Uchiha Compound – Forest Clearing
In the quiet forest behind the Uchiha clan compound, Uchiha Kai and Uchiha Fugaku stood still, locked in a silent standoff like statues carved from stone.
"Don't push me too far, Kai," Fugaku said, voice even but edged with warning. "I'm speaking to you sincerely and as an equal."
He paused, then raised two fingers.
"There are two options before us. First—each of us claims one Mangekyō Sharingan. Second—we hold the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan for a year, as I proposed."
Fugaku's gaze sharpened. He had already offered significant concessions, and Kai's continued resistance irked him. He knew what Kai was thinking—by letting Fugaku wield the Eternal Mangekyō first, Kai stood to lose leverage. But Fugaku had made it clear: this wasn't a power grab. It was a risk both of them needed to share.
"This is trust," Fugaku said. "But I understand your concern. I want to protect my family—just as you want to protect yourself. You can still choose the first option. Besides..." His eyes narrowed slightly. "I suspect you've made new discoveries. You might not need these eyes after all."
Kai Uchiha frowned.
It was true. He had already accepted the second plan in principle—but that didn't mean he couldn't negotiate further. What Kai needed now was access to knowledge: specifically, advanced medical ninjutsu related to cellular regeneration. His research required it, and this arrangement could be his leverage.
"Very well," Kai finally said. "But I have one condition."
Fugaku nodded. "Name it."
"I want access to all medical ninjutsu related to cellular biology that the clan—or Konoha—has access to. I'll take possession of the Eternal Eye after the transplant, and the one-year period will begin upon successful fusion."
Fugaku exhaled quietly in relief and gave a rare nod. "Agreed."
Negotiating with Kai was exhausting. But for the future of the Uchiha, it was worth it. A strong ally, even one as calculating as Kai, was invaluable—especially with the recent appointment of Minato Namikaze as Fourth Hokage. The balance of power was shifting.
As Kai turned to leave, Fugaku hesitated, then spoke again.
"Kai."
"Hm?" Kai looked over his shoulder, brow raised.
"From now on... just call me Fugaku." Fugaku took a step forward and offered his hand. "Let's work together—as equals."
Kai was momentarily taken aback. This level of trust was rare, especially from Fugaku. But Kai understood what it meant. This was an alliance forged not from loyalty, but from necessity and ambition.
With a quiet breath, Kai reached out and clasped Fugaku's hand.
At the Hyuga Compound
In a quiet room within the Hyuga compound, Hyuga Aya sat cross-legged, medical texts spread across her tatami mat. She had immersed herself in cellular-level medical ninjutsu—an unusual field for a Hyuga, and one not officially sanctioned.
But her cooperation with Uchiha Kai had been founded on this. And on a secret crime.
She didn't regret killing Hyuga Teru. Even if Kai hadn't intervened, she would have found a way to eliminate him eventually.
Her engagement to Teru had been a farce—a political trap laid to bind her to a man she despised. His twisted desire to possess her, to make a strong kunoichi like her into one of his trophies, had sealed his fate.
Aya's thoughts drifted to Kai's words.
"The Uchiha eyes have a future. The Hyuga… do not."
He was arrogant—but not wrong. The clan system had crippled the Hyuga. Caged Bird Seals, arranged marriages, bloodline supremacy—it was all chains.
But at least now, through Kai, she had a sliver of autonomy.
"Aya, are you still reading?" Her mother entered quietly.
Aya looked up. "Mother."
Despite the resentment she held toward the clan system, Aya still loved her mother. Her mother was from the branch family, and she understood what it meant to be treated like property.
Her mother sat beside her and stroked her hair. "I know these past weeks have been hard. What happened with Teru…"
"Please," Aya interrupted. "Let's not talk about him."
Her voice was cold but steady. "If I hadn't been forced into that engagement, none of this would've happened. He got what he deserved."
Her mother nodded with a sad smile. "I understand. But… the clan head wants to see you."
Aya's eyes narrowed. "Lord Hiashi?"
"Yes. He didn't say why."
Aya stood slowly. She had no illusions. If they'd discovered her involvement with Kai, it could mean punishment—or worse. But there was no turning back now.
She gathered her things and left the room, walking calmly but warily toward the Hyuga main house.
In Konoha's Civilian District
Snow was falling gently in the streets as Imai Kenta returned from a long shift with the Konoha Military Police. The cold bit through his cloak, but the fatigue in his bones ran deeper.
Before he could reach his home, a figure stepped out from a nearby alley.
"Kenta. Elder Shojin wants to see you."
Kenta stopped in his tracks.
The man who spoke was a distant relative—one of the old guard who had never liked Kenta's decision to join the Uchiha-run Police Force. And Shojin? That old hawk hadn't spoken to him in months.
Kenta sighed. "Any idea why?"
The man just turned and walked away.
Typical. No answers.
Kenta shook his head and looked up at the falling snow.
He could only hope this meeting wasn't going to turn into a lecture—or worse, a warning.