Evening.
Inside the house, Qianyu, Kushina Uzumaki, and Miyuki Uzumaki were having dinner.
"So, Qianyu," Kushina asked. "How many days can you stay in Konoha this time?"
A trace of apology colored his voice. "This return is under orders. I have to leave again tomorrow. Sorry, Kushina. Can't stay longer."
She pouted. "Why are you apologizing to me? If it's official business, there's no choice, right?"
He smiled. "Good. Once the frontlines aren't so tight, I'll take some leave. Come back and really spend time with you."
Kushina beamed. "Okay. I'll be here, waiting for you."
Miyuki shoveled another mouthful of rice. Should've just eaten somewhere else. Here she was, a giant, glowing third wheel. Awkward.
Finally, dinner ended. Miyuki mumbled some excuse and practically fled the scene.
The next morning.
"All packed, Qianyu?" "Yeah, all set. I'm heading out, Kushina." "Wait…" She stepped in front of him, reaching up to smooth his collar.
His eyes never left her face, making her flush. "What? Why are you staring like that?"
He struck—a quick, sneaky kiss on her cheek. "Wait for me, Kushina." Her face went scarlet. She rested her forehead against his chest. "I will."
Qianyu left home and headed for the Root headquarters.
Danzō saw him arrive on time and gave a slight, satisfied nod. "You're here. Good. We move." Dressed in full ninja gear, a ninjato strapped to his back, Danzō led Qianyu out of the village.
In a forest just beyond Konoha's borders, Danzō stopped.
Qianyu's Observation Haki flared. Around them… roughly thirty presences.
"Show yourselves," Danzō commanded.
Thirty figures materialized from the shadows, dropping to one knee behind him. All Root operatives.
If this many had left the village at once, Hiruzen Sarutobi would have noticed. So Danzō had ordered them out days ago, in small, covert groups. They'd been waiting here, hidden.
Danzō's voice was ice. "To the Village Hidden in the Rain!"
Days later, they arrived.
Outside the perpetually drizzling village, Hanzo of the Salamander appeared to meet them, a dozen Rain nin at his back.
Hanzo crossed his arms. "Danzō. You came." "Of course," Danzō replied. "A deal was struck. I keep my appointments. Are you prepared?" Hanzo nodded once. "All is ready. Tomorrow is the day of the 'peace talks' with that Akatsuki rabble. We move then. My forces are positioned. Follow me."
His gaze lingered on Qianyu for an extra beat. The Blood-Eyed Asura's reputation was spreading. His face was now known to every village's upper echelons.
Hanzo led Danzō, Qianyu, and the Root contingent into one of his secure bases.
Once inside, Hanzo addressed Danzō. "We should talk." Danzō inclined his head. "Agreed." He glanced back. "Qianyu, you as well." "Yes, Lord Danzō."
The three entered a private room. Hanzo and Danzō took seats. Qianyu stood silently behind his master.
Hanzo's eyes flicked to Qianyu again. "Impressive, Danzō. To have the Blood-Eyed Asura under your command."
Danzō ignored the comment. "What did you wish to discuss?" Hanzo steepled his fingers. "Merely to reconfirm the terms of our partnership." Danzō's brow furrowed slightly. "I help you maintain your rule over the Rain Village. You support my bid for the Hokage's seat. Is there a problem?" "No problem," Hanzo said, shaking his head. "Only confirmation." Danzō scoffed. "Do not concern yourself. The men I brought are elites. This Akatsuki is a disorganized group of idealists. They are nothing." "Good," Hanzo said. "Once this is done, you will have my full support in your bid for the Hokage seat."
They discussed a few more tactical details for the next day's operation before Hanzo departed, leaving Danzō and Qianyu alone in the room.
Danzō spoke without turning. "Your thoughts. On my ambition for the Hokage's seat."
Qianyu's reply was immediate, toneless. "It is not my place to consider. I follow your orders, Lord Danzō. I will fight whoever you need me to fight."
A faint, satisfied smirk touched Danzō's lips. "After this matter concludes, I will speak to Hiruzen about changing the vessel for the Nine-Tails."
Qianyu bowed. "Thank you, Lord Danzō."
Early the next morning.
The Root ninja Danzō had brought were already concealed at the designated meeting point, waiting. Qianyu, of course, remained at his side.
Meanwhile, the leader of Akatsuki, Yahiko, was leading his members toward the same location, hope blazing in his chest.
He turned to his companions, unable to contain his excitement. "Nagato! Konan! I heard Hanzo-sama himself has invited dignitaries from Fire, Wind, and Earth to discuss a real peace proposal! Can you believe it? Our work—it's finally bearing fruit! If this passes… maybe peace is closer than we think!"
Nagato sighed, ever the cautious one. "Don't get your hopes up, Yahiko. The Great Nations aren't that simple. Peace won't come from one meeting. Things might not go as you imagine."
"Just them agreeing to sit down and talk is a huge step!" Yahiko countered, undeterred. "If once isn't enough, we try twice! If twice isn't enough, we try three times! We'll get there eventually! Right, Konan?"
Konan offered a soft smile. "I believe in you, Yahiko. You'll make it happen."
Yahiko glanced back at the ranks of Akatsuki members following them, his confidence swelling. "I believe it too! After all, we have so many comrades who share our dream! How can we fail?"
His heart was full of infinite hope for the future.
Then—a disturbance from the rear of their column.
Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan spun around. Their expressions shattered.
Their comrades, their friends… were being slaughtered. Cut down by ninja. By their fellow countrymen from the Village Hidden in the Rain.
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