Night Falls
Bai Ye, currently on vacation, embraced a laid-back, almost monastic lifestyle.
Like a spoiled child in need of attention, he lounged lazily in the courtyard of his mansion on an authentic recliner.
Munching on the imported sweets sent by Yugito Nii, he sighed in satisfaction, relishing the peace of life.
Ever since completely severing his ties with the restrictions of Kumogakure, Samui and Yugito Nii had noticeably relaxed.
For the first time, they referred to Bai Ye's mansion as their home. It was a new feeling.
After a full day of hard work, his overtime duties as the Captain of the Guard had officially ended.
---
Ding!
"Congratulations, Host! You have successfully fulfilled your duties as Captain of the Guard and maintained the stability and peace of the village."
Ding!
"Congratulations, Master Host! Your Susanoo strength has been slightly increased."
Ding!
"Congratulations, Master Host! You have acquired a new ability: [Controllable, Color-Enhanced, High-Purity Byakugan]!"
Ding!
"Congratulations, Master Host! Your bloodline has been further strengthened!"
---
Three rewards in total.
Bai Ye blinked, slightly surprised.
In the past, working overtime usually rewarded him with enhanced chakra or slight improvements in his ocular powers.
But today, he had unlocked a completely new ability—
A controllable, color-enhanced, high-purity Byakugan.
The system introduced its many functions, but Bai Ye wasn't the type to read long descriptions.
He believed in hands-on experience.
So, naturally, he activated his Byakugan—turning his gaze toward Tsunade, who was indulging in her usual heavy drinking at a distance.
"I see."
Bai Ye swallowed, his nature as a connoisseur of beauty shining through as he admired the captivating sight before him.
After all, he had worked hard for the village—wasn't it only fair to enjoy a little aesthetic appreciation?
Based on his quick analysis, his new ability had several key points:
1. Unlike the standard Byakugan, this one allowed him to decide whether to manifest the dojutsu fully. If he wished, it could integrate seamlessly with his Sharingan, allowing him to wield both simultaneously.
2. When activated, his temple's blood vessels did not swell grotesquely like traditional Hyuga users. Instead, the dojutsu functioned through a subtle chakra enhancement, keeping his face pristine.
3. Lastly… Well, those who understood the color-enhanced aspect of this Byakugan didn't need further explanation.
The Byakugan's primary function included long-range perception and x-ray vision.
With the high-purity enhancement, the visual clarity was unparalleled—every detail in sharp focus, every movement analyzed with crystal-clear accuracy.
In combat, this would allow him to predict chakra flow with precision.
But let's be real—Bai Ye's primary interest was… observing certain proportions.
Like a certain Sannin's legendary reserves.
---
"What are you staring at?"
Unconsciously, Tsunade tugged at her clothing and walked over, slightly suspicious.
"I'm the Captain of the Guard. I can look at whoever I want."
Bai Ye declared shamelessly.
He was off duty and deserved to be pampered.
Like a child.
Tsunade sighed in exasperation.
Hard to believe this was the same man who had forced the Raikage to kneel.
Was this truly Konoha's strongest force?
"Alright, do you really see yourself as a kid? Should I hire a nanny for you?"
Tsunade rolled her eyes, taking a seat beside him.
"No need. I already had my fill today."
Bai Ye replied, recalling the unexpected change in Mikoto's demeanor.
As he casually bantered with Tsunade, their conversation was interrupted.
"Master, the water is boiled."
A voice called out.
Yugito Nii approached, her face slightly flushed—she already knew what awaited her tonight.
Samui had described the experience in vivid detail.
Bai Ye didn't hesitate.
Ignoring Tsunade's irritated stare and Yugito's soft protests, he scooped her up and strode back to the mansion.
Tonight would be another sleepless night.
The scent of cat ears…
That was something only Bai Ye had the privilege of experiencing.
---
The Next Day—Konoha
Atop the Hokage Monument, Bai Ye exhaled a cloud of smoke, feeling refreshed.
This was his morning routine: light exercise, followed by a cigarette.
Standing a short distance away, Might Guy watched him in admiration.
A man this self-disciplined, despite his high status, was truly worthy of respect.
"It's a good day to take a shower and go to work."
Flicking the cigarette butt aside, Bai Ye stretched lazily.
Even after a three-day trip, he had only allowed himself a day and a half of rest.
Such dedication nearly moved him to tears.
But just as the village carried on with its usual business…
---
At Konoha's Main Gate
A lone figure approached.
Long black hair flowed behind him, a peculiar purple rope belt fastened around his waist.
A Konoha forehead protector adorned his brow—
Except for one crucial difference.
A deep scratch ran through the center, marking him as a rogue ninja.
Unlike his usual attire, today he wore a hooded cloak and a broad straw hat, stepping toward Konoha with a slow, deliberate gait.
"It has been a long time…"
A hoarse voice muttered.
Orochimaru's slitted golden eyes glimmered with nostalgia as he gazed at the village ahead.
"That man's task is finally complete."
Heaven and earth bore witness—when faced with life-threatening situations, a ninja's true potential was revealed.
People often underestimated the speed at which Orochimaru could work when motivated.
Not enough manpower?
Shadow Clones.
He couldn't summon hundreds like Naruto, but a well-executed multi-shadow clone technique was enough to distribute the workload efficiently.
And so, working tirelessly for two days, he had manufactured 30 police motorcycles as per Bai Ye's request.
Experience and shadow clone efficiency had significantly improved his workflow.
Now, he hurried to Konoha—not out of goodwill, but because he feared the consequences of making Uchiha Bai Ye wait.
Why?
Simple.
Before leaving, Bai Ye had demonstrated his blood composition—showing an absurdly powerful regenerative ability.
To Orochimaru, it was clear—immortality was merely a passive trait for this man.
To study it… he needed to stay on Bai Ye's good side.
---
At the Village Gate
"H-Holy—Orochimaru?!"
The gatekeepers, Izumo and Kotetsu, froze in shock.
Their hands instinctively reached for their ninja pouches.
This was Orochimaru—an S-rank rogue ninja with countless atrocities to his name.
A man who had conducted human experiments on children without hesitation.
A criminal far beyond forgiveness.
"It's been a while."
Orochimaru's voice remained unsettlingly calm.
He even tried to sound non-threatening—
But his naturally sinister tone made it impossible.
"Please inform Captain Bai Ye… Orochimaru has come to deliver."
"…Deliver?"
Since when did Orochimaru do courier services?!
Izumo and Kotetsu exchanged uneasy glances, remaining on high alert.
---
"Orochimaru?!"
An aged voice rang out.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had just been passing by.
Upon seeing his former student, his hand instinctively reached for a kunai.
Orochimaru remained unfazed.
He simply chuckled and muttered—
"Sensei, if you attack me… Captain Bai Ye might be displeased."
Uchiha Bai Ye.
Konoha's strongest was now Orochimaru's backer?!
Shocked silence followed.
Hiruzen's expression twisted.
His rage surged—but before he could react, Orochimaru took a step forward… into Konoha.
Then he took a step back.
"See, Sensei? I stepped in."
"Now I stepped out."
"Go ahead, hit me. See if Bai Ye gets mad."
Pfft—!!
Overwhelmed with fury, the Third Hokage spat out blood on the spot.
Orochimaru and Bai Ye…
They were both going too far!
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