Qianyu and Orochimaru spent hours in the tent, deep in discussion.
He found himself getting drawn in, offering suggestion after suggestion.
By the time they finished, it was already the dead of night.
Their provisional plan for a raid on Hot Water Country? Orochimaru decided to execute it the following evening.
As the discussion wrapped up, Orochimaru spoke. "Qianyu. You were wrong about one thing."
Through the planning session, Qianyu had learned an immense amount. The plans he'd proposed were riddled with holes, potential points of failure. Orochimaru had methodically solved every single one.
So hearing he'd been wrong about something else? Felt normal. If Orochimaru mentioned it, he probably already had a solution.
"Of course," Qianyu agreed readily. "My methods were far from perfect. Which part was the problem, Orochimaru-sensei?"
Orochimaru shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I'm not talking about the plan. The current plan, in my view, is the best we can possibly achieve."
"Not the plan?" Qianyu's brow furrowed. "Then what?"
Orochimaru's expression turned serious. "Earlier, you said the Leaf's reinforcement was just me. That was wrong. The reinforcement isn't just me. It's you. Your judgment of the situation… it genuinely surprised me.
"For a leader, strength isn't the only measure. The true metrics are vision and the ability to read the battlefield. You have that potential.
"In my eyes, this war will be your springboard. You will become a pivotal figure in this conflict. Your name will be known across the shinobi world."
Qianyu didn't bother pretending anymore. He smiled back, just as sharp. "Fame sounds perfect."
A perfect understanding passed between them, unspoken.
If Qianyu made a name for himself in this war, entering the Leaf's inner circle would be the natural next step.
And Orochimaru? He needed an ally in that same circle. Someone to help him… obscure certain activities.
…
Qianyu left the tent, intending to get some rest.
Days of hard travel, then diving straight into planning with Orochimaru—he was tired. And tomorrow night was the raid.
His assigned tent was waiting.
As he walked toward it, his eyes narrowed.
Up ahead, standing in his path, was Minato Namikaze.
It looked like he was waiting. For him.
Why? Qianyu couldn't fathom it. They had nothing to say to each other.
Minato approached, his face wearing its usual sunny smile. "Qianyu. Sorry I didn't greet you earlier. It's been a while."
Qianyu raised an eyebrow. "And that matters because?"
The smile didn't falter, though Minato paused. "We're comrades from the same village. Rivals at the Academy. I've always considered you a friend."
A smirk tugged at Qianyu's lips. Brutally honest. "I don't have friends. And actually? I really don't like you."
The smile finally vanished. "Why? Is it because of what happened at the Academy? That was years ago."
Qianyu let out a short, derisive laugh. "Years ago means I should forget? I hold grudges. I keep a tally of every single debt. If I can collect on the spot, I do. If not, I wait for my chance."
Minato studied him. "Is this about Kushina? Those two boys were punished. Why hold onto it? We're from the same village. Even if we're not friends, we're comrades."
The smirk turned sardonic. "How magnanimous of you, Minato. But then again, you're so popular, aren't you? Friends with everyone. Someone on the fringes like me, clinging to what you see as a petty grudge… you must think I'm unreasonable."
"I never said that," Minato said, frowning. "I don't think that."
"Minato," Qianyu said, voice dripping with mockery. "You're a hypocrite in my eyes. You're probably thinking I'm just biased, that I'm calling you a hypocrite because I dislike you. But your actions? They fit the bill perfectly."
Minato's frown deepened. "What have I done to make you see me that way?"
"Forget the past. Let's talk about now," Qianyu countered. "You objected to my plan earlier. Because it might cause casualties, right?"
Minato remained silent for a moment, then gave a slow nod.
Qianyu spread his hands. "See? Proof of your hypocrisy."
Minato looked genuinely confused. "How is caring about casualties proof of hypocrisy?"
Qianyu sighed, shaking his head in exasperation. "I don't know if you're truly this naive or just pretending. The situation in Hot Water was dire before we arrived. Let it continue, and the sacrifices will only grow.
"This plan, if it works, stops the Cloud in their tracks. It breaks our stalemate. Future casualties will plummet.
"If we don't change tactics, don't push the line… forget the people dying here. If a full-scale war breaks out and the Cloud breaches the Land of Fire's border, breaks through into the heartland… how many do you think will die then?
"You can do basic math, right? The casualties here versus the people inside the Land of Fire. Which is heavier?"
Minato's expression hardened. "Qianyu, they're people. Not numbers!"
Qianyu stared at him. Then he started to laugh. It began as a chuckle, then grew louder, wilder, until he was bent over, clutching his stomach, gasping for breath.
"Minato… Minato," he wheezed between laughs. "I take it back. You're not a hypocrite. You're just genuinely, painfully kind."
Minato stayed silent, but his displeasure was plain on his face.
When the laughter finally subsided, Qianyu straightened up. "Look, Minato. I know you don't like me either. Two people who can't stand each other—let's drop the act. You're only talking to me now because we might have to fight together. You're trying to 'manage the asset.'
"So let's leave it at that. I don't want to talk anymore. I need rest."
He stepped past Minato without another glance and walked straight to his tent.