Uchiha Kai smiled faintly.
The more he looked at Nohara Rin, the more satisfied he felt.
If he hadn't crossed into the Shinobi World, with his original self's abilities, he wouldn't even have the qualifications to pursue a beauty like her.
But—
He still had morals.
He wouldn't force her. For now, the most important thing was simply to dispel her suicidal thoughts.
"Rin, don't be afraid," Minato said with a warm smile. "Kai-kun is right."
"And even without him, as your teacher, I can still protect you."
"So don't feel pressured. Just follow your heart."
"If you like Kai-kun, accept him. If not, just refuse."
"I only gave Kai-kun this chance because I recognize both his character and his ability."
Though Minato smiled outwardly, his heart was bitter.
Yes.
If given the choice, he would have preferred Rin to one day marry Kakashi or Obito.
Uchiha Kai was not a good match.
This boy had power and cunning, yes, but he was already too deeply entangled in the whirlpool of politics.
Rin was just an ordinary kunoichi. As her teacher, he only hoped she could live a safe and peaceful life.
Following Kai… that path was uncertain.
Even if it led to success, the journey ahead would be drenched in blood. That was not what Minato wanted for her.
But at the same time—
He had no choice.
Neither of his disciples had the courage. Kai had left them the opening for so long, yet neither dared speak up.
So, for Rin's safety, he could only let Kai take this place.
"Yes, your teacher is right," Kushina added with a smile. "With him and me around, no one can threaten you."
"Follow your heart!"
Her eyes were filled with encouragement.
Unlike Minato, Kushina actually thought Kai was a good choice.
Handsome, gentle, without the arrogance typical of the Uchiha. Strong and capable too.
Most importantly—he could protect Rin.
So in her eyes, this was a perfect match.
Kakashi and Obito were silent.
Their chests felt tight.
On any other day, they might have spoken out against it.
But not now.
Because they both knew: Kai was only trying to save Rin.
He had even given them chances—it was their fault for not seizing them.
Especially Obito.
His molars nearly cracked from how hard he clenched his teeth, but in the end, all he could do was sigh.
He couldn't blame anyone else.
The chance had been his. He had failed.
That was all.
So this couldn't even be the reason for him to fall into darkness. Instead, he finally forced the words out through gritted teeth:
"Uchiha… Kai! You'd better treat Rin well. Otherwise, I won't forgive you!"
Kakashi still said nothing.
He didn't know what to say.
Kai, on the other hand, was briefly startled. Looking at Obito baring his fangs like that, his lips twitched.
Yes.
He could tell—Obito wasn't angry.
He was letting go.
Though Kai didn't understand why Obito would give up, he still nodded.
"Don't worry."
"I'll treat Rin well."
His face was deadly serious.
This statement won the approval of everyone present.
Then, all eyes turned to Rin.
But Rin herself was in chaos. Her mind blank, her heart a mess.
Only after a long silence did she stammer:
"I… I'm very confused right now. Can you give me some time?"
"Of course," Kai said with a gentle smile. "I can wait."
"By the way, Minato-nii-san."
"When you see Hiruzen Sarutobi tomorrow, pass on a message for me."
"Rin is my girlfriend."
"If the village elders dare lay a finger on her, then it means war with the Uchiha."
"If Rin so much as loses a single hair, I'll make the entire Sarutobi clan pay with their lives."
"Tell Hiruzen not to test me. If pushed, I will lead the Uchiha, the Aburame, the Inuzuka, and half of the Ino–Shika–Cho to defect from Konoha."
"And before I leave, not a single member of the Sarutobi clan will live."
Hiss—!
Everyone drew in a sharp breath.
Their gazes at Kai were filled with shock.
No one had expected him to be this ruthless.
Especially Minato.
His brow furrowed. His heart twisted.
He couldn't stand hearing such words. To him, Konoha was home.
But as he thought more carefully, he understood.
These words weren't aimed at Sarutobi at all—they were aimed at Rin.
A warning.
Don't even think about suicide.
Because if she did, Kai would act.
It was cruel, but for Rin, it was exactly the kind of pressure that might work.
Minato sighed, then nodded.
"Alright, I'll pass it on."
"Kai-kun, I still dislike your methods… but the elders have indeed gone too far."
"I just hope you don't lose control. The villagers of Konoha are innocent."
"And you, Rin—"
"You'd better take care of yourself. Otherwise, if your boyfriend snaps, it could mean disaster for the entire village!"
Rin was stunned.
What was she supposed to do?
She had been prepared to die.
But Kai's words had completely shaken her resolve.
If she killed herself, and Kai really lashed out like that…
She couldn't even imagine it.
The thought made her tremble.
Finally, she spoke:
"…Alright. I understand."
"But Kai-kun, my heart is still unsettled. Please… give me some time."
With that, some of the weight in her chest eased.
Yes.
As a normal person, how could she truly want to die?
She had only felt forced into it.
But Kai's sudden intervention had changed everything.
Now, she finally had another choice.
And realizing that, her heart began to relax.
"Of course," Kai replied with a smile. "Take your time. I'm not in a rush."
His sharp eyes caught the subtle changes in her expression.
From her demeanor alone, he knew—Rin had let go of the idea of suicide.
Good.
At last, the matter was settled.
He too finally loosened his grip.
Half an hour later, after dinner ended, he chatted with them briefly before taking his leave.
That night, sleep eluded everyone.
Kakashi and Obito lay in the guest room, tossing restlessly.
Their hearts were in turmoil, still caught in the whirlwind of earlier events.
Especially Obito.
For someone who loved Rin so deeply, the fact that he didn't descend into darkness was already a miracle.
Rin too lay awake, staring blankly out the window in her nightclothes.
Too much had happened today.
Her mind was in disarray, unable to settle.
Only one thing was certain—
She had abandoned the thought of suicide.
Because she couldn't bear the terror of what Kai might do if she died.
In the main house, Minato and Kushina lay together, talking.
Kushina was brimming with joy, especially when it came to Kai. She spoke of him endlessly, praising him with bright eyes.
But Minato only sighed.
"...Kushina."
"Things between Kai-kun and Rin… aren't as simple as you think."
"Let me explain…"
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