Shisui looked utterly unwilling.
Yes.
If the Uchiha had truly been on the brink of destruction, he would of course have thrown his life on the line without hesitation.
But now?
The clan was thriving. Why should he go stir up trouble?
On the other side, Kai simply raised two fingers.
"Two reasons.
First—Uchiha isn't united as one.
Even though Clan Head Fugaku and I appear to hold a dominant position right now, there are still plenty who resent our leadership.
Some of them have been sent out by Fugaku to perform meaningless missions outside the village.
Others are lying dormant, biding their time.
And people… will do anything for power.
That lot is like a pile of explosive tags—ready to go off at any moment and ruin everything we've built.
So I choose to direct the explosion.
If they're going to cause trouble anyway, better to choose the direction of that trouble myself.
Shisui, as Kagami's grandson, you're naturally closer to the Hokage faction.
Those dissatisfied with my policies will rally behind you.
That way, we gain several benefits.
We expose the ones who've been hiding—the ones truly against us—and finally see who's friend and who's foe.
And with you leading them, they won't be able to run wild. At the very least, before they move, you'll know exactly what's coming.
Second—the Hokage faction.
We have to be clear on one thing: they will make a move.
They won't just sit back and let us keep growing.
But we don't know what they'll do, or when.
So I'll hand Sarutobi Hiruzen the perfect opening: you.
He'll see you as the wedge to split the Uchiha.
He'll pour his thoughts, his resources, into propping you up against me.
That way, our 'fight' will be on our terms.
Better that than Hiruzen blindsiding us with some scheme we're unprepared for.
And while you're under him, you can keep squeezing benefits from him.
If those resources are going to the Sarutobi anyway, isn't it better that you funnel them back into our clan instead?
So—what do you say?
Are these two reasons enough?"
Shisui fell silent.
He truly had no way to refute those arguments.
At length, he drew a deep breath and nodded his agreement.
Nara Kazama, hearing the full plan for the first time, couldn't help but give Kai a thumbs-up.
"Brilliant!
We run our own fake infighting, fool the village leadership into dropping their guard, and even milk them for extra benefits while we're at it.
Kai-kun, impressive as always!"
Kai just smiled faintly and shook his head.
Still—seeing Shisui agree, he felt a weight lift from his chest.
That matter, at least, was settled.
Just then—
"Kai-kun, urgent news."
Aburame Ryoma stepped forward.
"My insects report something happened in the clan.
A pair of Uchiha twin boys were abducted, and their entire family massacred.
Clan Head Fugaku asks for your decision."
"…" Kai froze.
"…" Shisui and the others were stunned.
Everyone stared at Ryōma in shock.
Especially Kai.
Black lines crept down his forehead. If Ryōma hadn't spoken up just now, he would have completely forgotten the man existed.
He couldn't help blurting out:
"Uh, Ryōma… where exactly have you been on this whole mission?"
Yes—he was genuinely curious.
Ever since the mission started, he had unconsciously ignored Ryōma's presence.
If Ryōma hadn't spoken up, Kai would have kept forgetting he was even on the team.
The others all nodded at that. They, too, had completely overlooked him.
Ryōma's face remained calm. He was long used to this.
"I've been with Shisui's squad the whole time—helping with the Kanabi Bridge demolition."
Everyone's mouths twitched.
Seriously?
The mission was already over, and if Ryōma hadn't said anything, they wouldn't even have realized he'd been there at all.
Kai let out a helpless sigh.
"Fine.
So—a pair of twins gone missing, their family slaughtered…
Heh. Sounds awfully familiar.
I think I know what this is about. Don't worry. We'll deal with it when I return."
Yes.
The method was all too clear.
It had to be Madara Uchiha's handiwork.
What surprised Kai was that Madara hadn't come after him. That was out of character.
But understandable—Madara was too old now, relying on the Demonic Statue to cling to life.
With Obito's awakening foiled, he needed a new pawn fast.
The plan's success meant his very resurrection. He couldn't waste time tangling with Kai.
As for Kai—
he had no intention of clashing with Madara yet either.
Simple reason:
He was still too weak.
His burst power was great, yes, but far too short-lived.
Right now, the key was survival.
By the time Madara actually revived, Kai himself would already be an unrivaled powerhouse.
What then was there to fear?
With business addressed, the group fell into casual conversation.
Half an hour later—
Minato Namikaze walked in, exchanged brief greetings, then turned to Kai.
"Kai, your man has arrived.
You wanted Might Duy? He's outside waiting for you.
According to the Hokage's orders, Duy will help you master the Eight Gates. It's being classified as a long-term 'training mission.'
Until you succeed, Duy will remain officially on assignment.
Of course—his salary will come from your clan."
Kai's eyes narrowed.
Perfect.
Might Duy had finally arrived.
Only now was his deal with Hiruzen truly complete.
And the cover story was flawless.
This meant Duy could stay in the Uchiha compound long-term without issue.
As for the wages?
Heh—did the Uchiha look like they were short on cash?
And whether Duy could be won over?
That was no question at all.
Simple as he was, he was still human.
And all humans… had their weaknesses.
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