The next day, at the Uchiha household.
Fugaku looked like a walking volcano, while Kazuyama stood in front of him with his usual grin. Fugaku, practically spewing lava, was rubbing his sore legs.
"You bastard! It's bad enough you made me pay for that meal, but you dumped me 30 kilometers away! I had to run all night to get back!"
"You really went all out!"
Itachi, standing to the side, watched his father with a hint of curiosity. For as long as he could remember, Fugaku had always been stern and composed, setting a strong example.
But when he woke up that morning, he noticed something different. His father's face was brimming with fury, and the moment Kazuyama showed up, that fury exploded like a volcano.
Kazuyama couldn't help but laugh at the sight. He knew full well—if Fugaku's legs weren't aching from the night-long run, he'd be chasing him around the yard right now.
"Ran all night. Got your head cleared up yet?"
"If not, how about I treat you to a seafood feast today?"
Fugaku shot him a glare. The long run had given him time to think about a lot of things.
Still, Kazuyama's antics pissed him off. That bastard always found new ways to screw with him.
"Forget it. If you're treating, I'm worried I'll end up with a stomachache!"
"Itachi, see our guest out. Then go find Shisui and get back to training."
"I need some rest."
"Mikoto, make me something to eat."
Fugaku needed time to figure out how to push for some reforms within the clan. For the Uchiha, that was no small matter.
But with the situation as it was, change was necessary—not for himself, or even for the clan, but for his family.
Kazuyama watched him with a smirk. That move had been calculated—he'd deliberately pushed Fugaku while his fatherly instincts were at their peak.
Because once Itachi grew up and began showing signs of a different path, Fugaku's resolve would start to crack. And when that happened, the Uchiha would fall back into their old ways.
That's why sometimes, people needed a push—otherwise, they'd never move forward...
Hokage's Office.
This time, the office was empty except for the two members of the Konoha Twin Stars.
Minato Namikaze listened to his close friend's report with a hint of relief on his face.
"If Fugaku can really go through with this, then as far as I'm concerned, the Uchiha will no longer be a threat."
"He'll become one of my strongest allies—just like you."
"And the entire Uchiha clan will become the village's most powerful force."
Hearing Minato paint such an optimistic picture, Kazuyama scoffed.
"Yeah right. Deal with those four old fossils first."
"Even if Sarutobi backs you and me, he still has his doubts. Let alone the other three."
"Especially that geezer Danzō—he'd love nothing more than to stab you and become Hokage himself. You think he's going to let you integrate the Uchiha so easily?"
Kazuyama had been targeting Danzō for a while now. Why hadn't Danzō shown his face lately?
Hmph, it was all thanks to the ongoing curse-loop he'd trapped him in. The moment the cooldown was over, Kazuyama would hit him again.
At this rate, Danzō was spiraling into nervous exhaustion—his face getting paler by the day.
"I'll try to convince them. But you're right—Danzō probably won't budge. Still, if I get Koharu and Homura on board, it'll be three-to-one. His vote won't matter."
"But Kazuyama, are you sure Fugaku would really turn on his own clan?"
Internal strife wasn't something to take lightly. Handled poorly, it could lead to a full-blown split.
"Fugaku has the guts. And he's not alone."
"There are plenty in the Uchiha who side with the village. My disciples, my teammates—aren't they all Uchiha?"
"Relax. Give him some time."
"Alright, I'm out. My house is still under construction—I can't afford delays."
Minato watched as Kazuyama vanished with a grin, then got back to his work.
As Hokage, his desk was never empty.
Little did he know, Kazuyama had headed straight for the Hyūga compound to find Hiashi...
"Hizashi! Oh hey, is this little Neji? Not bad, not bad."
"Where's Hiashi? I heard he just had a daughter?"
Unable to find Hiashi right away, Kazuyama ran into Hizashi and Neji first.
"Kazuyama, my brother's still at home. Hinata was just born—he's over the moon."
"Neji, you see this guy? Stay away from him. He's bad news."
Kazuyama: ...You bastard, Hizashi. Screw you!
"Hey, hey, what's with the slander?"
"I was going to take Neji as my disciple. But after that comment? Forget it."
Hizashi burst out laughing, but his expression quickly shifted. Kazuyama's current status was no joke—arguably above the original Sannin.
One of the Konoha Twin Stars had become the Fourth Hokage, and while Kazuyama was technically still a jōnin, he was also a teacher at the academy and a trainer for ANBU. That kind of authority carried weight.
"I'll remember your words. Neji will become your student. But there are some things..."
"No need to say it. Neji's special. When he turns three, I'll come pick him up myself. I love dealing with old fogeys."
Hizashi's expression tightened, then turned serious. He had no doubt Kazuyama would come. But what would that mean for the Hyūga's future?
"You're serious?"
"Of course. Now, where's Hiashi? I came to propose."
"He's got a daughter, I've got a son."
"Perfect match, don't you think? We should start raising them together."
Hizashi was dumbfounded. Seriously? That's what this was all about?
His daughter was just born, and Kazuyama's son was barely one—and he was already planning a match?
That was way too fast!
Suddenly, an angry voice burst in.
"You bastard! Aren't you getting ahead of yourself?!"
Kazuyama turned to see a clearly irritated Hiashi approaching, and rushed to greet him. But one sentence instantly pushed Hiashi to the edge.
"Yo, Hiashi! You're here? Come on, let me see my future niece-in-law! I need to prepare a dowry—uh, I mean, a birth gift!"
Hiashi's Byakugan activated, steam practically rising off his head.
"Kazuyama! You've gone too far! My daughter was just born and you're already trying to claim her?!"
"Take this—Gentle Fist!"