The next morning, Uchiha Kai arrived at the Hokage's office.
After resting at home following the traumatic events of the Nine-Tails' attack, he had initially planned to check in at the Konoha Military Police Force—informally called the Security Department. Though his subordinates, including three capable squad leaders, could handle routine patrols and reporting, the aftermath of such a disaster demanded his presence.
But when he reached the Hokage's office, he was surprised to find he was the last to arrive. The conference room was already filled—with clan heads, division leaders, and several high-ranking jonin seated around the long table.
Awkwardly, Kai stepped in, nodded politely, and took a seat near Uchiha Fugaku.
Truthfully, he had little personal interest in these kinds of meetings. Politics had never appealed to him. But this meeting—focused on post-disaster recovery and restructuring—could not be avoided.
While he had little input on economics or urban planning, he understood one thing clearly: this meeting was about more than just repairs. It was about influence. And influence meant control over Konoha's future.
Konoha had suffered considerable structural damage, and reconstruction meant redistribution—of land, of responsibilities, and of power. The layout of new streets, which clans would be placed near the village center, and which departments received resources—all of these would shape political power for years to come.
Kei remained mostly silent as the conversation progressed. Uchiha Fugaku, looking composed and authoritative, represented the clan. Despite having taken a hit during the attack, Fugaku's presence was unshaken, his voice steady as he advocated for Uchiha involvement in the village's core.
In this timeline, the Uchiha were not pushed to the outskirts as they were in the original manga after the Nine-Tails attack. Instead, their role during the crisis—especially Kai's decisive actions—won them temporary favor. The Security Department was not blamed for the disaster, in part because Minato still lived and could verify that the masked man's Sharingan did not belong to any current Uchiha in the village.
Instead of being exiled to the far corners of Konoha, the Uchiha were being offered space closer to the village center—just below the Hokage Rock. An entire street was being reconstructed near there, and part of it was being discussed as a potential new base for the Uchiha clan and their operations.
Kai listened, calculating.
Finally, he raised his hand slightly and addressed the Hokage. "Hokage-sama."
Minato, still pale from the previous night's battle but alert, looked up with interest. "Yes, Minister Kai?"
The room quieted. Everyone knew of Kai's role the night before. Word had already spread—about his contributions, his tactics, and even his confrontation with the masked enemy. He was young, but his influence had grown immensely.
Kai spoke calmly. "Forgive the interruption. I've been reflecting on one issue—specifically, the placement of the Security Department's headquarters. During the Nine-Tails' attack, our response was delayed. Our current location, on the southern edge of the village, is too far from central Konoha."
"That's true," Minato nodded. "What do you propose?"
"I suggest decentralizing our operations. I propose we establish four sub-branches—north, south, east, and west—each staffed by one of the department's teams. That way, we can respond more rapidly to emergencies in any quadrant of the village."
The proposal sparked interest around the room. Minato leaned forward. "Interesting. That model could apply to other departments too."
"Yes," Kai agreed. "It wouldn't just improve emergency response. We could rotate personnel periodically to prevent stagnation or corruption and encourage inter-branch competition. Each team could be held accountable for the safety and stability of their assigned area."
Minato's eyes lit up. "I like it. We'll try it with the Security Department first. If it works, other divisions—like the Mission Office or even the Medical Corps—can follow."
Though Minato spoke supportively, Kai understood the implications: This move would expand the Uchiha-led department's reach and visibility across Konoha. He also knew that Minato, unlike Hiruzen, wasn't particularly afraid of the Uchiha. Not yet, anyway.
Others in the room exchanged glances. Kai's proposal clearly signaled an attempt to consolidate the department's authority—but it was framed in a way that emphasized village stability.
"This kind of structure…" muttered Nara Shikaku thoughtfully, "could also streamline coordination with the village's sensory and intel networks."
"It would require more personnel," Minato noted. "Do you have enough manpower?"
Kai nodded slowly, sensing opportunity. "Not currently. But if the Hokage's office approves additional staffing, we could recruit from other clans—or even civilians with the appropriate skills. It would also help build trust between the Security Department and the wider shinobi population."
Minato smiled, pleased. "Very well. I authorize an expansion of the Security Department. As for your new headquarters, would you consider placing it near the Hokage Building?"
Kai paused. The suggestion was bold.
That area was politically sensitive. The Third Hokage had once insisted on pushing the Uchiha to the outskirts. But if the Security Department was headquartered near the Hokage, it symbolized a shift in power dynamics.
"…That could work," Kai answered. "It would place us at the heart of the village's administration, improving coordination across all departments."
The room fell silent as various clan leaders processed the ramifications.
Some looked troubled, others thoughtful.
They had underestimated him.
And now, it might be too late to stop him.