Uchiha Kai rolled his eyes dramatically.
But that was all he dared to do.
These were thoughts he could only keep to himself.
He didn't dare say them aloud—who knew what kind of trouble he'd attract if he did.
He couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
The ninja world… It was full of old foxes.
And the ones he'd just mentioned earlier? Those were still, barely, the "justice camp."
If you really count Boruto's era, with that ridiculous Kara Organization and the endless Ōtsutsuki aliens…
Forget it.
Time to wash up and go to bed.
Even with his "system" backing him, his true strength at present was only just enough to barely spar with Uchiha Madara or Senju Hashirama—breaking even would already be impressive.
Actually defeating them? Pure fantasy.
And as for those old foxes lying dormant across the shinobi world, biding their time…
Reality wasn't a manga.
One wrong move, one show of force too large, and if he really attracted one of those old monsters, he wouldn't even know where to cry.
Thinking of this, he coughed lightly and put on a smile.
"Everyone…"
"I've already made myself clear just now. Let's not discuss this too much. In short, the Uchiha have no interest in the position of Hokage."
"Just stick strictly to my operational goals and keep working step by step."
Yes.
He didn't want to talk more about this.
Otherwise…
If this bunch actually egged him on and forced the Hokage's robes onto him, who knew if one of those old foxes lurking in the shadows might not "drop by" at night for a chat.
Some things were uncertain.
The only thing he could be sure of was that old toad from Mount Myōboku.
Even in the original story, that geezer acted like a mystic. Who knew what kind of visions he might see, then goad Jiraiya into dragging him down in a suicidal fight.
Hearing his words, the others nodded repeatedly.
For now, at least, they were satisfied.
After all—
Even if they couldn't make him Hokage, they would lose the chance to be kingmakers…
If the plan succeeded, every shinobi clan here would reap plenty of benefits.
Time passed slowly.
Half an hour later, the banquet finally dispersed.
Uchiha Kai had drunk quite a bit, but he was still in a good mood.
After bidding farewell to the others, he headed home with Hyuga Aya, who was cradling their baby.
But—
Just as the two reached their doorstep, Nara Hiroshi appeared, blocking the entrance.
"Hiroshi-kun?"
"What are you doing here so late at night instead of sleeping?"
Uchiha Kai looked puzzled.
Yes.
He couldn't figure it out.
Everything that needed saying, he had already said at the banquet.
And though he did possess Conqueror's Haki, these days he rarely used it within the clan.
After all—
This wasn't like the original story.
His relationship with Uchiha Madara was actually decent, so White Zetsu no longer came snooping around.
As for the village's Anbu and the Root division, after several rounds of his own "firm interventions," the Uchiha's current situation was completely different now.
They no longer dared to tail him.
That was exactly why he hadn't noticed Nara Hiroshi following him this time.
So naturally, he was surprised now.
Nara Hiroshi's eyes narrowed slightly.
He smiled faintly before speaking.
"There's indeed something I need to discuss with you, Kai-kun."
"There were too many people at the banquet just now, too many eyes and ears. Some things couldn't be said in detail."
"So… would now be convenient?"
He smiled as he spoke.
Uchiha Kai gave a helpless look in response.
Honestly—
He'd been ready to go to sleep, but here this was.
Still, fine.
After all, Nara Hiroshi was an important figure in his plan.
So, with a resigned sigh, he turned to Hyuga Aya.
"Aya…"
"Go put the baby to sleep first. I'll handle Hiroshi-kun myself."
"Tonight we'll make do. Tomorrow the clan will assign someone to help care for the baby."
Hyuga Aya nodded gently.
Unlike someone like Nohara Rin, who came from a civilian background, a woman of a great clan like Hyuga Aya knew perfectly well when to step back and do what was expected.
So—
She didn't ask any questions.
She simply nodded and left with baby Neji.
Meanwhile—
Uchiha Kai led Nara Hiroshi straight to the tea table in his living room.
Yes.
At present, his home didn't even have a proper tea room.
With his current status, he could easily have built a mansion grander than Fugaku's if he wanted—there were plenty of people willing to do it for him.
But he refused.
He'd lived his whole life in this small courtyard; he was used to every blade of grass and tree here.
No need to change that.
And he wasn't a lavish man.
Give him a giant mansion and its empty halls would just feel uncomfortable.
In fact—
If not for the new baby, he wouldn't even have wanted attendants.
Once they were both seated, Uchiha Kai personally poured them each a cup of tea before speaking with a puzzled look.
"Hiroshi-kun, just say it straight."
"With the relationship we have, there's no need for politeness."
"What's going on?"
Yes.
He was being direct.
Partly because he wanted to hurry back to bed.
But mostly because of trust.
The Ino–Shika–Chō trio might be crafty, spreading their investments around, but he didn't mind.
After all—
He really liked that saying from the Great Ancestor: "Make your enemies as few as possible, and your friends as many as possible."
Think what you want inside.
As long as you're willing to work for me, you're family.
Dealing with half the Ino–Shika–Chō was easier than dealing with all of them at once, right?
One had to be grounded.
Gather small streams first; only then could you form a mighty river.
The sea accepts all rivers; its greatness lies in its capacity.
He understood this principle well.
So even knowing the Ino–Shika–Chō trio had their own little calculations, he was still willing to trust them.
Because he knew—
No matter what they thought, once they'd joined his side, the Ino–Shika–Chō would absolutely plan wholeheartedly for him.
Across from him, Nara Hiroshi let out a sigh.
He could feel Uchiha Kai's heavy, unreserved trust.
And he couldn't help but marvel at his own luck compared to his cousin.
Nara Shikaku's situation was a real headache.
Hiruzen Sarutobi only used him; real trust was out of the question.
But here?
Even knowing the Ino–Shika–Chō had their own plans, Uchiha Kai still trusted him.
That kind of heart…
Hiruzen Sarutobi was nowhere near it.
And precisely because of that—
Nara Hiroshi was even more certain.
Uchiha Kai would win.
Hiruzen Sarutobi? He was nothing.
Taking a deep breath, Nara Hiroshi finally spoke solemnly.
"Kai-kun…"
"What you said earlier made a lot of sense, but I feel you weren't telling the truth."
"I, Nara Hiroshi, can swear that I've truly joined the Uchiha, that I will plan for the Uchiha with a single-minded heart."
"And I can also feel that you genuinely trust me."
"So although it's presumptuous, I still must ask clearly."
"Because only by knowing the accurate information can I plan properly for us all."
"So, Kai-kun…"
"I want to hear the truth!"
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