Kai Uchiha remembered a saying from a game he once played: "It's better to strategize than to fight blindly."
At first, Kai found it a bit much. After all, if you didn't have the strength to compete, what was the point of tactics? But in time, he realized the truth behind it. Whether you're a seasoned champion or a rookie bronze, luck and planning could turn the tide—it was practically a game of survival.
And now, in this world of shinobi, luck wasn't just useful—it was everything. Because here, it was his life on the line.
Take the battlefield, for example. A kunai comes flying your way, and you can't dodge in time. Then, out of nowhere, an ally jumps in front of you—or the enemy stumbles. Situations like that decide whether you live or die.
No matter the world, power alone isn't enough. Without luck, there'd be too many unsung prodigies buried before their time.
Thankfully, Kai's luck wasn't all bad. Sure, plenty of misfortunes had come his way—some downright absurd—but this time, things had gone surprisingly well.
He'd found information on Uchiha Yuchi's schedule and his patrol route with almost no effort. It barely took him any energy to dig it up, and that alone made Kai feel like fortune was finally smiling on him.
Ironically, the catalyst was revenge. Kai had gone after Uchiha Hiroki, but—by sheer coincidence—his own jōnin sensei had once been teammates with Uchiha Yuchi.
Curious about what Hiroki might try next, Kai visited the Konoha Police Headquarters. He hadn't expected much, but instead found himself in the office alone. Fugaku, for some reason, had left him unattended—maybe to de-escalate internal clan tensions, or just to throw Kai a bone.
Either way, it gave him time to scan and commit the Security Division's patrol route map to memory.
By the time Fugaku returned—roughly ten minutes later—Kai had already returned to his seat, composed and innocent.
Trailing behind the clan head was Uchiha Yuchi, clearly in a sour mood. The guy didn't say a word, but the tension was obvious. Kai guessed Fugaku had given him a proper dressing down before bringing him back in.
"Kai-kun," said Uchiha Fugaku as he sat behind his desk. "Find time to visit Hiroki. Do you understand?"
"I'll offer him a proper apology," Kai replied, giving a small, respectful bow. He didn't spare Yuchi so much as a glance. "I let things get out of hand. I'll reflect on my behavior."
"Good. And while you're at it, make time to train with Itachi," Fugaku added, a subtle edge in his tone. "He's come looking for you several times now, and you've always been away."
"I will," Kai nodded, turning to leave.
Train Itachi...? Kai frowned slightly. He'd hardly had time for himself lately, let alone Fugaku's son. Still, he'd figure something out. Besides, he had bigger concerns.
Yuchi's next patrol was scheduled for three days from now. Kai had time to prepare.
Knowing an enemy's movements was a huge advantage for a shinobi. Now it was about field reconnaissance, choosing a viable ambush spot—not too hidden to raise suspicion, but remote enough to catch Yuchi off-guard. He also needed to restock his supplies: kunai, shuriken, smoke bombs, and everything else a proper ambush might require.
Ninjas were warriors. And warriors without tools? Practically dead men walking.
As he made mental notes, a familiar voice called out, interrupting his train of thought.
"Kai-sama."
Kai turned to see Uchiha Asahi approaching. "Asahi-kun, you don't need to be so formal. What's up?"
"Your classmates are waiting outside the compound," Asahi said, ignoring Kai's casual tone.
"My classmates?" Kai raised an eyebrow. He tapped his chin, thinking. "Alright. Thanks for letting me know."
Asahi gave a polite bow and left without another word.
Kai watched him go with mild curiosity. Sure, he'd saved the guy's kid once, but this level of deference felt a bit...excessive. Was Asahi trying to cozy up for future favors? Maybe even get his child under Kai's tutelage?
Shrugging it off, Kai walked to the compound gates—and stopped short when he saw who was waiting.
"Kakashi... and—what the hell?"
Alongside Kakashi were Might Guy, Rin Nohara, Kurenai Yuhi, Genma Shiranui, and even a young Iruka Umino. It was way more people than he expected.
At first, he thought Kakashi wanted a training session—which Kai had no plans to turn down. After all, he already had the intel he needed, and a few sparring matches wouldn't hurt. He could even leave a shadow clone behind to do recon or shop for gear while he trained.
But this?
This was a whole group. And suddenly, the situation seemed both better and more complicated.
"Kai!" Might Guy greeted him enthusiastically. "We're all back in the village and don't have missions right now. Rin suggested we gather, so—"
"A gathering?" Kai rubbed his chin, then nodded. "Alright. Let's do it."
He hadn't seen this coming, but he didn't mind it either. These were the future leaders of Konoha—Jonin, ANBU, even Hokage material. Whether Kai's plans for the Uchiha clan succeeded or failed, having their friendship would always be valuable.
In the world of shinobi, luck, power, and allies were everything.
And Kai planned to have all three.