Chapter 29: The Conspiracy Begins, the Start of the Clan Annihilation
A moment later, Kakashi Hatake brought Qianye to the Hokage Office.
"Hokage-sama," Qianye released Mirror Flower Water Moon, creating the illusion of kneeling on one knee.
After greeting, Kakashi left.
At this time, Hiruzen Sarutobi was puffing away at his pipe as usual. Seeing Qianye and Kakashi arrive, he extinguished his pipe, a warm and benevolent smile appearing on his face. "Qianye, you're here. Please get up, there's no need for such formality."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Qianye respectfully replied, controlling the illusion to stand up.
Next, Hiruzen Sarutobi began to ask Qianye about his well-being.
He talked about this and that.
He rambled on and on.
Although Qianye was very impatient, he maintained his persona as someone who admired the Third Hokage, playing along with the Old man.
Finally, after nearly half an hour of chatting and probing.
After Hiruzen Sarutobi confirmed that Qianye had become the 'fire will' inheritor in his mind, he finally introduced the main topic.
"Qianye, do you still remember the Nine-Tailed Fox Incident six years ago?"
"Of course I remember. My parents died in that natural disaster. But I was powerless, only able to watch them…"
Qianye used Mirror Flower Water Moon to display an extremely painful and sorrowful expression. As he spoke, his eyes reddened, and he even shed tears against his will.
Hiruzen Sarutobi took in Qianye's reaction, secretly pleased, and then let out a long sigh, saying, "Actually, that wasn't a natural disaster, but a man-made one."
"Man-made?" Qianye feigned fear and surprise.
"Yes, in fact, the Nine-Tailed Fox Incident six years ago was maliciously manipulated. And looking at the entire Ninja World, the only ones capable of controlling the Nine-Tailed are Shodai(1st)-sama's Wood Release, and the Uchiha Clan's Sharingan." As he spoke, Hiruzen Sarutobi recounted the prepared narrative.
"Hokage-sama, are you saying that this disaster was very likely caused by the Uchiha Clan?" Qianye's face showed terror as he continued his act.
"Although there is no conclusive evidence, we cannot rule out that possibility." Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed deeply, saying with heartfelt pain, "Since Shodai(1st)-sama's death, only the Uchiha Clan's Mangekyo Sharingan possesses this ability."
"Qianye, you are a smart child, so I think you should understand what I mean."
"I am willing to offer my heart to Hokage-sama and to Konoha." Qianye clenched his right fist and placed it on his chest, solemnly giving Hiruzen Sarutobi the answer he expected.
"Willing to offer your heart to me, huh?" Hiruzen Sarutobi repeated, nodding with satisfaction, and said gravely, "Qianye, from today onwards, I will assign you to Anbu, responsible for monitoring the Uchiha Clan. At the same time, I will release this news. When the Uchiha Clan hears about it, they will definitely try to win you over.
I need you to act as an undercover agent, reporting every move of the Uchiha Clan to me at all times.
At appropriate times, to gain their trust, with my permission, you may leak some unimportant information.
This is a top-secret mission I am entrusting to you. I hope you do not disclose this matter to anyone."
Upon hearing this, Qianye did not agree directly, but instead showed a troubled and conflicted expression.
Hiruzen Sarutobi subtly raised an eyebrow and asked gently, "What's wrong, Qianye? Do you have any concerns?"
Qianye nodded. "Hokage-sama, if the Nine-Tailed Fox Incident truly was caused by the Uchiha Clan, I hope Hokage-sama will only punish the instigators. For other innocent ordinary Ninja and civilians, I hope you can show leniency."
"Is it because of that little girl, Uchiha Izumi?" Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression suddenly relaxed upon hearing this. Not only was there no dissatisfaction in his heart, but he became even more delighted.
Earlier, he was still worried about what could restrain Fujiwara Chiye.
After all, Uchiha Itachi had Sasuke there.
Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't worried that Uchiha Itachi would dare to betray them.
But Qianye was different. He had no relatives, which meant he had no shackles to restrain him.
Now with a lover, Qianye would be even easier to control.
"You like that girl, don't you?" Hiruzen Sarutobi continued.
"Yes, Hokage-sama. During the Nine-Tailed Fox Incident, she was also a victim, losing her parents just like me." Qianye did not deny it.
Hiruzen Sarutobi said seriously, "I can assure you here and now that afterward, regardless of whether the Nine-Tailed Fox Incident is related to the Uchiha Clan, Uchiha Izumi's absolute safety will be guaranteed."
At the same time, he added in his heart: Of course, if the Uchiha Clan does anything else that harms the Village, then I cannot be blamed.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Qianye secretly sneered in his heart. You Old man, it would be a ghost if I believed you. In the original story, you didn't guarantee Sasuke's safety; if Uchiha Itachi hadn't threatened Danzo, Sasuke would probably be long gone.
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded and clapped his hands. Soon, an Anbu Ninja walked in from outside, knelt on one knee, and respectfully said, "Hokage-sama."
"From today onwards, Qianye is a member of Anbu. Take him to report," Hiruzen Sarutobi said.
"Yes, Hokage-sama," the Anbu Ninja respectfully replied and led Qianye away.
No sooner had Qianye left than the other three members of Konoha F4 entered. Danzo Shimura went straight to the point: "Hiruzen, how was it? Did the boy agree?"
"Yes, but he made one condition, which is to protect Uchiha Izumi no matter what happens afterward." Hiruzen Sarutobi turned and sat back behind his desk, lighting his pipe.
"Tch, I knew that boy would have a bias towards the Uchiha and wouldn't be wholeheartedly for the Village," Danzo Shimura scoffed.
Although he said this, he showed no sign of anger, because the moment Qianye proposed protecting Uchiha Izumi.
That also meant he lost the possibility of inheriting the position of Hokage.
Or rather, from the very beginning, Hiruzen Sarutobi had no intention of letting Qianye inherit the Hokage position.
It was entirely Danzo-sama overthinking things.
"Isn't this good?" Utatane Koharu interjected with a different opinion, "Having weaknesses is best for control. If someone is flawless and can even betray those they care about most, then I would actually doubt that child's loyalty."
"Koharu is right," Homura Mitokado said, nodding in agreement.
Thus, the Konoha F4 rarely stood on a unified front.
On the other side, the Anbu Ninja had already brought Qianye to the Anbu registration point.
"This will be your exclusive locker from now on," the Anbu Ninja pointed to a locker, then turned his gaze to a window not far away. "All your Anbu equipment is ready. You can go over there to pick it up later."
PS: Third update