Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 223: Tonari vs. Onoki

"Lord Tsuchikage, they have arrived."

At the border between the Land of Iron and the Land of Waterfall, within a hidden mountain valley, stood Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage, overseeing the entire Iwagakure military operation.

His presence here was a risk—if Konoha's forces caught wind of it, it could spell a major opportunity for them.

Despite standing barely 140 cm tall, Onoki's expression was severe.

He knew the consequences of meeting certain individuals at such a time, but his presence here proved how important this meeting was.

With his hands behind his back, he floated above the ground, his sharp eyes scanning the valley's entrance.

Through his Earth Style chakra sensing, he could detect two figures approaching slowly but deliberately.

The Iwa-nin positioned around the valley were all his most trusted subordinates.

As the leader of a major village, meeting with a mercenary group known for harboring rogue-nin was a delicate matter—one that could invite heavy scrutiny if exposed.

Moreover, the person he had previously dealt with was particularly controversial.

Kakuzu.

A notorious rogue-nin from Taki (the Waterfall Village)—which, ironically, was an ally of Iwagakure.

If either Taki or Konoha discovered that Onoki was working with him, it could sever diplomatic ties.

Yet, Kakuzu's reputation in the underground bounty world was too strong to ignore.

And so, Onoki had chosen to take the risk.

His gaze fell on the two figures now entering the valley.

One wore a black cloak, with a crimson, oversized scythe strapped to his back.

The other, hidden beneath a hooded cloak, had faintly glowing green eyes—Kakuzu's unmistakable feature.

Onoki's brow furrowed deeper.

The red scythe…

That design looks familiar…

A symbol of Yugakure?

Onoki was an old veteran, sharp and pragmatic—willing to take unconventional routes where other Kage hesitated.

This very mindset was what led him to not discard the invitation sent by the Kagero Organization.

Most other villages had dismissed their outreach, but Onoki had kept it.

Many called him a stubborn old fool, but when it came to strategy, he was one of the most adaptable minds of his generation.

Tonari and Kakuzu approached him without hesitation, unconcerned about potential ambushes.

They were fully aware of Onoki's capabilities.

The man could fly, wield Dust Release, and was one of the deadliest Kage in history.

But—if things went wrong, neither Tonari nor Kakuzu planned to stick around.

Even if Onoki had an entire battalion hidden, neither believed they could be stopped if they chose to retreat.

Kakuzu spoke first.

"Lord Tsuchikage, this is the leader of Kagero. Given the sensitivity of this contract, he wished to meet you personally before finalizing the terms."

Onoki's gaze lingered on Tonari, his sharp eyes studying the hidden face beneath the hood.

A young man.

A complete unknown.

Not even a single rumor about him.

If it weren't for Kakuzu's credibility, Onoki would have outright refused to negotiate with such a mysterious figure.

"...What more do you need to discuss?" Onoki's tone was firm, carrying the authority of a Kage.

Everything about his posture radiated superiority.

It was the natural demeanor of a leader from one of the Five Great Villages—one who saw mercenaries and rogue-nin as lesser beings.

Much like how Madara Uchiha had once looked down on him in the past.

Ironically, Onoki had become the very type of man he once despised.

Tonari remained unfazed.

"The issue," he said flatly, "is the price. You're paying for a kill, but you're asking for a capture. Those are two very different jobs."

Onoki's brows twitched.

Then—

His mustache bristled as he scowled.

"Fifty million ryo isn't enough?!"

His voice boomed through the valley.

"You think money grows on trees? Do you have any idea how many nations can afford that sum during a world war?!

"The only reason you're even being offered this is because of Kakuzu's name! Otherwise, no one would even consider hiring an unknown from some newly established mercenary group!"

Tonari smirked faintly.

Onoki's arrogance was expected.

After all, he was the leader of an entire village, while Kagero was still building its reputation.

The Tsuchikage clearly viewed them as disposable hirelings.

"You misunderstand something," Tonari said calmly.

"Right now, who else in the world dares to take this contract?

"Do you really think anyone else would risk their reputation to kidnap a Jinchuriki from his own village?"

Onoki's expression darkened instantly.

"You're threatening me?"

His gaze turned ice-cold.

If word got out that he had secretly ordered the capture of Iwa's own Jinchuriki, his political standing would crumble.

Worse—

If Roshi was harmed during this operation, Onoki himself would be the prime suspect.

If such rumors spread too far, he wouldn't be able to touch Roshi at all—in fact, he'd have to protect him just to maintain appearances.

That would be disastrous.

Tonari grinned playfully, raising his hands in mock surrender.

"Oh, come on. You're a Kage—why would you feel threatened by a bunch of nobodies like us?"

His tone was light, but his eyes were sharp.

Onoki clenched his fists, struggling to contain his rage.

He exhaled sharply.

"Fine. State your price."

Tonari's expression darkened slightly.

"You don't care about the price. You care about credibility—you want proof that we can actually pull this off."

With that—

His hands formed a series of seals.

Onoki's pupils shrank—

A dangerous presence surged from Tonari's body.

"Wood Release: Silent Strangulation Technique!"

Vines erupted from the ground—binding Onoki instantly.

The old Kage's eyes widened.

Wood Release.

A bloodline long thought lost.

A technique he had personally witnessed in the hands of Hashirama Senju—the God of Shinobi.

For a brief moment, he was frozen in shock.

Then—

He gritted his teeth and tried to break free.

CRACK—

The vines creaked, straining against his effort.

Tonari wasn't done yet.

"Wood Release: Tree Bind Eternal Burial."

More wood tendrils surged upward, thickening into a massive trunk—burying Onoki up to his neck.

The Iwa-nin stationed nearby immediately reacted.

"Lord Tsuchikage!"

"Get away from him, bastard!"

Several Jonin drew their weapons, but Tonari ignored them.

Instead—

A glowing, swirling orb formed in his palm.

At first, it was a pale blue Rasengan.

Then—

Tendrils of black energy slithered into the orb.

The sphere darkened, pulsing with an ominous radiance.

Kakuzu's eyes narrowed sharply.

Onoki's face finally lost its composure.

Tonari smirked coldly.

"Now that you've seen my power, Tsuchikage—"

"Let's renegotiate."

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