Chapter 19

Takeshi pondered the question, 'What's the use of canine language?' for a long time, but he couldn't discern its practical value.

It seemed the primary purpose was to communicate with other simple-minded dogs in the future. Aside from that, he couldn't see any other utility.

As a cat, Takeshi looked down on those canines; they lacked intelligence and seemed quite inferior. He acknowledged that this was a somewhat biased viewpoint – even though he had only been a cat for ten days, it didn't stop him from quickly developing contempt for another species.

Contempt needed no justification!

Returning to the house, Takeshi laid down to contemplate his next move. The Gacha, without a doubt, was a bottomless pit.

In the future, when he had spare points, he could occasionally test his luck, but he couldn't afford to waste points before entering a well-off territory.

Currently, he was still far from achieving prosperity. Among the three options – Ninja cat food, human language, and Rasengan – learning human language required two thousand points, a far cry from the five thousand needed for Rasengan, and the specialized food for Ninja Cats that required multiple doses to yield significant results.

Two thousand points were comparatively easier to accumulate. Learning to speak like human would enable him to communicate with others in the future, sparing him from resorting to sign language all the time, especially in frustrating situations like meeting Guy.

It was a pity that Takeshi couldn't find any method for reverting to human form; otherwise, he would have prioritized it as his first request.

As for transformation, it had major flaws. While it was true that the Ninja Beast could temporarily transform, apart from the issue of dissipating upon touch, another hurdle was figuring out how to maintain an upright stance on his hind legs for an extended period.

The logic behind it eluded Takeshi, and the Shop didn't offer similar exchanges. Although the cat could manage to walk upright for three or four steps, he couldn't sustain it indefinitely... which posed a challenge.

If the transformation jutsu turned him into a human, and he still ended up crawling on the ground like the ninja dogs of the Inuzuka Clan, he'd prefer being a cat. With these thoughts, he sighed softly.

"Never mind, being a cat isn't so bad," Takeshi reassured himself.

"With the system's help, I don't have to worry about food, clothing, or the path to becoming stronger. As long as I keep asserting dominance over others, there shouldn't be any issue in bolstering my strength. Once I can speak human language in the future, life will undoubtedly improve day by day."

Takeshi consoled himself in this manner, but when he glanced at the missing three-digit number on the panel, he couldn't help but sigh again.

Why had he been so stingy before? If there were no Gacha, and he could buy to human language after a while, he wouldn't have needed to save more than 1,800 points... In irritation, he even looked feeble lying on the mat.

"Father, what's wrong with Takeshi? Why is he so exhausted?" Rin returned and noticed the dejected little black cat by the door, prompting her to ask her father in bewilderment.

Aizawa glanced back and replied, "I'm not sure. He was perfectly fine just a moment ago. Did something happen while I was away?" Away? Apat from Rin asking Guy to take him home, and there was nothing wrong in that. Rin pondered for a while. Eventually, she thought of a possibility...

"Do you want to keep playing with Guy-san?" she asked softly.

"Meow~" Takeshi heard what sounded more like a conversation with himself. He immediately stood up and shook his head cautiously, emitting a sharp protest from his mouth.

Rin was slightly taken aback. It seemed Takeshi didn't enjoy playing with Guy, a fact she had overlooked.

She reached out to pat Takeshi's head, apologizing, "Next time, I won't hand you over to him. I'll bring you back. I'm sorry, I didn't realize you didn't like him very much."

Takeshi nodded in agreement. Initially distressed by the consecutive losses in the Gacha, upon realizing that Rin had discerned his discomfort with Guy through some peculiar stroke of luck, he felt a surge of happiness. Was this fortune he gained after losing in the lottery?

Feeling content, Takeshi found his appetite had returned. Although he had almost finished his meal in the afternoon, he felt more inclined to eat in the evening and consumed a larger portion.

After eating, he quickly drifted off to sleep. That night, the little black cat slept soundly, even emitting cute purrs.

Rin squatted beside him, watching for a long time.

"Rin, how's your progress with medical ninjutsu?" Aizawa inquired.

"I've mastered the Mystical Palm Jutsu and hemostasis jutsus. The medical ninjutsu instructor praised my talent," Rin reported, lowering her head.

Her father rarely showed interest in her training. Even when she skipped medical class a few days ago, he didn't inquire.

Today's inquiry seemed to imply he had something on his mind. Aizawa hesitated before continuing:

"Rin, the war between us and the surrounding ninja villages is far from over. It's even escalating recently. You have a knack for medical ninjutsu. Perhaps you should stay in the Academy for a few more years and take it slow in the village. Focus on mastering medical skills."

"Father, but..." Rin stood up, surprise etched on her face. Did her father mean he didn't want her to graduate this year? Wasn't this an act of cowardice?

"Rin, we're not concerned about your fame or strength. We just want you to be safe and alive." Megumi chimed in after finishing her chores, echoing her husband's sentiments.

"But..." Rin struggled to find words. She wanted to object but found it challenging to do so. She understood her parents' intentions.

War was too perilous. Rather than being hailed as a "star pupil" or a "hero," her parents simply wanted her to lead a safe, ordinary life. Though reluctant, faced with her father's words, Rin couldn't argue that she wanted to graduate.

"If you don't entirely agree with us... then do what you think is best. We'll support you no matter what," Aizawa seemed to discern his daughter's thoughts. His words carried no hint of negativity, only an encouraging smile, yet Rin still felt pressured. His girl was so delicate.

Takeshi appeared to be asleep nearby, but in reality, he had been awake throughout their conversation. Though not fully conscious, he could hear their discussion.

It wouldn't change the Nohara family's perspectives, so he didn't wake up. He simply listened for a while before drifting back to sleep.

Late into the night, he could faintly hear sounds from Rin's room. It seemed the little girl couldn't fall asleep and had been tossing and turning in bed.

Quietly, Takeshi got up and peeked through the gap in the window sill.

He swore he wasn't doing this to eavesdrop; he was concerned about Rin. The room was dimly lit, but Takeshi's keen feline vision allowed him to see clearly even in the darkness.

He observed Rin, her eyes open, seemingly wrestling with a significant decision.

Takeshi couldn't grasp this complex psychology. If he were in a human body, he'd undoubtedly postpone graduation for as long as possible, especially in such turbulent times.

Why engage in combat when one could avoid it and survive the war within the village? But Rin would likely insist on graduating.

She was determined to graduate without external influences, and now with a ninja cat companion like Takeshi, her combat capabilities would at least match those of a mid-level genin or even a chunin once he reached adulthood.

For a civilian like Rin, having a partner with the strength of a mid-level genin significantly improved her safety. That's why Aizawa spared no effort to support Takeshi.

Of course, considering the potential dangers Rin might face in the future, the assistance an ordinary ninja cat could provide seemed insignificant. But... Takeshi has a system!

He crouched for a while, watching Rin slowly close her eyes and drift off to sleep, he waited couple moments before quietly leaving.