Konoha.
Inside the Uchiha Clan compound.
Today.
It was rare for Bai Ye to wake up early, especially on what was supposed to be a rest day.
But then again—how could he sleep in after what happened yesterday?
Something monumental had been accomplished. Even for him, that meant something.
Still, he'd promised Tsunade he'd make an appearance at the Ninja Academy.
As the youthful captain of the Konoha Guard and the center of an ever-growing legend, Bai Ye wasn't too interested in the idol worship he stirred up—but image, after all, had its place.
Hmm.
With the full gathering of the Konoha Twelve happening today, the official plotline was starting to unroll.
Although, Bai Ye couldn't help but think his existence had already thrown the timeline into total chaos.
Not that it mattered to him.
So long as the major arcs stayed on course.
Inside the room.
Bai Ye got dressed with the help of Mikoto and Kushina, who fussed over his collar and appearance like loving elder sisters—or perhaps indulgent concubines from a past life.
Honestly, with the way they doted on him, it wasn't surprising their own sons—Sasuke and Naruto—weren't even on the school roster this morning.
After taking a sip of tea from each of them, Bai Ye smiled, instructed them to rest, and hopped on his custom-built motorcycle, tearing off through the streets. He reached the Ninja Academy just as the entrance ceremony was about to begin.
"Everyone, please welcome Konoha Guard Captain—Uchiha Bai Ye! The enforcer of Konoha's justice, who graciously found time to visit our new students!"
Iruka called out with great enthusiasm from the podium, drawing cheerful applause from the children seated below.
And Bai Ye—cloaked in justice, dark coat flapping behind him—walked steadily to the stage.
As he gazed upon the bright, innocent faces of the younglings, Bai Ye chuckled softly.
Strange feeling, this.
In the past, it was always the Third Hokage who attended these entrance ceremonies, delivering rousing speeches about the "Will of Fire" and ensuring the first dose of indoctrination landed early.
Ironically, that duty had now fallen to him.
But Bai Ye didn't believe in using ideology to bind loyalty.
True strength didn't need fire-willed platitudes or propaganda.
His presence alone—his deeds—were enough to inspire.
Smiling softly, he raised a hand toward the children.
"The Guard welcomes you… assuming you can pass the tests, of course."
These days, joining the Guard was a high honor. Just the sight of their uniformed patrols riding through the streets on sleek motorcycles made the other shinobi green with envy.
That's how it should be.
A real law enforcement unit—admired and righteous.
Unlike in the original timeline, where the police were feared or scorned, the Guards under Bai Ye's watch had redefined justice.
After a few brief words, Bai Ye stepped down without wasting time on dramatics.
He didn't leave, though. He headed straight toward two people watching from the sidelines—Jiraiya and Uchiha Itachi.
Today was mostly ceremonial. A small aptitude quiz, a few lessons, then the start of their ninja lives.
The quiz was to determine their innate talent—not battle prowess.
Following Rock Lee's entry last year and the revelation of his complete ninjutsu deficiency, the Academy had implemented a specialized taijutsu track.
"Captain, I'll take my leave."
Itachi gave a deep bow.
His shift with the Guards was about to start, and after skipping training with Guy this morning, he had come specifically to watch over Sasuke.
Now that Bai Ye was here, he could leave at ease.
"Good job."
Bai Ye looked at him calmly.
The ongoing trial of the old guard in Konoha was nearing its climax.
Though Itachi had been part of the Guard for years, had earned trust, had begun treating his comrades as brothers…
Bai Ye hadn't fully let down his guard.
Itachi was still the man who once killed his father without hesitation.
This trial—everything happening now—was as much about seeing if Itachi could face his past and make the right choices… as it was about justice.
Years of loyalty might earn leniency.
But the final judgment?
That would be Bai Ye's call.
He didn't despise those who chose village over family—not outright.
But murdering a loving father while unarmed?
Bai Ye couldn't respect that.
Still, maybe—just maybe—the time spent under his command had changed Itachi.
"I heard you're mentoring Sasuke lately?"
Jiraiya interjected with a teasing tone.
"Wanna see who's better? Naruto or Sasuke?"
"I may not beat you in sheer fame, but my disciple's got bite."
Here we go again.
Bai Ye sighed. Jiraiya was obviously giddy over Naruto's improving skills—especially now that Kurama was cooperating.
Before Bai Ye could answer, space warped violently beside them.
The fabric of reality twisted—and Yomotsu Hirasaka opened, rending space into a circular ripple.
From within emerged…
A rabbit.
Yes.
A rabbit.
But not an ordinary one.
Even standing still, it emanated an oppressive aura. Dignified, noble, utterly disdainful of everything it saw—including Jiraiya.
Its steps were small, deliberate—not the clumsy hops of common rabbits, but the precise pacing of a noblewoman in silk robes.
It strode over to Bai Ye and leapt into his arms.
Right.
He forgot to bring her today.
As if this was nothing out of the ordinary, Bai Ye scratched the rabbit's ears, ignoring Jiraiya's gaping face.
"See this? Even my pet can beat your disciple."
He chuckled, tapping the rabbit on the head with his chin.
"You know what breed this is? Ōtsutsuki rabbit. Ever heard of it?"
"Just imagine—if I'm training Sasuke, your Naruto doesn't stand a chance."
Jiraiya swallowed hard.
Because when that rabbit had looked at him just now, he'd felt something strange—
As if his very soul was about to be torn from his body.
This was no ordinary beast.
Ōtsutsuki Xiaobai.
That was her new name.
Bai Ye had discovered something fascinating—this rabbit absorbed the excess chakra he leaked, growing stronger over time.
More shocking still, she could use Yomotsu Hirasaka, an ability only Kaguya and Urashiki had mastered.
While she hadn't unleashed any devastating attacks yet, her strength had clearly skyrocketed.
And Bai Ye knew…
This was no ordinary rabbit.
He patted her gently.
"When Kaguya finally returns, be sure to kick her ass for me."
Why would you want to beat up your concubine?
Kaguya—now inhabiting the rabbit's form—blinked in shock.
Had she… offended him somehow?
Was it rude to call oneself a concubine these days?
Over the last three years, feeding off Bai Ye's chakra (and enduring the occasional slap of discipline), her strength had not only recovered—it had surpassed her prime.
She could become a new God Tree if she wished.
Yet… this man still made her feel insignificant.
His presence was vast—unknowable.
Was this really a human?
Or something more?
Still, Kaguya had accepted her role.
She stayed by his side, showcasing her growth like a loyal pet proving its worth.
Even Parker—Kakashi's dog—no longer dared to bark when she was around.
She had earned her place as Bai Ye's divine bunny companion.
Still, her mind wandered.
Why doesn't he rule the universe, like our ancestors did? she wondered.
If Bai Ye knew her thoughts, he might laugh.
Rule the universe?
Please. He didn't even know how Ōtsutsuki moved from planet to planet.
For now, he was content here.
"You're strong. Your rabbit's strong. But that doesn't mean your disciples are strong."
Jiraiya huffed and waved Naruto over, dragging the confused boy who'd just finished his test.
"Naruto, show him that Summoning Technique I taught you!"
Naruto blinked but nodded.
Ever since Bai Ye had forced Kurama into a 'heart-to-heart,' the Nine-Tails had stopped sabotaging Naruto's training and even occasionally lent him chakra.
His growth had become undeniable.
Summoning was now child's play.
"I'll do it," Naruto grinned, focusing chakra in his palm.
Bai Ye arched an eyebrow as he noticed Sasuke staring, eyes shining.
"Want to learn Summoning too?" he asked, tilting his head toward the boy...
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