Uchiha Clan District
The moon hung quietly overhead, casting a pale glow over the Uchiha district. Two men stood side by side — Uchiha Kai and Uchiha Fugaku — their expressions calm but watchful. A kunai glinted in the grass a few meters ahead, marking the space where they expected a visitor.
Earlier that evening, upon hearing news related to the Fourth Hokage, Uchiha Kai had gone straight to Fugaku's residence. The clan head had just finished dinner and was sitting down with a book when Kai arrived.
Mikoto Uchiha, ever perceptive, voiced a mild complaint — something about how late it was and how whatever this was could wait until morning. Fugaku, clearly fond of his wife, offered a few words of reassurance before stepping out into the cool night air with Kai.
After a brief explanation, Fugaku understood the situation. The Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato, had been in power for over a month. Though his authority was official, many decisions were still being influenced — or outright controlled — by the older generation, namely the retired Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and his old council.
Kai suspected Minato intended to meet with them regarding internal conflicts — an indication that the political friction between the Third and Fourth Hokage had reached a boiling point.
While waiting, the two Uchihas discussed their strategy. Kai had already formed a rough plan and shared it briefly with Fugaku, who approved. This was, after all, an opportunity: a chance to present the Uchiha as loyal allies and indispensable assets to the new Hokage — perhaps even gain influence in return.
At precisely ten o'clock, Namikaze Minato appeared, materializing beside the kunai in a flash of yellow light. He looked slightly weary and gave a polite, apologetic smile.
"Sorry I'm late," he said. "I got held up... Kushina isn't feeling great lately."
Fugaku gave a curt nod. "It's quite alright, Lord Fourth. We've only just arrived. What did you need to discuss with us?"
Both he and Kai already suspected the topic, but it was essential Minato say it himself. The Uchiha weren't here to beg favors — they were here as equals, perhaps even future collaborators.
Minato hesitated, then looked at Kai.
"Back in the Grass Country a few months ago, when we spoke about... sensitive topics... it seems your warnings may have been right."
Kai's gaze didn't waver. "I had hoped I was wrong. But no, the signs were clear."
Fugaku sighed. "It's no surprise. You're young, and this village wasn't prepared to let go of the old guard. They call you Hokage, but it's the Third and his circle who still pull the strings."
Though blunt, Fugaku's words weren't false. And Minato, visibly disillusioned, did not contradict him.
"I've tried to implement reforms — submitted plans for restructuring the Uchiha Police Force's relationship with the village, civilian oversight measures, and reallocation of ANBU responsibilities. But every one of them was dismissed without review. The Third... he didn't even read them."
Kai nodded solemnly. "That's because ANBU doesn't fully belong to you. Does it?"
"No," Minato admitted. "Aside from Kakashi's personal loyalty, most ANBU ignore my directives. Worse, there's another unit acting behind the scenes — Root, still led by Danzo."
The mention of Root made Kai frown. He was already aware of their dark operations, especially through contacts like Aya Hyuga. Root wasn't just a black-ops team — it was an unchecked cancer within Konoha.
"I shouldn't be telling you this," Minato added quietly, "but I don't have anyone else I can trust."
That admission said it all. The Fourth Hokage, a man of peace and loyalty, had been isolated by the very system he now tried to lead.
"You're not wrong to feel cornered," said Kai. "But we've made preparations for this moment."
Minato raised an eyebrow. "Kakashi?"
"Partly," Kai said. "When we placed him in ANBU, it was with long-term goals. At the time, he was emotionally unstable — but now, he's grown into the role. He can go further."
"Promotion?" Minato asked. "He's only a captain now."
"He doesn't need to command the whole of ANBU yet. Let him lead a task group — one with handpicked members."
Minato remained silent, mulling over the proposal.
"We've already selected personnel," Fugaku added. "Uchiha operatives — loyal only to the Hokage. They'll obey orders, stay out of internal ANBU secrets, and return to the clan between missions. Think of them as precision tools, not soldiers with personal agendas."
Minato looked uneasy. "Uchiha operatives inside ANBU will raise questions... accusations of power grabs."
"They'll operate under Kakashi's direct command," Kai reassured him. "No contact with us unless necessary. Their presence will be minimal and mission-based. No politics."
Minato considered this. He was well aware that many clan heads — especially those of noble blood — trained private elite guards from childhood. These weren't rogue agents; they were extensions of the clan's will, trained to obey completely.
After a long pause, he nodded. "Alright. I trust you both — and I know you wouldn't jeopardize what we're building. Once this is over... the gates of ANBU will be open to the Uchiha."