In the Root office.
Danzō stated plainly his desire to recruit Qianyu into Root.
Qianyu met Danzō's gaze. "Lord Danzō, may I ask you a question?"
Danzō nodded. "Go ahead."
Qianyu got straight to the point. "Are you asking me to pick a side?"
His status was no longer that of an outsider. Now, Qianyu was a prize everyone wanted. Since Danzō was being direct, he would be direct in return.
His purpose was clear: if you want my allegiance, what's in it for me? No one joins Root and works for free.
Danzō's eyes narrowed slightly. "I do indeed wish for you to stand with me. So, what is it you want?"
"I wish to change the vessel for the Nine-Tails," Qianyu said, his voice serious. "As you know, Lord Danzō, I have always sought to prevent Kushina from becoming the jinchūriki. Miyuki Uzumaki is of the same clan, with comparable talent. I hear her sealing techniques progress smoothly. The vessel does not have to be Kushina. Furthermore, my Mangekyō Sharingan can control a tailed beast."
Danzō didn't answer immediately. He had anticipated this demand. Qianyu was right—the vessel wasn't set in stone.
"And in return?" Danzō asked. "What can you offer?"
Qianyu's tone was heavy. "If Kushina is spared this fate, I will stand firmly behind you from this day forward. I will obey your commands, and yours alone. I will become your most loyal subordinate."
Danzō studied him. On value alone, Qianyu was worth the price. He knew of the boy's infiltration into Kumogakure, the release of the Eight-Tails. Securing Qianyu's loyalty meant securing a key to control the tailed beasts themselves.
But to agree so easily? That wasn't his style.
"This matter requires consideration," Danzō said slowly. "And it depends on your performance. I must see your loyalty firsthand. An opportunity arises. I am traveling to Amegakure. You will accompany me as my guard."
Amegakure. Qianyu's eyes sharpened. So, Danzō was making his move against the Akatsuki now.
"As you command, Lord Danzō," Qianyu bowed. "I am at your disposal."
The Akatsuki of this era was not the terrorist organization it would one day become; it was a group aspiring to create peace without resorting to extreme force. In these turbulent times, its ranks had swelled and its reputation spread. Amegakure's strategic location, wedged between the warring lands of Fire, Earth, and Wind, made the Akatsuki's dream of ending the Third Shinobi World War a plausible one. Sunagakure was leaderless, its Third Kazekage missing and its will to fight gone. Konoha, under Hiruzen Sarutobi, would gladly end the war through negotiation. Iwagakure, one of the war's instigators, would be harder to sway—but not impossible, given the right incentive.
Such an end to the war was unacceptable to Danzō. Conflict made Konoha stronger, richer, more dominant. And now, Konoha's position was improving. He had successfully poisoned the mind of Amegakure's leader, Hanzō of the Salamander, whispering that the Akatsuki would inevitably usurp his rule. Hanzō, who had long abandoned his youthful ideals for the preservation of his own power and life, had been an easy mark. He already harbored suspicions; Danzō merely gave him the push.
This trip to Amegakure meant one thing: the eradication of Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan.
And that… was a major event. A source of Witness Points.
For Qianyu, it was a perfect opportunity.
Danzō's reason for bringing him was simple: this operation was unknown to Hiruzen Sarutobi. The Hokage would seek peace. Danzō would not let Konoha settle for the losses it had suffered; they would reclaim their advantage through continued war. By bringing Qianyu, he would bind the boy to him. In the eyes of others, Qianyu would be irrevocably marked as Danzō's man. He would have no choice but to serve.
As for the Nine-Tails? Danzō didn't care if the jinchūriki was Kushina or Miyuki. With Qianyu and his Mangekyō, the beast was his regardless. Exchanging the vessel for Qianyu's absolute loyalty was a trivial price.
"Return to Root tomorrow at noon," Danzō commanded. "We depart for Amegakure."
"Yes, Lord Danzō."
Qianyu withdrew. Both men were satisfied with the exchange. With Danzō's support, saving Kushina was almost certain. And a trip to Amegakure meant Witness Points.
…
After leaving, Qianyu headed home.
On the street, he spotted a familiar figure. His expression immediately tightened.
Walking beside Kushina was Miyuki Uzumaki.
And they were… arm in arm. They looked close. Friendly.
"Qianyu!"
Kushina saw him, waved excitedly, and ran over. "Qianyu! You're back?"
"Just returned today," he replied with a smile. "You weren't home, so I left a note. Out shopping?"
"Yeah! Qianyu, listen—one of my clansmen came to Konoha! Let me introduce you!" Clearly unaware that Qianyu was the one who found Miyuki, Kushina eagerly pulled the other girl forward. "Miyuki, this is Qianyu, the one I've been telling you about."
Miyuki Uzumaki met his eyes, her expression calm. "A pleasure to meet you. I am Miyuki Uzumaki."
Qianyu paused for a fraction of a second. "…Likewise. A pleasure."
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