Qianyu was deeply puzzled.
Miyuki Uzumaki had greeted him with "Nice to meet you." That meant she hadn't told Kushina Uzumaki he was the one who found her and brought her to Konoha.
Qianyu hadn't told Kushina about Miyuki for a simple reason: he didn't know how to explain it. Find a clansman for Kushina. Want that clansman to replace her as the jinchūriki. Kind-hearted Kushina would never agree to that. So, he'd been stuck, thinking of a way to break the news.
As for Miyuki, he didn't want her getting too close to Kushina. The closer they became, the harder it would be for Kushina to accept Miyuki taking her place as the Nine-Tails' vessel. Seeing them already so friendly? A major headache.
Right now, Qianyu couldn't figure out what Miyuki was playing at. He softened his voice, turning to Kushina. "Kushina, I just got back and haven't eaten a thing. Could you go buy me some food?" "Ah, you haven't eaten? Let's go to the market right now! We'll buy groceries and I'll cook for you at home!" Qianyu made a pained face. "I'm starving. Like, can't-walk-straight starving. I need something now to tide me over. Can you go grab something? Please?" Kushina turned to Miyuki. "Alright then. Miyuki, let's go together." Qianyu opened his mouth to object, but Miyuki shook her head with a smile, cutting him off. "Kushina, you've talked about Qianyu so much. I have a few questions for him. Want to see if he's really worthy of you." Miyuki said she wanted to see if he was truly worthy of her. Kushina's face flushed red. She mumbled, "Qianyu's a good person. Of course he is." Qianyu clutched his stomach dramatically. "Kushina… I'm so hungry." "Okay, okay! Qianyu, you wait here with Miyuki. I'll be right back!"
The moment Kushina was out of sight, Qianyu's expression froze over. "Follow me." He led Miyuki into a nearby alley. His Observation Haki flared, confirming no one watched. His voice was ice. "Why?" Miyuki studied his cold face. "Just like the rumors. Really does give off an unapproachable vibe. The way you were with Kushina just now… I almost thought those rumors were wrong. Seems that gentle face only comes out for her." "Answer me," Qianyu demanded, tone sharp. Miyuki's gaze drifted toward where Kushina was buying food. A small smile touched her lips. "I held a deep grudge against Konoha. I saw the Whirlpool Country fall with my own eyes, and their ally, Konoha, did nothing. So, at first, I was wary of Kushina too, for joining this village. "But she's clan. She showed me nothing but kindness. Gradually, I let my guard down. We talked. Really talked. "From our conversations, I learned she came to Konoha under false pretenses. She thought the village was taking her in out of charity. There was an ulterior motive. "At the time, I didn't know what that motive was. Kushina wouldn't say. But she said you were working yourself to the bone for her sake. It hurt her to see it. She wanted to fight alongside you, but felt useless. "Later, I figured it out. The reason you sought me out had to be tied to that same motive Konoha had for bringing Kushina here. "As a member of the Uzumaki clan, I know of Lady Mito. I know she was the First Hokage's wife. And the Nine-Tails jinchūriki. "So, it wasn't hard to put together. Kushina is the next vessel. And you found me, her clanswoman, to take her place. Am I wrong?" Qianyu stared at her, brow deeply furrowed. "So after figuring that out, you decided to befriend her. Knowing Kushina's nature, if she learned you were here to replace her, she'd refuse." Miyuki pressed her lips together. "If that was truly my goal, wouldn't it be better to just tell her you brought me here? Kushina's smart. She'd connect the dots herself." "Then what do you want?" Qianyu pressed. Miyuki let out a soft, incredulous laugh. "Do you really not see it? Or do you just refuse to believe it? Can't you think positively for once?" "This is about Kushina," Qianyu stated, deadly serious. "I don't tolerate any surprises. There's no such thing as being too careful." Miyuki looked back at Kushina in the distance. "I'm a little envious of her, you know. Since you want an answer, I'll be direct. I am willing to replace Kushina as the jinchūriki." Qianyu started to speak, but Miyuki continued. "And I bet your next question is 'why.' I like Kushina. Not just because she's clan. Because she's my friend. I don't want her to bear that burden either. "Also, my grudge against Konoha… it's deep. But they have given me a stable life here. Consider this my repayment for you bringing me. "So, when the time comes, I won't refuse. And I'll tell Kushina it was my choice." Qianyu looked at her for a long moment. "If that's true… then that's for the best. Thank you. And you have my word. With your Uzumaki physique and the sealing techniques you're learning, becoming the jinchūriki won't endanger you. Konoha will protect you with everything it has." Miyuki offered him a faint smile and said nothing more. Kushina returned, food in hand, and found them. "What are you two doing back here?" Qianyu's expression melted back into warmth. "The street was too noisy. Could barely hear each other. Came here to talk." "Oh?" Kushina didn't question it further. She handed Qianyu a stick of tri-color dango. "Here, eat quickly. Just to hold you over. I'll make something proper when we get home." Qianyu took a bite. "Alright. I'll be looking forward to your cooking tonight." Kushina planted her hands on her hips, humming proudly. "Just don't try to eat the plate too!" Laughing and talking, Qianyu and Kushina walked ahead. Miyuki watched them, a trace of longing in her eyes. A person who had always been alone, always struggling to survive… she too wished for someone who would protect her without hesitation, the way Qianyu did for Kushina. Kushina noticed Miyuki lagging behind. She turned and waved. "Miyuki, let's go!" Miyuki's smile returned, genuine and warm. "Coming."
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