At that moment, Raj once again appreciated the benefits of not speaking human language.
With a soft "meow" and another dose of cuteness, it could easily dispel the lingering resentment in their hearts.
If it could speak,
It would probably have to offer empty promises like "I'll never do it again."
"Kurenai, Raj ate so much. Let's split the bill," Rin said, pulling out her wallet.
Sensing Kurenai's hesitation, she quickly added, "I earned this money helping out at the hospital."
"Don't worry about it. Just treat me when you become a ninja," Kurenai replied with a smile.
Her father's mission pay was generous, making a lavish meal trivial for her.
But for Rin, even half the cost would represent a month or more of her earnings at the hospital.
It wasn't worth it.
She patted Raj's head.
Despite the minor mishaps and Raj's surprisingly large appetite, it had been a thoroughly enjoyable meal.
Between friends, gratitude need not be spoken.
Rin understood the unspoken meaning and refrained from insisting on thanking her or offering money.
She secretly resolved that once she became a Genin, she would treat Kurenai to a lavish meal... and definitely leave Raj at home.
She glanced at the little black cat.
If she brought this gluttonous cat along, she wouldn't even be able to afford the meal with her hospital earnings.
It would be mortifying to have to ask her family or others to cover the bill.
Raj, unaware of her thoughts, could roughly guess what she was thinking.
'My appetite... I might have eaten a bit too much. I hope I don't get diarrhea later.'
He felt a twinge of worry.
Back home, he pondered for a while before withdrawing 300 Points from his nearly 1,000-Point account to exchange for Ninja Cat Special Food.
He had previously doubted the effectiveness of this cat food, but today's reminder from the Aburame and Hyuga Clan members made him realize he had overlooked tracking his Chakra growth.
At just seven months old, while Haimaru was over a year old, their Chakra levels were nearly identical.
He knew himself well enough to admit he was just an ordinary black cat.
Under normal circumstances, he would never have achieved this level of Chakra.
'The cat food must be responsible. It enhances my physical attributes and Chakra reserves, offering long-term benefits far superior to regular cat food.'
However, for short-term stamina recovery, the special food remains more effective.
Raj had reached a conclusion.
It seemed that the most expensive things weren't always the best; what truly mattered was finding what suited the situation.
While everyone else slept, he studied the exchange items in the shop.
Previously, he had focused solely on cat food, language skills, and the Rasengan Ninjutsu, paying little attention to the higher-priced options.
Cat food was a long-term project, impossible to complete quickly.
As for language skills, he had already mastered them.
Next came the Rasengan.
'You get what you pay for.'
The 5,000-point Rasengan naturally lacked any variations.
He had just checked, and techniques like the Tailed Beast Ball and Rasengan Shuriken cost around 10,000 points each.
However, there was a catch: Jiraiya's Needle Jizo technique could even overwhelm Orochimaru, but his own version was a beggar's imitation, akin to the difference between the First Hokage's Wood Release and Yamato's version.
'To forge iron, one must first be strong oneself!'
Given his current situation, with the Needle Jizo protecting him and the Transformation Technique concealing his identity, ordinary attacks using claws and bites sufficed.
What he lacked was a true trump card.
Until he had enough Chakra, the standard Rasengan remained the most suitable option.
'One portion of Ninja Cat Special Food daily. I'll save the rest and see what else I can exchange for later.'
Raj had a plan.
Of course.
Whenever Raj considered exchanging for other items, the word "lottery" would involuntarily flash through his mind.
But he quickly suppressed the urge, sealing it deep within his heart.
'No more crimes. I need to remember the lesson from last time, when I devoured all four portions of dried fish in a single day...'
Perhaps he had eaten too much that evening, as he found himself unable to sleep.
He got up to stretch and move around, only to realize his body no longer felt as light and agile as it had when he first transmigrated.
'Am I just getting older?'
Raj initially dismissed the thought until he glanced back and noticed his body seemed rounder.
'A different possibility... Could it be... I've gained weight?'
If he were ignorant, being chubby wouldn't matter - he could still eat and drink as he pleased.
But the problem was, he knew the consequences of being overweight.
The moment the word "fat" entered his mind, images of obese cats from his past life flooded his thoughts.
'Were those even cats anymore? No, those were pig-cats!'
He absolutely refused to become such a grotesque creature!
A sudden wave of panic washed over Raj.
As a Ninja Cat, being that overweight would make him a liability on the battlefield, let alone allow him to alter Rin's fate or assist Obito Uchiha.
'I'll start exercising tomorrow!'
He secretly resolved to become a proper, fit Ninja Cat, not some lazy, overweight pig-cat.
The next day, the sun rose.
After the Clone Technique exam, the Ninja Academy granted the graduating students a week of free time.
Rin planned to spend the entire week at the hospital.
Raj, however, couldn't go to the hospital.
Cats are susceptible to many pathogens that humans can tolerate, and their proud nature makes them difficult to control.
"Father, Mother, I'm heading out. Please take care of Raj for me."
She hastily ate a small meal and rushed off to Konoha Hospital.
"Go on, go on," Masato said, feeling a mix of pride and melancholy.
His daughter had grown up and developed her own ideas.
This was a good thing, except now his wife had two more people to worry about... no, make that three.
He glanced at Raj.
If Rin went to the battlefield, there was no way this Ninja Cat wouldn't follow.
Though just a cat, the couple had fully accepted Raj as part of the family within a mere two weeks.
Tsume, as its caretaker, felt no less affection for Raj than she did for Rin.
'Why is Old Man Nohara staring at me? Has he noticed I've gained weight?'
Raj quickly sucked in his stomach.
But it was no use.
Its plumpness was undeniable, mainly due to the much-improved diet.
As it grew older, its body and belly had expanded accordingly.
This attempt at concealment only drew Masato's attention to its little paunch.
"Aiyo, Tsume, look at our cat..."
"What's wrong?" Tsume, who had just finished cleaning the kitchen but hadn't had time to sweep, rushed out.
She found Raj peacefully curled up in its bed.
She glanced at her husband, puzzled.
"What's the problem?"
"Don't you think it's gotten fat? A normal cat wouldn't have such a round belly, even as it grows!" Masato gestured toward Raj's abdomen.
"Now that you mention it, it does seem a bit plump," Tsume agreed, stepping closer.