The Mizukage of Kirigakure died before Qianyu's eyes.
He watched the Third Mizukage's body. No real emotion. The foes he'd face in the future would be far stronger than this. So, no pride to be had. If he couldn't beat this guy, then he'd have some serious self-reflection to do.
Among the distant crowd still staring at the scene, Qianyu's gaze locked onto a boy with green hair and purple eyes.
He recognized him.
Yagura. The future Fourth Mizukage.
A few years after this kid took the hat, Obito Uchiha would twist him into a puppet. The 'Bloody Mist' policies under his control would make the Third's reign look merciful.
Qianyu offered the boy a faint, unreadable smile. Then he turned and walked away.
Yagura saw that smile. His expression tightened. No doubt about it—the smile was for him. But why? They'd never met. Never crossed paths on the battlefield.
He was already designated as Kirigakure's next jinchūriki. The elders had strictly forbidden him from joining the fight.
Qianyu's overwhelming power was now burned into his mind.
Qianyu walked over to Kakashi. "Can you walk?"
"I can!"
Kakashi tried to push himself up. He made it halfway before his legs gave out, dumping him back onto the ground.
"Alright, don't push yourself. I'll carry you."
He hoisted Kakashi onto his back and moved away from the battlefield.
Word of the Third Mizukage's death at Qianyu's hands spread like wildfire, reaching the Leaf's camp in Amegakure before Qianyu even returned.
By the time he arrived, Kakashi had mostly recovered.
Orochimaru summoned him. The Sannin's yellow eyes appraised him. "All these years… your growth continues to surprise me."
Qianyu smiled. "No matter how much I grow, you will always be my teacher, Lord Orochimaru. I have not forgotten your kindness."
Others might judge Orochimaru one way, but to Qianyu, the man's debt was real. Massive. All these years, Orochimaru had poured genuine effort into his training. That deserved repayment.
Orochimaru's thin lips curled. "It seems our paths will remain aligned." His expression sharpened. "Now, there's no time for rest. We have new intelligence from Konoha. Kumo and Suna have formed an alliance. They've declared war and are moving to invade the Land of Fire directly."
Qianyu's eyes narrowed. It was starting already. The final battle of this Great War.
"The new Fourth Raikage, A, is not a simple man," Orochimaru said, his voice cold. "He used his father's final command to withdraw from the war, then sat back and watched the carnage. He let everyone's guard down, building his strength, waiting for the perfect moment to strike the killing blow on his chosen target."
"So Konoha is the target," Qianyu stated, already knowing the answer.
"Correct," Orochimaru confirmed. "Frankly, Kumo cannot defeat Iwa. Kiri is an island chain, resource-poor, not worth the effort. Suna is famously destitute, even less appealing. Konoha, however, is weary from years of war. Even with recent improvements, we are at our most vulnerable. The perfect prey. To hedge his bets, A brought along Suna, who has coveted our lands for years. Rumor is they're blaming Konoha for the Third Kazekage's disappearance—a convenient pretext for war."
"And my assignment?" Qianyu asked. "Main force, or solo?"
"With your current strength, the main force would be a waste," Orochimaru decided. "You are to operate independently. Harass and strike at Kumo and Suna's rear lines. You have full autonomy. Your objective is simple: just kill."
"Understood."
Orochimaru stood. "Gather your things. We are abandoning our positions here in the Land of Rain. This will be the final campaign."
After leaving Orochimaru, Qianyu found Kakashi, briefed him, and they packed swiftly. They withdrew with the main force back into the Land of Fire.
By the time Qianyu and Kakashi reached Konoha, the combined forces of Kumo and Suna had already crossed the border.
Kushina Uzumaki had already left with the defense forces. No chance to see her.
Before heading to the front, Qianyu checked in with Orochimaru, then made his way to the Root headquarters. Officially, he was still one of Danzō Shimura's men.
He entered the familiar, dim office. Danzō was there.
Qianyu had come voluntarily, rather than waiting to be summoned. The gesture visibly pleased the older man. The boy—no, the man—standing before him was a different entity now. He had slain a Kage. That changed everything, elevating him into the highest tier of shinobi power. And this powerhouse still came to pay his respects. Danzō couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction.
"You continue to deliver surprises," Danzō said, leaning back. "To have killed the Third Mizukage himself…"
"Perhaps the Mizukage had grown lax in his training in recent years," Qianyu replied with practiced humility. "It was a fortunate strike."
Danzō waved a dismissive hand. "Lax or not, a Kage is the strongest their village has to offer. You killed him. That speaks for itself." He continued, "Your work regarding the Uchiha was also well-executed. Once this war concludes, our move against them should proceed smoothly. For this coming battle, will you be with the main force or operating independently?"
"Lord Orochimaru has assigned me to independent operations. Harassing the enemy's rear."
"A sound decision," Danzō nodded. "Your abilities are wasted in a formation."
After a brief, strategic discussion, Qianyu left the Root base and headed for the front lines.
Two days later.
The main forces of Konoha clashed with the allied army of Kumo and Suna. The battle was immediate, brutal.
Under the command of Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and others, the fighting was contained, the frontline solidifying at a strategic location.
Kikyō Pass.
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