Uchiha Kai looked relaxed.
Yes.
In a world where strength ruled above all else, cultivating power was the only true path. Everything else was secondary.
The fact that his influence had grown so vast was, in truth, half coincidence.
At the beginning, he only wanted to help Shisui.
Later, he wanted to secure a safe haven for his family.
Then came the trust of Ironfire and the others… until finally, with all the clans coming to his side, things snowballed into the massive force it was now.
In a way, he was being pushed forward by others.
Just like a great ruler of old—perhaps at first only trying to survive, yet eventually becoming emperor.
"Ah…"
He sighed helplessly and stopped thinking too deeply.
One step at a time.
Besides, gains came with burdens.
Right now, the troubles were endless. But later, when Shisui, Itachi, and the younger generation grew stronger, he'd finally be able to lie back and relax.
Meanwhile, Nara Hiroshi gave a nod.
Though he hadn't handled the business deals with Hidden Stone Village directly, he was well aware of them.
During this period, the Ino–Shika–Chō had been integrating with the Uchiha, and as the brain of the trio, he'd come into close contact with many aspects of Kai's plans.
He understood Kai's strategy clearly:
Lose money to seize the market → swallow the Land of Iron's trade → ultimately monopolize all shinobi commerce.
A formidable tactic indeed.
At another time, Hiroshi might have marveled at such brilliance.
But now?
After hearing from Kai that the shinobi world still hid unfathomable, unspeakably powerful beings… small matters like commerce simply failed to stir his interest.
"I understand. It's late, I'll take my leave."
Kai didn't stop him.
After a brief exchange, he saw Hiroshi—full of heavy thoughts—out of the courtyard.
When Kai returned to the sitting room, Hyuga Aya was already tidying the teaware.
Clearly, she had noticed Hiroshi leaving and began straightening things up without a word.
"Neesan's asleep?" Kai asked with a smile. "I've troubled you."
Aya's face bloomed with a gentle smile.
At this moment, she radiated the softness of a true Yamato Nadeshiko—completely different from the decisive, killing aura she had displayed in the Hyuga clan's hall.
"Yes, he's asleep," she said.
"The little one was restless all day, and now suddenly not having his parents around… Honestly, I feel torn inside. Are we doing the right thing?"
Her mood dimmed as she spoke.
"Don't overthink it," Kai replied at once.
"For Neji, this is the best outcome.
Had he remained in the Hyuga clan, sooner or later the Caged Bird Curse Seal would have been carved into him.
And no one understands its pain better than you."
Aya smiled bitterly.
Of course she knew.
She also understood that for both Neji and his father Hiashi, this choice was indeed the best.
But as a woman, holding Neji in her arms had awakened a motherly tenderness.
It was only natural to feel unsettled.
With a helpless sigh, she nodded.
"…I know. Fortunately, he's still young. Once time passes, he'll grow used to it."
Then she asked softly:
"Kai-kun… the problem of the Caged Bird Curse Seal, is it truly unsolvable?
Perhaps I'm being sentimental, but… before, when I was struggling to survive, I had no room to think about such things.
Now that I've broken free, my heart feels strangely hollow.
When I think of all my uncles and aunts, trapped in that daily numbness since childhood… it leaves me feeling awful."
Kai fell silent.
To be honest, he had never given thought to the Hyuga clan's mess.
Truthfully, he hadn't even wanted to involve himself too much in Uchiha matters—why care about others?
But Aya was his woman.
Now that she was with him, she wouldn't need to shoulder burdens herself anymore.
And realistically, the Uchiha didn't lack manpower.
Brains? The Nara were there.
Strength? Shisui and Fugaku could shoulder it—and in a few years, Itachi would also rise as a top fighter.
In short, Aya's hands would be free.
Perhaps giving her something meaningful to do wouldn't be a bad idea.
With that thought, Kai spoke earnestly:
"Aya, you must understand.
The Caged Bird Curse Seal, though corrupted by the Hyuga, has a necessary foundation.
I could, with time, find a way to unravel the seals one by one and free the branch family.
But then what?
If there's no replacement, the Hyuga would instantly become prey in the eyes of every other village.
Even a mere Hyuga genin could attract the greed of a Jounin.
The Uchiha are different.
Sharingan evolves in stages.
A one-tomoe eye awakened by a weakling? Worthless.
But by the time someone reaches three-tomoe—or even Mangekyō—the wielder already stands near kage level.
At that point, outsiders would hesitate—because they might not even win.
And even if they stole a three-tomoe Sharingan, it's not much use to them.
Unlike the Byakugan, the Sharingan rejects outsiders heavily.
It can't be closed, it constantly drains chakra—something only Uzumaki vitality can endure.
Ordinary people can't handle it.
But the Byakugan? Far less rejection. That's why it's so tempting.
Do you see?
You're my woman. Whatever you wish to do, I'll help.
But before breaking the Caged Bird Curse Seal, we must find a substitute.
The best idea I see is a seal—not on people, but on the eyes themselves.
Something like: if a Byakugan is taken from the body, the seal activates and destroys it.
That would solve everything.
But… It's difficult.
Aya, if you have spare time, study sealing arts. Perhaps you can devise something yourself.
I'll also keep watch for methods.
Don't worry. Step by step—we'll find a way."
Kai's tone was solemn.
He wasn't placating her; he was genuinely considering the problem.
Aya could tell.
Her gaze toward Kai grew warmer, her heart swelling with tenderness.
To have married such a man—she felt her life was worth it.
"…All right. I understand," she said with a gentle smile.
"Kai-kun, you treat me so well. Tell me—when shall we marry?"
Kai froze.
Marriage?
That thought hadn't crossed his mind.
But at the same time, he knew she deserved that recognition.
After a moment of thought, he answered seriously:
"There's no rush.
Once Hiruzen is dealt with, I'll give you a proper wedding.
Right now isn't the time.
If we had a child, I fear those old snakes—especially Danzō of Root—would use it against me.
Do you understand?"
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