Uchiha Kai's words left Hyuga Aya utterly stunned.
Particularly shocking were the "materials" he offered to help her obtain—evidence so intimate and undeniable that it was impossible for her to ignore.
Hyuga Hiashi, the current head of the Hyuga clan.
If his genetic material could be obtained and analyzed, it would be the most direct way to confirm whether Kai's theory was valid—or an elaborate deception.
Uchiha Kai's suggestion was deceptively simple: assist Aya in securing genetic material from Hiashi for her research.
Whether blood samples or tissue fragments, these materials would allow her to compare her genetic makeup with that of the Hyuga clan's highest standard.
Risky? Undeniably. But Kai seemed confident—perhaps even prepared—for such a task.
Hiashi was no recluse. As clan head, he had daily obligations that required his presence outside the compound. Tracking his movements wouldn't be difficult… especially for someone like Kai.
The Konoha Military Police Force, still primarily run by the Uchiha clan, had eyes everywhere. As its acting commander, Kai had access to patrol schedules, intelligence reports, and the authority to move discreetly.
All he needed was the right opportunity: a moment when Hiashi was isolated or vulnerable.
With some crowd control or a subtle diversion, the material could be acquired with minimal confrontation.
As for covering it up?
Kai had powerful allies—his clan's patriarch, Uchiha Fugaku, and the Fourth Hokage himself, Minato Namikaze. With backing from both, accountability could be blurred or redirected.
More importantly, Kai could manipulate the investigation if needed. With his authority, even a death row inmate could serve as a convenient scapegoat.
Hyuga Aya took a deep breath, conflicted yet intrigued.
"…I understand," she said quietly. "But something like this will take time. I'm not ready for the surgical procedures or experimental steps yet."
She was cautious, despite her ambition. She knew that Kai's so-called "new eye plan"—likely a reference to transferring or enhancing dōjutsu—was beyond her current capabilities. Rushing might lead to irreversible damage.
Kai nodded without protest. "That's fine. I'd rather you take your time than ruin things by rushing."
But his voice lowered a degree. "Still… I need to remind you—your time is limited. I'm not the only one interested in these eyes."
Aya's expression shifted. "…Fugaku?" she guessed quickly.
Kai didn't deny it. "He suspects something. At most, we have eight months."
Aya's brows furrowed. "Eight months?"
Kai nodded. "That's when everything changes."
He didn't elaborate, but he was referring to the Nine-Tails' attack—the catastrophe that would soon throw the entire village into turmoil. If their research wasn't completed before then, they'd lose their chance forever. Kai had no intention of depending on someone else's Mangekyō Sharingan or risking compatibility issues. This had to be done his way.
He had no illusions about what happened to others who misused foreign eyes. Kakashi took years to adapt to Obito's Sharingan. Danzo, even with Hashirama's cells, couldn't fully wield Shisui's Kotoamatsukami. Kai knew: unless he truly understood the Sharingan's inner workings, transplanting a new set wouldn't guarantee anything.
Still… if the worst came to pass, foreign eyes might be a necessary fallback.
"…Fine," Aya said at last. "Give me four months. I'll make it happen."
Kai's expression didn't change, but a flicker of satisfaction crossed his gaze.
"If you can meet the minimum standards by then, we can begin. No corners cut."
Aya nodded firmly. "And I'll handle the acquisition from Hiashi. That should prove whether your claims are real."
Kai smirked slightly. "You can also verify my research through my own lineage. The Uchiha and Hyuga are both dōjutsu clans. Our bloodlines may offer complementary insights."
Aya already had that in mind. Kai's unique case—his Mangekyō and his methods—offered her an invaluable reference. At first, she'd suspected Kei simply wanted to divert her from the battlefield, perhaps out of paranoia or control. But now… it seemed he truly valued what she could contribute.
She was being entrusted with knowledge—dangerous knowledge—and that meant power.
Kai, for all his arrogance, understood what it took to secure cooperation.
Hyuga Aya took another breath. "I'll get started. I need to reinforce my medical knowledge, enhance my chakra control, and study transplant compatibility."
"Good. From now on, you can come and go here freely," Kai said. "I've instructed my people not to interfere. All the equipment and research material you need is in this lab."
Aya's eyes flickered around the facility. It was sterile, advanced, and clearly outside official channels. "Your clan leader's okay with all this?"
"He won't interfere. He doesn't even know you exist," Kai said coolly. "Everyone here answers to me. Technically, even you aren't under my command—but you're closer to me than any of them."
Aya said nothing, but she understood the implication. The others respected Kai, but kept their distance. She wasn't stupid—she knew this entire operation was operating in a legal and moral gray area.
"Fine," she said eventually. "I'll play my part. But if I get caught—"
"You won't," Kai said bluntly. "But be smart. Make sure no one from your clan is following you. Especially not those who report to Hiashi."
Aya nodded. "Got it. Though… you might want to consider alternative samples. Do we really need Hiashi himself?"
Kai's eyes gleamed. "I was hoping you'd say that. Doesn't your clan hold an annual sparring evaluation?"
Aya's eyes widened. "Of course. The branch and main families participate—injuries are common. Blood samples could be collected during the medical response."
"Exactly. Beat someone hard enough to draw blood—no one will question it. Use that for your genetic comparisons."
Aya smirked. "Not a bad plan."
Kai handed her a sealed report. "Before you leave, take care of this. I don't want anyone else—even someone from my own clan—seeing it."
Aya accepted it solemnly. "Understood. No one sees this. Not even my shadow."
They shared a glance—an unspoken alliance forged not through trust, but mutual ambition.
As she walked away, Kai watched her with a rare moment of introspection.
For all their differences, they were indeed the same kind of people.