Chapter 19 - Chapter 19: A Man of Greater Speed

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Qianyu's words—that everything he'd said in the Hokage's office was a lie—made Miyuki Uzumaki pause.

"What do you mean, 'all of it was a lie'?" she asked, confusion knitting her brows.

He leaned in, his voice a whisper by her ear. "I never planned to protect Konoha. To me, it's a cage. I think you've learned a little about my past these last few days?"

Miyuki, her head spinning a bit, nodded. During Qianyu's hospital stay, the kids who'd harassed her hadn't spared him either. They mocked him alongside her. His parents were Konoha traitors, they said, so he'd be a traitor too. His mother was from the mighty Uchiha clan, but they'd disowned him—a stray dog. She'd heard it all, every day. That's when she finally understood why everyone shunned him.

Qianyu continued, his voice low. "My situation here was terrible. The new house, Hiruzen Sarutobi letting today slide… it's all because I offered him a taijutsu system. A transaction. Pure and simple. I have no love for this village. But I have to act like I do in front of him, or things get worse. And Miyuki… your position isn't safe either. You need to be careful."

"I know!" she said, her small face earnest.

He gave a soft, humorless laugh. "No, you don't. I'm not talking about those brats. Konoha brought you here for a reason. Whatever anyone tells you, think about it. Question it. Don't just believe."

He was deeply worried about Miyuki getting brainwashed by that 'Will of Fire.' To him, it was a terrifying beast.

"I understand!" she said, her tone turning serious.

Qianyu let out a long breath, his expression softening. "Don't stress too much. For now, act normal. Focus on getting stronger. And what I've told you… don't tell a soul. Not even your Grandma Mito."

Miyuki nodded firmly. "I won't tell anyone!"

He sat beside her, ruffling her red hair. She'd grown used to these casual gestures, always sitting still as his fingers moved through her locks.

But now, her cheeks puffed out in a pout. "It's just… we were supposed to go see the cherry blossoms in the woods. Stupid jerks. Now you're stuck inside for three days! The blossoms don't last. By the time you can go out, they'll all be gone."

"It's fine," Qianyu soothed. "They bloom every year. Next year. The year after. I'll go with you to see them every year."

Miyuki held up her pinky finger. "Promise?"

He linked his pinky with hers. "Promise."

…

For three days, Qianyu stayed home. Miyuki brought him food each day before heading to the Academy.

He spent those days studying his Sharingan. The single tomoe in each eye offered no special tricks—just enhanced perception. His dynamic vision was sharper; he could track movements and hand seals better. The chakra drain was manageable.

As for the Thunder Breathing sword forms, the First through Fourth Forms were within his current chakra limits. He estimated he could cycle through them at least three times before exhausting himself.

But the Fifth Form? The cost skyrocketed. Trying the Sixth Form, Electric Boom, would probably drain him dry. And the Seventh? Forget it. No wonder his chakra network had been shredded in the system simulation—he'd forced a version of the Seventh Form: Honoikazuchi no Kami far beyond his reach.

Another frustration: the 10 Witness Points katana was ruined. He had no money for a new one. His funds barely covered meals. Suddenly, beating up those two brats felt like a terrible trade—a weapon for petty satisfaction. At this rate, he'd have to wait until after graduation to afford a replacement.

On the morning the three days ended, Qianyu left his house and headed to Mito's residence to walk Miyuki to the Academy.

When they entered the classroom, every student's eyes locked onto Qianyu.

The story was out: he'd sent a genin to the hospital. The source wasn't Minato Namikaze, but the genin's younger brother. Terrified of Qianyu and fearing retaliation, the kid had immediately requested a class transfer. Under questioning from his classmates about why he was leaving, he'd spilled everything.

The idea that Qianyu could hospitalize a genin seemed impossible. They turned to Minato, the other witness, for confirmation. When Minato verified it was true, shock—and a sour, grudging resentment—filled the room.

The guy they'd all mocked… was that strong now? If they insulted him again, would they end up in the hospital too? And with Miyuki under his protection now, she was also off-limits.

Minato was watching Qianyu too. Qianyu met his gaze.

Once, Qianyu had thought Minato might be decent. After the recent incident? Not so much. A hypocrite. Sure, Qianyu was a hypocrite too, but he owned it. Minato? Not so much.

Miyuki noticed the silent standoff and glared at Minato with open hostility. In her mind, any trace of goodwill towards him was gone, replaced by disgust.

Feeling her stare, Minato broke eye contact and turned away.

His original plan was to graduate early next year and become Jiraiya's apprentice. But after his fight with Qianyu, Minato felt his own inadequacy too keenly. He approached Jiraiya early. Jiraiya knew Qianyu was the reason Minato wanted to start training sooner. Understanding the drive a strong rival could provide, he put Minato through a test and formally took him on as a student.

Now, Minato attended the Academy by day and trained under Jiraiya by night.

His path was set: speed. Minato Namikaze would become a man faster than Qianyu.

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