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32.txt
In the Hokage's office.Hiruzen Sarutobi and Orochimaru discussed the current state of the shinobi world.Qianyu listened on the side.
After a moment of thought, Orochimaru asked, "So, Sensei, you intend to dispatch me to the Land of Rivers to intercept those Sunagakure shinobi?"
He heard Orochimaru's words. His heart skipped a beat.He wanted battlefield experience, sureâbut absolutely not right now!If Kushina Uzumaki was attacked by Kumo-nin while he was away from the village, he wouldn't make it back in time, even if he could fly.He needed to ensure Kushina's safety first, then go to the front.
But Hiruzen's next words put Qianyu at ease."Sunagakure can be ignored for now. The forces stationed at the River Country border are sufficient to handle them. For the coming days, Orochimaru, you will stay with me. We will formulate plans together and strategize on how Konoha should face this situation."
When it came to strategy, Orochimaru was top-tier.During the Second Shinobi World War, the forces he led had won many desperate battles.Konoha's current situation was far from optimistic.Orochimaru's strategic mind was exactly what the village needed now.
Orochimaru nodded. "Understood."
Qianyu let out a quiet breath. Good. Not leaving the village yet.
After Hiruzen and Orochimaru conversed a while longer, Orochimaru led Qianyu out of the Hokage Building.
On the way, Orochimaru suddenly asked, "Qianyu. You heard my conversation with the Hokage. If all four Great Villages attack Konoha simultaneously, how would you break the deadlock?"
The question was so sudden it caught Qianyu off guard.He wasn't intimately familiar with the details of the Third Shinobi World War.
Qianyu thought in silence for a long moment before speaking. "If the four villages unite against Konoha, it's ultimately about benefit. Every great war revolves around it. Since benefit brought Iwa and Kumo together, then benefit can also turn them against each other."
Orochimaru seemed satisfied with the answer. "And how would you use benefit to turn them against each other?"
Qianyu shook his head. "Sorry, Orochimaru-sensei. I don't know."
He genuinely didn't.First, he had no idea what kind of benefit Konoha could offer to make Iwa and Kumo betray each other.Second, Iwa and Kumo's alliance was undoubtedly aimed at plundering the Land of Fire's abundant resources.He couldn't exactly walk up to one and say, 'Hey, team up with us to rob your current ally instead!'They'd already chosen to plunder Konoha together. Why would they abandon that for a new partner?
In Qianyu's view, they'd need to know the specifics of Iwa and Kumo's agreement first. Then they could tailor a counter-offer, tempting one village with a greater prize.
Orochimaru wasn't bothered by the "I don't know." The question was a tall order for a genin."I will be quite busy from now on," Orochimaru said. "I cannot remain at the base daily. Consider today a day off. Tomorrow, I will take you to form a contract with Ryƫchi Cave. Then I will devise a training regimen for you to follow independently. If suitable missions arise later, I will secure them for you, but you will likely carry them out alone from now on."
He heard he had the day off. A smile broke across Qianyu's face before he could stop it.
Orochimaru took one look at him and knew exactly where he was going."Go on."
"Orochimaru-sensei, I'll take my leave then. See you tomorrow!"
Qianyu waved and practically sprinted down the road.
âŠ
Before the gates of Mito Uzumaki's residence, Qianyu felt a flutter of nerves mixed with excitement.It had been a whole month since he'd seen Kushina.
He knocked.Almost instantly, he heard fast footstepsâsomeone running.
The gate swung open.A flash of red. Then someone crashed into him.
Qianyu wrapped his arms around Kushina Uzumaki, ruffling her hair fondly. "Long time no see, Kushina."
Kushina pulled back, pouting, and punched his chest. "You took forever to visit! I thought you forgot about me!"
Qianyu winced.Her punches keep getting stronger.
He rubbed his nose. "How could I forget you? I'd forget anyone but you. Orochimaru-sensei's training has been intense. No time to leave. I just completed a mission, so he gave me today off. By the way, how did you know it was me?"
"Grandma Mito told me," Kushina chirped. "She has a special ability! She can sense everything in a huge area through chakra!"
Qianyu immediately understood. The Mind's Eye of Kagura. One of the Uzumaki clan's signature abilities.
Kushina grabbed his hand and pulled him inside. "Grandma Mito missed you too! Let's go see her!"
As he was dragged along, Qianyu let out a nearly inaudible sigh.He didn't want to see Mito Uzumaki. He just wanted to spend time alone with Kushina.
But he saw her anyway.Compared to the last time he'd seen her, Mito Uzumaki now looked every bit the elderly woman she was.
Qianyu bowed. "Mito-sama."
Mito looked at him with kind eyes.Having taken a life, Qianyu's aura was entirely different nowâsharp, like an unsheathed blade.
"You've grown, Qianyu," Mito observed with a sigh.
Qianyu replied respectfully, "Before you, Mito-sama, I am merely a child."
Sensing the distance he maintained, Mito sighed softly. "Qianyu, there is no need to be so guarded around me."
Qianyu's brow furrowed slightly, his head still bowed. His reply remained formal. "You are my elder, Mito-sama."
The implication was clear: it was respect, not wariness.
Mito shook her head gently.As the JinchĆ«riki of the Nine-Tails, the fox's chakra had granted her the ability to perceive the nature of people's heartsâespecially their malice. She was acutely sensitive to ill intent.When they first met, Qianyu's demeanor had been nearly flawless, yet she had clearly sensed his wariness and distance.Now, she sensed the exact same thing from him again.
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