Hiruzen Sarutobi examined the scroll Qianyu had presented, which detailed the Thunder Breathing sword forms.
His reaction wasn't one of simple approval—it was one of genuine surprise.
With his expert eye, Hiruzen assessed the forms. The first five techniques were B-rank in power, at best. Only the Sixth and Seventh Forms truly reached A-rank territory.
As a complete system, it barely scraped into the A-rank category.
But that was more than enough to delight him.
A complete, structured taijutsu style was a rare and precious thing.
Hiruzen carefully rolled up the scroll, looking at Qianyu with clear satisfaction. "Qianyu. On behalf of Konoha, I thank you for contributing this Thunder Breathing system. Name your reward."
Qianyu shook his head. "It's my duty. Contributing to the village is honor enough. That's the only reward I need."
Hiruzen's opinion of the boy solidified. The talent was undeniable—mastery of both shape and nature transformation for Lightning Release, plus this entire taijutsu style. With steady growth, he was a shoo-in for Jonin.
But the loyalty… that was the key. The boy had offered the entire A-rank system without hesitation, holding nothing back.
Hiruzen had harbored doubts, assuming some resentment still lingered in Qianyu's heart. Apparently not.
Why else would he surrender such a valuable asset?
A promising seedling, Hiruzen thought. One to cultivate carefully.
And that half-Uchiha blood… That could prove useful. Very useful, in future dealings with the clan.
He walked over and placed a firm hand on Qianyu's shoulder. "Qianyu. Continue your training, but ensure your safety. Work hard. Do not disappoint me."
Qianyu lowered his head slightly, his expression shifting into a subtle, strange twist.
So he wants to use me?
Well… perfect.
The more Hiruzen favored him, the smoother his own plans would unfold.
He looked up, meeting the Hokage's gaze with fiery eyes. "I will not fail your expectations, Lord Hokage!"
After a few more words of encouragement, Qianyu took his leave.
Outside the Hokage Building, he let out a slow breath.
Now came a long stretch of nothing but training. A peaceful Konoha offered no major events, which meant no chance to earn Witness Points.
He was completely broke. Zero points left.
He almost suspected the system was rigged. A standard-issue katana cost ten points. A single chakra refill was thirty. He'd refilled three times. A hundred points, gone just like that.
He took a deep breath, watching the sunset bleed across the sky.
Keep moving. Get stronger.
Five days later.
There was no school.
He'd made plans with Kushina the day before. He'd mentioned his old training spot had a great view, especially now, during cherry blossom season.
Petals drifted through the streets like pink snow.
They were set to meet at 1 PM.
Kushina was buzzing. It was her first time hanging out like this. She finished lunch with Mito and bolted out the door.
Her plan? Get there first. Hide. Jump-scare Qianyu.
She practically skipped down the path, a smile on her face as she imagined walking under the falling blossoms with him.
Then she stopped.
The smile vanished.
Standing under a cherry blossom tree ahead was the kid who always picked on her at the Academy.
He glared at her, pure trouble in his eyes.
Another figure stepped out from behind the tree—older, taller, and wearing a Konoha forehead protector.
A Genin.
The Genin placed a hand on the younger boy's shoulder. Both of them smirked at Kushina.
"Hey," the Genin called out, swaggering forward. "You're the one who keeps making my little brother cry."
Kushina pointed an accusing finger. "He starts it! He's a coward!"
The Genin glanced at his brother. The kid looked away, guilty.
He turned back to Kushina, tapping his forehead protector. "See this? I'm a Genin. Pretty tough, huh? Gotta teach a lesson to anyone who messes with my brother."
He cracked his knuckles.
Kushina didn't hesitate. She leaped into the trees and fled.
The Genin gave chase.
A kunai whistled past her head—THUNK—embedding itself in the trunk beside her.
Real steel.
Her heart jumped. He was using real weapons.
She landed on a branch ahead, then spun and launched herself back toward the Genin.
He wasn't expecting a charge. Her fist connected squarely with his face.
He hit the ground.
Before she could celebrate—POOF—a cloud of white smoke. A log.
Substitution Jutsu.
He was behind her. A sharp chop to the neck. A kick to the back. She crashed to the dirt.
He grabbed a fistful of her hair, yanking her head up. Kushina cried out in pain.
"Didn't sense the substitution, huh?" he sneered. "Still just a brat. And this hair… so red. Like rusty wire. So damn ugly."
The little brother laughed from the side. "Serves you right!"
Tears welled in Kushina's eyes.
Qianyu arrived to that exact sight: Kushina, held by her hair, crying.
His mind screamed.
Rage—pure, white-hot—flooded his skull.
The little brother spotted him. "Big bro! It's that half-breed! He's with her!"
The Genin grinned, rolling his neck. "Great. Two for one. Been wanting to do this for a while."
Kushina saw him. "Qianyu, run!" she shouted.
But Qianyu was past reason.
The notched, standard-issue katana was already in his hand.
His body shifted into a low stance.
Lightning flickered across his skin.
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