Land of Fire.
Konoha.
There's been no shortage of shocking events in the village recently.
First, the bloody conflict at Root during the Guard's vacation.
Then, the sudden return of Captain Bai Ye and Tsunade's public declaration to restore the Senju clan.
And, perhaps most shocking, the reappearance of Tsunade's long-lost younger brother, Nawaki.
Naturally, people are speculating about the source of this unbelievable power.
The power to control life and death.
The ability to resurrect a casualty of the Second Great Ninja War.
What kind of force could wield that?
Tsunade isn't wrong.
Even if Bai Ye shows no fear, any power capable of resurrection is bound to cause unease.
Once exposed, it would draw unwanted attention, potentially disrupting Bai Ye's daily work and responsibilities.
Still, the more perceptive villagers have already connected the dots.
The timeline of Nawaki's return and Tsunade's revival of the Senju aligns perfectly with Bai Ye's presence.
But in the absence of hard proof, it remains an open secret.
Tsunade's declaration echoed loud and clear that day.
The massive tree at Konoha's gate stood tall—witness to the beginning of the Senju's reawakening.
Wood Style returned, and Tsunade vowed to uncover the reason behind her clan's decline.
Anyone with a nose for politics could smell it:
Something major is brewing in Konoha.
The calm before the storm.
Within the village, both shinobi and civilians felt a subtle pressure in the air.
But Bai Ye remained unaffected
The Konoha Guard had returned to routine.
"Who's repairing the roads these days?"
Inside the Guard headquarters…
Bai Ye reclined on the Taishi chair, puffing lightly on a cigarette as Uchiha Sanyang gave a report.
"Yes, Captain."
"The current workforce includes the reformed prisoners who were part of the previous Root detachment, and a few from the former Village Management Corps, primarily those loyal to the Sarutobi clan."
"But after the riot during the New Year's festival, nearly all Root operatives were wiped out—only Uchiha Shisui survived."
"In the latter stages, the Sarutobi-affiliated elites from the Corps were also deployed. They suffered heavy casualties."
In simple terms—
The re-education labor force revolted, and the Root loyalists perished during internal strife.
Half the roads were repaired… and now, all construction has stalled.
Though it's said Uchiha Shisui hasn't given up and continues pushing forward.
"There's also an issue with the lumber needed to expand our HQ…"
Uchiha Sanyang added dutifully.
"Not enough wood to meet demand."
Bai Ye waved it off, unconcerned.
When it comes to wood—just ask Tsunade.
She now possesses Wood Style.
Problem solved.
Tsunade's investigation into the Senju clan was progressing rapidly.
With all clan members now gathered, results were expected in days.
Her reawakening of Wood Style was clearly due to Bai Ye's influence.
After their long nights of "life philosophy discussions," her chakra control and genetic potential had drastically improved.
But let's be clear:
While Wood Style is powerful, post-Hashirama users—like Yamato—barely scratch the surface of its true might.
Even in Boruto, a few awakened it artificially, but their strength was underwhelming.
Awakening Wood Style doesn't mean you inherit Hashirama's monstrous chakra reserves.
His strength came not just from Wood Release, but also from being Asura's reincarnation.
Wood Style is only as strong as its wielder.
If Tsunade hopes to reach Hashirama's level… she'll need to "train" with Bai Ye a lot more.
As for the Guard HQ?
Bai Ye had long planned to upgrade it.
The current building was outdated.
A proper working environment would help him relax.
So not only should it be expanded—it should be renovated, too.
Now about those roads…
Bai Ye was rubbing his chin, ready to speak, when Brother Cong entered with urgency.
"Captain."
The young man bowed respectfully.
"Speak."
Bai Ye leaned back lazily, crossing his legs.
He gave Cong a nod of approval.
The kid was shaping up nicely.
Someday, Bai Ye hoped to delegate more and just fish in peace.
"There's a Kirigakure ninja at the village gate—Hoshigaki Kisame. He brought a construction crew from the Land of Water and said he's here to see you."
Terumi Mei?
Bai Ye smirked.
That woman never disappoints.
The riot in Konoha last month must've reached her ears.
Since he was out of the village at the time, no doubt curious forces came to investigate.
News of the prisoner deaths clearly made it to Kirigakure.
She really thinks ahead.
Feeling touched, Bai Ye decided to visit Kirigakure soon—perhaps enjoy some Water Style demonstrations.
"Let Kisame in. Have Uchiha Shisui take over the construction team."
Before the riots, the prisoners' work rate was impressive.
If uninterrupted, they'd have finished in a fortnight.
Soon, the Guards would strut through Konoha with pride.
"Yes, Captain!"
Cong saluted and dashed out.
Bai Ye had just returned—there was plenty to catch up on.
The riot's aftermath, the backlog of crime reports…
Still, that was for Sanyang and the others to worry about.
Bai Ye wasn't about to overwork himself.
Shame, though.
Tsunade had been too busy to stay at HQ.
Shizune had stepped in as acting medical captain.
This meant no more public flirting with Tsunade in the office.
Then again…
Shizune's been looking at him weirdly lately.
He glanced toward the infirmary, suspicious.
That bed had only ever seen action with him and Tsunade.
"Hmm…"
At that moment, someone stepped in.
A tall, shark-faced man entered, eyeing Bai Ye cautiously.
Hoshigaki Kisame.
Stocky. Muscular. Intimidating.
But oddly… he lacked Samehada on his back.
Right—because Bai Ye's intervention had brought Kisame to Konoha before Obito could recruit him.
Samehada was still in the hands of Suikazan Fuguki.
No rush. Bai Ye would deal with that.
Kisame, on the other hand, looked… confused.
Why was he sent here?
Why did Mizukage-sama tell him to follow this man?
Was this a joke?
But then again, the construction team and materials sent from Kirigakure weren't a prank.
Terumi Mei had officially deployed them under Bai Ye's command.
So… was this the truth?
Was he cargo? A pawn?
Kisame stared at Bai Ye.
But Bai Ye didn't greet him.
Instead, he called over a strange man with a watermelon haircut—clad in green from head to toe.
Might Guy.
As soon as Kisame laid eyes on him, Guy grinned, gave a thumbs-up, and—
hugged him.
Claimed him as "one of us."
Before Kisame could protest, Guy declared they'd start training immediately.
Was this how Konoha treated outsiders?
Kisame was stunned.
But it was too late.
His fate had been sealed the moment Mizukage sent him here.
Falsehood? Reality?
It no longer mattered.
As a new member of the Guard, Kisame would eventually discover his place—his value.
That was something Bai Ye didn't need to worry about.
---
Lunch break.
The busy Captain returned home on his beloved motorcycle.
Lunch was ready.
The house buzzed with activity.
There were new faces.
Bai Ye rubbed his chin—maybe it was time to expand the mansion too.
After recent events, Uzuki Yugao, Yuhi Kurenai, and Mitarashi Anko had officially moved in.
Only Mikoto still came secretly.
The rest of Bai Ye's women were all under one roof.
At the dining table, Bai Ye's gaze landed on Kushina.
She smiled… but the smile didn't reach her eyes.
"Third Hokage made Naruto move out?"
Bai Ye asked flatly.
He'd already heard about it.
"You knew?" Kushina's eyes widened, then softened with a tired smile.
"Maybe… maybe he thinks Naruto needs a change. That someone else should look after him…"
Bai Ye chuckled.
"Isn't that what you were thinking?"
Kushina lowered her gaze, uncertain.
It'd been days.
And what she saw was Naruto… eating alone. Sleeping alone.
It didn't feel right. Not for a four-year-old.
Bai Ye didn't respond immediately.
Some truths are best seen, not told.
Maybe Kushina still believed the Third was sending food… that ANBU were secretly caring for Naruto?
Wait until she learned that Naruto was mixing milk with ramen and calling it a meal…
She'd explode.
"Do you remember what I told you that night?"
Bai Ye asked gently.
That night…
A turning point in their relationship.
Kushina nodded slowly, smiling faintly.
"I remember."
He promised her—
If she chose him, she'd never regret it.
With him, she would always be protected.
Bai Ye was not like Minato.
He chose home first.
The village?
What did that even mean anymore?
"I'll wait for you to go to the police to call the police."
Bai Ye said cryptically, grinning.
Kushina blinked in confusion.
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