Land of Fire – Konohagakure
The Hokage building was particularly lively today.
Wearing his signature mask, Kakashi Hatake cautiously instructed his team members to stay vigilant. Yet, both he and the rest of the ANBU present felt it was unnecessary.
"Kakashi-senpai, isn't this a bit excessive?"
Yamato questioned in a hushed tone, gesturing toward the distance.
There, rows of Konoha Military Police Force members stood in full formation.
"With them here, we really don't have much to worry about."
It was clear now. The presence of the Uchiha Guard had thoroughly integrated into the village's structure. When it came to maintaining stability, they were far more adept than ANBU.
"They aren't protecting the Hokage," Kakashi responded evenly. "They are here for Uchiha Bai Ye."
ANBU had its duties, and so did the Guard. While ANBU primarily handled shinobi-related operations, the Guard maintained the village's internal security. Any overlap in responsibilities could lead to conflicts of authority.
"Hold this position. I'll head up first," Kakashi ordered before entering the Hokage building and proceeding toward the conference room.
Today was an important day.
As the year drew to a close, the annual high-level meeting was about to take place—a gathering where the past year's accomplishments would be reviewed, and the village's future direction would be discussed. More importantly, it was an opportunity for power struggles among Konoha's elites.
So it was no surprise when Kakashi entered the chamber and immediately spotted the man sitting nonchalantly in his chair, openly flirting with Tsunade despite the presence of numerous high-ranking officials.
Yes, Uchiha Bai Ye was here.
As the captain of the Guard, he had to attend the annual summary meeting. Normally, such mundane affairs wouldn't interest him, and he'd have sent his vice-captain, Uchiha Shanyang, in his place. But this time was different.
"Behave yourself," Tsunade muttered, removing Bai Ye's wandering hand with a flush creeping across her cheeks. While they were seated in a relatively inconspicuous corner, she still felt guilty about such behavior at an official meeting.
Aside from her, Jiraiya had also returned to the village and was currently engaged in conversation with others. His reputation as one of the legendary Sannin ensured he received the respect he was due.
As more people arrived, Bai Ye shifted lazily in his seat, leaning back with an unreadable smile.
Compared to last year, this meeting felt different.
Danzo was currently locked away in Konoha Prison, making his absence a welcome sight. Additionally, two of the Hokage's trusted aides were missing.
Bai Ye found the current participants much more agreeable.
The large conference room eventually fell silent as Sarutobi Hiruzen took center stage. The Third Hokage wore a benevolent expression, but the suppressed frustration in his eyes betrayed his emotions.
Neither he nor his two senior advisors were particularly enthused about today's meeting. The reason was simple: they had to publicly acknowledge Uchiha Bai Ye's contributions.
There was no avoiding it. The Guard's impact on the village over the past year had been undeniable. Even Hiruzen couldn't downplay their influence without damaging his own credibility.
If the Guard was ignored at this high-level meeting, both the villagers and clan leaders would question the Hokage's judgment. That would only backfire on him.
So, to maintain the illusion of tolerance, Sarutobi had to sing Bai Ye's praises—however much it sickened him.
Meanwhile, Bai Ye himself seemed entirely uninterested.
Did he care about being recognized?
Absolutely not.
Uchiha Bai Ye did not seek approval from others. The Guard enforced its own laws, and his actions were driven solely by the need to uphold order—not by some vain desire for acknowledgment.
At that moment, his mind was elsewhere.
"We should take a trip for the New Year," he murmured.
"Hm?" Tsunade blinked, intrigued.
"The Guard has worked tirelessly all year. I'm giving them a vacation. Expenses covered by the village."
"Where to?"
"Yunjie Mountain."
The hot springs near Kumogakure had been expanded under the Fourth Raikage's supervision. With a ninja's speed, it wouldn't take long to reach the resort.
Bai Ye smirked as he eyed Tsunade. This would be the perfect opportunity for her to go head-to-head against Samui in a… certain competition.
"Bringing the entire Guard might be inconvenient," Tsunade pointed out, her cheeks slightly reddening as she read between the lines.
"The mountains are vast. They can entertain themselves," Bai Ye replied.
It was also a good way to remind the village of the Guard's importance. When they were absent, people would finally realize how much they depended on them. That way, when they returned, their presence would be more valued than ever before.
The past two years had been tense due to the Fourth Hokage's death. The Guard had always remained vigilant during the New Year's celebrations.
But this year was different.
Those who dared to challenge the Guard knew the consequences.
Just ask the Raikage.
"Does anyone else have anything to add?" Sarutobi finally spoke up. "Then, in honor of Konoha's hero, let us invite Uchiha Bai Ye to say a few words."
The sarcasm in his voice was barely concealed, his aged expression twisting as he forced a smile.
Bai Ye, however, was lost in thought, still contemplating the trip.
"Once again," Sarutobi pressed, gritting his teeth, "let us hear from Uchiha Bai Ye, the great hero of Konoha!"
No response.
Bai Ye remained still, gazing absentmindedly out the window.
"Konoha's esteemed protector—"
"Oh, for fuck's sake, would you shut up already?!" Bai Ye snapped, jolted from his reverie.
Silence filled the room.
His subordinates barely reacted, having long since learned not to interrupt their captain when he was deep in thought. Even Tsunade avoided provoking Bai Ye unnecessarily—she knew all too well how dangerously unpredictable he could be.
Sarutobi's face turned red with suppressed rage. "I asked if you had any requests or demands."
Bai Ye sneered.
He had been rudely interrupted, and he wasn't about to let that slide.
"A request? Sure."
He leaned forward, a wicked grin spreading across his face.
"I want you to abdicate, Third Hokage-sama."
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