CHAPTER 102

The appointment came through the next day. Uchiha Fugaku had been considering the right candidate, but the final decision still surprised many.

Uchiha Kai was officially assigned to take over the duties left by the now-missing Uchiha Yu—and was concurrently promoted to Deputy Head of the Konoha Military Police Force.

This position was one long coveted by the hardliners within the Uchiha clan, yet Fugaku had shown no intention of yielding it to their influence. Now, with Yu's mysterious disappearance, Fugaku bypassed any discussion with the clan council or the hardliners. Instead, he unilaterally appointed someone who had long stood opposed to their ideals—Uchiha Kai.

It was a clear message. And a dangerous one.

Fugaku was signaling a shift in power, perhaps even his own political leanings. It was a silent but thunderous declaration: he had his own vision for the future of the clan.

But for Kai, the politics were background noise. He understood the implications—there would be backlash, resistance, and sabotage from within. But this position also fulfilled Fugaku's promise to him, and more importantly, it gave Kai official authority to form and command his own team.

He didn't plan to inherit Uchiha Yu's squad. If anything, he intended to dismantle it.

Anyone else might hesitate, might consider the consequences of destabilizing an already fragile department. But Kai was not like the others. He didn't fear opposition, especially not from those who couldn't be controlled.

Fugaku had endorsed his proposal. The Security Department would undergo a radical transformation, and Kai would ensure it.

His parents—Uchiha Ryoko and Uchiha Keisuke—were pleased. They understood what this position meant: the Police Force was the Uchiha's most powerful institution within Konoha. But Kai's calm, distant demeanor left them unsure how to respond. Should they celebrate? Or brace for what came next?

After the messenger left, Kai considered his next move. He decided to pay a visit to Fugaku.

The clan head had been unusually candid the night before, expressing interest in Kai's experimental project. Kai couldn't help but wonder what Fugaku truly suspected. While he wasn't eager to involve him, Fugaku had contributed materials and resources, and that couldn't be ignored.

"But I'll need contingencies," Kai thought as he walked. "Once results start to show, and if his ambitions surface... I'll have to eliminate him."

Kai didn't trust Fugaku, and Fugaku certainly didn't trust Kai. Especially after Kai awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan. That power alone placed a fracture between them—whether it could ever be mended would depend on the paths they chose from here.

For now, Kai would continue the research, but he would share nothing unless absolute trust was earned. Not his theories, not his breakthroughs.

"So where am I supposed to find someone I can trust?"

That question haunted him. But there was time, and Kai intended to use his new position to slowly recruit loyal individuals. If the Uchiha turned against him, he would seek allies outside the clan.

Fugaku himself must know the Military Police needed reform. Some within had to be purged. To foster ties with the village and improve the clan's image, outsiders—civilians or lesser clans—could be brought in. That was Kai's opening.

His thoughts were interrupted as he arrived at Fugaku's residence.

A crowd of tense, silent Uchiha loitered near the entrance. Among them was Uchiha Osamu, one of Yu's close allies. When they noticed Kai, their eyes sharpened, their killing intent just barely restrained.

"Looks like you've stirred up a hornet's nest, Fugaku-sama," Kai remarked with a faint smile as he entered.

Fugaku sat quietly, sipping tea. His expression was as calm as ever.

"Change rarely comes without resistance," Fugaku said. "But I'll manage."

"I'm sure you will," Kai replied. "Besides, our test site isn't ready yet. Let them grumble."

Fugaku's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Be careful, Kai. The situation with Orochimaru is escalating. The Third Hokage has dispatched the ANBU—they're investigating not only him, but those tied to him... including rumors of underground experiments."

So it had already begun. Sarutobi was moving swiftly—and harshly.

Kai frowned. Their planned experiments had barely begun, and now outside forces threatened everything. If he went on another mission soon, all progress might be lost.

"That's a nuisance," Kai muttered.

"By the way," Fugaku continued, "someone else might take the fall for Uchiha Yu's disappearance."

"Orochimaru?" Kai asked, unsurprised. "My timing was precise. When I moved against Yu, Orochimaru's scandal was already breaking. I had hoped both he and the ones enabling him—like Danzō—would be implicated. That's why I acted when I did. Call it... a contribution to a worthy scapegoat."

Fugaku studied him, impressed and wary.

"I see. Then you've set the board more skillfully than I thought."

"I'll try."

There was a brief pause.

"The Third Hokage is calling back shinobi to the Land of Grass," Fugaku said. "Talks are nearly complete, but... Hidden Mist agents were reportedly spotted in the region. We're being sent to investigate. What's your plan?"

Kai's expression hardened. That meant the timeline was accelerating.

"So it's come to that already..." he murmured. He had hoped to push Uchiha Yu to the brink first, to see just how far he could fracture him mentally.

But there was no time now.

Luckily, he had secured the alliance with Fugaku when he did. Otherwise, Kai might have returned from the field only to find himself branded a traitor... or worse.