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Qianyu was at home with Kushina Uzumaki when a knock sounded at the door.
He opened it, surprised to find Minato Namikaze and Miyuki Uzumaki standing outside.
"Miyuki! You're here!"
Seeing her, Kushina jumped up from the sofa and hurried to the entrance, beaming.
Miyuki smiled back. "It's been a few days, Kushina."
Kushina linked her arm with Miyuki's affectionately. "It has! I wanted to go shopping with you the other day, but you weren't home. Ended up going alone."
At the mention of 'the other day,' the smiles on Minato and Miyuki's faces froze.
A few days ago, while Qianyu was in Tanzaku Quarters, something had happened in Konoha.
Miyuki Uzumaki had lost control of the Nine-Tails within her.
Despite Qianyu's deal with Kurama, Miyuki's rampage wasn't something the tailed beast could prevent. Her body simply couldn't withstand the Nine-Tails' chakra.
It was Minato, using his sealing techniques, who had finally restrained the out-of-control Miyuki. And during that desperate struggle, the unfinished Tailed Beast Bomb she had tried to unleash—the one he'd interrupted—had sparked an idea in his mind. The prototype for a new jutsu. The Rasengan.
Seeing their expressions, Qianyu could guess what had transpired.
He stepped aside politely. "Would you like to come in?"
"No, thank you," Minato declined with a shake of his head. "We're actually here to deliver invitations. We have others to visit."
"You're getting married too?" Kushina exclaimed, eyes wide.
Miyuki's smile returned, softer now. "Yes. We've decided on a date, two weeks from now. You and Qianyu simply must attend."
Minato produced an ornate invitation and handed it to Qianyu.
Qianyu accepted it, offering the standard well-wishes. "Then, congratulations in advance to you both."
"Thank you," Minato replied with a grateful nod.
Miyuki turned to Kushina. "Kushina, would you accompany me shopping over the next few days? I need to choose a wedding dress."
"Of course!" Kushina agreed immediately.
"Then we'll take our leave," Minato said.
After they departed, Kushina plucked the invitation from Qianyu's hand and settled back on the sofa to examine it.
"Time really flies," she sighed. "Miyuki and Minato are getting married already."
Qianyu sat beside her, amused. "A bit late for that sentiment, isn't it? Minato's our age. Miyuki's maybe two years older. And it's peacetime now. If not now, when?"
Kushina thought for a moment. "True. I should save my sighs for our own wedding. 'Oh, look at us, all married now. Feels like just yesterday we were at the Academy… when someone couldn't be bothered to give me the time of day.'" She shot him a mock glare. "I had to be the one to reach out and make friends. So rude!"
She puffed out her cheeks indignantly.
Qianyu reached over and poked one. "You're absolutely right. What was I thinking? Completely ungrateful."
Kushina crossed her arms with a satisfied 'hmph.' "Good, you admit it! Your punishment today is to cook."
"As you wish," Qianyu chuckled. "What would madam like?"
"Curry beef rice!"
Qianyu gave a playful salute. "Mission accepted! Now, would madam deign to accompany this humble servant to purchase the ingredients?"
Kushina stood up, looking down at him with feigned grandeur. "I suppose I can… graciously agree."
Hand in hand, they left the house.
…
For the next several days, Kushina and Miyuki were inseparable, shopping from dawn till dusk.
Qianyu, meanwhile, headed to Orochimaru's lab to train.
He'd just gotten married. He wanted to spend more time with Kushina first. Then he would make the journey to Ryūchi Cave to attempt mastering Sage Mode.
Meanwhile, in Hiruzen Sarutobi's home.
Danzō's voice cut through the quiet. "Hiruzen. The war has been over for some time. It is time we discuss our next steps regarding the Uchiha clan."
Hiruzen's hand, halfway to his mouth with his pipe, paused. He lowered it slowly. "Danzō. There is no urgency in this matter. We can revisit it another time."
Danzō's face darkened instantly.
Qianyu had been right.
He knew Hiruzen Sarutobi better than anyone. This was classic evasion. A feeble attempt to brush the issue aside.
"Hiruzen," Danzō's voice was low, gravelly with suppressed anger. "Do not think I am unaware of your current thoughts. We have worked tirelessly to bring the Uchiha to this precipice. Success is within our grasp, and now you wish to show them mercy?"
Hiruzen's brow furrowed. "Danzō. The war just ended. Konoha cannot afford further instability. Fugaku Uchiha now leads the clan. He is a shinobi who desires peace for the village. Under his guidance, the Uchiha have shown restraint. I believe, with his leadership, perhaps they can change. Is it not reasonable to give them a chance? We are all part of this village. If they are willing to change, what harm is there in offering that opportunity?"
"Fugaku Uchiha? A shinobi of peace?" Danzō spat the words, teeth clenched. "Don't be absurd! The Uchiha are inherently wicked! He has merely sensed our pressure and donned a mask for our benefit. And you are foolish enough to believe it? If we halt our plans now, what was the point of all our previous efforts? To let the Uchiha recover, then force that boy you championed—Minato Namikaze—to deal with them later? You and I together could barely keep them contained. Do you truly believe Minato alone has the capability to suppress that clan? Granting them leniency now is planting a seed of catastrophe for Konoha's future! I cannot fathom why Lord Second chose you as his successor. If he knew of this decision… he would be utterly disappointed in you!"
A sharp, oppressive aura exploded from Hiruzen. He fixed Danzō with a steely gaze. "Danzō! Lord Second would desire stability for Konoha above all else! Not internal strife that bleeds our own strength! Regardless of your opinion, the Uchiha have restrained themselves. And their contributions in this war cannot be erased. Giving them a chance is both reasonable and just!"
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