Nara Kazama was visibly excited.
But—
Shisui and Hyuga Aya only looked utterly confused.
After Kai's explanation, they more or less understood the meaning behind his maneuvering.
They even admitted—this way of thinking was truly ingenious.
But… to say this was comparable to Hashirama Senju?
What kind of joke was that?!
Hashirama had founded Konoha itself, brought peace to the Land of Fire, and reshaped the entire shinobi world.
Sure, they had a good relationship with Kai, but they couldn't just shut their eyes and spout blatant flattery.
"Hey, Kazama, Kai-kun," Shisui frowned, unable to hold back. "What are you even talking about?
Kai is amazing, sure, but isn't comparing him to the First Hokage going a little too far?"
Aya nodded repeatedly.
She knew Kai was strong, and she even harbored faint feelings for him… but such exaggerated praise felt over the top.
Kazama could only sigh.
In his eyes, these two teammates were really a bit slow on the uptake.
Kai had already spelled things out so clearly, and they still couldn't grasp it?
Then again… this worked out just fine.
He had just been lost in his own grandiose fantasies, enjoying his private excitement.
Now he could "educate" his teammates properly—and enjoy that satisfaction twice over.
So—without hesitation, he began laying things out.
Compared to Kai's simple explanation, Kazama spoke in painstaking detail.
Kai, meanwhile, just leaned back in his chair, sipping tea and smiling as he watched.
Time passed slowly.
By the time Kazama finished, with all his reasoning and speculations layered in, Shisui and Aya were dumbfounded.
But—
they had to admit, if things played out the way Kazama described, Kai's plan really could succeed.
When they imagined the new world that might come if Kai's strategy bore fruit, their eyes shone with longing.
Yes—
there would still be issues, no doubt.
But one thing was certain:
a war on the scale of this current shinobi world war would never happen again.
And that alone… was enough!
Shisui took a deep breath and spoke with solemn resolve.
"Kai-kun!
I'll definitely support you. Honestly, I can hardly wait anymore.
The new world… It will be beautiful!
Kazama's right. If you succeed, you'll truly rival the First Hokage."
Aya didn't speak.
But the way she looked at Kai grew softer, tinged with admiration.
Yes—
how could she not admire someone who could conceive such a plan?
Kai, however, only shook his head with a smile.
"Alright, that's enough.
What we're talking about won't be achieved overnight.
For now, we need to focus on what's right in front of us.
According to my prediction, Hidden Stone will withdraw and negotiate. With Konoha pressing forward, Hidden Sand Village won't be able to hold.
Once Hidden Sand Village is defeated, Hidden Stone Village will definitely retreat as well.
But even if we can't crush Hidden Sand Village, it doesn't matter.
The peace treaties with Hidden Stone and Hidden Blood Mist Village already mark the end of this world war.
With only two fronts left, Hidden Sand Village and Hidden Stone Village won't dare commit fully.
That means the coming months will mostly be small skirmishes and defensive lines.
Most shinobi will be rotated back to the village to rest.
Konoha's losses have been heavy, and the mission hall has piled up plenty of work.
Even the daimyo likely won't want to keep funding the war effort.
So our squad will almost certainly be recalled.
The village will lift the wartime state.
Unless another full-scale war erupts, we won't be seeing the frontlines again.
But—back in the village, we'll face the real battle: internal strife.
Kazama, you need to start planning our strategy now—our course of action, our preparations, and how to guard against sudden moves from the higher-ups.
Kazama, the burden on you is heavy."
Kai's tone was serious.
The war was entering its final stage. From here on, the focus would be on Konoha's political struggle.
Shisui frowned slightly.
He disliked internal conflict, but he wasn't naive anymore—he knew it was unavoidable.
Aya looked uneasy.
Unlike the others, she was from the Hyuga branch family.
Once back, she might not even be allowed outside the clan compound.
The thought made her sigh softly.
As for Kazama—
as the strategist, he had no choice but to think deeply.
Only after a long pause did he finally speak.
"Honestly, Kai-kun's idea of tweaking the laws was already great.
If the higher-ups don't act, we keep using that as leverage to win over other clans.
If they do act, we respond move for move.
As long as we secure half the clans, we might not topple the leadership outright, but we'll have more than enough to protect ourselves."
Kai nodded. He had no objections to that reasoning.
But still—he felt the village elders shouldn't be left idle.
With their nature, they'd stir up trouble sooner or later.
Better to keep them occupied.
At that thought, his eyes landed on Shisui.
Without preamble, he said:
"Shisui, your mission doesn't change.
When we return, you'll break off from us and go over to Hiruzen.
You're an Uchiha with the 'Will of Fire,' and the grandson of Uchiha Kagami.
As long as you reveal you've awakened Mangekyo, Hiruzen will welcome you with open arms.
Of course—don't be stupid enough to actually reveal your Mangekyo's true abilities.
If you have to, make something up—like boosting your Fire Style, or enhancing your taijutsu.
But your real power? Never tell anyone."
Kai's face was grave.
Yes—
he couldn't think of a better way to tie up the leadership for now.
So the plan would continue: Shisui would be their "spy."
"…Wait, I still have to go?!" Shisui blurted, dumbfounded. "Is that really necessary?
The Uchiha are already strong enough. With you being this powerful, I honestly don't see why we need to hide anymore.
We could just face them head-on—soldier against soldier, leader against leader.
I really don't want to play spy. Why force a split within the clan?
Following the plan as-is seems good enough to me!"
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