After reading Uzumaki Kushina's letter, Qianyu decided to make use of the good weather and head out for some training.
The moment he stepped out of his room, any ninja who caught sight of his expression nearly did a double-take.
Every time they'd seen Qianyu before, his face had been a mask of cold indifference, as if the whole world owed him money.
But now… that smile. It was unsettling. For a second, they almost believed he was capable of something resembling human warmth.
Jiraiya was on his way to check on his student Minato's progress when he saw it too. He immediately abandoned his original plan, swerved, and barged into Orochimaru's quarters.
"Big trouble, Orochimaru!"
Orochimaru was engrossed in a scroll, a jutsu formula held delicately in his hands. With four Nara clansmen now assisting with camp logistics—each possessing formidable intellect and strategic sense—he finally had a sliver of personal time. He didn't need to micromanage everything anymore.
He glanced up, golden eyes narrowing slightly at Jiraiya's dramatic entrance. "What is it? Cloud ninja attack?"
"No! It's your student! Qianyu… he smiled!"
Orochimaru's brow furrowed faintly. "And this is remarkable because…? He smiles."
"You call that icy smirk of his a smile?" Jiraiya sputtered, then waved a hand. "Ah, forget it. Of course you do. Your 'smile' is just a colder version of his. You two are cut from the same cloth. My mistake for being surprised."
Orochimaru returned his gaze to the scroll. He understood perfectly. There was only one person who could pull a genuine, disarming smile from Qianyu—one that would even shock Jiraiya.
Without looking up, he changed the subject. "Your timing is adequate. The camp's fortifications are complete, and the situation has stabilized. It's time to resume our offensive. We need to clear the surrounding Cloud outposts."
Jiraiya's demeanor shifted instantly to business. "With the reinforcements from the clans, we have the numbers."
Orochimaru neatly rolled up the scroll, having reached its end. He summoned Nara Shōji.
The three of them—Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Shōji—began planning. The camp now housed over a hundred shinobi. The decision was made to operate in standard three-man cells. A minimum of fifty would remain to defend the camp. The size of the force sent to each outpost would be adjusted based on enemy numbers.
Jiraiya leaned forward. "Orochimaru. Does this mean you're finally having Qianyu take over that group of five?"
Orochimaru gave a slow nod. "It's time."
Nara Shōji looked puzzled. "Take over? Take over who, Lord Jiraiya, Lord Orochimaru?" He understood assigning Qianyu to lead a three-man team—the boy had proven leadership capability. But five? And for Jiraiya to mention it specifically… these five must be significant.
Jiraiya grinned. "Orochimaru plans to have Qianyu lead those five Uchiha chunin. And Qianyu already agreed."
"What?"
Shōji was genuinely shocked. An Uchiha outcast, leading five full-fledged Uchiha clansmen? Was that even possible?
He chose his words carefully. "Lord Orochimaru… those five Uchiha are under the direct command of another jonin from their clan, Uchiha Kazuo."
Orochimaru's sideways glance was icy. "And?"
"Well…" Shōji faltered. Of course it didn't matter to Orochimaru.
Jiraiya chuckled. "Shōji, you were acting commander before. How did those six Uchiha behave?"
At the question, Shōji's professional mask slipped slightly.
Jiraiya clapped him on the shoulder. "Just us here. Speak freely."
Shōji sighed. "Arrogant. Stubborn. They looked down on my authority. My orders were… suggestions, at best. They preferred to do things their own way."
Jiraiya snorted. "Just as I thought. Perfect. That's precisely why Orochimaru wants Qianyu on them. You've heard about Qianyu's… methods these past weeks, right?"
Shōji nodded cautiously. "I have. Remarkable talent. Ice-cold composure. A… decisive approach reminiscent of your own, Lord Orochimaru. You intend for him to rein them in?" He paused. "But will it work?"
He'd guessed Orochimaru's intent the moment Jiraiya asked. In Shōji's view, forget Qianyu's limited reputation—he was still young, his accomplishments notable but not yet legendary. And the animosity between him and the main Uchiha clan was an open secret. Those proud, stubborn Uchiha would never willingly submit to him.
Orochimaru's voice was a low, cold slide. "Qianyu possesses the strength and the temperament to control them. On the battlefield, I require obedient tools, not willful liabilities."
With Orochimaru's tone leaving no room for argument, Shōji fell silent. And if he was honest, a part of him was curious. How would this disciple, in whom Orochimaru placed such faith, handle the Uchiha?
"Shōji," Orochimaru commanded. "Assemble the camp."
"Yes, sir."
…
When all the ninja were gathered, Orochimaru addressed them, his voice cutting through the quiet.
"First, personnel assignments. Jiraiya and Nara Shōji remain acting camp commanders. In my absence, their orders carry the highest priority.
"Four acting squad captains are appointed: Nara Kenbu, Nara Shōgo, Hyūga Tsuneo, and Yamanaka Taishi. They will form three-man teams for mission deployment. Each cell will select one member as team leader for internal coordination.
"Finally. Uchiha Ryūhei, Uchiha Keiichi, Uchiha Kyōsuke, Uchiha Yorihito, Uchiha Jin'ya. The five of you will form one cell. Your team leader will be Qianyu."
The moment the words left Orochimaru's mouth, a voice rang out, sharp with urgency.
"Lord Orochimaru! A moment, please!"
It was Uchiha Kazuo, the clan's jonin. The five Uchiha whose names had just been called stood rigid, their faces paling visibly.
Orochimaru lifted his gaze. "You have an objection?"
Uchiha Kazuo bowed deeply. "Lord Orochimaru, those five are under my direct command. I… I respectfully request they remain so!"
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