantly.

Shikaku didn't hesitate. A puff of smoke erupted as his body transformed into a wooden log.

The next moment, Shikaku appeared behind Tonari, delivering a precise kick that sent him flying once again.

"Thud!"

As Tonari tumbled through the air, he shouted indignantly, "Hey! That's cheating! You used ninjutsu!"

Shikaku's ears turned red, feeling slightly guilty for breaking the "no ninjutsu" rule.

But in his defense, he couldn't risk getting caught in another one of Tonari's bizarre "techniques."

---

By now, Shikaku had long realized that Tonari's progress in taijutsu was... unnatural.

Two weeks ago, Tonari could barely throw a proper punch.

Now, Shikaku found himself forced to use ninjutsu to maintain an advantage.

It wasn't just Tonari's stamina and resilience that made him a nightmare opponent—his adaptability and creativity in combat were equally terrifying.

Watching Tonari spring back to his feet for what felt like the hundredth time, Shikaku suppressed a groan.

He could only hope this "training session" would end soon.

---

Unexpectedly, Tonari didn't charge at him again.

Instead, he dusted himself off and stood there, deep in thought.

Shikaku assumed this was because Tonari was discouraged.

After all, using ninjutsu against someone who couldn't fight back with ninjutsu was a bit underhanded. Feeling slightly guilty, Shikaku raised a hand to offer some words of encouragement.

But before he could speak, Tonari waved him off.

"I'm heading out, Shikaku. Thanks for the training, but I think I've outgrown you."

Shikaku: "...What?"

Tonari continued, "Don't take it personally. You've been a great sparring partner, but I need to find someone stronger to help me level up my taijutsu.

Oh, and remember to eat more. If you don't, little Shikaku won't grow up big and strong!"

Without waiting for a reply, Tonari turned and walked away.

Shikaku stood frozen, his hand still raised in mid-air.

"I swear, if I ever feel sorry for him again, it'll be my own fault!" he muttered.

---

(End of Chapter)