Chapter 178 – That Smile Is Too Fake
"...This is..."
Hyūga Ayaka looked on in surprise as Uchiha Kei unsealed a body from the scroll.
"No... Rin Nohara? Why her?"
"Of course it's her." Uchiha Kei's response was matter-of-fact.
"What else did you expect? Obito? Sorry, I don't have time to go dig him up. If anything, I'd rather burn him to ash."
"As expected of Kei-kun..." Ayaka studied him closely before nodding.
"I think I understand now. And to think you found such an ideal specimen... this chakra, is it from a tailed beast?"
"Obviously. Repairing her body is one thing, but that chakra... I intend to make full use of it." Kei's tone was natural, as though he were discussing nothing unusual.
Indeed, this was why he had brought Ayaka here—to have her restore Rin Nohara's body, which had been pierced through the heart by Kakashi. She had lain sealed inside his scroll for a long time now, peaceful, as if merely asleep—aside from the fatal wound in her chest.
Thanks to the sealing effect, the Sanbi's chakra within her body still remained in abundance. Chakra Kei could put to all kinds of "interesting" uses.
"This part's yours," Kei said, turning away as Ayaka began loosening Rin's clothes.
"Extract the chakra first. Can you manage that?"
"I don't know," Ayaka admitted. "I can try sealing it into another scroll, but whether it works... we'll see. You sure you don't want to stay and watch?" Her lips curved into a playful smile.
"I'm no pervert. And I'm not Obito." Kei didn't even glance at her, stepping outside.
"I've got other things to deal with. I'm not that free."
And it was true—he had no interest in corpses. Right now, there were more pressing matters.
Slowly, he walked to the entrance of the underground chamber and waited. Before long, a man in black combat gear appeared silently before him—Uchiha Sō. Kei had only met him once before, but he remembered the face.
"Lord Kei," Sō said, kneeling on one knee. His voice was calm, his expression unreadable.
"Why have you brought a Hyūga caged bird here? Even if she offered a branch member's life as proof of loyalty... it isn't nearly enough."
"You questioning me?" Kei crossed his arms, staring down at him.
"Tell me, can any of you use medical ninjutsu? No? Then don't waste my time. My decisions aren't for you to debate."
"My lord, I only speak for your safety, and for the clan head's." Sō's eyes lifted steadily to Kei.
"If you wish, I can take charge of this matter in your stead. For the sake of the clan head's grand designs, I must urge you not to harbor... unnecessary thoughts. If the clan head were to disapprove—"
"You really think you understand my relationship with Fugaku?" Kei cut him off, voice sharp.
When Ayaka had first come here with Hyūga Hikaru, the Uchiha guards nearly attacked on sight. Kei hadn't stopped them then. She hadn't activated her Byakugan nor entered the underground chamber, and she killed Hikaru, which stayed their hands.
But this time was different. Kei had brought her directly into the clan's secret domain. No wonder they were upset.
"Watch your words, Lord Kei," Sō frowned—rare emotion breaking his calm mask.
"You are the clan's genius, the one Lord Fugaku has placed his hopes on. For the clan's future, I beg you—put the greater good above all."
His words carried weight. To Sō, Kei was merely a rising star, someone elevated only because Fugaku had chosen to back him. No matter how skilled Kei was, without Fugaku's support he was nothing. And now, Kei's actions threatened the clan head's interests. That, Sō could not ignore.
"I see... so you know something." Kei's voice was cool, as though piecing things together.
"Not surprising. But tell me—Fugaku ordered you to follow, and you obey. That's all you're good for, isn't it?"
"Lord Kei, I ask that you respect the clan head."
Though kneeling, Sō's eyes flared scarlet, two tomoe spinning.
"Your eyes surpass mine, yes—but for the dignity of the clan head, I will—"
"—fight me?" Kei's lips curved into a chilling smile. He didn't move, merely closed his eyes for an instant.
When he opened them again, his Sharingan had shifted—three tomoe, spinning, and then... merging together into a strange, angular triangle.
Sō froze, his face blanching as the realization struck.
"This... this is..." His voice trembled, his composure shattering.
"Ah. So you do know." Kei's smile faded as his hand snapped to Sō's throat, tightening.
"Understand this: everyone who's seen these eyes is dead. Everyone... except Fugaku. Because he and I share the same eyes. Do you really think our relationship is one of master and subordinate?"
Kei had no desire to reveal his Mangekyō, but these were Fugaku's men. He couldn't kill them—not yet—but he couldn't show weakness either. Better to use this as a test. Did they truly know Fugaku also bore Mangekyō?
"You... you have the same eyes as the clan head..." Sō stammered, his expression stunned.
"No wonder. I'd heard rumors of your past—that you lost your entire squad yet survived. Just like him... so that was it."
Kei's brow arched. So Fugaku's inner circle really did know. That only confirmed it: Sō was too useful to eliminate. Besides, Kei's relationship with Fugaku was already tense. Killing his trusted aide would only worsen it.
"Oh, you do know quite a bit." Kei leaned closer, his voice low, hand tightening ever so slightly.
"So... are you ready? Don't worry. I'll be quick. You won't feel a thing."
"I understand." Sō deactivated his Sharingan, his face regaining its calm. His eyes hardened with resolve.
"My actions have endangered your cooperation with the clan head. I'll take responsibility. To prevent further harm to your alliance... I will judge myself."
Kei's grip loosened, his tone suddenly soft.
"Hah... you know, I think I might actually like your attitude."
He released him and stepped back.
"Go. If you die, it'll only strain things between me and Fugaku further. Report everything to him exactly as it happened. Let him decide."
"But remember one thing—
As a subordinate, you do not question your superior's decisions. Do that, and death will not be far from you."
"Yes, Lord Kei!" Uchiha Sō's voice carried no emotion. He showed no relief at having just been pulled back from the brink of death.
Kei himself remained unmoved. Men like Uchiha Sō were little more than death-servants—living weapons loyal only to a single master. To such people, even a great favor meant nothing.
Were it not for the potential fallout, Kei would have gladly sent him to his grave right then and there.
Watching the man leave with quiet obedience, Kei shook his head in boredom. Yet soon he realized he had forgotten something.
He called Sō back and ordered him to track down some of Uchiha Yuu's manuscripts. Without a word of protest or even curiosity, Sō accepted the task and left again. His silent obedience pleased Kei—it was far easier to treat him as a tool than as a person.
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"Looks like you've finished what you needed to do, Kei-kun." Hyūga Ayaka smiled faintly as Kei returned.
"Disobedient subordinates can be troublesome, can't they?"
"You were spying?" Kei gave her a sidelong glance.
"That's a dangerous habit, you know. It could cost you your life. And since when did you start smiling so much?"
"Of course I know that, especially here, in your stronghold," Ayaka replied, shaking her head. "But with that much commotion, do I really need to 'spy'? As for smiling… Would Kei-kun prefer me with a cold expression instead?"
"At least that would feel more genuine." Kei leaned in slightly. "Your fake smile doesn't even compare to that brat Imai Kenta's."
Ayaka's expression stiffened. The smile on her lips slowly faded away under Kei's words.
It was true—she was never one to smile easily. And ever since she had come to face the cruel reality of her own existence, every smile she forced had become less and less real.
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