Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 114: It's All Nonsense

Apart from Tonari and Aburame Shibi, the others looked visibly unwell.

In fact, everyone except Shibi kept a deliberate distance from Tonari, clearly not eager to get too close to him just yet.

Seeing their reactions, Tonari sighed with resignation.

"All this trouble just to get you the intel you wanted. Did I really need to expose just a tiny sliver of my 'torture repertoire'? Just a little taste, and you're all like this. If I went all out, maybe I could become a Special Jonin just for this skill alone."

He paused, eyes glinting thoughtfully.

"Actually, that's not a bad idea. Special Jonin is still Jonin, and the perks would be nice. I should probably talk to Sarutobi Hiruzen about this when we're back."

---

"If you really don't want to know the intel, keep looking like that." Tonari's voice broke the silence.

At his words, the others reluctantly suppressed their discomfort.

Tonari briefly considered making them wait, just to tease them, but one look at Tsunade's expression told him that she wouldn't tolerate any delay. Her fists alone were reason enough to behave.

Taking the hint, he got straight to the point.

---

When they finished listening to the intel…

"So even if we stopped that Sand team from sending a signal, their patrol shifts will soon reveal that something's wrong. They'll figure it out sooner or later," said Mugime Kodachi grimly.

It wasn't good news, but it wasn't entirely bad either.

At least now they knew the patrol schedule, the shift intervals, and the general placement of Sand ninja personnel.

However, the realization that Sunagakure had mobilized so many forces only added to the pressure. This time, they had truly struck a nerve. Sunagakure's reaction screamed of desperation—almost as if they were ready to reignite another ninja war just to recover that 'Puppet Scroll.'

This was why Sarutobi Hiruzen's primary mission objective was to rescue their comrades and ensure the scroll remained in Sand's hands. Only if circumstances allowed were they to consider copying it.

It wasn't because Konoha feared Sunagakure. Nor did Sarutobi personally fear the Sand forces.

It was just… unnecessary.

The truth was, Sunagakure's puppet techniques had little immediate benefit for Konoha. Even if they obtained the scroll, developing a puppet army would take years, if not decades, of dedicated research. The current scroll would quickly lose its value as Sand adapted their puppets to counter any exposed weaknesses.

For Konoha, the true value of the scroll lay in exposing weaknesses in Sand's existing puppets. However, once those weaknesses were known, Sand would inevitably evolve their designs.

Ultimately, Sunagakure valued the scroll far more than Konoha ever would.

---

"We'll split up," Tsunade declared, breaking the silence. "Given the circumstances, we don't have a choice."

She continued, **"A small team will infiltrate the stronghold before the patrol shift changes. Once inside, they'll coordinate with our comrades to launch a breakout. The external team will create chaos, forcing the Sand forces to split their focus.

"This strategy increases our chances of success and reduces the overall risk. But make no mistake: the infiltration team will bear the brunt of the pressure. Even with external support, the Sand forces will prioritize the stronghold."**

Tsunade's clear strategic vision and decisive leadership shone in that moment. Her plan was straightforward but effective. Staying together would make them strong, but also an easy target. Splitting into two teams would divide the Sand forces, easing the pressure on both groups.

---

"I'll go," Kodachi volunteered immediately. "Tsunade, you stay with the others and lead the external team. I can move more freely on my own."

Tsunade shook her head firmly. "No. I'll infiltrate the stronghold. You'll stay with the others and handle the external distraction. If the Sand forces push back too hard, you're authorized to abandon the mission. I'll take full responsibility."

Her tone brooked no argument. From the moment she suggested splitting up, Tsunade had already decided to handle the most dangerous part herself.

At that moment, she fully embodied the legendary figure known as the "Princess of Konoha."

Kodachi opened his mouth to argue but was cut off.

"This isn't up for debate. As team leader, this is my order."

Reluctantly, Kodachi relented.

---

Tonari, who had been watching the exchange, wrestled with his thoughts. Finally, as Tsunade turned to leave, he blurted out:

"I'm going with you, Tsunade!"

The words escaped before he could stop them. He immediately regretted it, wishing he could slap himself.

But Tonari wasn't the type to make impulsive decisions without reason. Dangerous as it seemed, there was logic behind his choice.

While infiltration appeared to be the most perilous role, that was only true in theory. Reality depended on who he was accompanying.

If it were Kodachi leading the infiltration, Tonari wouldn't have volunteered for all the ryo in Konoha. Kodachi could barely handle himself, let alone anyone else.

But with Tsunade, it was different.

No matter how dangerous the mission, Tonari knew that Tsunade could handle herself—and protect him if needed. After all, even Chiyo and Ebizō combined would struggle to stop her.

And besides…

---

"No, Tonari. Absolutely not." Tsunade rejected him immediately.

"I'm not a burden," Tonari countered quickly. "You're not skilled at reconnaissance, and I am. I can scout for you.

"There are bound to be injured comrades inside. Your chakra needs to be reserved for combat, not treatment. I can help take that load off you.

"And most importantly…"

Tonari leaned closer and lowered his voice.

"Shukaku."

Tsunade's eyes flickered.

Previously, she'd used the threat of the One-Tail to scare Tonari into compliance. But the truth was, Shukaku's involvement was a real possibility—and Tonari could use that to his advantage.

"If the One-Tail shows up," Tonari continued, "you'll need me there.

"Plus, the fewer people on the outside, the better. A smaller group means less attention and less risk of being surrounded. I'll lighten their load and help you. It's a win-win."

Tsunade stared at him, her resolve wavering.

His logic was sound. His reasoning was flawless.

And those big, innocent eyes he flashed at her?

Complete nonsense.

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(Chapter End)

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