Konoha.
Central Square.
The shock that the Konoha Guard had brought to the village today was unprecedented.
First, the trial and conviction of Danzo, a high-ranking criminal.
Then, the expulsion of the Third Hokage's sons from the village.
And now—Uchiha Bai Ye had even expanded Konoha's territory.
But he himself seemed indifferent to the entire ordeal.
"The second compensation term: From now on, Kumogakure will be responsible for covering the daily expenses of the Konoha Guard and will provide police equipment quarterly."
"In addition, the costs for the expansion of Konoha Street will be funded by Kumogakure."
"Furthermore, Kumogakure's Jōnin Samui and the Two-Tails Jinchūriki Nii Yugito have voluntarily agreed to serve as attendants to Uchiha Bai Ye."
"The third compensation term: Uchiha Bai Ye, as Captain of the Konoha Guard, will receive the same level of diplomatic treatment in Kumogakure as the Raikage and will be officially recognized by their village."
"The fourth: No Kumogakure shinobi may enter the Land of Fire without explicit permission."
"The fifth…"
The crowd fell silent.
The first compensation term had already caused an uproar, but the subsequent ones only solidified the magnitude of what had just transpired.
Since the formation of the Five Great Nations, never once had a village been forced to cede land and pay reparations.
Bai Ye had set a precedent—one that even the Five Kage had never dared to contemplate.
Throughout the First to Third Shinobi Wars, conflicts were contained within designated battlefields, ensuring minimal disruption to each nation's political stability. No enemy village had ever successfully invaded and dictated terms within another's borders.
The only event even remotely similar was Orochimaru's attack on Konoha, when he allied with Sunagakure to assassinate the Third Hokage. But that was during a time of internal decline—Konoha was no longer the supreme power it had once been.
Yet Bai Ye had achieved all this while Konoha remained strong.
"The terms of Kumogakure's surrender have been stated. Do you accept?"
"I accept."
Bai Ye's words were casual, as if this entire ordeal was nothing more than a formality. His gaze locked onto the Raikage, awaiting confirmation.
But the contract had already been signed.
It was evident that before Bai Ye even returned to Konoha, the Raikage had agreed to all the conditions.
"…I have one final request."
After a long pause, the Raikage spoke again, his voice heavy with exhaustion.
"If, in the future, Captain Bai Ye wishes to compete… Kumogakure will be at his disposal."
With that, he lowered his once-arrogant head and turned away, walking toward his delegation.
It was over.
But the cost had been devastating.
And his loss had solidified the legend of Uchiha Bai Ye.
At that moment, the Raikage's departing figure exuded nothing but desolation.
Konoha was no place for him anymore.
As the Kumogakure delegation made their way toward the village gates, the stark contrast in their demeanor was clear.
When they arrived, they had carried themselves like conquerors, certain of their dominance.
Now, they left as nothing more than beaten strays.
Their ranks were in disarray. They had lost an entire squad, their Two-Tails Jinchūriki, and one of their elite Jōnin.
And in return?
Only humiliation.
But this was the shinobi world—where strength dictated everything. Bai Ye had made it clear that no one could stand in his way.
No one pitied Kumogakure.
Their fate was their own doing.
The people turned away from the retreating Raikage and ignored Sarutobi Hiruzen's grim departure.
All eyes were instead locked onto the man flicking away a cigarette, mounting his motorcycle, and preparing to leave.
Their gazes burned with admiration, even fanaticism.
Some had already begun chanting for Bai Ye to be crowned Hokage.
Konoha's first great expansion in history!
Uchiha Bai Ye had accomplished a feat that even the First Hokage had not!
Today, he was the most dazzling figure in the village.
"…With this level of strength and presence, it's not surprising that he could surpass Grandfather and Second Grandpa."
From a distance, Tsunade observed everything, her emotions conflicted.
By all logic, she should have been elated.
Konoha had gained a formidable protector.
But she also knew the kind of man Bai Ye was.
He appeared disciplined.
But in truth, he was lazy.
Yet, when he truly applied himself, he had an irresistible charisma.
Tsunade crossed her arms, pressing her fingers against her chest, feeling the erratic beating of her heart. A faint blush crept across her cheeks.
Beside her, Kushina shot her a sideways glance, clicking her tongue in disapproval.
If you want something, go after it.
That was her philosophy.
Since she had started following Bai Ye, she had grown more self-assured—but only toward him.
She found herself reluctantly tallying Bai Ye's admirers.
Uzuki Yugao, cold and indifferent to everyone but Bai Ye, where she was utterly obedient.
Kurenai Yūhi, recently promoted to Chūnin, officially Bai Ye's girlfriend. She carried an air of quiet elegance but could be surprisingly bold.
And then there were the two maids at home…
Tonight would be troublesome.
And, of course, there was her best friend, Mikoto.
For some reason, Bai Ye always acted unusually animated around Mikoto.
Kushina couldn't help but suspect he had some peculiar taste.
But it didn't matter.
She was merely observing how many women had their eyes on him.
Konoha had gained a hero unlike any other.
A Captain of the Guard who had done what even the Hokage could not.
And judging by the excitement in the villagers' and shinobi's eyes…
Bai Ye's influence had reached terrifying levels.
VROOM—
The first-generation police motorcycle roared to life.
Bai Ye rode off.
Konoha's strongest?
The greatest credit earner in history?
The hero who forced a rival village to surrender land and wealth?
Sorry.
He really hadn't intended for things to turn out this way.
He had merely set his sights on Kumogakure long ago. The opportunity had simply presented itself.
In his own eyes, he was just an ordinary Captain of the Guard.
Enjoying a peaceful life.
Training subordinates. Patrolling the streets. Carrying out his duties diligently.
That was all.
If anything, the village itself was the problem.
Other villages had corruption too.
But none were as rotten as Konoha.
What else was a Captain of the Guard supposed to do?
---
The police motorcycle wasn't slow.
But in Konoha's streets, traffic laws had to be followed.
As a self-disciplined shinobi, Bai Ye would never recklessly endanger pedestrians.
…Of course, if someone got in his way during a mission, he wouldn't hesitate to send them to the hospital.
Uchiha Clan Compound.
Bai Ye was ready to return home and tend to his wounded kitten.
But two Uchiha clansmen blocked his path.
"Lord Bai Ye, the Patriarch has requested your presence at his residence. He will return after the clan meeting."
Sigh.
Rest was a luxury.
Even on vacation, obligations piled up.
Still, Bai Ye had no reason to refuse.
This was the second invitation.
While he had little respect for Uchiha Fugaku, he was still the clan head. Bai Ye had no interest in interfering with the rest of the Uchiha.
But Fugaku had supported his position as Captain, so some courtesy was due.
…Not that Bai Ye had accepted the invitation just because Fugaku was away and he wanted to chat with his sister-in-law.
"Understood."
Revving the engine, Bai Ye sped toward Fugaku's residence.
Inside the Uchiha Household.
Mikoto sat with young Sasuke in her arms, a maternal glow on her face.
The year was nearly over.
Sasuke would be turning four soon.
"…Why are you here?"
Mikoto's cheeks flushed as Bai Ye approached.
Bai Ye said nothing, simply stepping forward and pulling her into an embrace.
Sasuke, left alone, stared in confusion as his mother and the 'big brother' disappeared into the next room.
---
Later that evening, Fugaku returned.
As he stepped inside, he glanced at his wife suspiciously before sitting across from Bai Ye.
"Are you treating yourself as an outsider?"
Bai Ye raised a brow. "It was getting warm. I opened the window."
Fugaku frowned. "Then why is my wife's face so red?"
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCE 40+ CHAPTERS
patreon.com/Prince209