On this particular day, many prominent clans and far-sighted individuals within Konoha had begun to sense a shift in the village's political currents. Whispers circulated that the Fourth Hokage had already been chosen—though the announcement remained confidential.
The key clue? It was Namikaze Minato—not Orochimaru—who had recently held a private meeting with the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. To those with experience navigating village politics, this alone was telling.
Among those who noticed were the elders of the Hyuga clan and others close to the upper echelons of the village. They quietly began preparing for the new era, seeking to understand the relationships between their own younger members and the rising star, Minato.
Aya Hyuga and her associate, Imai Kenta, were both summoned by their respective mentors or clan elders. The reason was clear: how close were they to Namikaze Minato?
Officially, Minato's team still consisted of Kakashi Hatake, Obito Uchiha, and Rin Nohara. But in practice, Uchiha Kai and his own team had joined forces with them on several high-level missions—two of which had dramatically altered the course of the war. As a result, many now saw Kai's team as a de facto extension of Minato's influence.
Aya and Kenta were cautious in their responses. Neither was naive; they quickly grasped the real purpose behind the sudden inquiries. And while their faces remained composed, inwardly both were reeling.
Had Uchiha Kai's gambit truly worked?
They had seen his strategies firsthand—calculated, ruthless, effective. Aya Hyuga could accept this: Kai had earned his influence. His Mangekyō Sharingan had proven its power, and now his ability to shift the political landscape was doing the same.
Kenta, however, felt unsteady. This outcome had come too swiftly. Hadn't they allied with Kai to oppose the Third Hokage's continued control? Wasn't their shared goal to bring about change?
And now, that change had arrived.
Kenta sat in the Konoha Military Police Department, still grappling with the implications. Not only had Minato been chosen as the Fourth Hokage, but Uchiha Fugaku had unexpectedly backed Kai as a rising internal power. Even Aya, who had limited access to Hyuga medical scrolls, was now gaining new resources through Kai's connections.
Kai himself remained as cold and calculating as ever. He was already thinking several steps ahead.
"The matter of the Fourth Hokage is settled," Kai mused aloud. "The next priority is ensuring that he survives the Nine-Tails incident."
His voice was low, thoughtful. "Minato must free himself from the Third's influence and truly become an independent Hokage."
Kai knew this wouldn't be easy. He could warn Kakashi to keep certain things to himself. That alone might avert disaster—but not entirely.
Some events, Kai believed, needed to unfold. The Uchiha clan needed to make a clear gesture—an act of loyalty—to the new Hokage. Only then could they lay the groundwork for their long-term survival within the village.
"And I need to find an opportunity... to eliminate Danzo," Kai muttered darkly. "Or perhaps… pay Obito a visit."
If Obito had truly survived, Kai would need Aya's Byakugan to examine him thoroughly. Even before reaching its peak, the Byakugan excelled at internal observation. Aya's usefulness extended beyond medical jutsu—her eyes were a tactical asset.
Still, Kai reminded himself to stay cautious. He trusted Aya, but never completely. The same went for Kenta.
In the short term, Kai turned his attention back to the Military Police. His goal wasn't just to inherit the department—but to reform it.
The Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan could wait. He needed more data before finalizing the transplant process, and he was still reluctant to use the eyes of a close relative. For now, his standard Mangekyō provided enough strength to continue operating.
And in truth, he needed to ensure a smooth transition. According to his agreement with Fugaku, Kai would assume leadership of the Police Department once Minato's position was secure.
He had to start shaping the department now.
"My current team is a testing ground—and it's working well. Kenta should take over as captain. He's already acting as my vice-captain."
As for the other two squads, Kai made mental notes.
Uchiha gawa would lead one.
The third… he hesitated.
Fujiu Hangtai, younger brother of the late Hangpei, had potential, but lacked leadership qualities. Perhaps it would be better to balance the third team with civilians or underutilized members of major clans.
"The department needs to be a Konoha institution, not just a Uchiha stronghold," Kai thought. "That's the message I want to send."
Still, he couldn't simply dismantle old systems overnight. The department's structure had long-standing traditions. But he could shift its composition and narrative.
The real test, he knew, was coming soon.
"Before long, I'll need to help Fugaku eliminate certain... obstacles," Kai murmured.
He didn't relish the idea—but if he needed Fugaku's help to cement his future, he had to offer something in return.
And besides, there were mysteries he still wanted answers to—like the full extent of Fugaku's Mangekyō abilities. The clan head had always been careful never to show them.
"What if he's forced to?" Kai wondered.
Just then, the soft ringing of bells on his desk broke his train of thought. Uchiha Asahi entered.
"Lord Kai, what are your orders?"
Asahi had become more respectful lately. Ever since he and his son had been discreetly excluded from the fallout involving Osamu Uchiha, Asahi had kept his head down.
"Call Chuan," Kai said calmly. "And bring Imai Kenta as well. There are things we need to discuss."
"Right away, Lord Kai."