"Team... No, Deputy Minister!"
When Uchiha Kai stepped through the gates of the Konoha Military Police Force headquarters, his sudden appearance startled the guard on duty—another Uchiha.
These days, there wasn't a single Uchiha who didn't know the name Kai Uchiha, especially after his return to the village alongside Minato Namikaze just yesterday. Even if someone tried not to know him, it would be impossible.
Kai's name carried weight now. Despite having no particularly close ties with the other elite members of the clan, he had become one of the most talked-about figures in the Uchiha—respected, feared, or both.
And now, he wasn't just any officer. He had been appointed captain of one of the three squads within the Police Force—and more importantly, as the new Deputy Minister, second only to Uchiha Fugaku himself.
"You're here today, Deputy—ah, I mean... Minister!" The Uchiha guard almost stumbled over his words but quickly recovered. Kai ignored the slip, his expression unreadable as his eyes scanned the mostly empty reception hall.
"Where is everyone?"
"Sir, the other teams are already out on patrol," the guard responded quickly, showing subtle deference in his posture. "They should be back soon—only a few remained off-duty today."
"I see," Kai nodded. Then, without any hostility, he asked, "What's your name?"
There were too many people in the Uchiha for Kai to know all of them—especially given how he used to keep to himself in the past. The young man didn't seem offended. In fact, he looked honored.
"Uchiha Kazuya, sir."
"Mm. Kazuya, I have a task for you. Call in the members of my unit—make sure everyone is present."
"Yes, sir!"
"And before that, find Fujiu Hangtai—he's Hangping's younger brother. He's been here before. Treat him like a guest, not a criminal. Understood?"
"Yes, sir."
"And... see if you can bring Uchiha Asahi and his son along as well."
Kazuya blinked once in surprise, then bowed. "Right away, Deputy Minister!"
As Kazuya left with renewed purpose, Kai turned toward his office for the first time. The room was larger than he expected—an open, lofty space with little in it. Its emptiness spoke volumes.
Since the last deputy had stepped down, Fugaku hadn't been quick to appoint a successor. Perhaps he had been using the position as a test, dangling it like bait for ambitious clan members.
But now, the bait was gone. The position had been given—unceremoniously—to Uchiha Kai.
He sat behind the desk, expression neutral. Kai wasn't one to sit idle, but he knew when to wait—and right now, patience was part of the plan.
Ten minutes passed.
A knock echoed through the office.
"Come in," Kai said, his voice calm.
The door opened, revealing Uchiha Asahi and a young man—his son.
Kai studied the boy. He looked maybe a year or two older than Kai himself, closer to Imai Kenta's age. Composed, respectful—and with something more in his eyes.
Admiration? No—zeal.
Kai understood it well. They were outsiders once. Marginal clan members, living in the shadows of more prominent names. But Kai's rise had stirred hope in the forgotten. For boys like this, Kai's story had become a dream worth chasing.
"Long time no see, Asahi," Kai said with a small smile. Then his gaze shifted. "Is this your son? Uchiha Chuan, right? A fine young man."
"Thank you, Deputy Minister," they both bowed in unison.
"Let's get down to business."
Kai stood and looked directly at the two of them.
"You're aware of my new position. I won't waste time—are either of you interested in working under me?"
Asahi blinked, then nodded immediately. "Of course, sir."
Kai raised an eyebrow. "I meant both of you."
He walked toward them slowly, voice lowering just slightly. "If you join me, you listen to me—no middlemen, no clan elders, no side allegiances. Understood?"
To Kai, this was a test. Asahi had always been a minor voice in the clan, someone used more for spreading word than policy. But he had potential—as did his son. Kai was already considering their use, especially with his adoptive mother Ryoko still stationed within the department. There were politics to navigate.
"...We understand," Asahi said with a slight hesitation, but his resolve hardened quickly.
Kai nodded. "Good."
Then his eyes turned to the younger one.
"And you, Chuan? What are your thoughts?"
"I..." The boy looked to his father, uncertain.
Kai's gaze narrowed. "No. I don't want your father's answer. I want yours. Think carefully. This matters."
Chuan paused, clenched his fists—and knelt down halfway.
"I am willing to serve you, Lord Kai."
Kai watched him for a moment, then smiled faintly.
Smart boy. The clan had talent. It was just buried under politics, pride, and the shadows of the elders.
Meanwhile…On a quiet street in Konoha, a teen in civilian clothes froze when he noticed a man approaching—Uchiha crest visible on his back.
"Who are you?" he asked warily.
"Relax, Fujiu Hangtai," said Kazuya Uchiha with a smirk. "You think I'd be here if it wasn't important? Deputy Minister Kai wants to see you."
"Deputy Minister... Kai Uchiha?" Hangtai's eyes flickered with confusion.
"You mean Lord Kai," Kazuya snapped, tone sharp. "Don't let your brother's past connection with him go to your head. Now, move it. I don't want to drag you back and risk being blamed."
Hangtai gritted his teeth. He didn't like Kazuya's arrogance. Then again, few people did. Still, he couldn't deny the facts—Uchiha Kai had once saved him. And though their connection was thin now, it still existed.
He sighed. "Alright. Let's go."
"You'll be going alone."
"What?"
Kazuya smirked again. "I'm just a shadow clone. Got other tasks to finish."
With a puff of smoke, he vanished—leaving Hangtai clenching his fists in silent frustration.
"Guess I don't have much choice... Still, what does Kai want with me?"
Back at the Clan Grounds…"Hmph. That kid's throwing his weight around now?"
"Does he think we're fools? Just because Fugaku's busy doesn't make him king."
"Now that Lord Yong's vanished, he wants to act like he owns the place?"
The chatter grew louder in the Uchiha compound. Tension buzzed in the air.
Kazuya, now in his real body, stood quietly outside a building, hearing it all. He kept his head low. The mutterings weren't new—but they were becoming bolder.
With Kai's appointment, things were shifting. And not everyone liked that.
Kazuya exhaled slowly.
"I just hope… this doesn't spiral."