Chapter 58:Shadow Clone Jutsu: Partner Style

Chapter 58: Shadow Clone Jutsu: Partner Style

After a day of negotiations, the landlord finally agreed to sell the property for 1.8 million ryo. Tonari was required to pay 900,000 ryo upfront, with the remaining amount to be paid in installments over the next three years.

It was thanks to his silver tongue that Tonari managed to depreciate the property's value so drastically, making the landlord believe it was practically unsellable without him.

Finally, the landlord reluctantly agreed to the price.

At this time, the process for real estate transactions in Konoha was relatively straightforward. Once payment was made, the property deed—certified by Konoha's administrative office—was handed over. With a signed sales contract, the small shop adjacent to Ichiraku Ramen officially became Tonari's private property.

Though it was an empty building and nowhere near ready for any sort of business, Tonari's intention wasn't commerce. He needed a personal space to work on his own plans without worrying about the prying eyes of Konoha's ANBU, who were assigned to monitor him after he became Orochimaru's apprentice.

Since Tonari started working under Orochimaru, Konoha's surveillance on him had significantly decreased. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, trusted Orochimaru's judgment when the Sannin vouched that Tonari's control over the Two-Tails' chakra was stable and there was no risk of a rampage.

With Konoha buried under a mountain of mission assignments, the ANBU couldn't afford to keep constant tabs on someone deemed a low priority.

The shop wasn't large, but it was more than enough to be repurposed into a small laboratory—a perfect place to experiment and strategize in privacy.

After signing the deal, Tonari found a clean spot inside and sat down cross-legged. He closed his eyes, and his consciousness entered the familiar seal space within him.

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"Big Beautiful One, are you ready to give this a try?" Tonari greeted the Two-Tails in his usual irreverent manner. The massive, feline-like beast was lying within its cage, a vision of strength and barely restrained energy.

Its flaming blue form towered above Tonari, and its mismatched eyes opened to fix him with an unreadable gaze.

Hearing Tonari's voice, the Two-Tails let out a deep breath, releasing a plume of heated air that almost seemed to glow. "What foolish plan are you scheming now, Tonari?"

Undeterred, Tonari walked closer to the towering beast. Despite the oppressive, malevolent chakra that surrounded it, he showed no hesitation.

"We're trying the technique today. You've seen how much work I've put into this," Tonari replied, sitting just outside the massive cage.

For a moment, the Two-Tails didn't respond. Over the weeks they'd spent together, Tonari's actions had shifted its initial disdain. His human vessel wasn't simply biding time or pretending. Each step he'd taken—whether mastering the Shadow Clone Jutsu (Kage Bunshin no Jutsu) or the Summoning Jutsu (Kuchiyose no Jutsu)—was a deliberate move toward achieving what he promised: a temporary escape from the cage.

The Two-Tails had initially dismissed his efforts as impossible, just another human trick to lull it into complacency. But Tonari's persistence made the beast reconsider.

The Two-Tails didn't know whether to admire or pity this bold little human. After all, he hadn't even reinforced the flawed seal that kept it restrained. Konoha's experts, whether the Hokage, Orochimaru, or even Danzo, could have fixed it with ease. But Tonari hadn't asked.

It was a gamble. Strengthening the seal would provide Tonari with guaranteed safety, ensuring the Two-Tails couldn't overwhelm him. Yet, Tonari's refusal to do so was a statement of trust—a signal to the beast that it wasn't just a prisoner but a partner in their shared survival.

The Two-Tails shifted its head slightly, allowing its massive eyes to meet Tonari's unwavering gaze. "Fine," it rumbled. "Let's see if your little plan works."

Tonari grinned. "I knew you'd come around, Big Beautiful."

"Stop calling me that," the beast growled but didn't press the issue.

Tonari stood and approached the barrier.

As he crossed the threshold, the shift in the atmosphere was immediate and brutal. The oppressive chakra, once contained by the seal, washed over him like a physical force. It was suffocating—thick with hatred and malice, primal and raw.

Tonari staggered, his breath catching.

The Two-Tails chuckled darkly. "Second thoughts, little human? That's just the edge of my chakra. If you can't handle this, you'll never succeed."

"I've handled worse," Tonari retorted, gritting his teeth. He steadied himself and took another step forward, planting his feet firmly against the onslaught of the Two-Tails' aura.

Seeing the determination in his eyes, the beast huffed. "Fine. Get on with it."

Tonari climbed onto the beast's massive paw, standing atop the blue flames that danced harmlessly beneath him.

"Alright, Big Beautiful, let's start," he said, forming a Tiger Seal and channeling what little chakra he had.

The Two-Tails closed its eyes, focusing its own energy to synchronize with its host.

The air shimmered, and Tonari's body began to change. A ghostly blue hue enveloped him, forming vague, feline-like features—ears, claws, and even a tail. He focused his chakra into the familiar hand sign.

"Ninpō: Partner Shadow Clone!"

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The Two-Tails watched closely as the technique began to take shape, but its skeptical expression remained.

Tonari might be onto something—but whether this gamble would succeed was anyone's guess.

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