Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 253: The Color of the World

Leaving the Hokage's office, Tonari headed straight for the Uchiha clan district.

With the sun still hanging in the sky, he gathered his two newly accepted genius disciples—Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi.

Ignoring their puzzled expressions, he led them toward Neko House.

Before stepping inside, Tonari paused, his senses stretching outward.

No surveillance.

Satisfied, he nodded inwardly.

"Hiruzen's efficiency isn't bad, after all."

"Tonari-kun, you're back?"

A feminine voice called out, soft and warm.

Turning toward the entrance, Tonari saw Reika standing there.

She wore a simple apron, holding a pure white kitten in her arms.

Her eyes, usually calm and gentle, now sparkled with joy.

"Just got back." Tonari smiled, nodding.

"Let's eat out tonight. I'm treating the kids. Close up early. You've worked hard enough."

"Okay!" Reika agreed without hesitation, as always.

With practiced ease, she opened a custom wooden cat enclosure, gently placing the snow-white kitten inside.

Her tone turned thoughtful.

"By the way, Tonari-kun… The first batch of kittens from the best ninja cats you bred? They're already walking.

Don't be fooled by how big this little one looks. It's only three days old. But unlike its parents, it was born with chakra.

Its appetite is insane. If this growth rate keeps up… You might finally get that giant cat mount you always wanted."

Tonari chuckled, glancing at the kitten.

"So, the project's progressing faster than expected. Reika's really been holding the fort here."

Without her meticulous care and planning, his dream of establishing a ninja cat clan would've remained just that—a dream.

"Tonari-sensei… These are the summoning beasts you always talked about?"

Shisui's eyes gleamed with excitement.

"Can we sign summoning contracts with them too?"

Itachi, usually reserved, also gazed around the cat-filled shop with wide-eyed curiosity.

Tonari grinned.

"First time here, huh? Train hard. Reach my standards. Then you can pick one for yourselves."

"Thank you, Sensei!" Shisui nearly jumped for joy.

Itachi, quieter, merely nodded. "Mn."

"Kids will always be kids. Especially around cute animals."

Tonari ruffled their hair, eliciting mixed reactions—Shisui grinned brightly, while Itachi blinked, momentarily startled.

"You'd better get along with Reika-neechan," Tonari teased. "She runs the place. Her word is law."

Shisui, ever the eager student, immediately bowed.

"Reika-neechan! I'm Uchiha Shisui, Tonari-sensei's disciple! Please take care of me!"

Itachi hesitated, eyes drifting back to the white kitten. Only when Shisui tugged his sleeve did he react, hurriedly mimicking the bow.

"I'm… Uchiha Itachi. Please take care of me."

Reika laughed, eyes curving into crescent moons.

"So polite. Tonari-kun really picks the best students."

Tonari waved her over.

"Let's go. The others are waiting."

Reika hesitated, glancing down at her work clothes.

"Wait—let me change first—"

Tonari's gaze swept over her from head to toe.

"No need. You look fine. Let's go."

His offhand compliment turned her cheeks rosy.

"O-Okay."

Setting aside her tools, she followed them out into the street.

By now, the sun was dipping below the horizon.

The sky glowed with vibrant orange and crimson, the last rays of sunlight painting their faces warm and soft.

"Twilight. The brief moment when everything feels… peaceful."

The streets, once quiet during the day, buzzed with life as night approached.

Though the war had cast a shadow over Konoha, recent victories had sparked renewed hope.

Ninjas—both off-duty and wounded veterans—strolled along the market, dressed in casual clothes.

Many recognized Tonari, some offering respectful nods, others warm greetings.

The younger ones called out:

"Tonari-sama!"

While older veterans, especially those who'd fought beside him, simply said:

"Tonari!"

Regardless of age, respect was a constant.

Shisui noticed.

Seeing how the village revered his teacher filled him with pride and admiration.

Following Sensei… It's like walking the same path toward strength. Toward recognition. One day, I'll stand tall like him.

Itachi, though equally impressed, was more thoughtful.

Respect isn't just about strength. It's about balance—between power, responsibility, and kindness. Sensei… embodies all of it.

For the three-year-old prodigy, this outing was more than just a meal.

So this is what it means to be truly strong… Not just for oneself, but for others.

Reika, walking alongside them, wore a simple, contented smile.

To work beside Tonari… To ease his burdens, no matter how small… That's enough for me.

They passed a bustling stall. A fishing game—colorful nets and shallow pools filled with darting goldfish.

Itachi froze.

The little Uchiha's eyes locked onto the shimmering fish, but he said nothing.

Years of strict upbringing had taught him never to ask for things.

Wanting is selfish. Endure. Be strong.

But Reika noticed.

She tugged Tonari's sleeve, nodding toward Itachi's longing gaze.

Tonari followed her glance, then smiled knowingly.

"Reika… It's been a while since we did this, huh? My hands are itching. Let's catch some fish."

"Good idea." Reika chuckled, covering her mouth.

Tonari turned to the boys.

"What do you think?"

Shisui grinned ear to ear.

"Yes! Let's do it!"

Itachi blinked, startled, but his sparkling eyes betrayed his excitement.

The stall owner, noticing their gear, quickly adjusted a nearby sign:

"Ninja patrons: No chakra usage, please. Support small businesses!"

Tonari chuckled.

"Fair enough. We'll play fair."

Fishing nets in hand, he declared:

"Watch closely, kids. Back in the day, they called me… 'King of the Sea!'"

Reika snorted.

"Oh, please. You lost more than you won."

"Details, details. The legend lives on!"

Thus began the battle.

Tonari: Failed.

"Boss, four more nets!"

Shisui: Three fish caught.

"I'm winning, Sensei!"

Itachi: Two fish, perfectly calm.

"…Mn."

Reika: Five fish. Unmatched.

"Tonari-kun, you're embarrassing yourself."

"Damn it! Boss, another four!"

By the time Tonari finally gave up, the streetlights had flickered on.

"Crap. We're late."

Tonari glanced at the sky—moon high, sun long gone.

But seeing Shisui and Itachi's smiles, he couldn't bring himself to regret it.

"Alright, kids. Next stop—Barbecue!"

The boys cheered, clutching their bags of fish like trophies. For once, even Itachi looked like what he truly was—a child.

Reika, walking beside Tonari, glanced up at him, eyes soft.

"You really planned this, didn't you?"

Tonari grinned, rubbing his neck.

"What gave it away?"

"The way you 'conveniently' stopped."

"Well… They're happy, right? That's what matters."

Reika nodded, smile widening.

"Even prodigies deserve a childhood."

But Tonari's gaze drifted skyward.

"Yeah… If only life stayed this simple. For them, for all of us."

Elsewhere.

At the Yakiniku Barbecue House, Tonari's older disciples impatiently waited.

"Where is he?!" Asuma grumbled.

Guy, having just finished 1,000 push-ups, clenched his fists.

"Perfect! I'm starving! This time, I'll out-eat Tonari-sensei!"

"Don't bother," Kurenai muttered, swinging her legs from a nearby railing.

"Tonari-sensei's always late. I ate a snack before coming."

Asuma facepalmed.

"…Seriously? We're normalizing his tardiness now?"

Even Kakashi, leaning quietly against a wall, yawned, blinking sleepily.

Finally, a familiar, teasing voice cut through the night:

"Aiya~ Sorry, sorry. We're late. An old lady needed our help. You know the saying—good deeds bring happiness."

The group turned, just in time to see Tonari, grinning like the devil himself, leading two kids and a blushing Reika into view.

And for a moment, beneath the moon's soft glow, the world felt... a little less gray.

End of Chapter.

---

Read up to 20 chapter ahead of time on patreon.com/Legendryweeb

{please give this novel 5 Star review and power stone}

*Thank you*