Nara Kōji lounged lazily, a gentle smile on his lips, his whole demeanor looking relaxed — but his eyes were sharp as blades.
Yes.
This was his real gift!
Even though he hadn't made a move in years, with the village's situation growing ever more dangerous and the Ino-Shika-Cho once again caught in the storm of choosing sides, his reemergence revealed his true brilliance.
To the compliments of the others, he only shook his head modestly before his expression grew solemn again.
"Of course, just in case… if we're to carry out this beheading strike, it would be best to choose a time when Kai isn't in the village."
"Only then can we be completely removed from suspicion."
"Because for the higher-ups of Konoha, Kai is the one they fear most."
"Anyone else — myself included — they couldn't care less about."
Kōji's calm words made both Kai and Kazama turn serious.
Clearly, what Kōji said rang true. In recent days Uchiha Kai had shone far too brightly.
"This won't be easy," Nara Kazama sighed helplessly. "Unless some major crisis erupts, the village won't allow Kai to leave."
"And if he leaves on his own, it will look far too deliberate."
Kōji nodded in agreement with his nephew's judgment.
Uchiha Kai, however, remained silent, brow furrowed. After some thought, he finally chuckled.
"There's no need to rush. The war won't end so quickly — we have time to plan."
"The real question is, if I cannot personally strike, then who should? This must be carefully calculated. No loose threads can be left."
"If anyone notices, it would bring nothing but trouble for the Uchiha."
Both Kōji and Kazama nodded. They had no objections.
That was reality.
Every scheme carried risks. Wisdom could only minimize risk, never erase it entirely.
And this plan — simple, direct, brutal — already carried the lowest chance of failure.
Reality wasn't like television drama. You couldn't afford flashy, overcomplicated strategies. The more convoluted the plan, the easier it was to fall apart.
Of course…
Since there was time, Kōji's "gift" today was nothing more than an outline — a pledge of loyalty, a token to prove the Ino-Shika-Cho's sincerity in joining the Uchiha.
The details could be discussed later.
For now, what mattered most was settling the Ino-Shika-Cho and making sure they lived in peace within Uchiha territory.
For this, Fugaku, Aburame Shibi and the others busied themselves with arrangements, while Kai was responsible for hosting and verifying that the newcomers posed no threat.
Now that this was resolved, the rest was just small talk.
Two hours later, Fugaku and the others returned to report that housing for the Ino-Shika-Cho had been properly arranged.
Kai declared on the spot that the Ino-Shika-Cho could be trusted, and from this day forth, they were to be treated as Uchiha's own.
All parties left satisfied.
Fugaku and the others went to deal with follow-ups, while Kōji and Kazama headed to the Ino-Shika-Cho's new quarters to reassure their unsettled clansmen.
Yes.
Though they had arrived in Uchiha territory, most were still bewildered.
They had no idea what was happening.
The only reason they hadn't caused a stir was because the clan leadership had ordered them to obey.
So if they were to truly settle down and live in harmony under the Uchiha, it would fall to Kōji and Kazama to convince them.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Kai finally had a breather.
He sat in the gazebo of his courtyard, one leg crossed over the other, sipping from a clay teapot. As he rested, his thoughts drifted back to today's events and what they meant for Uchiha's future.
"Not bad. All in all, things are looking excellent."
"The Uchiha grow stronger, while the Hokage's side shows signs of decline."
"Before the war ends completely, it looks like I can relax for a while."
"For the short term, maintaining the status quo is enough."
"Uchiha have already swallowed so much, it's almost too much to digest. Better to pause, consolidate power, and slowly absorb what we have."
His eyes flickered as he thought it through.
Once he understood, he stopped worrying, leaned back into the rocking chair, and let his eyes drift closed for a rare moment of rest.
Unfortunately, just as he was half-asleep, someone came to his courtyard.
His irritation spiked.
Of all times, why now? Couldn't they see he had just finished with work?
But when he opened his eyes and saw who it was, he was stunned.
"Brother Minato?"
"You're a rare guest! What brings you here today?"
Indeed.
Since Minato's return, he had done little besides gather allies and rarely left his home.
Kai knew perfectly well why.
It was all because of Nohara Rin.
So for Minato to come in person, and so openly, puzzled him greatly.
After all, on paper Minato was a loyalist of the Hokage's faction — not exactly on Kai's side.
Minato only shook his head with a smile.
"You, always overthinking… Forget it."
"Don't get the wrong idea. I'm here on official business."
"The Hokage knows."
His tone was gentle.
Of course he understood Kai's doubts. That was why he clarified before Kai could ask.
Kai immediately stood, inviting Minato to sit, personally pouring him tea before finally voicing his curiosity.
"Hiruzen sent you?"
"Well, now I'm interested. What could be so important that it needed you to visit in person?"
"Between us, there's no need for a ceremony. Brother Minato, just tell me directly."
Minato nodded without hesitation and explained the matter concisely.
Then his eyes grew serious as he said, word by word:
"Kai."
"I know about the strife between the Uchiha and the village leadership. I understand the details."
"So, when it comes to your internal struggle, I can turn a blind eye. I won't even assist the Hokage."
"But."
"Internal strife and foreign enemies are two different matters. On this issue, I hope you won't refuse."
"After all — it's for the sake of peace."
Minato's voice carried weight.
Yes.
Through their earlier conversation, he had indeed been swayed by Kai.
But public duty and private feeling had to be separated.
He could ignore internal disputes.
But when it came to foreign enemies, even if Hiruzen hadn't asked, Minato himself would have come to persuade Kai.
Uchiha Kai: "..."
He froze on the spot.
Hiruzen Sarutobi wanted Danzō to act in concert with Ōnoki, setting a death trap for the Third Raikage, A.
And he wanted himself and Minato as the last line of insurance?
…You've got to be kidding me!
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