Uchiha Kai narrowed his eyes.
When Minato invited him, he didn't hesitate at all—he agreed right away.
Yes.
He was genuinely interested in this future Fourth Hokage.
In the original story, there wasn't much written about him—just a few lines here and there, not nearly enough to judge his character.
Now was the perfect chance.
Why not sit down and really talk?
Sooner or later, Minato would become Hokage.
Even if his reign only lasted a year, he would still have enough influence to affect the entire Uchiha situation.
Knowing one's allies and opponents was always important.
Thinking this, Kai smiled and said:
"Alright then!
It's almost noon anyway—let's go grab a meal.
Where to, Minato-brother?"
Minato frowned, thought for a moment, then smiled lightly.
"Follow me."
Half an hour later, Akimichi Barbecue House.
Inside a quiet private room.
The two sat across from each other.
Dish after dish was brought in until the table was covered.
But Minato's smile began to stiffen.
Finally, with a troubled look, he admitted:
"If it weren't for having a meal with you, Kai, I really wouldn't have come here.
Kushina manages things too strictly—my allowance is tiny.
One trip to the Akimichi place costs me half a month's savings."
Kai rolled his eyes.
Even here he couldn't resist showing off his happy marriage? Seriously.
"Minato-brother, that's enough," Kai said flatly.
"We get it, your life is sweet. No need to rub it in my face.
Showing off like that to a single dog like me… not cool."
Uh.
Minato froze.
He could swear he hadn't meant it that way.
But, thinking back, yeah… it did sound a bit like showing off.
So he just shrugged and dug into the food.
And he hadn't lied earlier.
Even with close ties to Choza and Choji Akimichi, he couldn't exactly freeload here.
The food was good, yes—but it was pricey.
So for once, he forgot about appearances and simply enjoyed the feast with Kai.
Before long, both were leaning back against the cushions, faces full of satisfaction.
"Mhm, not bad at all."
"I'd always heard the Akimichi barbecue was amazing, but I never had the money to try it.
This time I owe it to you, Minato-brother!"
Kai laughed.
Yes.
Even though in his past life he'd lived in the great food capital of China, he had to admit—Akimichi's secret barbecue really was unique.
It was good.
Since crossing over, this was the first real gourmet meal he'd had.
At first he was just a kid, relying on his own hands to beg Ichiraku for noodles.
Later, once he entered the academy, all his time went into training in secret just to survive.
No time to chase after food.
And after graduation?
He was shipped off to the Mist battlefield.
When he returned, it was nothing but problems.
Sigh.
His system really wasn't suited for this world.
If only he'd gotten something like a "Diligence System" instead…
But no.
In this chaotic ninja world, a "shut-in's system" was just a curse.
Especially being born an Uchiha.
Sure, the Sharingan was strong—but the clan's position was just too precarious.
"Wait, Kai, this is your first time here?" Minato asked, puzzled.
"Aren't you an Uchiha elder?"
He was confused.
Yes, the place was expensive. Yes, Kai's childhood had been rough.
But now? He was an elder!
Kai rolled his eyes again.
"Elder doesn't come with a salary.
As Police Chief, I get a yearly stipend—but that's only paid out at the end of the year.
"The clan does give dividends, but again—paid annually.
And to make it worse, my war bonus will only be settled after the war ends.
"So yeah. Strictly speaking, I'm still poor.
Most days I just eat at Ichiraku, while putting up with Ayame's endless teasing.
Life's tough, you know?"
And with that, Kai launched into a rant.
Yes—he might look like he was living large every day, crossing blades with the village elders.
But the truth was, he was still a broke nobody.
Minato could only shake his head in silence.
But now that the food was done, it was time to get serious.
He signaled the waiter to clear the table, then asked for tea.
His expression hardened.
"Alright, Kai.
You've probably guessed why I asked you here.
"I'm not good at dancing around words, so I'll just say it.
"At first, I thought you were just one of those late-blooming prodigies.
Same generation as Kakashi, Obito, and Rin, right?
But now your strength has already surpassed Kakashi's.
"So why?
I don't believe you're some power-hungry schemer.
But then why do all this?
"If you see me as an outsider, then forget I asked.
Fight the Hokage, seize power—whatever. Win or lose, that's on you.
"But—if you really mean it when you call me Minato-brother…
then I want an answer."
The smile vanished from his face.
Serious and intent, Minato stared at Kai.
Kai felt a bitter smile tug at his lips.
This—this was why he avoided making friends.
Especially friends like Minato.
Even if Minato had his own calculations, his nature was too upright, too bright.
Compared to that, Kai himself seemed far too shadowed.
But what could he do?
Because of Ayame, he'd been drawn into contact with Minato.
And while they weren't exactly close friends, Kai still genuinely respected him.
After a pause, he spoke honestly.
"To be honest—you might not believe me.
I'm lazy by nature.
If I can lie down, I won't sit.
If I can sit, I won't stand.
In that sense, I'm a lot like the Nara clan.
"But… I was born in Uchiha.
"My original plan?
Just bide my time until the clan was wiped out, then slip away as a rogue ninja.
I never had much attachment to them anyway.
"But things didn't go as planned.
Shisui treats me like a brother.
Itachi became my student.
Guys like Tekka support me.
Even Fugaku's been good to me.
"At first, I didn't think much of it.
At worst, I figured—when the massacre comes, I'll step in and save a few lives.
"But then I saw them, one by one, working so hard to change the clan's image…
Like fools, stumbling deeper down the wrong path.
Honestly, I couldn't just watch anymore.
"When I became Police Chief, I thought—fine, I'll do something for them.
And then… Well, here we are.
Maybe you think I've gone too far.
But in truth—I'm just protecting myself.
When people give you their trust, their support—you can't just let them die.
That's all."
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