Shadow of the Uchiha Guard

Konoha Streets – A Shift in Perception

The streets of Konoha bustled with activity, villagers coming and going as usual.

What surprised Uzuki Yugao (formerly Uyuki Xiyan, as her official name in Naruto is Uzuki Yugao) was how different the atmosphere felt. Just yesterday, chaos had erupted at the village gates. Yet, rather than alienation or resentment toward the Konoha Military Police Force, the villagers greeted Bai Ye with enthusiasm and respect.

This was something she had never witnessed before.

"I didn't expect you, the captain of the Guard, to be so… popular," she remarked coolly, feigning indifference.

It was her day off—an unusual occurrence, considering that ANBU, despite working directly under the Hokage, rarely received official breaks. But today had been specially adjusted. A coincidence? Not quite. Someone else happened to have the day off as well.

At Bai Ye's invitation, she had ended up by his side.

"This is normal," Bai Ye replied nonchalantly, showing no signs of guilt or concern.

Even with an ANBU operative beside him, he wasn't the least bit worried about her reporting anything to the Hokage. As for the sudden change in the villagers' attitudes? The answer was obvious.

In a world where power dictated status, reverence for strength was natural.

Yesterday, Bai Ye may have gone a bit overboard, but from a different perspective, he had simply acted in line with what the villagers already believed. To them, the Cloud Shinobi were the enemy.

Kumogakure had been antagonizing the Land of Fire for years, constantly pushing the borders, inciting conflict, and causing unnecessary casualties. Parents lost children. Families were shattered.

Of course, the people of Konoha wouldn't welcome the Kumo delegation with open arms.

Bai Ye had simply given voice to their frustrations—his actions, though unofficial, had provided the villagers a sense of retaliation.

A Tinge of Jealousy?

"Speaking of which…" Yugao's tone took on a teasing edge. "That woman from Kumogakure must have satisfied you, right?"

There was a distinct sharpness to her words, tinged with something close to jealousy.

Bai Ye smirked. He glanced down at her hand, which he was holding. Yugao made a half-hearted attempt to free herself but, upon failing, allowed it.

"I'm not that kind of person," he declared, voice full of righteousness.

Yugao let out a scoff. "Ha! You say that, but even Kurenai Yuhi wouldn't fall for such a blatant lie."

Her words were laced with sarcasm. As an ANBU operative, her intel on the village was sharper than most. She knew exactly what kind of man Bai Ye was.

At best, he was spontaneous. At worst, he was a shameless flirt.

She had only fallen for him because she had let herself sink too deep.

"Maybe I'd even consider being your girlfriend if you stopped visiting so many pleasure houses," she muttered.

Bai Ye's face remained unbothered, even sincere. "That's fine. One of my girlfriends, right?"

Yugao stopped in her tracks.

He had just openly admitted his desire to build a harem—and in front of the woman he was pursuing!

This man…

"You—!"

Before she could snap at him, he cut her off with a kiss.

Her protests melted into silence.

Five Minutes Later

Yugao's face was flushed. She buried herself in Bai Ye's chest, allowing him to guide her toward the village entrance.

Bai Ye, in turn, seemed utterly pleased.

Then, almost casually, he lifted his gaze toward a hidden figure in the shadows.

Moonlight Hayate.

The moment their eyes met, Hayate coughed violently, nearly hacking up a lung.

Yugao turned at the sound, her face still warm. She shot Bai Ye an exasperated look. "You're so obvious," she muttered.

She should have known—this man never hesitated when it came to flaunting his relationships.

Still… despite her words, she felt a strange warmth in her chest.

Bai Ye merely shrugged. "I just don't like the guy."

Hayate had made the foolish mistake of sending her flowers a few days ago. Knowing Bai Ye's relationship with Yugao, what was he thinking?

Bai Ye was simply setting things straight.

A Mysterious Destination

"Where are we going?" Yugao asked, curiously scanning their surroundings.

They had already left the village and were now walking along a tree-lined path.

The sun was at its peak, its light filtering through the leaves and casting dappled shadows on the ground.

"The Military Police Force is short on medical personnel," Bai Ye yawned, stretching. "Hokage approved our request for additional non-combat staff, so I'm handling recruitment."

Yugao nodded in understanding. No wonder they had stopped by Might Guy's house earlier.

Bai Ye had personally invited Guy to join the Guard.

She felt a slight pang of envy.

Unlike Bai Ye, her commitment to ANBU prevented her from transferring.

But one thing still puzzled her.

"Shouldn't you be looking for medical-nin at Konoha Hospital?" she asked suspiciously.

Bai Ye merely smiled. "Just follow me."

He wasn't about to tell her that he already knew where to find the strongest medical kunoichi in the ninja world.

For now, he was in no rush.

They walked together, their figures overlapping in the golden sunlight.

For a moment, everything felt peaceful.

---

Land of Fire – Border Region

A ten-man team moved silently along the waterways, bypassing Konoha's defenses with practiced ease.

Their leader moved with a calm yet commanding presence.

She was tall and imposing, her long beige hair tied into a braid that reached her waist.

Her fierce, queen-like aura belied the fact that she was, at heart, a kind and empathetic kunoichi.

However, on the battlefield, her compassion turned into a nightmare for her enemies.

"I trust everyone understands the mission," she said evenly.

Her name was Two-Tails Jinchūriki—Nii Yugito.

"Yes, ma'am!" The Cloud Shinobi responded in unison.

"This mission is of the utmost importance." Yugito's voice was serious. "Lord Raikage has made his orders crystal clear."

She took a deep breath.

She knew full well what it meant to be chosen for this task. The Fourth Raikage was not a man to be ignored.

His wrath over Konoha's actions was absolute.

And so, his instructions had been terrifyingly simple.

Yugito's sharp gaze swept over her subordinates. "Repeat our objective."

The Cloud Shinobi's voices rang out in unison:

"Byakugan. Sharingan.

We will take them both—for Kumogakure!"