Chapter 127: A Web of Good Intentions
Kagenori's mind was a whirlwind of confusion and suspicion. Uzumaki Miyuki's casual "first meeting" was a clear signal—she had not told Kushina the truth. Kagenori himself had kept the secret, unable to find the words to explain to Kushina that he had hunted down one of her last living kin to serve as a sacrificial lamb in her place. The kind-hearted Kushina would never accept such a cold, pragmatic trade.
Seeing the two red-haired women together, looking like sisters, filled him not with warmth, but with a cold dread. The closer they became, the more impossible his plan would be to execute. And he couldn't fathom Miyuki's angle. What was her game?
He forced a gentle tone, a mask he wore only for Kushina. "Kushina, I haven't eaten a thing since I got back. Could you go buy me something?"
Her concern was immediate. "You haven't eaten? Let's go to the market! I'll cook for you as soon as we get home."
He manufactured a look of pained hunger. "I'm starving now. I can barely walk. I need something right away. Could you go get it for me?"
"Of course!" Kushina turned to Miyuki. "Miyuki, let's go."
Before Kagenori could intervene, Miyuki smiled and shook her head. "Kushina, you speak of Kagenori so often. I have some questions for him. I need to see for myself if he is truly worthy of you."
Kushina's cheeks flushed crimson. "K-Kagenori is a very good person! He's definitely worthy!" she stammered.
Playing his part, Kagenori clutched his stomach. "Kushina, I'm so hungry."
"Alright, alright! You two wait here for me. I'll be right back!" she said, darting off toward the food stalls.
The moment she was out of sight, Kagenori's expression hardened into ice. "With me. Now."
He led Miyuki into a secluded alley. His Observation Haki swept the area, confirming they were alone. "Why?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.
Miyuki studied his cold face, a stark contrast to the gentle mask he'd worn moments before. "Just like the rumors say. You really are difficult to approach. The way you were with Kushina… I almost thought the stories were wrong. It seems your warmth is reserved for her alone."
"Answer the question," he bit out.
Miyuki's gaze drifted to where Kushina was happily selecting food. "I held a deep prejudice against Konoha. I saw Uzushiogakure burn while our 'ally' stood by and watched. So, I was wary of Kushina at first, too. But she… she was so full of genuine kindness. We're the last of our clan. I let my guard down. We talked. We became true friends."
She looked back at Kagenori. "During our talks, I learned she was deceived when she came to Konoha. She thought it was an act of charity. She didn't know their real purpose, but she knew you were working tirelessly for her. She feels guilty that she can't help you more."
Miyuki's eyes grew sharp. "Later, I pieced it together. The reason you sought me out, a fellow Uzumaki, must be tied to Konoha's purpose for Kushina. As an Uzumaki, I know of Lady Mito. I know she was the First Hokage's wife and the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. It wasn't hard to deduce that Kushina is the next vessel. You found me to be her replacement. Am I right?"
Kagenori's frown deepened. "So, after figuring it out, you befriend her? If Kushina knew I planned for you to take her place, she would never allow it."
"If I wanted to sabotage you," Miyuki countered calmly, "wouldn't it be easier to just tell her you were the one who brought me here? She's clever. She'd connect the dots instantly."
"Then what is your goal?" he pressed, his patience thinning.
Miyuki let out a soft, sad laugh. "Can't you see the good in people? Or do you just refuse to believe it? Must everything be a scheme?"
"This involves Kushina's life," Kagenori stated, his voice granite. "I will not take any chances. I will be cautious to a fault."
A look of genuine emotion crossed Miyuki's face as she watched Kushina in the distance. "I find myself envying her." She turned her full attention back to Kagenori. "Since you demand a direct answer, here it is: I am willing to replace Kushina as the Jinchuriki."
Before he could question her motive, she continued, "And I suppose you want to know why. I like Kushina. Not just as a clansman, but as a friend. I don't want that fate for her. And while my hatred for Konoha runs deep, you… you at least gave me stability. A life. This is my repayment for that. If I am needed as the vessel, I will not refuse. And I will tell Kushina it was my choice, not your design."
Kagenori searched her face, looking for any hint of deception. He found none, only a weary resignation and a flicker of fierce protectiveness that mirrored his own. "If you mean that… then it is better than I could have hoped. Thank you." He felt a sliver of the immense weight on his shoulders lift. "You have my word. With your Uzumaki physique and the sealing arts you're mastering, you will not be in danger. Konoha will protect its investment."
Miyuki offered him a small, knowing smile but said nothing more.
Just then, Kushina returned, holding a stick of dango. "What are you two doing back here?"
Kagenori's face instantly softened back into the gentle mask. "The main street was too noisy. It was hard to hear each other. We came here to talk."
"Oh!" Kushina accepted the simple explanation and handed him the dango. "Here, eat this. It'll hold you over. I'll make a proper meal when we get home."
He took a bite, the sweetness a stark contrast to the bitter conversation he'd just had. "I'll look forward to it, Kushina."
She put her hands on her hips, feigning sternness. "Just don't lick the plate clean later!"
As Kagenori and Kushina walked ahead, chatting and laughing, Miyuki trailed behind them. A profound loneliness settled in her chest as she watched them. She had spent her life alone, fighting to survive. She couldn't help but yearn for someone who would protect her with the same single-minded, ruthless devotion that Kagenori showed for Kushina.
Noticing Miyuki lagging behind, Kushina turned and waved, her smile brilliant and unburdened. "Miyuki, come on! Let's go home!"
Miyuki's lonely expression melted into a genuine, if bittersweet, smile. "I'm coming."
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