"Yang, do you really want to reorganize the Guardian Shinobi? I understand forming a new unit, and even bringing in White Fang, but if you move against the Valley, you'll be openly challenging Danzo. Will the clan agree to that?" Uchiha Rei asked worriedly.
Yang chuckled. "Rei, you're not wrong. But remember, this won't be the Uchiha fighting Danzo—it'll be the Guardian Shinobi, formed under Sakumo Hatake. If we pull this off, we'll force the Hokage's administration to fight among themselves."
"I think we should involve the Hyuga clan," Uchiha Kuzan suggested. "They're one of the oldest noble clans, have a strong presence in the Land of Fire, and maintain ties with several influential families. They may not oppose the Hokage outright, but we can at least ensure they don't stand against us."
"We should also bring in the Uzumaki clan," Uchiha Bore added. "They still have remnants scattered, and this could be an opportunity for them. Plus, we can use their sealing techniques to counteract the Hokage faction. Let's remind everyone how treacherous these so-called allies can be before history repeats itself."
"Then we shouldn't forget the Inuzuka clan," Uchiha Hoshino interjected. "They've been aligning closely with us lately. If we leave them out now, it could cause unnecessary friction."
The group continued their discussion as they returned to their compound, informing the Second Elder of their plans. Using a summoning technique, they had a ninja hound deliver their message.
---
"The daimyo wants Sakumo to reorganize the Guardian Shinobi. Thoughts?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked, looking at the assembled council members.
"If the daimyo wants a unit, let him have it," Jiraiya said lazily, rubbing his nose. "As long as Sakumo forms it, not serves in it, there's no problem."
"I agree," Orochimaru added disinterestedly. "Their duty is to protect the daimyo, after all. It makes no difference who does it."
"I see no issue," Elder Mitokado Homura said. "Better that Konoha organizes it than the daimyo doing it himself."
Danzo remained silent, neither supporting nor opposing the decision.
Hiruzen nodded. "Then it's settled. Sakumo will handle this once he returns. Now, let's move on."
---
Sakumo Hatake received his assignment from the Hokage and had just returned home when he heard that Uchiha representatives and several clan heads had gathered at his residence. He instructed his steward to bring them to the main hall.
Once seated, Uchiha Nobunaga spoke directly, presenting a list. "We understand you are forming the Guardian Shinobi, but we aren't just here to volunteer—we are here to support you. Not just as a Guardian, but as a leader. The daimyo trusts you, and we believe this is only the beginning of something greater."
Sakumo looked at the list. The signatures included the Uchiha, Hyuga, Uzumaki, Inuzuka, and several smaller noble clans. The weight of their expectations settled on him.
"You honor me with your trust," Sakumo finally said, bowing his head. "I will not take this responsibility lightly."
The room erupted in laughter and cheers.
Within a day, Sakumo drafted the official roster:
Uchiha Clan: Uchiha Yang, Uchiha Kuzan
Hyuga Clan: Hyuga Tenrai, Hyuga Haruka
Inuzuka Clan: Inuzuka Shō
Moonlight Clan: Moonlight Hayate's ancestor
Oda Clan: Oda Kumoshin
Maoyue Clan: Maoyue Hatsuki
Uzumaki Clan: Uzumaki Chiyori, Uzumaki Meitei
Hatake Clan: Hatake Yasuo
Fire Temple: Monk Kūshin
When Sakumo submitted the list to the Hokage, Hiruzen scanned the names carefully. "The Uchiha and Uzumaki I expected… but the Hyuga? That's surprising. What do they gain from this?"
Sakumo nodded. "I asked them directly. They see it as an honor. The Uzumaki need stability, the Hyuga are positioning themselves for future influence, and the Fire Temple seeks protection. Everyone here volunteered."
Hiruzen took a slow drag from his pipe, exhaling thoughtfully. "Good work, Sakumo. Proceed as planned."
---
The daimyo examined the list, raising an eyebrow at the balance of power. "This is… impressive. The Hyuga, the Uzumaki… if only the Senju still existed, this would look like a council from the Warring States Era."
His hands tightened slightly at the mention of the Senju.
"Very well," he finally said, smiling. "I am pleased with this selection. Every major clan is represented. I may not be a shinobi, but I know well the strengths of these families."
Yang stepped forward. "Your Excellency, we have also planned the security layout. Each clan will establish a residence in the capital. Though we are only twelve, we hail from eight different ninja clans and the Fire Temple.
The Uzumaki Clan will set up barriers to prevent unauthorized entry.
The Hyuga, Inuzuka, and Uzumaki compounds will form a triangular defense perimeter around the daimyo's palace.
Monk Kūshin from the Fire Temple will reside directly within the palace.
Secret guards from each clan will be positioned strategically to respond to emergencies.
The Uchiha's ninja hounds will maintain 24-hour surveillance."
The daimyo nodded in approval. "Excellent. You have exceeded my expectations. Proceed as planned."
---
With the Twelve Guardian Shinobi officially formed, each clan established their compounds within the capital. Even the remnants of the Uzumaki clan, now a small family of barely a dozen, found renewed hope in their new role.
Though Yang was the strongest among them, the leadership position ultimately went to Monk Kūshin—who, being a monk, was uninterested in politics. He deferred most responsibilities to Yang.
As expected, the Hyuga made no objections. It was clear that their presence here was a calculated move—they followed power, ensuring they remained aligned with whichever faction was strongest.
The Guardian Shinobi divided into three teams, rotating shifts to guard the daimyo. Each night, one member remained inside the daimyo's palace, while the rest were stationed strategically around the city. Hidden watch posts were set up in key locations, ensuring that no attack would go unnoticed.
With these measures in place, the Guardian Twelve Shinobi were reborn—and the balance of power in the Land of Fire had begun to shift.