During a private discussion, Fugaku made a pivotal decision: he and Uchiha Kai would move swiftly to suppress the most radical hardliners within the Uchiha clan. While Fugaku couldn't guarantee complete success, one thing was certain — any fallout or mysterious disappearances would be blamed squarely on Orochimaru.
This maneuver would serve two purposes: it would neutralize internal threats to the clan and help Minato politically by tarnishing Orochimaru's reputation, his chief rival in the race for the Fourth Hokage position.
However, Minato was not pleased with Fugaku's underhanded proposal. Although he had mentally prepared himself — thanks to Kai's earlier warning — he was still disturbed by the idea of using political deception and sacrificing fellow villagers for strategic gain. Still, with the gears already turning and the clan power structure shifting, Minato chose to remain reserved in judgment.
Shortly after, Uchiha Tomiya handed Minato a classified document. Though Minato was hesitant, he ultimately accepted it without protest. The report had been commissioned by Fugaku during one of Kai's missions and detailed findings from an abandoned laboratory — filled with cruel, unethical research remnants. While the evidence didn't conclusively tie Orochimaru to the site, it strongly suggested his involvement.
The document was formally submitted to the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, but so far, no official response had been received. Kai hadn't reviewed the contents himself, and Fugaku had shared few specifics. Kai, in any case, wasn't concerned. He rarely visited Fugaku unless necessary, and both men knew to keep their secrets — trust, after all, had its limits.
Alongside the report, Fugaku made another promise: he would ensure Orochimaru's downfall through strategic leaks and public pressure. "Whether it's votes or public opinion," he said, "we'll find a way — and we won't leave any trace."
True to his word, Fugaku began submitting intelligence to the Hokage's office and encouraging whispers among villagers. No direct action was needed — only the steady implication of Orochimaru's guilt. In time, public distrust would do the rest, tipping the balance in Minato's favor.
With this alliance formed, Minato made his own commitment. If he became Hokage, he would work to improve the Uchiha's strained relationship with Konoha — but only if the clan also changed itself.
The meeting ended with both parties satisfied. Even a late request from Kai — for Kakashi Hatake to be transferred into the Anbu for emotional recovery — was approved by Minato without hesitation.
Later that night, at a quiet gathering, Fugaku lifted his sake cup and toasted Kai with rare sincerity. Kai couldn't help but find it slightly amusing; he alone knew the pressure Fugaku was truly under. But now that things had progressed this far, both men could breathe — at least for the moment. The real work was just beginning.
Their next challenge loomed on the horizon: Uchiha Obito and the impending Nine-Tails disaster.
Kai had one goal — to change the Uchiha's fate. He wanted to prevent their eventual extermination, and to keep them loyal citizens of Konoha, not feared rebels. That meant being ready when the Nine-Tails attacked. After securing Minato's position as Hokage, Kai knew the clan had to play a vital role in that crisis.
"All that's left now is to watch Fugaku's next moves," Kai thought.
The matter with Kakashi was resolved, and the political reshuffling in the police force and clan leadership was underway. But another matter still needed attention — Uchiha Yu.
Kai had avoided acting on Yu for some time, but now that the political climate was stabilizing and new personnel were being scouted for the police force, it was the perfect opportunity to deal with the problem.
After a day of rest, Kai slipped quietly into the forest that hid the underground prison. The area had been remodeled on Fugaku's orders: reinforced traps, denser foliage, and hidden sentries.
As Kai approached, a figure with Sharingan eyes emerged from the shadows and kneeled respectfully.
"Lord Kai," the man greeted.
Kai glanced at him. "Are you on watch? What's your name?"
"Uchiha Zong," he replied calmly. "Assigned by the Patriarch to guard this facility. We are under your command."
Kai inwardly scoffed. You may follow my orders, but your loyalty is still with Fugaku. He wouldn't be surprised if every move here was reported back. Still, he needed capable operatives, and this was a good start.
"Report on the status of Uchiha Yu."
Zong remained kneeling. "We rotate in four teams, six-hour shifts. I lead the third team. As for Uchiha Yu—his physical condition is deteriorated. The Patriarch had his limbs removed. He's lost all capacity to function as a shinobi. Mentally, however, he remains stable."
Kai's face twitched slightly. Fugaku's ruthlessness had grown sharper — perhaps even fanatical. Is this the zeal of a convert?
After Kai's guidance, Fugaku had changed dramatically. Now, he seemed eager to sever every tie to the old Uchiha ideology. Kai considered that even Itachi might have suffered a similar transformation later, trading loyalty to clan for loyalty to village, manipulated by Hiruzen and Shisui. The psychological fallout of such conversions could be dangerously absolute.
For now, however, Itachi was still a child. The real figure Kai had to monitor was Shisui.
He didn't yet know where the boy stood, but if Shisui had already aligned with the Third Hokage, Kai would ignore him. Otherwise, he might one day aim to take Shisui's Mangekyō Sharingan — the fabled Kotoamatsukami. If not, perhaps Shisui and Itachi could be manipulated for a larger purpose: tricking the Third Hokage's faction or even maneuvering against groups like Akatsuki.
Still, that was all in the future.
Kai turned back to Zong. "Does Yu know you exist?"
"No, sir. We sedate him before any entry. He has no knowledge of the layout or guards."
"Good. Prepare the necessary materials. The Patriarch has spoken of a 'death row' substitution, yes?"
"Yes, Lord Kai. Do you have specific requirements?"
"Uchiha Yu has a fiancée. I'm not allowed to target her directly, but find a female death-row inmate with a similar build. Alter her appearance — face and hair — to match. I want this done. Also... his family, including his brother. Can it be arranged?"
Zong responded immediately, "Yes, Lord Kai. All will be completed within the hour."