After the New Year Festival, a new face appeared on Hokage Rock: Namikaze Minato, officially inaugurated as the Fourth Hokage.
Clad in a white cloak lined with red flames and donning the Hokage's ceremonial hat, Minato stood before the villagers of Konoha. With this, the era of the Fourth Hokage truly began.
Minato's appointment came as no surprise to the major clans—they had long anticipated it. His reputation from the Second and Third Great Ninja Wars, and his status as the "Yellow Flash of the Leaf," had already secured him favor in the eyes of many powerful families. But for the smaller clans, who lacked inside information or political leverage, the announcement was unexpected and even shocking.
In Konoha, a village where politics and power are often intertwined, making the right investments in rising leaders could determine a family's future. For these smaller families, backing the right candidate for Hokage could mean security—or ruin. Until recently, their best bet seemed to be Orochimaru, one of the Sannin and the most prominent disciple of the Third Hokage.
But the decision of Hiruzen Sarutobi shocked many. He bypassed his famed student Orochimaru in favor of Minato—someone who, despite his popularity, had not been seen as a political heavyweight. The move caused confusion and doubt, leading some to wonder if Orochimaru had done something behind the scenes to fall out of favor.
Minato's appointment disrupted many expectations, but not all reactions were negative. His reputation as a war hero and his lack of involvement in clan politics made him an attractive figure to those tired of the old power structures.
Meanwhile, the Uchiha clan had its own turbulence to contend with.
The day after Minato's appointment, Uchiha Fugaku convened a full clan meeting. There, he made two stunning announcements that sent shockwaves through the clan elites.
First, the Great Elder, Uchiha Shin, had died—reportedly in a fire. Fugaku made it clear: the matter was not up for further discussion.
Second, the new Head of the Konoha Military Police Force would be Uchiha Kai.
To many clan members, this was not a surprise—it was confirmation. Whispers had already spread among the elite: Uchiha Kai had entered Uchiha Shin's bamboo courtyard the previous night, brazenly and without concealment. When signs of combat were heard, those nearby had tried to intervene, but they were blocked by the security detail already stationed outside.
It had been clear to those who paid attention—this was a coup within the clan. And it had ended decisively. Uchiha Kai emerged victorious. Uchiha Shin, once a powerful hardliner, was dead. His closest allies had either fallen or committed suicide in disgrace.
For those who had aligned themselves with Shin, the message was clear: the old guard was finished.
The announcement that Kai would now lead the Police Force only cemented this reality. For the remaining hardliners, it felt like a death sentence. For the doves—those who favored a more moderate approach—it was a more complicated affair.
Some interpreted Kai's victory as a sign that he and Fugaku had thrown their lot in with the doves. Others were uneasy, wondering if today's target was the hardliners, but tomorrow it might be them.
Still, fragmented as they were, neither faction could mount an effective resistance. With no unifying leadership, and no appetite for open confrontation, Fugaku finally wielded the authority due to a clan head.
After the meeting ended, Uchiha Kai did not return home. Instead, he visited Uchiha Fugaku's residence. It was late, so rather than sitting by the pond or in the courtyard, they spoke in Fugaku's private room.
Mikoto quietly excused herself, taking young Itachi elsewhere. Kai, however, noticed something subtle: Mikoto's belly had begun to show. Sasuke would be born soon.
Time never stops moving forward.
"Everything seems to be proceeding smoothly," Kai commented.
"Yes," Fugaku replied, though his expression grew serious. "But be prepared. Appointing a non-patriarch as head of the Police Force breaks precedent. You'll face resistance."
"Expected," Kai said flatly. "But I'll handle it. Though I must tell you, Uchiha Tsubasa and Uchiha Chiya won't remain as my subordinates."
Fugaku raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
"Those two were loyal to Elder Shin. Even if they pay lip service to you, they've never accepted you," Kai continued. "I won't work with them. It's not just about ideology—we already have history. They won't obey me."
Fugaku nodded slightly. "I assumed as much. Still, do you have replacements in mind? If not, it may be better to keep them temporarily for stability."
Kai had already anticipated that. "Kenta Imai will lead my team. As for the vacated positions—Uchiha Gawa can fill one."
"Imai Kenta? The civilian-born swordsman from your war unit?" Fugaku's brow furrowed. "He's tenacious, yes, but his battlefield performance was average."
"So was mine, on the surface," Kai said calmly. "And yet, I have the Mangekyō Sharingan."
Fugaku paused, realizing the implication.
"You believe he's hiding something as well?" he asked.
"Whether he is or isn't, he's loyal, disciplined, and adaptable," Kai replied. "More importantly, he's mine. That matters more than bloodline."
Fugaku considered it. "And Uchiha Gawa? Son of Asahi, if I recall."
"He's awakened the Sharingan. Just a single tomoe, but he has potential."
That gave Fugaku pause. He remembered a recent report from the clan guards—rumors that Gawa had awakened his Sharingan under Kai's tutelage. He had wondered then if Kai had done something to trigger it, but decided not to press. That kind of training was too valuable—and too dangerous—to question without proof.
"Very well," he said finally. "If you trust them, I'll support your appointments."
Kai nodded. "There's just one more thing—one more captain slot remains unfilled."
"Have someone in mind?"
"Not yet. I'll decide in time."
Fugaku looked thoughtful. "I have a suggestion."
"I'm listening."
"What do you think of Uchiha Jun?"