Cautious Eyes: An Uchiha's Path

"Patriarch Fugaku. Minister Kai. It's a pleasure to meet you."

In a private box within a well-frequented tavern in Konoha's prosperous district, Uchiha Kai sat alongside Uchiha Fugaku. Opposite them was Hyuga Hiashi, head of the Hyuga clan's main branch.

Hiashi's invitation had come much sooner than Kai had expected. No sooner had he returned from the Hokage's office to the Konoha Military Police Headquarters than he received a formal summons from the Hyuga clan patriarch.

What caught him off guard even more was that Hiashi had also invited Uchiha Fugaku.

"Patriarch Hiashi," Kai said politely, "technically speaking, we're of the same generation—we were classmates at the Academy. But it's true we haven't spoken in quite some time."

Fugaku regarded Hiashi with calm scrutiny. "I assume there's a reason you've brought both of us here. This seems too formal for a casual reunion."

Hiashi seemed momentarily surprised, his pale Byakugan eyes narrowing slightly. He glanced at Kai, puzzled.

Was Fugaku truly unaware of the situation?

That was odd. If someone from the Hyuga clan was invited into the Police Force, as rumor had it, then surely Fugaku—former head of the department and patriarch of the Uchiha—should've known. Or was this a deliberate handoff of power? Had Kai merely become an agent or a puppet for Fugaku's continued influence?

After all, Kai had once served under Fugaku during missions before the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, had taken office. Could this be a calculated transfer of power?

Hiashi had initially respected what seemed like a decisive act from Fugaku—relinquishing authority in favor of youth and reform. But now, faced with Fugaku's genuine surprise, he began to question his assumptions.

"Minister Kai," Fugaku said coolly, glancing toward the younger Uchiha, "do you know what this is about?"

Kai knew exactly what Fugaku was implying. His expression remained unreadable. "It's about Hyuga Aya. I invited her to join the Military Police."

Hiashi's eyes narrowed, though he remained composed. "I see. So it's true."

Fugaku raised an eyebrow. "Then, with respect, Patriarch Hiashi, I don't believe your invitation required my presence. Minister Kai is head of the Military Police. Such matters fall under his jurisdiction."

Hiashi was silent for a moment. Kai watched his reaction carefully.

Was Fugaku telling the truth? Had he truly ceded control?

Hiashi found himself reassessing everything. Fugaku's tone, his lack of protest or control—it all pointed to a genuine transfer of authority. Which meant this "Minister Kai" wasn't just a proxy, but a real power-holder.

"...Is the Uchiha patriarch being serious?" Hiashi asked, uncertain. "Handing over one of the clan's most critical institutions to someone so young—"

"It's already been done," Fugaku interrupted flatly. "Kai has proven himself. As I said, he is the head of the Police Force. There's no further question."

Hiashi sat in stunned silence.

There was no mistaking it now—Kai was the real thing. A full-blooded Uchiha commander holding one of the village's major institutions, not as a figurehead, but as a leader.

"...I see," Hiashi said finally. He inclined his head respectfully. "My apologies, Minister Kai. I underestimated you. That was careless of me."

"It's understandable," Kai replied, tone mild. "I am young. And the reputation of the Police Force hasn't exactly invited much goodwill lately."

Hiashi couldn't help but agree. But Kai's tone suggested he didn't mind being underestimated. In fact, he might even prefer it.

"So," Hiashi asked, shifting the conversation, "may I ask why Minister Kai believes it appropriate for Aya to serve in the Police?"

Kai was ready for the question.

"It's simple," he said. "Aya is my teammate. And I believe her Byakugan can serve a valuable function in our reforming unit. We've already opened recruitment beyond the Uchiha clan. Anyone who meets our standards and shares our goals can serve."

Hiashi nodded slowly. He had heard as much. The Uchiha had become unusually open lately—whether as a tactic or a sincere change, he couldn't say.

It had certainly helped improve their reputation. Rumors swirled about internal reforms, spearheaded largely by Kai. And Aya—already a medical-nin in training and known for her talent—seemed to be a fitting symbol of this new era.

Still, there was caution in Hiashi's expression.

"...There's also this," Kai added. "Lord Fourth supports the decision. While he can't involve himself directly, he approves of Aya's integration."

Hiashi blinked. "...Lord Fourth?"

Minato's tacit approval changed everything. Hiashi's demeanor grew more serious.

"I understand," he said at last. "If the Hokage supports it, then so do I."

"I'll place her in a special unit," Kai continued. "She'll undergo a month of training before formally joining. I trust that's acceptable?"

"It is," Hiashi said, though he still seemed somewhat wary. "I leave her in your hands."

He didn't fully grasp what game the Uchiha clan was playing. Or why they were making so many concessions lately.

But it was clear that something was shifting—both in the clan and the village.

And with Kai now holding real power, and Minato quietly backing him, Hiashi knew better than to resist the tide.

One Week Later

Aya Hyuga reported to the Police Headquarters early in the morning. Kai arrived a few minutes later to personally escort her to his office.

"You handled it well," Aya said quietly as she entered. "Convincing my clan to allow this."

"It helped to have the Fourth's endorsement," Kai replied. "But I imagine things haven't been easy for you at home."

Aya smirked faintly. "Once it became public, reactions were... predictable. Some call me a traitor. Others a hero. Depends on whether they see themselves in me."

"Either way, you're still you. That's all that matters," Kai said, then added darkly, "At least I'm luckier—I already got rid of the ones who hated me."

He glanced out the window toward a familiar figure—Kenta Imai, standing near the entrance and yawning.

Aya followed his gaze, then looked away. "I still don't like him."

"That makes two of us," Kai muttered. Then he turned back to her. "Anyway, no more talk. We're busy from here on out."

Aya nodded. "Understood. We begin today?"

"Today," Kai said, his Mangekyō glinting for the briefest moment in the morning light.