Gamer, fixing the fates of fictional characters

A day after Kaitou and Hashirama spoke about Madara's departure, another council meeting was called. 

The atmosphere in the room was tense. The implications of Madara's defection had begun to settle in, and for the first time, the council members realized that building a lasting village would not be as simple as they had once believed. Many had assumed that Madara, despite his growing distance, would eventually come to terms with the village's direction. His defection shattered that illusion. 

Among those present, Kaitou remained the only one untouched by this unease. He had known and expected this outcome and had already come to terms with it. The others, however, still wrestled with their thoughts, their gazes shifting toward Hashirama, the Hokage. But when they looked at him, they saw a man deeply troubled - perhaps the most troubled among them. 

Sensing this, Tobirama took the initiative and began the meeting. His tone was as pragmatic and sharp as ever, laying out the immediate concerns regarding Madara's defection and how the village should prepare for any possible repercussions. He proposed strengthening internal security, monitoring clan movements more closely, and reinforcing village defenses. His words were clear: the village had to be ready for whatever was to come. 

Kaitou listened carefully, taking in the unspoken fears beneath the surface of the discussion. When the moment was right, he spoke, shifting the conversation toward an issue that many were aware of but had been reluctant to address. 

"The problem isn't just Madara," Kaitou said, his voice steady yet firm. "It's the underlying fractures within the village itself. Madara leaving was only the first sign. If these fractures are left unattended, others will follow." 

The room fell silent, the weight of his words pressing down on those present. 

"The unity of the village is still fragile," he continued. "Mistrust remains, particularly toward the Uchiha, especially after what has just happened. If this isn't handled properly, the resentment will fester. And then, there's the Hyūga. The caged bird seal-" he let the words hang in the air for a moment, letting their meaning sink in, "-is not a system that fosters trust or unity. It breeds division within their own clan, let alone within the village." 

A murmur spread across the room, some in agreement, others clearly uncomfortable with where this was going. 

Kaitou, undeterred, pressed on. "These issues will not disappear on their own. If we want to prevent further fractures, we need solutions now." He turned his gaze to Hashirama, then to the others. "For the Uchiha, I propose that every Hokage - regardless of which clan they come from - must always have advisors from both the Senju and the Uchiha. If needed, an Uzumaki as an mediator as well. This will ensure that all voices are heard and that there is mediation before conflicts arise. And if someone thinks that this could lead to others taking control of the Hokage, then first, this Hokage wouldn't be worth the title, and second, the whole building is equipped with so many seals, that any and all Attacks or schemes of such kind can be stopped instantly." 

Tobirama's expression tightened, but he remained silent, listening. 

"For the Hyūga," Kaitou continued, "I will personally work on modifying the caged bird seal. If the clan insists on a system of protection, it should be one that does not strip an entire branch of their autonomy or dignity." 

This time, the murmurs grew louder, some members exchanging uncertain glances. The Hyūga had long been left to their own internal affairs, and changing something so deeply ingrained in their structure was no small matter. 

Kaitou leaned back slightly, letting his words settle. "I know these are not easy decisions. But ignoring them will only create more problems later. We have a choice - either we address these fractures now, or we allow them to break the village apart from within." 

There was a moment of silence before discussions broke out across the room. Some were hesitant, others clearly in favor of his proposals. Shikakane, ever the strategist, offered a few additional insights, though they didn't change the subject of the core discussion. 

In the end, despite the initial resistance, it became clear that the issues Kaitou raised could not be ignored. One by one, the council members came to an agreement - begrudgingly or otherwise. The advisory system would be implemented. And as for the Hyūga seal, Kaitou was given permission to work on alternatives, though final approval would still rest with the clan itself. 

As the meeting drew to a close, Hashirama finally spoke. His voice was quiet but resolute. "If we want this village to survive, we must be willing to make changes. Kaitou is right. We cannot let history repeat itself." 

With that, the decision was made. The first steps toward a more unified village had been set in motion. 

---

When the meeting was finalized, and Kaitou was on his way back, he saw someone he was very familiar with waiting in the corridor, seemingly waiting for something, or someone.

"Kaitou, I thought you weren't interested in the whole political game, why start now?" asked Tobirama, when Kaitou walked by.

Kaitou didn't stop, and talked while having both his hands in his pockets, "Before, there was never a need for me to take part in it," he started and after not getting any kind of reaction from his uncle continued, "We both know why Madara left, so to not let anyone else to fall under the same illusion, I will have to make sure, that every clan will be treated with the respect they deserve."

"Uncle, don't forget, this whole Village was built on the ideas of Both, Hashirama and Madara. It carries their dreams and hopes, but it can also, just as easily show their differences."

After saying those words, Kaitou left with the help of the flying thunder god. It wasn't that he now disliked Tobirama or Hashirama, it was just their philosophies for the village, that caused Kaitou's dissatisfaction. It was similar to how in canon Hirizen would drift apart with all of his students, over time. Only to be killed, by one these very students.

He could only hope, that their philosophies and dreams would never differ that much, as Kaitou never wanted anything like this to happen. Even then, he would not allow, for anyone to walk over him just like that.

If Tobirama were ever to see Kaitou, like Danzo and Hiruzen would've later seen the Uchiha, then Kaitou would not hesitate to act.

That wasn't important for now, though, as Kaitou had to prepare for the coming years. He wasn't sure when Madara would come back, the only thing he knew would be, that without help or earlier intervention of a third party, this time Hashirama could actually lose.

While Kaitou knew this, he wasn't too concerned, the Battle between gehe two sides, Asura and Indra, went on now for multiple decades. This was not something that would change because of one fight.

Even then, Kaitou would intervene if the necessity arose.

And for this there were many options he can choose from right now. After thinking it over, and seeing how he left it out for the last few years, he decided on the body engraving seals.

Over the years he had some thoughts, about what seals would be ideal, but in the end never acted on them, because he didn't want to do this half-heartedly.

Now was the best time to immerse himself once more into this whole escapade and act on it, improving his solid foundation even more.