Naruto: Konoha's Traitor

Stable

When Chi Yu claimed that Konoha had already strayed from the ideals of its founder, Hashirama Senju, Mito Uzumaki could no longer stay silent.

Her tone stern, she rebuked him:

"Chi Yu, you are not allowed to question Konoha!"

But Chi Yu only smiled, the expression on his face darkening slightly.

"Back then, my parents were persecuted by the Uchiha and hunted by Konoha's own operatives. Tell me—do I not have the right to question this village?"

He stepped forward, voice calm yet biting.

"Next time, I could bring Kakashi Hatake—the boy who lived through the disgrace of his father's suicide, scapegoated by the very village he served. I wonder, does he have the right to question Konoha?

And if he doesn't, then surely Kushina does. She's never let go of her Uzumaki identity and has always known she was an outsider here. Doesn't she have that right?"

Mito Uzumaki faltered.

She knew that both Chi Yu and Kakashi had suffered quietly under the weight of Konoha's so-called order. And Kushina... she too bore burdens not of her own making.

She looked into Chi Yu's eyes.

"Chi Yu… You used to love disguising yourself. Why didn't you bother this time? Is it because you know my time is running out? That I no longer pose a threat to you? Aren't you worried I'll inform Hiruzen?"

Chi Yu's grin returned, colder this time.

"Lady Mito, soon I'll be working under Lord Hokage and Danzō Shimura—handling matters concerning the Uchiha. Even if they know I'm dissatisfied with the village, what difference does it make?

Right now, I'm exactly the kind of tool they need. My identity and my strength make me the perfect instrument against the Uchiha. And with Kushina soon to be replaced as Jinchūriki, there's no longer any friction between me and the village."

He folded his arms.

"If you were to tell the Hokage that I resent Konoha, all it would earn me is appeasement. Hiruzen will just try to keep me compliant—he still needs someone to do the things he'd never admit to authorizing.

I'm no longer the boy I was. As long as I remain opposed to the Uchiha, they'll keep me close. And in their eyes… I would never betray them."

Mito stared at him, uneasy. "Why are you so confident Hiruzen and the others believe you won't turn on them?"

Chi Yu stuck out his tongue, revealing the black-inked curse mark seared into its surface.

Mito's pupils contracted.

"…The Root sealing formula. The Curse of Annihilation… So, you've joined Root."

He nodded and retracted his tongue.

"Yes. It was only after joining Root that Danzō agreed to push for a new Jinchūriki. I assume the Hokage already approached you about it, yes?

Whether you agree or not, Lady Mito, the decision is already made. Tomorrow I'll depart for the Land of Waves, leading a joint operation of Uchiha and Kirigakure forces. By then, not even the Hokage will be able to force Kushina to remain as the Jinchūriki. Especially with Danzō backing me."

His voice dropped into a near-whisper.

"Because I'm the one keeping the Uchiha in check. If they discover I was sent to manipulate them... the consequences would be disastrous.

This is wartime. Lord Hokage won't allow instability within the village, and your time is almost up. The outcome is already decided, Lady Mito."

Mito Uzumaki gazed at Chi Yu for a long while.

At last, she sighed.

"You've worked hard, Chi Yu. From finding Miyuki Uzumaki to infiltrating Root… everything's gone according to your plan."

Chi Yu shook his head.

"No. That's not true."

"Then what part wasn't planned?"

He met her eyes.

"My plan didn't begin with Miyuki. It began the day I became friends with Kushina. I've been trying to keep her from becoming the next Jinchūriki ever since."

Mito's breath caught.

He and Kushina had been classmates at the Academy, hadn't they? Nine years old at the time… And now, both were eighteen.

Nearly a decade.

Had he been working toward this for nearly ten years?

She frowned. "But back then, how could you possibly have known she'd be chosen?"

Chi Yu only smiled.

"Everyone has their secrets, Lady Mito. And the reason they're called secrets… is because they're not meant to be known."

Mito inhaled deeply, eyes fixed on him.

The little boy from her memories was gone, replaced by someone she no longer recognized. Chi Yu now seemed cloaked in mystery—his thoughts unreadable.

Yet… something about him felt eerily familiar.

Her gaze sharpened.

"Chi Yu… I have only one question. Will you become the next Madara Uchiha?"

Chi Yu met her stare without flinching.

"I won't become anyone. I am who I am. No one is worthy of me becoming them."

Arrogance. Confidence. Determination. Ambition.

That's what she sensed in him now.

Mito smiled bitterly.

"My time is ending. I can't control what comes next. If Hiruzen has already agreed to your terms… I have no strength left to oppose it.

Chi Yu, I have one request—no, a plea. Don't become Konoha's enemy. If you're dissatisfied with it, then use your power to change it. Konoha is still your home."

Chi Yu's expression darkened.

"My home was wherever my parents were. That place is gone. But… I can promise you this—I won't raise arms against Konoha unless provoked. After all, I've lived here for years. I owe this village for that much."

Mito nodded slowly.

"Good. Remember that promise. You're headed to the Land of Waves soon—this might be the last time we speak. And despite everything… I'm proud of you."

Chi Yu bowed deeply.

"And I thank you, Lady Mito—for guiding Kushina all these years. I will come to pay my respects when your time comes."

She offered a tired smile.

"Even now… you speak of 'when' so casually. Forget it, I'm too tired to argue. Go. Rest. Prepare yourself."

Chi Yu turned and left the residence, pausing outside to breathe in the night air.

It had almost been a certainty before, but after tonight, he was sure.

The next step was simple.

Watch Mito Uzumaki pass away…

…and welcome the birth of the new Jinchūriki.

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