Cautious Eyes: An Uchiha's Path

"How... how does he usually act during the week?"

"No idea. Why, what's bothering you?"

"Does he have a fiancée named Hyuga Rin?"

"How should I know? You seem to know more about your family than I do."

"Then... did he get close to Orochimaru?"

"You think someone like Orochimaru would bother with him?"

"..."

Uchiha Kai rubbed his temples. The moment he heard that name, he asked instinctively—out of habit, out of fear. Orochimaru. Even now, just hearing it was enough to stir something in him. His reputation alone was terrifying. Still, it was unfortunate that this so-called future Mizukage had developed too slowly.

Of course, Kai knew he was probably overreacting. Names repeated themselves. There were plenty of people with the same name.

Still, it was unsettling to hear a name from the past... a name embedded in Kai's memories.

"From the looks of things, it seems you've made decent progress?" he said, turning to Hyuga Aya.

Uchiha Kai shook his head. Rather than dwell on distractions, it was better to focus on what mattered.

"Not completely. The materials you gave me are very detailed, but some of the procedures are too advanced. It's not something you can just master by reading documents."

Hyuga Aya placed a test tube back onto the rack. "Still, your objectives were clear, so I made a few adjustments. I focused on what we actually need. I'd say the current progress is... acceptable."

"Adjustments?"

Kai scratched his chin. That wasn't necessarily a bad thing. He didn't need top-level genetic breakthroughs—just careful, specific results. Especially since he planned to work with Zetsu's cells. The risk was immense.

Even Orochimaru and Danzo had conducted countless experiments, and in the end, only one person—Yamato—had survived. And even then, Yamato's power with Mokuton paled in comparison to the original: the First Hokage could reshape entire landscapes, while Yamato… well, he was good at landscaping.

"I see. How's the progress on the cellular compatibility study?"

Uchiha Kai shifted gears, now back to business. "This time, I think you believe me, don't you?"

"Indeed," Aya said with a nod. "The stronger a Hyuga—especially from the main house—the more complete their genetic sequences are."

She hesitated, then added, "I'm only missing a sample from Hyuga Hiashi. If possible… can you get it?"

Kai raised an eyebrow. Aya calling the Hyuga twins "Hiashi" and "Hizashi" without any honorifics was… revealing. She clearly didn't respect Hiashi much as clan head. But she seemed to genuinely admire Hizashi, even as a branch family member.

It was a shame Hizashi had died early in the timeline Kai remembered. If not for that, Neji might've had a far better life.

"You respect him so much, yet you want to extract his DNA? Won't you feel conflicted?"

Kai gave her a smirk, but made no promises. "If the two brothers happen to be together when I move… I'll consider it."

"Are you planning to do this alone?" Aya frowned. "Do your eyes have the stamina to manage that much chakra output?"

"I'll think it through. Right now, answer me instead."

"With full focus and chakra output, I can analyze cell structures using the Byakugan," Aya replied calmly. "But the duration is short. Five minutes, maximum. Then I'll need a full day of rest."

"Five minutes..."

Kai fell silent. That window was narrow—but possibly manageable. From what he remembered, fusing Mangekyō into an Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan could take half a month, maybe longer. He wasn't expecting to constantly observe the process. But once every day or two, with precision? That might be enough.

"Alright," he finally said. "I want you to monitor all changes in the host's body constantly. Especially any genetic drift or abnormalities."

"Understood," Aya replied. "It's beneficial to me too. By the way... who's the host you chose?"

"Someone just like me," Kai said without hesitation.

He'd already planned this in advance. The purpose of the experiment was to benefit himself—so the subject had to closely match his own conditions. The best candidate? Uchiha Osamu—a kaleidoscope Sharingan wielder whose eye traits mirrored Kei's.

Aya's latest report had confirmed his hunch: Osamu's body, after months of Kaleidoscope influence, was growing rapidly stronger. Stronger even than Kai's.

It wasn't a question of talent—Kai's potential was exceptional. But Osamu was a fully grown adult. His body had matured, and the Mangekyō's cellular enhancements had clearer effects on him.

Kai, meanwhile, was still only fourteen—barely past his birthday. His body was still growing. Long-term, he had far more potential. But for this phase of the experiment, Osamu was the ideal subject.

"I see," Aya said, nodding. "When do we begin? I'll start preparing."

"You'd better. And tell your clan—tell Hiashi—that I've invited you to join the Konoha Military Police Force."

Aya froze. "The Police Force?"

That was a complicated proposition. Joining the Uchiha-run force meant protection—and association. It would put her directly under Kai's wing… but also under clan scrutiny. The Hyuga elders would not approve.

Some might even demand she act as a spy, implanting a Caged Bird Seal to ensure loyalty.

"You know how the elders think," Aya murmured. "Since I was a child, they've drilled it into us: 'Never fall behind the Uchiha.' If they let me join, it'll be as their eyes inside your clan."

"Then you'll need to speak with Hiashi directly," Kai replied. "He's not a fool. He's aware of the bigger picture. If you make it clear that 'Uchiha Kei is negotiating with the Fourth Hokage,' he'll understand."

Aya's eyes sharpened.

"You're that close to Lord Fourth?"

Kai shrugged. "Call it mutual benefit. Reforming the Police Force. Opening Uchiha lands. Public transparency. It's all part of a statement."

He paused, resting his chin on his hand.

"Pride should be earned—not inherited. People who rely on their bloodline instead of their ability are just parasites. Whether you're Hyuga or Uchiha, you should work to become a jōnin as soon as you can."

He added quietly, "Oh, and just a heads-up—someone from the Uchiha has already entered ANBU."

Aya's expression shifted instantly.

No wonder Kai had spoken so confidently. If an Uchiha was in ANBU, that meant the clan was being reintegrated into Konoha's power structure. This was a sign—the Fourth Hokage was backing them.

No wonder Kai had said Hiashi would cooperate. The Hyuga patriarch wasn't foolish enough to miss such an opportunity.

"I see now," Aya said quietly. "You've already laid the groundwork. I'll speak with Hiashi when I return."

"Good," Kai replied. "And if anything goes wrong, let me know. I've been meaning to visit him myself."

"Will you go in… uniform?"

"Just the usual. No masks, no theatrics."