Ninja World – Land of Rain – Akatsuki's Base
"In Konoha, even an Elite Jōnin who makes a mistake is subjected to labor reform."
"As strong as Shisui of the Body Flicker, he could only work on repairing roads for Konoha."
"The presence of the Uchiha Guard has become deeply rooted in the hearts of the people."
"And its captain, Uchiha Bai Ye, holds an incredibly unique position within the village."
"He is not the Hokage, yet he wields influence that at times seems to surpass even Sarutobi Hiruzen. He is respected and adored by the villagers, some even believing that if he were Hokage, Konoha would be better off."
"The Uchiha clan, emboldened by his leadership, appears restless—many within its ranks wish to see Uchiha Bai Ye elevated to the highest seat of power."
"But despite these expectations, Bai Ye remains content with his role as Captain of the Guard. When not performing his duties, he is often seen strolling through the village, always accompanied by different women."
At that, Konan involuntarily snorted.
So even a man like Uchiha Bai Ye was susceptible to the charms of women.
She had once believed that someone of his stature and presence would be above such trivial indulgences.
She was mistaken.
Bai Ye was that kind of man—perhaps even more indulgent than most.
"The daughter of the acting Anbu Minister is said to be his official girlfriend, a childhood sweetheart."
"Then there's Uzuki Yugao, an elite Anbu operative, who is also rumored to be his fiancée. It seems he enjoys the process of courtship."
"The most surprising, however, is Tsunade Senju, one of the Legendary Sannin. The renowned Princess of the Land of Fire is also one of his women. They spend their days together at the Guard Headquarters, openly displaying their affection."
"Additionally, it is rumored that he has three women residing in his home, two of whom were taken from Kumogakure."
Konan's mouth twitched as she finished recounting the information on Bai Ye.
"Given such rumors, one would expect his reputation to suffer," Nagato remarked, manipulating his Pain body to face her.
"It is contradictory," he admitted. "A man known for such debauchery should not command such widespread respect."
Konan's expression turned complicated.
"That is merely his personal life," she replied. "If you knew what he has done for Konoha, you would understand why he is revered."
She continued, "Since Bai Ye became Captain, the Guard has never allowed a single criminal case to disrupt the village's peace."
"He is righteous, never using his power for personal gain, and has fostered strong relationships with the villagers."
"He was fearless, publicly putting Hokage's advisor Shimura Danzo on trial, exposing his crimes, and imprisoning him. He even subjected the Root operatives to labor reform."
A dark silence settled over the room.
The idea of Danzo, a man known for his ruthless political maneuvering, being publicly humiliated and imprisoned was unheard of.
"That is but one of his many deeds," Konan continued. "Konoha operates under the strict regulations established by the Guard. Anyone who violates them faces severe consequences."
"Orochimaru, upon his recent return to the village, behaved impeccably—likely because he understood that any deviation would result in immediate retribution."
"Anyone who challenges Bai Ye's authority is swiftly dealt with. Even Uchiha Madara—" she paused, correcting herself, "—I mean, the masked man who claims to be Madara—barely escaped with his life."
Obito's defeat was still fresh in her mind. To be forced into retreat by sheer overwhelming strength…
"The Hokage's own son was exiled to the borders after breaking the law. He was ordered to eliminate a thousand enemy shinobi before being allowed to return."
"That is what led him to clash with Kakuzu and Sasori of the Akatsuki."
Nagato remained silent, absorbing the information.
"But that is not the most shocking part."
Konan's voice grew heavy.
"Bai Ye's greatest achievement is what solidified his status among the people."
"After the Fourth Raikage destroyed Konoha property and sent assassins to attack Bai Ye's home, Bai Ye demanded that the Raikage cede the Yunjie Mountains—the land surrounding Kumogakure—as compensation."
"At the conclusion of the trial, the Yunjie Mountains officially became the private territory of the Uchiha Guard."
"To expand Konoha's land without war… that is something even the First Hokage failed to accomplish."
Konan's tone held an uncharacteristic hint of admiration. She never imagined such a feat could be achieved outside of the battlefield.
She hesitated before speaking again.
"I suspect that the recent upheaval in the Land of Lightning is connected to Bai Ye."
At this, even Pain's emotionless Rinnegan flickered slightly.
Nagato had personally investigated the region after hearing rumors of catastrophic terrain destruction.
A single, golden-armored giant had reportedly reshaped the land with a casual attack.
Nagato knew he could achieve such devastation—but only by pushing his Rinnegan to its very limits, at the cost of his own vitality.
Yet, Bai Ye had supposedly done it effortlessly.
The timeframe of the destruction perfectly aligned with Bai Ye's temporary disappearance during the Raikage's public trial.
Konan's voice grew solemn. "I am convinced that he was responsible."
"If true, then our future attempt to capture the Nine-Tails will force a confrontation with him."
She did not want that outcome.
Because when Bai Ye had spoken to her, he had been sincere.
All he wanted was a peaceful life as Captain of the Guard.
It was others who continually forced him into conflict.
Konan understood his sentiment.
She, too, longed for peace.
But her loyalty to Nagato, and their shared dream of ending the cycle of hatred, would not allow her to abandon their mission.
Perhaps, when the time was right, they could lure the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki away from the village.
Anything to avoid a direct clash with Uchiha Bai Ye.
Because if such a battle were to occur, it would not just be Akatsuki and Bai Ye who suffered—the entire village of Konoha would be caught in the crossfire.
She glanced at Pain, who was deep in contemplation.
A light blue paper flower rested atop her head.
A gift from Bai Ye.
For reasons she could not explain, she had chosen to wear it.
She reached up, touching the delicate petals as she gazed toward the distant horizon.
Toward Konoha.
—
Konoha – Uchiha Guard Headquarters
"So, you don't want to go on vacation?" Bai Ye asked lazily, reclining against Tsunade's embrace while eyeing the young Uchiha before him.
Itachi, ever composed, simply nodded. "Yes."
Rather than joining his comrades at the Yunjie Hot Springs, he preferred to spend time with Sasuke.
"Sasuke will be well taken care of," Bai Ye mused, a smirk playing on his lips.
Itachi hesitated, suddenly uneasy.
"Well, you already know your mother's closest friends serve as my maids."
Bai Ye's smirk widened.
"Besides," he added, "I've already spoken with your father."
There was no escape.
With a sigh, Itachi resigned himself to his fate.
Bai Ye's smirk turned predatory.
"Before you go, let me teach you a technique."
His Sharingan spun, locking onto Itachi's gaze.
"The next time you see the masked man, attack him with this."
"Remember, you must shout its name."
"Listen well—its name is… Qilin."
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