Chapter 49: Eyes on the Prize
"Hikari,
I know you've been waiting anxiously for this letter. Several days have passed, and I've missed you too.
I understand the situation—there's no need for you to interfere. I have my own methods. Please observe calmly from your position. How are your eyes holding up? How much longer can they last? Please tell me the truth. I'm working on finding a solution.
Also, you can investigate the 'Shell' and 'Kara' organizations, but only if you can ensure your own safety. Be extremely careful. If your identity is ever exposed, prioritize your survival above all else."
With a slight pause, Uchiha Kazuki folded the letter carefully, sealed it with wax, and then applied a sealing jutsu for extra security.
After completing the process, he casually handed the letter to the ninja cat that had been waiting patiently under the corner of the table.
"Thank you for your hard work, Rikimaru." Uchiha Kazuki gently stroked the feline, scratching behind its ears a couple of times. "Be careful out there, and deliver this to her safely."
Meow~
The ninja cat lazily responded, then lowered its head, picked up the letter in its mouth, and vanished on the spot with a puff of smoke.
"Having so much free time suddenly feels... strange."
Uchiha Kazuki turned his teacup slowly between his hands, taking advantage of this rare moment of leisure to carefully consider his next moves.
Overall, he'd completed roughly 50% of his preparations for the inevitable Third Shinobi World War.
The power he'd accumulated was now sufficient to significantly alter the course of a localized conflict, though his network was still somewhat immature. Fortunately, there were still three to four years before the war would break out in earnest.
There was plenty of time. No need to rush.
"Next up: Danzō and the Uchiha clan."
Uchiha Kazuki pinched the bridge of his nose. Both groups were extremely sensitive to outside manipulation. If he rashly used suggestion and hypnosis on too many people within either faction, it would easily attract unwanted attention.
At this critical juncture, it was best not to reveal his hand prematurely, or it would jeopardize everything he'd built.
But the most crucial remaining issue was the ritual itself.
Those extraordinary individuals walking the 22 Divine Pathways would undergo a genuine "transformation" upon reaching Sequence 4—the transition from Sequence 5 to 4 was fundamentally different from all previous advancements.
This "transformation," in its most literal sense, meant formally stepping onto the path toward divinity from mortality.
Those at Sequence 4—also known as "demigods"—belonged to the high-sequence extraordinaries.
Their lives and spirits underwent a qualitative change, and they began to possess genuine "divinity." Their lifespan and abilities completely transcended human limitations, and they could manifest a "mythical creature" form.
However, from Sequence 5 onwards, further advancement required not just consuming the potion, but also completing a corresponding "ritual."
The ritual wasn't technically mandatory—one could drink the potion directly and still potentially advance. But doing so carried an extremely high risk of losing control and becoming a monster.
Therefore, unless absolutely desperate, Uchiha Kazuki—who didn't consider himself particularly lucky—had abandoned that dangerous shortcut from the very beginning.
The ritual for advancing to Sequence 4 through the Spectator pathway was specific: consume the potion in a setting with at least ten thousand people, amidst massive emotional resonance among the crowd.
"There aren't many suitable opportunities."
A thoughtful pause, a calculating glint appearing deep in Uchiha Kazuki's eyes as he murmured to himself. "Therefore, the most suitable times for the Sequence 4 ritual are currently limited to just two windows."
He dipped his finger in his tea and traced two dates on the table.
This was a habit carried over from his previous life: when encountering complex problems, he would write down his thoughts sequentially to better organize his ideas and see all variables at once.
Konoha Year 49 and Konoha Year 51.
Two major historical events would occur at these specific time points.
First: Konoha Year 49
The Third Shinobi World War would officially erupt. The Iwagakure shinobi would secretly gather ten thousand ninja to surround the Third Raikage, who would fight alone for three days and three nights before finally dying from complete chakra exhaustion.
The advantage of choosing this moment was obvious—it perfectly met the required participant count for the ritual. But the problems were equally apparent: How would he guide ten thousand Iwa shinobi? How would he achieve the necessary emotional resonance across an enemy army?
While not impossible, he had several potential ideas—utilizing Tailed Beasts, instigating localized wars, or manipulating battlefield conditions.
The real problem was that focusing on this timeline would require all his plans for the next few years to pivot toward Iwagakure and war preparations.
In the short term, there'd be no major losses. But long-term? Strategically positioning himself within Iwagakure's sphere would be largely pointless for his ultimate goals and potentially a massive waste of carefully cultivated resources.
Second: Konoha Year 51
This was also a highly viable option, perhaps even preferable.
Obito Uchiha's betrayal and attack—taking advantage of Kushina Uzumaki's weakened state during childbirth to unleash the Nine-Tails' rampage on Konoha, ultimately leading to the deaths of both Minato Namikaze and Kushina herself.
The Nine-Tails' rampage breaking out directly within Konoha would easily satisfy the ritual's participant requirement.
Furthermore, emotional resonance would be incredibly easy to achieve in such circumstances. The only significant drawback was the two-year delay in his advancement.
Speed had its advantages. Patience had its merits.
The two paths before him were, at present, essentially equal in viability.
"Focus primary development on Konoha, but prepare a contingency plan."
Finally, Uchiha Kazuki made his decision.
Both paths would proceed simultaneously, though he'd divert some energy toward developing connections and resources within Iwagakure as backup.
Knock knock!
Suddenly, a sharp knock on the door interrupted his strategic planning.
Uchiha Kazuki frowned slightly, wiped the tea stains from the table to erase his notes, and stood up to answer.
"Uchiha Kazuki. Someone's looking for you."
Outside his door stood another member of the Uchiha clan, his attitude extremely hostile, his eyes filled with undisguised disgust and contempt.
"I understand."
Uchiha Kazuki replied indifferently, his tone completely neutral.
"Tsk. Traitor."
The clan member glared at him venomously, muttered the insult under his breath, and turned sharply on his heel to leave.
Watching the departing figure, Uchiha Kazuki remained perfectly calm, not bothering to argue or defend himself. "No wonder Fugaku ultimately failed. From the very beginning, the Uchiha were destined never to become Hokage."
In truth, his reputation within the Uchiha clan was nearly as poor as Naruto Uzumaki's would be among the village at large a decade later.
While not exactly universally despised, he was certainly deeply resented by most clan members.
The reason was simple: he, acknowledged as one of the Uchiha's most promising young geniuses, had refused the Uchiha Military Police Force's invitation and instead joined the Hokage's direct faction.
He wouldn't have been quite so unpopular originally, but the Hokage had recently announced his intention to appoint Kazuki as one of the Chunin Exam proctors.
Now, within the Uchiha compound, he was practically infamous—a living symbol of betrayal.
Don't ask why. It was pure jealousy and wounded pride.
Everyone knew the Uchiha clan had coveted the Hokage position for generations.
For decades, the clan had constantly positioned themselves to "secure second place, strive for third, aim for fourth, and keep an eye on fifth, sixth, or even seventh in line for consideration."
And what were the results of all that ambition?
Decades later, those dreams had been thoroughly shattered.
The Uchiha clan—let alone becoming Hokage—had never even touched the doorknob of any position remotely close to the Hokage's inner circle.
Later events in the timeline would prove this assessment accurate. Unless Sasuke somehow underwent a gender transformation, the Uchiha would never have a legitimate shot at the position.
"But that's fine."
Uchiha Kazuki's lips curled into a subtle smile as he adjusted his glasses. "I'll use my own methods to make your clan's wishes come true. As for the final result... well, I hope you won't blame me when the time comes."
He strode forward steadily, walking calmly through the collective disgusted stares of passing Uchiha clan members, making his way toward the compound's main entrance.
"Shikaku?"
The person waiting for him was none other than the current heir of the prestigious Nara clan and one of the Hokage's most highly regarded strategists and advisors.
Nara Shikaku, with his signature high ponytail and perpetually composed demeanor, gave a slight nod. "Kazuki. I'm here on the Hokage's orders to discuss the upcoming Chunin Exams with you. Do you have time to talk now?"
[End of Chapter 49]
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