Ch. 21Trap!
Chapter Summary
After Qianyu kills Sarutobi Hiogo, Hiruzen Sarutobi decides to target Qianyu’s fanatical supporters, beginning with the Uchiha-led Police Force. Shinnosuke understands the plan, and Qianyu is temporarily removed from his duties. Rather than react with anger or despair, Qianyu returns home and focuses on training.
He uses the merit points earned from Hiogo’s death to strengthen his Sharingan, raising its eye power to 473—still short of the level required for the Mangekyō Sharingan, but already far beyond that of ordinary ninjas. His Sharingan’s greatest strength is its insight: he can perceive attacks precisely and predict an opponent’s movements. His copying ability is average, while his genjutsu is less developed, though he is highly skilled at breaking illusions. His victory over Hiogo was attributed to this superior perception, the surprise use of Lightning Release: False Darkness, and his refined swordsmanship.
Qianyu decides that his next major goal is to develop a Lightning Style sword technique by channeling lightning chakra through his katana. He believes that justice without sufficient power is meaningless, and views this new technique as essential to advancing his ideals.
Although Qianyu’s suspension makes the village appear calmer, his reputation among villagers and ninjas improves. Instead of being seen solely as a dangerous extremist, he is increasingly regarded as an “anti-hero” willing to pursue justice by any means. His influence and number of devoted followers within the Uchiha clan continue to grow, alarming Hiruzen. As a result, a conspiracy is set in motion against him.
During a routine patrol, Uchiha Aoki and Uchiha Yamikaze lament Qianyu’s absence. Both once criticized his extremism, but now openly acknowledge that they believe his methods are correct. Their conversation also shows their distrust of Hiruzen, though they avoid speaking openly about it.
The patrol soon leads them to a disturbing scene: five or six unfamiliar Konoha ninja are brutally assaulting a female kunoichi. When the attackers dismiss the Police Force and continue beating her, Aoki immediately intervenes, throwing shuriken and placing himself between the attackers and the victim. Yamikaze follows to support him despite his suspicions about the situation. The chapter ends with Aoki asking the injured woman whether she is all right, strongly suggesting that the incident is a deliberate trap designed to implicate Qianyu’s followers.
Character Developments and Interactions
- Qianyu: Remains emotionally controlled and uses his suspension as an opportunity for training. His commitment to justice becomes increasingly tied to the need for greater power.
- Hiruzen: Becomes increasingly uneasy about Qianyu’s growing popularity and chooses indirect measures, including targeting his followers and arranging a conspiracy.
- Aoki and Yamikaze: Shift from skepticism toward complete loyalty to Qianyu. Their willingness to intervene reflects how deeply his ideology has influenced them.
- Aoki and Yamikaze’s interaction: Their banter reveals their past doubts, current devotion, and shared distrust of the Hokage.
- Aoki and the attackers: Aoki directly challenges the unknown ninjas when they refuse to stop the assault.
- Aoki and the victim: Aoki instinctively protects her, unknowingly stepping into the apparent trap.
Significant Themes
- Justice versus authority: Qianyu’s uncompromising justice increasingly conflicts with Hiruzen’s political control.
- Power as the foundation of ideals: Qianyu believes moral principles are useless without the strength to enforce them.
- Influence and radicalization: His actions inspire followers who once opposed him to adopt his worldview.
- Political conspiracy and manipulation: Hiruzen’s attempt to suppress Qianyu indirectly shows how institutions can manufacture situations to discredit their opponents.
- The anti-hero image: Qianyu’s brutality is being reinterpreted by the public as necessary justice rather than simple villainy.