Night falls.
The shattered moon casts a faint glow over the land.
Within the hot spring hotel, the punishment continued.
"Ding!"
"The Host has remained steadfast in his original intent while diligently fulfilling his role as Guard Captain. He has successfully led his subordinates in relieving stress. The overall task evaluation has improved."
"Host's actions have contributed to maintaining peace in the ninja world. Mission evaluation slightly enhanced!"
"Ding!"
"Congratulations! The Host's Byakugan proficiency has increased to a level comparable to Hyuga Neji!"
"Congratulations! Chakra reserves have increased by one Shukaku!"
"Congratulations! Physical potential limit has risen by one Eight Gates Guy!"
…
Bai Ye absorbed the notifications with a knowing smirk. Leading his subordinates to unwind had practical benefits, but was his current conduct truly preserving peace in the ninja world?
He gazed at the reflective silhouette leaning against the window sill—Wooden Golem, lost in thought. Unbeknownst to Bai Ye, his harsh reprimands had managed to suppress Kaguya's ambitions to reclaim the Tailed Beast Chakra. Inadvertently, he had also subdued her arrogance and cunning nature.
Turning the Rabbit Goddess, the progenitor of Chakra, into a well-behaved pet was, in its own way, a means of maintaining stability in the ninja world.
And the rewards were undeniably generous.
Satisfied with his night's efforts, Bai Ye, the self-proclaimed peacekeeper, stepped up his endeavors once more.
---
As dawn broke, the world awakened.
Near the hot spring hotel reserved by Bai Ye, a small inn nestled in the lower levels buzzed with quiet activity.
A woman sat by the window, sipping coffee in silence. Dark green eyes, long curly reddish-brown hair cascading over her right eye, and full pink lips hinted at both allure and exhaustion. Dark circles beneath her eyes betrayed a sleepless night.
She possessed a fair complexion, her form clad in a blue tube top dress secured with a white belt, her fingers adorned with dark blue nail polish. Though not as composed as she would be in the future Five Kage Summit, she already exuded an unmistakable charm unique to her.
She was Terumi Mei.
An elite Jōnin of Kirigakure.
Across from her, a man with a single eye patch sighed heavily.
"I had a feeling it wouldn't be that easy to meet him."
Ao, the veteran ninja with a sharp blue face, looked weary. Despite confirming Uchiha Bai Ye's presence, they had failed to make direct contact. Even when the Guard members ventured out, their paths never aligned.
Last night, he had swallowed his pride to request an audience, only to be curtly informed that Uchiha Bai Ye was 'busy.'
"Patience, Senior Ao. He is a figure of immense stature. Meeting him is not at our discretion," Terumi Mei remarked, fatigued but composed.
They had spent the entire night waiting. Yet, after Bai Ye's initial return, they found themselves unable to approach him. An inexplicable hesitation had stayed their feet.
Perhaps it was for the best. Blocking the path of a powerhouse could easily be construed as provocation.
And provoking such a man was a risk they could not afford.
Approaching someone of his caliber required formality—a proper greeting card, per protocol.
"You're right… Still, who would've thought…" Ao muttered, instinctively touching his implanted Byakugan, a trophy from the Third Ninja War. It had granted him insight into Kirigakure's secrets—insights that made Terumi Mei a natural ally.
Unlike others, Ao believed in Terumi Mei's potential. With two Kekkei Genkai, her ambition and ability made her an ideal candidate for Mizukage.
"Silence," Terumi Mei whispered, motioning for Ao to cease.
In the world of shinobi, careless words could become invaluable intelligence in another's ears.
Their clandestine meeting with Uchiha Bai Ye had surely not gone unnoticed.
Upon arriving at the border region, she had quickly realized how many spies lurked in the shadows, all eager to extract secrets from the Guard.
Why had the Raikage granted Uchiha Bai Ye such importance?
Why had the Land of Lightning agreed to territorial concessions and reparations?
These were questions the world was desperate to answer.
And Terumi Mei and Ao already knew the answer.
---
"Should we rest?" Ao suggested, noting Terumi Mei's exhaustion.
"To meet a strong figure, one must exercise patience," Terumi Mei replied resolutely.
Ninjas were accustomed to sleepless nights. Missing an opportunity due to fatigue was an unacceptable price to pay.
BOOM!
A thunderous roar echoed across the streets.
The unmistakable rumble of the Guard's departure made Terumi Mei's heart jolt. Without hesitation, she rushed outside.
The journey was never meant to be stationary.
Bai Ye, having spent the night engaged in rigorous activity, felt no fatigue. Instead, he was eager to personally ride today, challenging his subordinates to an exhilarating race.
The exhausted women from last night were safely secured in a carriage, cocooned in a stable barrier ensuring a smooth, undisturbed ride.
Straddling his cherished First Generation Sheriff's motorcycle, Bai Ye revved the engine.
His subordinates tensed in anticipation.
"The first to reach Yunjie Mountain gets a reward!"
The incentive electrified the ranks.
To welcome Bai Ye and the Guard, Kumogakure had constructed the largest entertainment district in the ninja world at Yunjie Mountain's base.
Excitement surged through the troops at the mere thought of engaging in "diplomatic relations" with the exotic women of the Land of Lightning.
Even Bai Ye found himself intrigued.
He had heard that his 'host' for this visit would be Raikage's secretary, Mabui. Dark-skinned but strikingly elegant, with a figure that demanded attention—she exuded both competence and allure.
Bai Ye twisted the throttle, ready to declare the race's start—
When a figure abruptly rushed into his path.
A scam artist?
Had ninja society devolved into running street scams now?
His brows furrowed as he scrutinized the intruder.
Wait.
That face…
When did the future Fifth Mizukage switch careers?
Bai Ye's gaze flickered with amusement.
If he recalled correctly, Uchiha Izumi had mentioned a Kirigakure ninja seeking an audience.
Stroking his chin, Bai Ye pondered.
His only interaction with Kirigakure had been during the Third Ninja War, where he had slaughtered an entire battalion to rescue Fugaku. Could that be the connection?
"Lord Bai Ye!"
To his surprise, Terumi Mei's demeanor was vastly different from his expectations—her tone, respectful; her attitude, deferential.
"I have matters to discuss. Please, grant me some of your time."
Her sincerity was evident.
Bai Ye considered the request carefully.
Kirigakure, huh…?
At present, it remained under Obito's control.
The signs were clear: Itachi had defected, joined the Akatsuki, and encountered Kisame in a still-Mist-controlled Kirigakure.
Kisame…
A true warrior, a man who preferred to be devoured by sharks rather than betray his cause.
Bai Ye's eyes gleamed.
Obito's previous assault on the Guard had cost him dearly.
But was that enough?
No.
Bai Ye wanted to make his life even more miserable.
He admired Kisame and was eager to meet this steadfastly loyal man.
Glancing at Terumi Mei, Bai Ye flashed a knowing grin and gestured toward the motorcycle.
"Get on."
Terumi Mei hesitated, glancing between the front and back seat.
Bai Ye didn't wait. Tossing Kaguya into her arms, he pulled her into position.
"To gain, you must offer."
His voice was low, unwavering.
The engine roared.
The Guard moved out.
And Terumi Mei, eyes firm, held on tight.
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