Shadow of the Uchiha Guard

"Pain! It hurts too much!"

"Uchiha Itachi, why are you avoiding me?!"

Konoha Military Police Force Headquarters.

As the anguished cries echoed through the corridors, Uchiha Itachi stood silently before his squad leader, his face a canvas of internal conflict.

What kind of organization had he joined?

Unlike the proud and aloof demeanor of his clansmen within the Uchiha compound, the members of the police force seemed like entirely different beings.

Take Uchiha Satoshi, for example. Moments ago, he had been composed, but now he stood shirtless, his expression twisted in pain, shouting at Itachi.

"Deputy Captain Shanyang, what does it mean to be a sub-captain?"

Itachi earnestly sought guidance from his senior.

"Oh."

"Bring him some medicinal wine."

The seasoned Uchiha Shanyang responded calmly, accustomed to such scenes.

The entire police force consisted of individuals ready for action.

The ninja world is rife with conflict.

Even brief confrontations come at a cost for the police force.

After all, facing elites from villages like Kumogakure isn't as straightforward as it seems.

"You've just joined, so I'll be direct."

Shanyang leisurely lit a cigarette, not rushing Itachi to tend to the oddly named Uchiha Satoshi.

"That's the captain's rule."

"Applying medicine to your comrades is a process to strengthen bonds."

"This time, you were merely an observer, so the experience might not be as profound."

"But during your next mission, when a companion unhesitatingly shields you, you'll understand the importance of tending to each other's wounds."

"According to the captain, this fosters a certain camaraderie."

Perplexing.

But not entirely unfathomable.

After all, the Kumogakure ninja who sought trouble today initially targeted Itachi, but Uchiha Satoshi had stepped in to defend him.

Itachi remained silent, quietly retrieving the medicinal wine to treat Uchiha Satoshi's injuries.

In the distance.

Bai Ye smoked a cigarette, observing the scene with a calm demeanor.

Disciplining subordinates is the first step.

Subtly altering their mindset to instill a sense of belonging to the team is even more crucial.

As for Uchiha Itachi's choices, they were of little consequence to him.

"There's a lack of a dedicated medical ninja."

Bai Ye mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

Since Tsunade's departure from Konoha, the village's training of medical ninjas had significantly declined, and few were willing to associate with the Uchiha.

Moreover, with an insufficient number of medical ninjas in the village and ongoing border conflicts, it was unsurprising that his team lacked medical support.

Hmm.

A medical ninja.

To recruit one, it must be the best.

If necessary, he would resort to force.

With his strength and authority, as a competent captain of the police force, he deserved the best medical services.

But just as he was contemplating this.

A figure with long purple hair descended before him.

…

While Bai Ye pondered improving the team's resilience.

Simultaneously.

In the Hokage's office.

The atmosphere was thick with tension.

Covered in fresh dirt, Samui clutched her shoulder, glaring angrily at Konoha's Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Hokage, Kumogakure demands an explanation!"

At this moment, she represented Kumogakure, exerting pressure on Konoha!

Along the way.

She had come to understand.

Konoha's tough stance was a façade!

The assault on the Kumogakure delegation was solely the decision of the Konoha police force captain and had nothing to do with Konoha's higher-ups or the Third Hokage!

In other words.

The previous intelligence remained valid.

Konoha was still the weakened village, and the Hokage was still the feeble leader!

By threatening war, they could achieve their objectives!

Given this.

Their confrontation wasn't entirely in vain.

It even provided Samui an opportunity to pressure the Third Hokage.

Her intentions were clear: the police force's actions warranted compensation from Konoha!

"The village understands your concerns."

The Third Hokage's face bore an apologetic smile, his feigned sincerity nauseating. Suddenly, he adopted an angry expression, slamming the table.

"This is the result of my lax oversight. Rest assured, I will ensure Captain Bai Ye provides an explanation! I've already summoned him and will deliver a satisfactory outcome upon his arrival."

His face flushed with anger, as if expressing indignation over the assault on the envoys.

But the gleam in the old fox's eyes betrayed his true feelings.

Uchiha Bai Ye had delivered an unexpected boon!

He had been seeking leverage against the police force, and this incident was a gift!

Well played!

Why hadn't he killed a few?

That would have provided even more grounds to impeach the police force and Uchiha Bai Ye!

The existence of Uchiha Bai Ye was a variable; the Third Hokage never utilized pieces he couldn't control.

The replacement of the police force captain must be prioritized!

"Very well!"

Samui's expression darkened as she slammed the table.

"If this matter isn't resolved to Kumogakure's satisfaction today, Konoha should brace for our wrath!"

"Kumogakure has never feared war!"

A blatant threat?!

The Third Hokage's expression shifted.

Admittedly, Kumogakure had pinpointed Konoha's vulnerability.

Konoha couldn't afford a war; the Third Shinobi World War had severely depleted its resources, leaving it ill-prepared to face an assault from Kumogakure!

"Rest assured, Uchiha Bai Ye's actions have undermined the friendship between our villages. As Hokage, I will ensure he faces severe consequences..."

Sarutobi's face was stern, attempting to reassure her, but before he could finish, the office door swung open.

The man's mocking smile and disdainful expression immediately darkened Sarutobi's face.

"Tsk."

"Hokage?"

"Do you still consider yourself Hokage? This is the first time I've seen a village leader so blatantly side against his own, and to such an outrageous extent."

Bai Ye's voice dripped with sarcasm, indifferent to Sarutobi's livid expression.

"You scoundrel!"

Before Sarutobi could respond, Samui, who had been subdued by Bai Ye earlier, charged at him in fury, seemingly intent on teaching him a lesson.

She disregarded the fact that this was the Hokage's office.

But she believed that this "culprit" who had angered Kumogakure wouldn't dare embarrass her out of respect for the Hokage!

This was her chance!

Samui hadn't forgotten the burn mark on her back!

Her plan was sound.

Unfortunately, she had misjudged her opponent...

Smack!

Without hesitation, Bai Ye struck Samui, sending her sprawling to the ground, her face a mask of shock.

Did he just hit her?!

He dared to assault a Kumogakure envoy in front of the Hokage?

How dare he!

Stepping forward.

He seized Samui by the neck.

Bai Ye's eyes were devoid of emotion, as if he could end her life at any moment.