Kushina Uzumaki finally understood what Qianyu had meant by 'success'.
Before Qianyu could explain, Miyuki Uzumaki spoke first. "Kushina," she said gently, "this was my choice. All of it. Lord Hokage asked me to study sealing with you and Lady Mito. When I showed talent—the Uzumaki physique, an affinity for seals—they decided I was the better candidate. They told me about the Nine-Tails. And I agreed."
Miyuki's voice was steady, sincere. "Being a jinchuriki isn't so bad. Lord Hokage promised to keep my identity secret. He promised me a better life. Don't you see? After Uzushiogakure fell… I had nothing. No home. No safety. Every day was fear. If anyone discovered my heritage…" She shook her head. "Konoha gave me shelter. Stability. I want to repay that. And I know how hard Qianyu fought for you. You're my only friend, Kushina. This helps everyone. It's perfect."
"Mi… Miyuki…" Kushina's vision blurred with tears.
Qianyu let out a soft breath. Good. Miyuki was covering for him. A favor owed.
Mito turned her gaze to Minato Namikaze. "Minato," she said, her voice fading but clear. "Look after Miyuki for me."
Minato's expression was iron. "I will."
After a few more quiet words to the four of them, Mito smiled faintly. "The future is yours now. It's time I went to join Hashirama. Go on. You all have things to do."
As Qianyu turned to leave, Mito's voice stopped him. "Qianyu. Don't forget our promise."
"I won't."
Kushina was quiet, her mood heavy. She said a subdued goodbye to Miyuki and walked home with Qianyu in silence.
Inside, she collapsed onto the sofa, curling into herself, face buried in her knees.
Qianyu sat beside her. He opened his mouth to speak—
Kushina lifted her head. Her eyes were red-rimmed, searching his face. The look she gave him made his gut twist with sudden guilt.
"Qianyu," she whispered, her voice thick. "You and Miyuki… you knew each other before, didn't you?"
His expression stiffened.
He saw the tears welling in her eyes again and sighed. No more lies. "I found her. I brought her to Konoha."
Kushina's eyes widened. She'd assumed they met here. That Qianyu learned of Miyuki's heritage and approached her. But this… he had sought her out.
He told her everything.
Kushina listened, stunned. Mito. Hiruzen. Danzō. All that pressure… and he faced it alone. For her.
She threw her arms around him, holding him tight. "Qianyu… thank you. But don't hide things from me. Not anymore. We should face things together. Always."
He gently smoothed her hair. "I'm sorry. I should have told you. When I saw you two become friends… I know how much you value that. I didn't know how to say it. I was afraid you'd think I was… calculating."
Kushina buried her face in his shoulder. "Never. I could never think that. It's just… Miyuki is taking my place. She's my friend. I feel so guilty. Qianyu, can't we—"
"No." He cut her off, his voice firm. "Absolutely not."
He held her shoulders, making her look at him. "If you feel you owe her, we'll repay her in other ways. What she said was true. When I found her in the Land of Grass, she was living on charity handouts, scared to death when I named her clan. If I hadn't brought her here, her life would have been misery. An Uzumaki—anyone with a special trait—alone in this world? You know what happens. We made a deal. She agreed to it. And now the Hokage has approved the change. Asking for another reversal is impossible. It's done, Kushina. Miyuki is the jinchuriki. And I will not allow anything to change that."
His tone left no room for argument. Nearly a decade of planning was finally within reach. He would not let it unravel. He would not let her become the vessel.
Kushina sighed, a deep, weary sound. She knew that tone. When Qianyu decided something, it was set in stone.
She pulled back and stood up from the couch. "Qianyu… what do you want for dinner?"
He smiled, relieved she was letting it go. "I'll come with you."
She shook her head. "I'll go alone. I want to visit Miyuki on the way."
"Alright. I'll wait here. Beef curry and miso soup, then."
"Okay." She managed a small smile. "Be good and wait for me."
Kushina arrived outside Miyuki's apartment just as Minato was leaving.
"See you tomorrow, Miyuki."
"Tomorrow, Minato. Oh—Kushina?"
Miyuki spotted her lingering behind Minato. He simply nodded a polite greeting and moved on. He knew his presence wasn't welcomed by either of them.
Miyuki hurried over. "Kushina? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with Qianyu? Come in, come in."
She ushered Kushina inside, poured her a glass of water, and sat across from her. "So? What's on your mind?"
Kushina set the glass down. She looked Miyuki straight in the eyes, her expression solemn. "Miyuki. I came to apologize. I'm so sorry."
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