CHAPTER 99

This was the path once taken by Uchiha Tomiya in the original narrative, but with Kakashi quietly mourning at the cemetery, all of Tomiya's efforts ultimately ended in vain.

Tragically, even as a hidden dove among the Uchiha—a moderate hoping to avoid conflict—he was eventually forced to align with the hawk faction, backing the coup at his most helpless moment.

Whether it was due to the madness often whispered about in the Uchiha bloodline or a final, calculated attempt to preserve his son's future, the clan ultimately fell apart under his hands.

Uchiha Kai doesn't want to leave Konoha—he's certain of that now. Whether for safety or familiarity with the future, staying in the village is the best option.

And if he wants the Uchiha to survive—not just exist, but live comfortably—then he needs a plan. A special one.

If Uchiha Tomiya were still following his old ideals, Kai would say the plan had already failed before it began.

After his recent experiences with Uchiha Yuchi and the Konoha Security Force, Kai has realized something else: he can't be a lone wolf forever.

This world doesn't favor solitary strength. Even the mightiest figures form teams, form bonds.

Madara Uchiha, for all his power and pride, wasn't truly alone—he had Konoha, he had the Uchiha, he had the army of the White Zetsu.

Even someone like Orochimaru, a man driven purely by research and ambition, relied on Kabuto and others behind the scenes.

Kai Uchiha needs influence. He needs loyal allies. People to support him where his own skills fall short. And the Uchiha clan is the best foundation for that.

How could he let Fuyake—or worse, the current status quo—ruin that chance?

So Uchiha Kai must act. Even if Fuyake is still the clan head, he can't let him steer things into disaster.

Especially now, while Kai still holds the advantage. Fuyake's abilities are known. Kai's remain hidden—and the unknown is always feared.

"If this continues, the Uchiha clan will be in danger," Kai said coldly. "The tension between the clan and the village will only escalate. One spark could ignite a war. I'm not being pessimistic. I'm being realistic. And I won't let myself be dragged down with the rest."

He narrowed his eyes.

"Tell me—why do you think someone who inherits the Second Hokage's ideology would ever truly give the Uchiha a place at the top?"

Fugaku looked at him silently for a moment.

"You're suggesting I run for Hokage?"

Kai shook his head.

"No. You're not qualified. As long as the Third Hokage and his inner circle remain, the Uchiha will never be chosen."

Fugaku took a deep breath.

"So what are you saying, Kai? That they'll just hand over power to an outsider? Break apart their own political structure?"

"Of course not," Kai replied. "But what if someone from within their circle—someone they already trust—started to think differently?"

Fugaku's brows furrowed.

"You mean… Jiraiya? He is trusted, but he's never shown interest in becoming Hokage. And from what I've heard, public support for him is weak."

Kai nodded.

"True. Jiraiya won't do it. But don't forget—he has a student."

"Namikaze Minato?" Fugaku's expression hardened.

Was this some kind of joke?

The students of the Third Hokage hadn't even been given the title. And now Kai expected them to believe that a man barely in his twenties, a student of a student, could become Hokage?

Fugaku shook his head.

"That's absurd. Minato's talented, yes, but the Council already favors Orochimaru. The Jōnin vote and public support haven't been called yet, but Orochimaru is the frontrunner by far."

Kai smiled slightly.

"Yes, but haven't you heard the recent rumors?"

Fugaku's eyes narrowed.

"The human experimentation rumors?"

Kai nodded.

"There's no solid proof, but people are whispering. Something's bubbling beneath the surface. Why do you think no one's shut the gossip down yet?"

Fugaku frowned. Of course he'd noticed the rumors about Orochimaru, but he hadn't paid them much mind. After all, he had no intention of joining the Hokage race. He preferred to stay clear of such political landmines.

But now, with Kai pointing it out…

Was someone deliberately letting the rumors grow? Was there a faction inside the Third Hokage's circle trying to derail Orochimaru's succession?

Had cracks begun to form in the old power structure?

Fugaku looked at Kai again, this time with less skepticism.

He had underestimated this boy. And perhaps—just perhaps—so had the entire village.