Uchiha Kairen arrived at the Police Force headquarters, only to be told that his uncle had just gone home.
Hurrying to his uncle's house, he was then told that his uncle had gone to visit the Great Elder.
He finally caught up with him at the Great Elder's doorway—just as his uncle was about to leave again.
Is he playing hide and seek with me? Kairen nearly broke down. Time's already tight, and he's making me run circles like this?
"Uncle! Finally found you. I have something urgent to tell you," Kairen called out quickly, afraid his uncle might slip away again.
"Oh? Kairen, it's you. Didn't I tell you to come find me tomorrow? Is this about your wedding? Don't worry, I just spoke with the Great Elder. Your ceremony will be the grandest of our generation. It's the least respect due to a strong man—and a chance to make you the model for the next generation," Uchiha Nobunaga said with a calm smile.
"Uncle, that's not what I came for. This concerns the life and death of the entire clan. Let's talk inside the Great Elder's home—it's the safest place nearby."
Kairen gestured toward the Great Elder's door, about ten meters behind his uncle.
Nobunaga nodded seriously. He knew Kairen's temperament—he would never joke about something like this.
Turning around, he went back inside with him.
The Great Elder was seated by the entrance, sipping tea. When he saw Nobunaga return, he raised an eyebrow.
"Nobunaga, what now? Did you forget something? I swear, even after becoming clan head, you're still as scatterbrained as you were as a boy."
Nobunaga's mouth twitched. He stepped aside, revealing Kairen.
Kairen bowed respectfully. "Great Elder, I hope you're well. I have something important to discuss with you and my uncle."
The Great Elder perked up. "Ah, it's you, child. First, congratulations on your upcoming marriage. Now then, tell me what's so urgent."
He took another sip of tea.
Kairen began calmly but directly:
"During this recent mission, I took the opportunity to infiltrate Takigakure. I succeeded in assassinating the Taki Kage—and I've secured the Seven-Tails, Chōmei, entrusting it to the Hellhound Clan's sacred lands. I thought it could serve as our clan's hidden trump card."
"Pffft!"
The Great Elder spat his tea everywhere. He shot to his feet, trembling, pointing a shaking finger at Kairen—completely speechless.
Nobunaga, who had already activated his Sharingan the moment he heard "assassinated the Taki Kage," now stared wide-eyed, his three tomoe spinning rapidly as the rest of the revelation sank in.
Kairen glanced at his uncle's eyes, a bead of sweat forming.
Holy crap—Uncle's about to awaken his Mangekyō, isn't he?
"Do you even understand what you're saying? Say it again—and I swear I won't kill you," the Great Elder sputtered, nearly incoherent.
"Kairen, repeat that. I might not have heard you clearly," Nobunaga said, equally stunned.
Kairen took a breath and went on, steady but serious.
"Yes, Uncle. At first, we were simply on training assignments. But I realized that no matter how strong or famous one man becomes, it's meaningless if our clan remains shackled. We have too few trump cards; compared to Konoha's vast resources, the Uchiha are minuscule. And Konoha possesses the Tailed Beasts.
By chance, I learned that Takigakure housed one. So I devised a plan—a gambit that could change everything for the Uchiha.
We infiltrated the village through a secret route, released the Seven-Tails, and forged a bond with it. Then, with Chōmei's help, we obliterated Takigakure.
After that, I used Reverse Summoning to send Chōmei to the Summoning Realm. He now treats that place as his new home. The dogs of the Hellhound Clan love playing with him—it's… harmonious.
Only my team knows about this. I've already told the Hellhound Clan not to breathe a word. They're loyal; they won't talk.
I came here because this matter needed to be reported directly—and kept absolutely secret. This is the Seven-Tails, after all, not just any beast. And our clan's position is too delicate right now. We can't afford to oppose Konoha openly. The bond with Chōmei is still fragile—it will take time to deepen. That's all I came to say."
"You—this brat—what you've done is… damn brilliant! Perfectly done! Well done, truly the pride of our clan!" The Great Elder's hands trembled as he grabbed Kairen's arm in delight.
"Once, the Nine-Tails was our ancestor's pet. Now, you've gone and tamed the Seven-Tails. Magnificent! Truly magnificent!"
"Hah! I can't believe it—my idiot brother actually fathered a prodigy like you!" Nobunaga burst out laughing, still half in disbelief.
"This move was reckless—borderline suicidal—but the result? Flawless! Ha ha ha! Those fools in the Hokage faction will probably even commend you for your noble service!"
After an almost earth-shattering round of praise, the Great Elder finally exhaled deeply and took another sip of tea, trying to calm himself. Nobunaga, still dazed from excitement, slumped into a seat beside him and drank straight from the teapot.
"Boy," the Great Elder said, voice steady now, "you've done exactly the right thing. I'll personally speak to every person involved. This secret is invaluable. You've done exceptionally well—no amount of praise is too much."
"Kairen," Nobunaga added, "keep this buried deep. Don't use it unless the moment is truly critical. You don't need me to tell you when that will be. I thought you'd still need time to grow—but now, you've already become our clan's trump card. Well done, truly well done."
"You both flatter me," Kairen said humbly. "I only did what I could for our family."
Then he added, "That's all I needed to report. I'll take my leave now—if you need me, just summon me. I still have to get home for dinner."
"Go ahead," Nobunaga nodded. "The Great Elder and I still have things to discuss."
"Haha, perhaps he's just been away too long and misses home," the Great Elder said with a smile. "Go on, child. Your wedding arrangements will be handled soon—we won't let you down."
Kairen bowed deeply and left in haste.
After he was gone, the two elders exchanged glances—and burst into laughter so loud it shook the rafters.
"Ha! I might've lost my composure back there," Nobunaga chuckled, "but good thing the boy isn't a gossip."
The Great Elder smiled faintly. "That child's got the makings of a true leader—daring, ruthless, cunning, and wise. The next generation has hope. I could die content knowing that."
"Don't talk like that, Elder," Nobunaga said earnestly. "You'll live to see the day when we, the Uchiha, take back everything that was once ours."
"Haha! Still such a smooth talker—just like when you were little. Come, stay for dinner. Let's drink together. There aren't many I can still share a drink with," the Great Elder sighed warmly.
Meanwhile, walking home under the orange glow of sunset, Uchiha Kairen couldn't help but smile.
I'm getting married soon. I have loving parents, a pair of newborn twins, a woman I truly cherish… Life is good. My brother—we will succeed. No one will tear this family apart. The Uchiha will rise again.