"Kai-kun… are you certain it's truly someone from the Nara clan?"
Aburame Shibi couldn't help but ask.
He wouldn't question the source—but he still wanted confirmation.
That supposed Nara… was it really one of those Nara?
"Yes," Kai replied firmly.
"But don't ask further. This absolutely cannot be leaked.
At least for now, Nara must not be exposed."
His tone was grave.
If not for the Aburame showing such unease, Kai would never have revealed this early.
But what could he do?
He had already sacrificed too much for the Uchiha.
If, after he left, both Uchiha and Aburame crumbled at once, it would ruin everything.
So to steady morale—to give them a "reassurance pill"—he had no choice but to reveal a little.
It was manageable.
With one Nara hidden in the clan, offering a bit of counsel, the risk of discovery was minimal.
And the effect was immediate.
Shibi's confidence swelled.
Not only because of the Nara or the Mangekyo revelation, though those mattered.
The true reason was Kai himself.
Before, he had already seemed formidable.
Now, it felt as though what they had seen was only the tip of the iceberg.
Even the genius Nara clan had sided with him?
That said it all.
The Nara were known as the most intelligent clan—not just in Konoha, but in the whole shinobi world.
Their judgment was universally respected.
If Nara chose Kai, what did that mean?
And today Kai had only revealed one Nara.
Was that really all?
Of course not.
The Aburame were skilled at intelligence gathering, second only to the Hyuga and Uzumaki.
Through their kikaichu scattered across Konoha, they could detect almost anything.
Yet in recent months, Shibi had seen no signs of Nara meeting with Kai.
What did that mean?
That their alliance had been established long before.
Which meant Kai had even more hidden pieces waiting in the dark.
Yes—following such a leader was reassuring indeed.
"Very well, I understand." Shibi nodded.
"I'll have my clan move to the Uchiha compound at once.
But… though we're only a mid-sized clan, with civilians included, we number nearly a thousand.
Can the Uchiha arrange housing on such short notice?"
"Of course," Kai said without hesitation.
"At a time like this, it must be arranged.
Don't waste a moment. You and Ryoma go prepare your clan.
I'll inform the clan head and get things set up immediately.
Let's do it now."
Time was running short.
He had to make sure everything was in order before leaving.
Shibi nodded. Without further words, he and Ryoma took their leave.
When Kai explained the matter to Fugaku, the clan head's reaction was… unusual.
"What? Nara? Kai-kun, when did you get mixed up with them?
That shouldn't be possible, right?
Aren't the Ino–Shika–Cho trio die-hard loyalists of the Hokage faction?
Why would Nara ever side with the Uchiha?"
Fugaku was honestly shocked.
This was Nara!
They might not be the strongest fighters, but their minds were unmatched.
If the Nara clan approved of Uchiha, that meant there was real hope for the future.
If word spread, the number of clans willing to ally with the Uchiha would skyrocket.
Such was Nara's reputation.
Their judgment was universally acknowledged.
If even Nara thought the Uchiha had potential, who wouldn't take interest?
But Kai cut him off.
"Clan Head, you're overthinking it.
This Nara doesn't represent their clan.
He chose me, not the Uchiha.
He belongs to the faction ostracized within the Nara.
As for Nara Shikaku—he'd never look at me twice."
Though he couldn't reveal details, Kai gave Fugaku a brief explanation.
And with that, Fugaku understood.
"I see… So that's how it is.
But it's still a good thing. It proves our Uchiha do have a future.
Whether they chose you or our clan doesn't matter—it all comes to the same.
As for housing the Aburame? No issue.
We've plenty of empty homes. Food and supplies are no concern either.
We are Konoha's greatest clan. One mid-tier clan? Even if the entire Ino–Shika–Cho trio moved in, we could house them easily!"
He waved it off grandly.
The Uchiha had a legacy over a thousand years long—no less than the Senju.
Even in decline, they were still on another level compared to ordinary clans.
Especially in terms of wealth—they were obscenely rich.
And indeed, in less than half a day, the entire Aburame clan was relocated into Uchiha territory.
Like a drop of water in the sea, they merged without disrupting the clan in the slightest.
Life continued as usual.
Of course, such a large movement did not go unnoticed.
Danzo immediately flew into a rage, eager to stir up trouble.
But unfortunately for him, Hiruzen blocked him.
"Pretend you didn't see it," the old Hokage said.
"Whatever you're planning, wait until after Kai leaves Konoha.
Otherwise—who knows if that little fox still has a trap waiting for you to jump into?
If something goes wrong and he decides not to leave, what then?
Don't forget—we already paid the price."
Meanwhile, at home, Minato Namikaze had noticed too.
But he had no energy to care.
His mind was consumed by Kai's earlier words.
Sitting on the sofa, arms folded, brows furrowed, he sat lost in thought.
"Minato, what's wrong?"
"Since you came back today, you've looked so troubled.
If something's difficult, tell me.
Even if I can't help, I can at least share the burden.
I am your wife, you know."
Uzumaki Kushina leaned close, gazing at him with deep concern.
Yes—her temper was fiery, but that was only in daily life.
When it came to real matters, she became the very image of a wise and gentle wife.
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