Conversation with Minato Namikaze
Chi Yu and Orochimaru had been deep in discussion inside the tent for hours. Chi Yu was fully immersed, offering numerous strategic suggestions.
By the time they concluded, night had fallen heavily.
Orochimaru, confident in their tentative plan, decided to execute the raid on the Hidden Hot Springs Village the following night.
As the conversation ended, Orochimaru turned to Chi Yu and said, "There's one thing you got wrong."
Chi Yu wasn't surprised. Through the discussion, he had learned much and recognized several loopholes in his proposed plan—flaws that could jeopardize the mission.
Orochimaru patiently addressed each flaw, devising solutions one by one.
So when Orochimaru pointed out an error, Chi Yu took it in stride.
"I understand the methods I proposed lack rigor in places, Orochimaru-sensei. What exactly did I get wrong?" he asked.
Orochimaru shook his head, a slight smile playing on his lips. "It's not the plan itself. The current strategy is as optimal as we can make it."
Chi Yu furrowed his brow in confusion. "If not the plan, then what?"
Orochimaru's tone grew serious. "You said Konoha's reinforcements amount only to me, but that's incorrect. Besides me, you are also Konoha's reinforcement. Your strategic insight surprised me. Strength alone doesn't make a leader. Vision and judgment do. You have the potential to become a true leader."
He paused, eyes steady. "This war will be your springboard. You'll become a key figure, your name known throughout the shinobi world."
Chi Yu dropped the pretense and smiled wryly. "If becoming famous is part of the deal, then so be it."
That moment cemented mutual understanding between Orochimaru and Chi Yu. If Chi Yu rose in prominence, he'd enter Konoha's inner circle — exactly where Orochimaru wanted an ally to cover his own moves.
---
After leaving the tent, Chi Yu planned to rest. The last few days had been a whirlwind of preparation and intense discussion. Tomorrow's raid on the Hidden Hot Springs Village awaited.
As he walked toward his resting tent, Chi Yu's eyes narrowed.
Standing before him was Minato Namikaze, wearing his trademark sunny smile — waiting.
Chi Yu's mind raced. Why was Minato here? They had little to discuss.
Minato approached with familiar warmth. "Chi Yu, I didn't greet you properly earlier. It's been a while."
Chi Yu arched an eyebrow. "Does it matter whether we see each other or not?"
Minato faltered for a moment but maintained his smile. "We are comrades from the same village, and rivals at the ninja academy. I've always considered you a friend."
Chi Yu's lips curled into a smirk, blunt as ever. "I don't have friends. Actually, I hate you."
Minato's smile vanished, replaced by a puzzled frown. "Why hate me? Is this about what happened at the academy? So many years have passed."
Chi Yu sneered. "Years don't erase grudges. I'm vindictive. I keep track of debts—repaying some immediately, saving others for later."
Minato's eyes softened. "Is it because of Kushina? Those involved have been punished. Why dwell on the past? We're from the same village. Even if not friends, we should be comrades."
Chi Yu's tone turned biting. "Minato Namikaze, you're generous all right. Popular, too. You make friends easily. People like me? We're the fringe — obsessing over conflicts you dismiss as trivial. You must think I'm unreasonable."
Minato frowned deeper. "I never said that, nor believed it."
Chi Yu's voice dripped with sarcasm. "You're a hypocrite, Minato. You might deny it, thinking I just have a grudge against you. But your actions say otherwise."
Minato's brow tightened. "What have I done to deserve that label?"
Chi Yu waved off the past. "Forget that. Let's talk now. You opposed my plan because it risks casualties, right?"
Minato nodded silently.
Chi Yu spread his hands. "Exactly. That's your hypocrisy."
Minato looked baffled. "How does that prove hypocrisy?"
Chi Yu sighed, exasperated. "I don't know if you genuinely don't get it or if you're playing dumb. Before Orochimaru and I arrived, the Land of Hot Springs was already a disaster zone. Without change, more will die."
He locked eyes with Minato. "If this plan succeeds, the Cloud Ninjas won't recklessly attack again. We won't remain passive. The casualties will decrease."
"And if we don't push forward now, when the all-out war erupts, once the Cloud Ninjas break through the Land of Fire's borders, how many will die then?"
Chi Yu's tone sharpened. "You can do basic math, right? Compared to those dying now in Hot Springs, what do you think matters more?"
Minato's voice was firm. "Chi Yu, those are people, not numbers."
Chi Yu laughed — loud, bitter, and growing until he doubled over clutching his stomach.
"Minato Namikaze, I owe you an apology. You're not a hypocrite — you're genuinely kind."
Minato said nothing, though his expression betrayed frustration.
When Chi Yu finally caught his breath, he said, "Look, Minato, I know you don't like me either. Let's not pretend. You're reaching out because we might be forced to fight side-by-side soon."
He turned away. "That's all. I'm done talking. I'm going to rest."
Without another word, Chi Yu passed Minato and disappeared into his tent.