After gathering intelligence on the Uchiha clan's strength, Uchiha Kai began strategizing how to uncover the patrol routes of the Uchiha Police Force. Since everyone had already committed to action, Kai knew he couldn't afford to hesitate—time was running short.
Kai and his team had been back in Konoha for over a month. Although most of the fighting on the front lines had ceased, the war wasn't officially over—negotiations were still underway. There remained a real possibility their squad could be redeployed to the Land of Grass, or perhaps assigned to other critical missions. In wartime, no capable shinobi could be allowed to sit idle.
Kai recalled that after their own mission, Kakashi's team had once again entered the Land of Grass. There, they were ambushed—set up by none other than Uchiha Madara, who had been pulling strings from the shadows with foreknowledge of Konoha's movements. During that mission, Rin Nohara was forcibly made the jinchūriki of the Three-Tails. Surrounded by hidden Mist ANBU, and fearing the destruction of Konoha, Rin sacrificed herself by jumping in front of Kakashi's Chidori.
That moment forever altered the fates of both Kakashi and Obito. Witnessing Rin's death, Obito awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan just months after his initial Sharingan awakening.
Madara understood the Sharingan—and the human heart—too well. He saw the light in Obito's soul and twisted it into darkness. The more sincere someone's kindness, the deeper the shadow that emerges when that kindness is betrayed. In Madara's hands, human complexity became a weapon. The destruction Obito would later unleash under the name of "Madara" was a direct result of that manipulation.
To Kai, Minato Namikaze's team eerily mirrored what would later become Team 7. Only the ones who fell into darkness had changed. Perhaps Kakashi's deep favoritism toward Sasuke wasn't just about his Uchiha heritage—but because he saw a reflection of his past self in him.
Now, Kai was a little uneasy. There were rumors that he might have to collaborate with Kakashi's squad again. Although Kai had originally hoped to join this new mission, he also knew the political situation was changing fast. The Fourth Hokage would soon be elected. Before leaving the village, he wanted to resolve a few lingering matters—such as the issue of the Uchiha twins, Yu and Hiroki. Even if he couldn't eliminate both, taking care of one would suffice.
Orochimaru's growing instability made the timing even more delicate. The sudden disappearance of a Uchiha might cause unrest, especially with the clan already under scrutiny. If Kai waited too long, the Security Department might tighten its grip.
But there was another problem: Kai still hadn't awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan. And without a life-sustaining solution for the inevitable side effects, he was running out of options.
"Damn... no money and no time," Kai muttered with a sigh. He considered doing a few missions just to earn some quick ryo—but dismissed the idea almost immediately. If it made him miss a critical opportunity, it would all be pointless. With another weary exhale, he thought bitterly: Maybe I can borrow from Uchiha Fugaku…
"Lord Kai."
Someone called out from behind.
"Huh?" Kai turned, puzzled.
Since his return, Kai's reputation within the clan had risen. Whispers about his achievements and insight had started circulating. More and more Uchiha had begun addressing him respectfully as "Lord Kai."
"The patriarch wishes to see you," the young clansman said, bowing slightly. "He's at the Security Department headquarters."
"I see. I'll head there now."
Kai wasn't surprised. He had, after all, beaten up a member of the Security Department—Uchiha Hiroki—right in the middle of the street. But he'd done so with reason, and he'd handled the fallout carefully. Still, it was a public incident, and not something the clan could easily ignore.
When Kai arrived at the Security Department, the atmosphere was tense. Every glance cast in his direction was loaded with complexity—respect, resentment, maybe even fear. Kai smirked inwardly. Is it really that serious? I just roughed up Hiroki. Don't tell me he's that popular around here.
Without paying attention to their stares, Kai walked straight into the office of Uchiha Fugaku.
"Come in," Fugaku's voice called after Kai knocked.
Inside, Kai was surprised to find Fugaku alone. No Hiroki in sight.
That alone spoke volumes.
"Patriarch," Kai greeted with a polite bow.
"You don't need to act so formal," Fugaku said, shaking his head. "Seeing how things are… I'm sure you've already figured out why I called you."
Kai sat down as instructed. "I assume this isn't just about what happened with Hiroki?"
"What do you think?" Fugaku said with a faint smile. "You're sharp. Smart enough to figure out my real reason."
I'm only this sharp because I know what's coming, Kai thought grimly, but kept his expression neutral.
If Fugaku wasn't angry, and Hiroki wasn't present, this was likely a matter of strategy. Perhaps a gesture of interest. After all, Kai had criticized both Konoha and the Uchiha clan at the last family meeting, calling out the Security Department's stagnation. Some had bristled, but others—like Fugaku, perhaps—had taken notice.
Could Fugaku be looking for someone to act as a reformer? A wedge to shift the clan's direction?
Or maybe... a spy within Konoha's Anbu?
The thought made Kei's mind spiral with implications.
Either way, things were about to change.