The Camp.
Qianyu entered Orochimaru's room.
Three years had passed. Qianyu, now sixteen, had grown significantly, standing around 1.75 meters tall. The youthful softness had faded from his face. Orochimaru, however, hadn't changed at all.
Over the past three years, Orochimaru had begun his research in earnest. Qianyu had been helping him collect experimental materials.
The materials, naturally, were Cloud ninja.
Orochimaru looked up. "Qianyu. What is it?"
"I want to request a transfer to support the Land of Grass, Orochimaru-sensei," Qianyu replied. "You, Lord Jiraiya, and Minato Namikaze are here. My absence shouldn't impact things much. And… I have my own matters to attend to."
Orochimaru's brow furrowed briefly, then smoothed. "You're going to search for that surviving Uzumaki orphan. It is time. Lady Mito's health declines daily. Any later would be cutting it too close. What of your contingency plan? Is it ready? I require my current position. I may not be able to assist you."
The contingency plan—if Qianyu failed to find Karin's mother, his preparations to stop Kushina Uzumaki from becoming the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki.
Orochimaru suspected Qianyu might eventually clash with Konoha over Kushina. But he needed to remain hidden within the village for his experiments. Helping Qianyu risked exposure. His stance was clear.
"It should be ready by next year," Qianyu nodded. "Don't worry about me, sensei. I'll handle it."
"Good." Orochimaru inclined his head. "Remain here a few more days. As a jonin, you require official orders for a transfer. I will petition Konoha. The situation in the Land of Hot Water is relatively stable. They shouldn't refuse your redeployment to the Land of Grass."
After leaving Orochimaru's room, Qianyu summoned Kyōsuke Uchiha, Keiichi Uchiha, Ryūhei Uchiha, and Jinya Uchiha.
Because Qianyu never withheld their commendations, all four had been promoted from chunin to special jonin. Moreover, under his relentless pressure, their skills had improved dramatically.
"Captain!"
The four Uchiha were well-trained. When Qianyu said east, they never went west. If he ordered a charge into an enemy camp, they'd do it without hesitation now.
Qianyu's squad was infamous in the Land of Hot Water. Reckless. Brutal. No ninja they targeted was left alive. All were beheaded.
A faint smile touched Qianyu's eyes. "Congratulations. You're about to escape the hell I made for you."
The four looked at him, confused.
"I've requested a transfer from Orochimaru-sensei," Qianyu explained. "I'm being reassigned to the Land of Grass. So. You're free."
Keiichi Uchiha blinked. "So suddenly?"
Qianyu looked at him and scoffed. "Shouldn't you be happy?"
Keiichi lowered his head. He was surprised at first. But now… yes. He was happy.
Since becoming Qianyu's subordinates, they'd had no freedom. They were either killing, or on their way to kill. All four were nearing numbness. Qianyu's departure was the best news they'd heard in years. The pressure would finally ease.
Yet their feelings were complicated.
Qianyu was merciless. Demanding. Harsh, even. But he was dependable. After that first mission, he always took the most dangerous point alone. When they were in danger, he always appeared to support them. Each of them owed Qianyu their life several times over.
In their hearts, with Qianyu leading, no mission was impossible.
But the man was cold. All business. Never a word about anything personal. And the conflict between him and the Uchiha was irreconcilable. They'd tried to bridge the gap before. It failed. Met with Qianyu's sharp, scornful mockery. And fists. So after three years, their relationship remained purely professional.
Qianyu stretched his back. "My main goal was to take my frustrations out on you. But you've followed me for three years. A piece of advice, then. After I'm gone, don't follow that idiot, Kazuo Uchiha. His skills are mediocre, but he's utterly unaware. Thinks his Uchiha name makes him superior. Everyone here looks down on him. Hates him. Of course, you're his clansmen. Ignore this if you want. It's not an order. Consider it me sowing discord."
He paused. "But if you listen… consider serving under Minato Namikaze. Under him, you might have a future. A marginally better one, at least. That's all. From now on, we have no further relationship. Next time you see me, feel free to insult me like the rest of your clan. Mere insults won't provoke me. Vent all that resentment you've built up over the years."
He stood up. Turned to leave.
"Captain!" Kyōsuke Uchiha called out.
Qianyu stopped. Looked back. "I'll be here a few more days. I'm still your captain for now. Don't call me that after this. What is it?"
Kyōsuke gathered his courage. "Captain… why can't I reach your level with Thunder Breathing?"
Qianyu's smile turned enigmatic. He knew. Kyōsuke had trained relentlessly in Thunder Breathing for three years.
But none of them could ever reach his level. The crucial breathing method belonged to Qianyu alone.
"People's physiques are different," Qianyu said.
Then he left.
Kyōsuke stood frozen, mind reeling.People's physiques are different?Did that mean his talent was lacking? That's why he couldn't reach that level?How utterly discouraging.
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