Chiba's Summoning Beast

"Impossible!"

Nekomata remained stubborn. "How could the great me ever become someone else's summoning beast?!"

"I'm going to become the strongest ninja cat, surpassing every being in the world!"

"Kid, you'd better..."

The cold kunai instantly silenced Nekomata.

"Actually, it's not entirely out of the question."

"If you're willing to supply silvervine regularly..."

Before Nekomata could finish, Chiba interrupted.

"Three sticks of silvervine a week."

Nekomata crouched amid the rubble, counting on his claws.

"That sounds pretty reasonable."

"How about five?"

"Four. No more."

Chiba's expression remained perfectly calm.

But a faint threat showed in his eyes.

Nekomata caught his look and shuddered.

"Four isn't bad, either."

"I agree to sign the Summoning Contract!"

The ninja cat's sixth sense told him that the boy before him was dangerous.

Under Chiba's combination of incentives and threats, Nekomata quickly gave in.

Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki watched the proceedings blankly.

Things seemed to be heading in an unpredictable direction!

After signing the Summoning Contract, Chiba learned more about Nekomata's circumstances.

In overall strength, he was already on the verge of reaching chunin level.

But a lack of resources had left him stuck there, unable to improve further.

Ninja Cat Castle was an independent territory.

It belonged to no ninja village.

Still, under Nekomata's leadership, the ninja cats here lived fairly well.

Ninjas often came here to sign contracts with the ninja cats.

Of course, they paid compensation.

The ninja cats also earned money by carrying out simple missions.

That was how they obtained their food and various resources.

"How is that any different from a human ninja village?"

Nekomata smiled and said:

"If there's a difference, I suppose it's that we're more harmonious here."

"Without conflicts over interests or disputes, everyone gets along well."

In truth, Nekomata felt little hostility toward Chiba and his two companions.

Becoming someone else's summoning beast, however, was something he had never considered.

Ninja cats weren't particularly strong in combat.

They were better suited to gathering and analyzing intelligence, making them support-type summoning beasts.

Given a choice, ninjas wouldn't select a summoning beast like that.

"As for strength, just let it come naturally."

Chiba patted Nekomata's big head and said:

"Your main job is to look cute!"

Nekomata nodded instinctively, then quickly realized something was wrong.

"Wait, you're saying my job is to look cute?!"

"The great-I mean, this cat has incredible strength and speed, and is proficient in genjutsu, ninjutsu, and taijutsu."

"And you want me to look cute?!"

He had meant to call himself "the great me," but changed his wording the moment he caught Chiba's slightly threatening gaze.

Chiba nodded as if it were only natural.

"You're still too weak right now."

"It would be dangerous for you to take part in the battles I fight."

"But don't worry. Now that you've become my summoning beast..."

"We're partners, and I'll help you grow stronger!"

Chiba dangled a rosy promise before him.

"Since you have a dream of your own, with my help..."

"You'll definitely be able to achieve it."

Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha stared blankly at the boy and the cat.

Things seemed to be taking a strange turn.

"All right!"

"If you're that confident, Chiba, then I've got to work hard too!"

Naruto Uzumaki snapped out of his daze and shouted excitedly.

"It'd be embarrassing to get surpassed by a ninja cat!"

"Right, Sasuke?"

Sasuke Uchiha buried his face in his hand, unwilling to look at Naruto's goofy face.

Why would you compete with a ninja cat?

Could he really surpass us...?

As that possibility crossed Sasuke Uchiha's mind, he immediately looked at Chiba.

Wait. If it's him, that might actually be possible!

For a moment, Sasuke was at a loss too.

"Anyway, don't worry."

"If I have resources to spare, I'll leave them with Cat Granny."

"And I'll teach you regularly so you can catch up in strength sooner."

Chiba continued dangling promises. "But for now, all you need to do is look cute!"

He stroked the cat as he spoke, clearly in a very good mood.

There was also a thoughtful depth to Chiba's gaze.

Clearly, he was looking far ahead.

What sort of waves could a cat who knew all kinds of ninjutsu make in the Shinobi World?

What if senjutsu were added to the mix?

The Matatabi Sage?

That actually sounded pretty good!

After saying goodbye to Nekomata, the group first went to Cat Granny to turn in their mission.

Then they returned to Konoha together.

Unlike when they had left, Chiba noticed many unfamiliar faces on the village streets.

The number of ninjas guarding Konoha had also increased severalfold.

All these signs pointed to one thing.

Chiba said quietly:

"Looks like something important is about to happen!"