Qianyu left.
Minato Namikaze stood there for a long time.
His mind was a mess. He turned things over and over, but he just couldn't make sense of Qianyu.
"Minato."
Jiraiya appeared before him. He'd heard every word of the conversation.
"Sensei," Minato asked, voice hollow. "Was I wrong? I don't think I was. They are our comrades. I want them to live. And I've never hesitated against the enemy."
Jiraiya placed a hand on his student's shoulder. "You weren't wrong, Minato. And neither was Qianyu. This is war. War has sacrifices. There's no perfect path where everyone walks away.
"Qianyu… he's a lot like Orochimaru. Coldly rational. They plan based on what gives the best advantage in the moment. No room for sentiment. If the gain outweighs the cost, the cost becomes irrelevant.
"You and I… we're alike. We don't want to abandon a comrade until the very last second. We want everyone to make it home.
"But… this is the battlefield. You've been here long enough, Minato. You should know by now. No war is fought without loss. We have to bury our feelings, just for a while. Act with reason. We all fight for Konoha. But don't doubt yourself. You are better than Qianyu."
Minato looked up, confused. Better? Not in strength, surely.
Jiraiya grinned. "You've inherited the Will of Fire, Minato. That selfless spirit. You care for the village. You see everyone in Konoha as your comrade, your family. You want to protect them all.
"That boy Qianyu, like Orochimaru… he's detached. Extreme. A lone wolf. He doesn't walk beside anyone.
"Someone like him… he's a 'general' on the shogi board. Powerful, decisive. But someone like you? You're the 'jade king.' The piece that leads all the others. The one the generals protect.
"In other words… you've got the makings of a Hokage."
Minato blinked, stunned. A Hokage? Him?
"Sensei, I'm… I'm nowhere near that level."
Jiraiya laughed, a loud, booming sound. "Of course you're not! That's why you have to work harder! Strive to become that 'king' who can command his 'generals'!"
He leaned in close, dropping his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "You want speed, right? I pulled some strings with the old man. Got you permission to learn a jutsu from the Scroll of Seals.
"The Second Hokage's creation. A space-time ninjutsu. The Flying Thunder God Technique. Master that, and you'll be the fastest man in the shinobi world."
Minato's throat tightened. "Sensei…"
Jiraiya gave him a solid slap on the back. "I'm your teacher, aren't I? Now, go get some rest. We've got a hard fight tomorrow night. If we want fewer casualties, we need to be sharper. Take the pressure off the others."
The Next Day.
Every Konoha shinobi left in the Land of Hot Water assembled. Less than a hundred. They'd started with over a hundred and fifty. War had taken its cut.
Orochimaru's serpentine eyes swept over them. Most people would flinch under that cold gaze. Not these ones.
These men and women burned with a feverish energy. They stared at Orochimaru, eyes bright with anticipation. Weeks of retreat. Weeks of frustration. Now, with two of the Legendary Three here, ready to strike back? Hell yeah they were excited.
"Now," Orochimaru's voice cut the air. "Form up by your specialty."
The ninja shuffled into groups.
Fire Release users formed the largest block. Earth and Water were next, roughly equal. Lightning users followed. Wind users were the fewest.
Five genjutsu specialists. Three sensor types.
"You know the objective," Orochimaru announced. "Tonight, we raid Yugakure. This operation will dictate all future actions in this country. Every one of you is vital. You will follow your assigned roles exactly.
"Phase One: Sensor units, scout the village's interior prior to entry.
"Phase Two: Jiraiya and I will infiltrate first. We cause maximum chaos in the most populated zones. Draw their attention.
"Phase Three: Earth Release teams, move in. Use your jutsu to split the battlefield. Isolate Cloud and Hot Water shinobi. Prevent large formations.
"Phase Four: Earth and Water teams coordinate. Create mudslides. Hinder mobility.
"Phase Five: A squad of Fire users will team with the Wind team. Spread firestorms throughout the village. The remaining Fire users form the frontal assault. Bombard from range. Maintain pressure.
"Lightning teams provide flexible support. Reinforce any line that falters. Genjutsu teams move with them.
"Remember. Our goal is not to occupy. It is to destroy the Cloud's foothold. Expel them from Yugakure. That is victory.
"Each group will elect a squad leader. Leaders will receive a summoning toad from Jiraiya. The toads will relay updated orders during the operation.
"You have one hour to prepare."
The ninja broke into discussion, choosing their leaders.
Orochimaru turned to Qianyu. "Your mobility is exceptional. Your skill, reliable. You operate solo. Target and eliminate their command structure."
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru." Qianyu's reply was crisp.
"Minato's mobility and skill are also top-tier," Jiraiya interjected. "Let him share the command elimination duty."
Orochimaru's eyes slid sideways toward the blond jonin. "Your student. Your call."
Jiraiya looked at Minato. "You confident you can handle this?"
Minato's gaze locked onto Qianyu. His voice left no room for doubt.
"I have confidence!"