In the Hokage's office within the Hokage Tower, Qianyu found himself before Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzō.
Qianyu produced the scroll given to him by Orochimaru and handed it to the Hokage. "Lord Hokage. From Orochimaru-sensei. It's a compiled report on the current situation in the Land of Hot Water."
Hiruzen accepted the scroll and began to read.
Danzō's gaze settled on Qianyu, his voice carrying the dry, probing tone of a man always digging for leverage. "I heard you led a squad of four Uchiha in the Land of Hot Water."
Qianyu gave a slight nod. "That is correct, Lord Danzō. On Orochimaru-sensei's orders, I served as team captain."
Danzō's eyes narrowed. "Only because of Orochimaru's orders?"
"Yes. Only because of Orochimaru-sensei's orders," Qianyu repeated, his tone flat.
A moment of silence stretched. Then Danzō asked, bluntly, "What is your opinion of the Uchiha clan?"
Qianyu's eyes flickered with wariness. This is a loyalty test. Danzō wanted to confirm his stance. But for a Jonin to offer any opinion on a major clan here, positive or negative, was a political minefield.
"Your feud with that clan was… significant," Danzō pressed, his face expressionless. "Since you accepted this assignment, has that matter been resolved?"
"The mission came first," Qianyu answered coolly. "Personal conflicts are irrelevant compared to the village's needs."
A man like Danzō heard the unspoken words perfectly: the feud wasn't over. He'd just done his job.
A faint, cold smile touched Danzō's lips. "Qianyu, was it? You show promise. Have you considered joining my Root division?"
Qianyu's mind went blank for a split second. He's recruiting me? Right in front of the Hokage?
Before he could formulate a polite refusal, Hiruzen's voice cut in, cheerful. He had finished the scroll. "Now, now, Danzō. Qianyu is one of our pillars on the battlefield. He needs to remain active there, not disappear into Root. Besides, the situation in Hot Water is stable. The other fronts are holding. We can finally afford to send more Genin to the front for experience, to build our strength."
Danzō snorted. "Don't be so optimistic. My Root operatives report that the old fossil from Iwagakure has already sent envoys to Kirigakure. Your own diplomats were turned away, but Kiri received Iwa's people. This suggests a potential alliance. If Kiri formally sides with Iwa, we'll face a coalition of Earth, Lightning, and Mist directly at our gates."
Hiruzen sighed, the cheer leaving his face. "I am aware. But after so much grim news, a little optimism is permissible. As for the Iwa-Kiri situation, it's not entirely bleak."
"Oh?" Danzō's interest sharpened. "What have you heard?"
"You know of the 'Bloody Mist' policy the Third Mizukage instituted?" Hiruzen asked, taking a long pull from his pipe.
Danzō nodded. "A selection process to breed stronger shinobi. Brutal, but effective."
"According to our intelligence from within Kiri," Hiruzen continued, smoke curling from his lips, "the policy has produced elite fighters. But the casualty rate among the rest is unsustainable. If it continues, Kirigakure will face a critical shortage of deployable forces."
Danzō's brow furrowed. "You believe they won't join Iwa?"
"On the contrary, if the benefit is great enough, they will," Hiruzen corrected. "But their potential manpower shortage is our opportunity. Do you think Ōnoki of Iwa or A of Kumo are the type to carry dead weight? If Kiri becomes a liability…"
"Ōnoki and A might cut them loose," Danzō finished, a spark of understanding in his eye. "And we could… sway Kiri to our side?"
"The future is uncertain," Hiruzen said, exhaling another cloud. "But Kirigakure is a potential point of pressure. And Ōnoki is never content for long. Our position is not hopeless. We have options."
He turned his attention back to Qianyu, his expression shifting to one of paternal apology. "My apologies, Qianyu. We got carried away." From a drawer, he retrieved another scroll. "Your transfer orders. You are being reassigned to the front in the Land of Grass."
Qianyu accepted the scroll with a bow. "Thank you, Lord Hokage."
"One more thing," Hiruzen added. "Orochimaru mentioned you are forgoing a standard three-man Genin team this time? You wish to take on a single apprentice?"
Qianyu delivered his prepared reasoning. "Yes, Lord Hokage. My combat style relies on high mobility, which is ill-suited to leading a full squad. A single apprentice I can instruct directly on the battlefield would be more effective."
Hiruzen nodded, his expression kindly. "A sensible approach. The Academy's graduation exams are in two days. You may select a graduate as your pupil then."
"Understood." Qianyu bowed again, keeping his head slightly lowered. "Then, Lord Hokage, Lord Danzō, I will take my leave."
"Go on."
Once the office door closed behind him, Qianyu let out a long, controlled breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
Danzō. Of all people to run into. And the man had tried to recruit him on the spot. It was audacious.
This was their first meeting, but Danzō's reputation was carved into Qianyu's mind like stone. A frown touched his lips. Now I'm officially on his radar. He's marked me.
The man had no lines he wouldn't cross. From now on, Qianyu would have to watch his back even within Konoha's walls.
As he stepped out of the Hokage Tower, the tension eased from his shoulders. A smile returned to his face, genuine this time, as he turned his steps toward Mito Uzumaki's residence.
Back in the office, the atmosphere thickened the moment the door clicked shut.
Danzō's voice was low, his earlier probing tone replaced by pure calculation. "What is your assessment?"
Hiruzen blinked. "Of what?"
"Of the Uchiha clan," Danzō said, his expression darkening.
Hiruzen's face hardened instantly. "Danzō. Konoha needs the Uchiha's strength on the battlefield. Now is not the time."
"And after the war?" Danzō pressed, his voice a chilling reminder. "Their eagerness in this conflict isn't born of patriotism. It's a bid to reclaim political influence. You know the threat they represent. We must begin planning for it. Now."
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