Barbecue Restaurant in Konoha
After sending Iori home, Uchiha Kai and Hyūga Aya made their way to a familiar barbecue restaurant in the heart of Konoha.
It wasn't Kai's first time here. The last time he visited, it was for a celebration. That gathering turned out to be an opportunity he had quietly taken advantage of.
As they stepped through the entrance, Kai immediately recognized several familiar figures seated inside — Kurenai Yūhi, Anko Mitarashi, and Asuma Sarutobi. They were eating together, but upon noticing Kai and Aya, they waved them over.
"Kai, Aya-senpai!" Kurenai smiled warmly. "It's been a while."
Kai returned the smile, his expression composed. "Work has been demanding lately. I rarely get a moment to step away from the Security Division."
He hadn't expected to run into three acquaintances here — two of them peers from his Academy days. Kurenai was as energetic as always, her friendliness genuine. Anko, meanwhile, offered only a curious glance, subdued in comparison. Asuma's demeanor remained reserved — not cold, just guarded. Perhaps it was his upbringing as the Third Hokage's son, or perhaps he was simply distant by nature.
Kai didn't take it personally. Asuma had always struck him as someone with potential, but not the sharpest tactician. His rebellious decision to join the Twelve Guardian Ninja during a time when Konoha needed every able hand had always seemed impulsive. Maybe it had been part of Hiruzen Sarutobi's larger plan — those Guardian Ninja did famously split into factions.
Still, Asuma's death in the future — giving his life to protect his comrades — always felt like a tragic end. Was it a moment of redemption, or an impulsive mistake?
Regardless, Kai had no intention of debating the past.
"You've done incredible work with the Security Division," Kurenai said admiringly. "Why don't you join us? We just started eating."
"Thank you, but I'll have to decline," Kai replied with a polite smile. "It's a team dinner. Kenta's already waiting for us."
"A shame," Kurenai said, visibly disappointed but understanding. "Next time, give us a heads-up. We haven't had a proper get-together in ages."
Kai nodded with a courteous smile and turned away with Aya in tow.
Aya had been silent the entire time, matching Kai's composed demeanor. She was used to seeing his calm expression, but every time she saw his carefully practiced smile, she found it strangely amusing.
A cold-blooded man like Kai, forcing a pleasant smile… Was that just the Uchiha genes working their magic?
"What are you looking at?" Kai glanced at her sideways, catching her amused expression.
"Nothing," Aya shook her head. "I just don't think that smile suits you."
"Really now?" Kai arched a brow. "Maybe we should learn from Kenta. That guy's smile always puts people at ease."
But Kai knew better. The more time you spent with Kenta Imai, the more you realized his smile hid something darker. At one point, Kai even suspected he was a Root operative — a child soldier molded by Danzō.
But Root wouldn't waste someone with Kenta's raw combat ability in a disposable squad. Kai had ultimately decided Kenta wasn't Root. And he was right.
Kenta wasn't Root at all — he was a remnant of the Senju clan.
Suppressing their smiles, the two approached their reserved table. Kenta was already seated, looking like he'd been waiting for a while.
"You got here early," Kai remarked as he sat down. "Finished the handover already?"
"Of course. I wouldn't dare slack off on a shift assigned by the Security Division's minister." Kenta sighed theatrically. "Unlike Aya-san here. I don't see her around the office much."
Though it was a fact, Kenta's tone had a teasing edge. Aya was technically assigned to the Third Unit, but she rarely appeared outside special operations. Often, she went home early.
Kenta knew why, but that didn't stop him from poking fun.
"Cut the sarcasm," Kai said dryly. "Let's focus. We didn't come here just for dinner, did we?"
"You saw through it, huh?" Kenta's expression turned serious. "Still, I should thank you. If not for that last operation, I wouldn't have uncovered something this terrifying."
He glanced at Aya — gauging how much she knew.
He wasn't sure just how deep Kai's trust in her went, but if Aya didn't know, and Kenta said the wrong thing, things could get messy.
"You don't need to thank me," Kai replied, shifting his gaze to Aya. "That was the legacy of the First Hokage. Speaking of which—"
He turned back to Kenta. "Are you finally admitting it?"
"Does it matter if I deny it?" Kenta rubbed his forehead. "I figured you'd already put the pieces together."
It was true. Kai had suspected as much, but a personal admission carried more weight than deduction alone.
"Strictly speaking," Kenta continued, "I come from the Senju clan. We've kept the surname in some branches, though it's faded over time."
Kai nodded, hiding his inner thoughts. Confirmation was powerful. Aya, meanwhile, looked slightly puzzled — she hadn't anticipated this twist in their tangled alliance.
"The report on Orochimaru shook you, didn't it?" Kai leaned back, resting his head on one hand. "You're not just here to talk."
Kenta gave a sharp nod and formed a hand seal. A quiet barrier shimmered into place around their table — a standard silencing jutsu.
"It's just sound suppression," he explained.
"Good," Kai said. "Then let's talk."
"I want a deeper alliance," Kenta said bluntly. "Back then, I didn't think you'd succeed. Either you'd fail, or the Fourth Hokage would end up a puppet of the Third."
"But I was wrong about the first part," he added. "So now I'm betting on the second. I believe you can prevent the Fourth from being used."
Kai tilted his head. "And?"
"I want in," Kenta said seriously. "Aya-san's clearly earned your trust. I can offer my loyalty too. I may not be as valuable as her, but I can do a lot — if you're willing to work with me."
"You want to hear my price?" Kai cut in, amused. "You've already prepared something, haven't you?"
He studied Kenta's face. More than just a personal offer — this was the Senju's play.
"The Senju clan still wants to return to power, don't they?" Kai said. "You want to rebuild — reclaim what was yours."
"Even if I didn't care," Kenta said with a sigh, "my family does. So yes, that's our goal."
Kai smiled faintly. "Suppose I open a Fourth Unit in the Security Division—"
He held up a hand before Kenta could speak.
"Wait until I finish. In addition to forming the unit, I want access to any knowledge you have on countering the Sharingan. And I want to know how much influence the Senju still hold."
"If you create the Fourth Unit, I can provide personnel," Kenta said. "The anti-Sharingan tactics come from notes left by the Second Hokage — I'll transcribe what I can. As for our influence—"
He paused. "Several smaller clans still maintain ties with us. You've even drawn in one of them without realizing it."
Kai raised an eyebrow. So I've accidentally recruited someone connected to the Senju…?
Now that was interesting.
"Very well," Kai said. "If the Senju can still exert influence, you have value."
He leaned forward slightly, voice low.
"Last condition — I want to drive Orochimaru out of Konoha. Not because of the danger he poses. I need his research reports. And don't worry, my First Hokage-derived material didn't come from him. I can prove it."
Kenta's expression darkened. "And how exactly do you plan to drive him out?"