Aya Hyuga's hospital ward was similar to Kakashi Hatake's: quiet, practical, and reserved for ninja in recovery. However, there was one notable difference—nearly all the patients in her ward were female.
The sudden appearance of Kai Uchiha drew the attention of several of them, but fortunately, it didn't cause too much of a stir. After all, Konoha Hospital received all sorts of visitors every day.
What did catch someone off guard, however, was Aya Hyuga herself. She hadn't expected to see him. Not here.
"Why are you here?" Aya asked, her tone neutral but laced with curiosity. Her gaze lingered on him for a moment before her lips curled into a faint smile. "How rare—an Uchiha visiting a Hyuga. You really are different, Kai-kun."
The Hyuga and Uchiha clans were the two most renowned dōjutsu bloodlines in the ninja world—Byakugan and Sharingan, respectively. And while both were pillars of Konohagakure, their relationship had always been... complicated.
Their abilities overlapped in some areas, such as heightened perception, but diverged in application. The Sharingan excelled in insight, predictive movement, and genjutsu. The Byakugan was superior in long-range vision and chakra pathway detection. Despite the lack of open hostility, there was an undeniable rivalry between the clans—one built on silent competition and a shared legacy of pride.
Aya had never been intimidated by Uchiha Kai, even when he first awakened his Sharingan. Despite his reputation for killing a Jōnin, she hadn't been impressed.
In her eyes, Kai was a fringe member of the Uchiha—skilled, yes, but not someone with the backing of the clan's main bloodline. Aya herself was from the Hyuga main family. That, in her mind, placed her above him in standing, if not in strength.
But today was different. Kai's Sharingan had evolved. And as much as Aya disliked the idea, it meant she had to take him seriously.
"I'm here to visit a teammate," Kai said with a smile. "As the captain, it's only right I check on the only injured member of our squad."
"Ah, so considerate. But Kai-kun," she blinked, feigning innocence, "do you mean to imply something happened to Captain Fujiu Hangpei? Or have you heard something I haven't?"
Kai's smile twitched. This woman really doesn't let up, he thought. She's always had a sharp tongue, but lately, the sarcasm's gone from subtle to sharp.
Still, he didn't rise to the bait. He'd played enough games—both online and off—to know when to keep cool. He wasn't going to stoop to pointless bickering, not anymore. It didn't suit his image.
"I hope Captain Hangpei recovers fully, of course. But even if he does, it's uncertain whether he'll return to active duty—let alone to our team," Kai replied smoothly. "There are... changes happening."
He leaned in closer, voice low. "I just came from a meeting with the Third Hokage. As of today, I've been officially promoted to Jōnin."
Aya's smile froze. Her Byakugan wasn't active, but Kai noticed the subtle dilation of her pupils. She hadn't expected that.
So it was true—Kai Uchiha had been promoted, and with that, he now had the authority to lead missions. Fujiu Hangpei's position as team captain was effectively over.
And Kai's visit, Aya realized, might not be out of kindness. It might just be for appearances.
"Congratulations, Captain," she said, managing to keep her tone even despite the quiet sting of frustration.
Kai saw the flicker in her expression and felt a small surge of satisfaction. Members of noble clans like the Hyuga were masters of keeping face. No matter how bitter they felt, they kept their dignity intact.
Especially a clan like Hyuga—strict, traditional, and unyielding. That etiquette was etched into their bones.
"Thank you, Aya-san," Kai replied politely. Then, in a quieter voice: "Take care of yourself. We'll be working closely again soon."
"I'll count on your leadership, then," Aya said, her smile tightening.
"It's only natural to look after the weak," Kai added with a teasing glint. "And I must say, Aya-san's decision-making in that last battle was... impressive. I should take notes."
Aya narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean, Captain?"
Kai leaned in even closer, ignoring her obvious discomfort. "You know exactly what I mean. You saw me setting up the Iwa-nin. Even with your Byakugan inactive, you sensed something. You let yourself be injured—on purpose, didn't you?"
Her expression remained calm, but Kai caught it—her pupils contracted again. That was all the confirmation he needed.
"Minato-sensei told me to summon him only in an emergency," Kai continued, his voice like a blade. "Kakashi's injury wasn't enough. But with two of us down? That changed everything. You bet your life I wouldn't let that Iwa-nin finish you off. You gambled... and won."
Aya's façade finally cracked. Her lips tightened, her hands clenched slightly beneath the blanket.
"Yes," she thought bitterly. It was a gamble. A calculated risk.
She knew Kai wouldn't risk her life if it meant risking his own. Injured, she could safely withdraw from the front lines—without shame, without blame. Her injuries bought her escape. Her pride remained intact.
She had bet that Kai would protect her.
And he had.
But she hadn't expected him to see through her so easily. At that moment, it felt like his Sharingan wasn't just seeing chakra—it was reading her very soul.
Just like the Uchiha always claimed it could.