Uchiha with hunger for knowledge

Kai leaned against a tree, watching his father practice the Rasengan. The swirling orb of energy flickered and dissipated again in Saruto's palm, but progress was clear. Saruto's natural talent and determination were undeniable, and Kai could see the gears turning in his father's mind. 

"This technique…" Saruto muttered, staring at his hand. "If what you said is true, and it came from one of those *other worlds*, its value is immeasurable. But I still don't fully understand how you came to know about these… parallel places." 

Kai's heart skipped a beat. He had expected this question, but his father's piercing gaze still unnerved him. Keeping his voice steady, he replied, "I didn't want to talk about it because I thought you wouldn't believe me. It wasn't something I chose to see—it was… an accident." 

Saruto raised an eyebrow, his skepticism evident. "An accident?" 

Kai nodded, his expression somber. "When I awakened my Sharingan the day Mother died, something strange happened. For a brief moment, I saw glimpses of other worlds—places like ours, but… different. It was overwhelming. I thought it was just my grief playing tricks on me, but the images were too vivid. That's how I learned about the Rasengan and the fate of the Second Hokage." 

Saruto narrowed his eyes, his voice low. "And you haven't seen anything since?" 

Kai shook his head. "No. It only happened that one time. I've tried to recreate it, but nothing works. Maybe it was a fluke, or maybe it was something tied to the intensity of that moment. I don't know." 

Saruto studied his son for a long moment, the tension thick in the air. Finally, he sighed and looked away. "If that's true, then it's probably for the best. No good ever comes from meddling with powers we don't understand. But the knowledge you gained…" He glanced at his palm. "It could change everything." 

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**A Calculated Gamble** 

Kai exhaled quietly, relieved that his explanation had worked. He had been preparing this story for months, ever since he realized his reincarnation memories might raise dangerous questions. Claiming that his vision was a one-time event gave him an easy out—his father couldn't demand proof of something he couldn't reproduce. 

But Saruto's reaction was exactly as Kai had predicted. His father's focus shifted from suspicion to ambition. The Rasengan was now more than a technique—it was a symbol of potential, a tool to secure his future as an elder. 

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**The Elder Candidate** 

As the Uchiha clan's political structure revolved around its council of elders, becoming one was both a prestigious and dangerous endeavor. Saruto's competition was fierce, with candidates deeply rooted in tradition and wary of innovation. But the Rasengan was a game-changer. 

"This technique," Saruto said later that evening, as they sat by the fire, "could be my key to swaying the council. If I can prove its value, they'll have no choice but to respect my vision for the clan." 

Kai nodded. "The clan values strength, but innovation is just as important. The Rasengan could show that we can adapt without relying solely on the Sharingan." 

Saruto smirked, his pride flickering through his usual stoicism. "You've thought this through, haven't you? For someone so young, you understand our clan's politics disturbingly well." 

Kai shrugged. "I just want to help, Father. But remember, we have to keep this quiet. If the elders find out I knew about this technique from… unusual means, it could put us both in danger." 

Saruto's smirk faded, replaced by a grim determination. "You're right. The elders fear what they don't understand. For now, we'll keep the origin of this technique between us. But Kai…" He looked directly into his son's eyes. "If you ever see something like that vision again—anything that could affect the clan—you'll tell me immediately. Do you understand?" 

Kai nodded quickly. "Of course, Father. But I don't think it'll happen again." 

Saruto's gaze lingered for a moment before he leaned back, letting the firelight dance across his face. "Good. Keep your secrets if you must, but remember, everything we do is for the survival of the Uchiha. Never forget that." 

Kai stayed silent, his expression calm. But inside, he was already calculating his next move. Saruto's ambition was now intertwined with the lie he had spun, and as much as it pained him to deceive his father, Kai knew it was necessary. The truth of his reincarnation was a burden he couldn't afford to share—not yet. 

For now, he would let his father believe in the vision, the Rasengan, and the promise of a stronger future. After all, every lie served a purpose, and Kai was determined to shape the destiny of the Uchiha clan—no matter the cost. 

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