Shadow of the Uchiha Guard

With a relaxed expression, Bai Ye strolled through the less busy streets of Konoha. His perceptive subordinate promptly offered him a cigarette. The life of the captain of the guard was indulgent. Although tasks were completed to earn rewards, those requirements were merely to maintain stability. In personal matters, our self-disciplined captain was quite relaxed.

In the morning, he exercised with Guy. During patrols, he collected some protection fees. At noon, he took naps and occasionally led his subordinates to local establishments in the afternoon to relax and enjoy the indulgent life. At night, he teased the now-grown Kurenai Yuhi or harassed Yūgao Uzuki of the Anbu. His life was full and simple.

Bai Ye couldn't understand why the guards in the original narrative were hated by the villagers. The Konoha Military Police Force, primarily composed of the Uchiha clan, was responsible for maintaining law and order in the village. However, their authority was limited, especially concerning the Anbu, who reported directly to the Hokage. This disparity in authority led to tension between the two groups.

After Bai Ye assumed leadership, he implemented strategies that improved the villagers' perception of the guards. Although the Guard was under the Uchiha clan's authority, their duty was to maintain law and order—a role that, when performed well, garnered respect. In the original story, the Uchiha clan members were perceived as arrogant during their tenure in the guards, leading to public disdain.

Under Bai Ye's direction, the guards became a force that effectively maintained public order in Konoha. Merchants who offered tributes to Bai Ye were protected by the guards, deterring troublemakers. Consequently, businesses proactively sought protection.

Regarding troublemakers, it's naive to think everyone in Konoha was benevolent or forgiving like Naruto. Even Might Guy's father, Might Duy, faced bullying from other ninjas before gaining recognition.

Despite contributing taxes to Konoha, the Uchiha Guard received minimal funding. The higher-ups believed that since the Uchiha clan managed the guards, they should also cover the expenses. This lack of support led Bai Ye to establish a protection fee system. This initiative not only funded his luxurious lifestyle but also allowed him to increase his subordinates' salaries, ensuring their loyalty.

Bai Ye's actions were legal and reasonable, as the Konoha safety regulations were established by his predecessors. He didn't coerce anyone into paying protection fees, making it difficult for others to object. In the original narrative, the Uchiha clan didn't leverage their control over the guards effectively, often holding unproductive meetings instead. As the head of the guards, Bai Ye ensured that anyone causing trouble would face consequences.

"It's truly indulgent," Bai Ye mused, discarding his cigarette. His subordinate respectfully handed him chewing gum as Bai Ye glanced at the vice-captain collecting payments nearby.

"Captain Bai Ye! Vice-Captain Sanyang!" An urgent voice called out. Bai Ye raised an eyebrow and looked over calmly. The vice-captain, Uchiha Sanyang, hurried over.

"Report," Bai Ye commanded, arms crossed.

"Someone on 4th Street is causing trouble at the weapons store," the guard reported solemnly.

"Is this matter significant enough to inform me?" Bai Ye frowned. He had emphasized that businesses paying protection fees were under the guards' protection, and troublemakers would face consequences. The guards had the authority to arrest and detain such individuals, as the prison was adjacent to the guard's headquarters.

"Captain, this situation is a bit more complicated," the team member quickly explained.

"Fine, I have some free time. Let's check it out," Bai Ye waved his hand, unwilling to listen to further explanations. He was curious to see who dared to cause trouble under his watch.

4th Street wasn't far, and Bai Ye remembered the weapons shop. He had once noticed a young girl named Tenten there, recognizable by her distinctive hairstyle and the iconic weapon shop.

At the shop's entrance, the owner was arguing with an arrogant man. Bai Ye touched his chin, listening in. His perceptive subordinate provided a brief explanation: it was a straightforward case of coercive buying and selling. Typically, the guards would arrest such individuals immediately. However, this troublemaker seemed to have some background, making the subordinate hesitant to act without authorization and prompting him to report to Bai Ye.

"Well done," Bai Ye praised the subordinate named Uchiha Satoshi, who beamed with pride. However, Bai Ye's next words made Satoshi stand at attention.

"The Konoha Management Regulations, under the Business Management Regulations, Article 7—what does it state?" Bai Ye asked calmly.

"Protected merchants subjected to coercive transactions result in the perpetrator being detained for 10-15 days, full compensation for the merchant's losses, and a 200,000 ryo fine imposed by the guards!" Uchiha Satoshi recited loudly, drawing the attention of the troublemaker and bystanders. They were eager to see how the guards, known for collecting protection fees, would handle this situation.

"Good," Bai Ye nodded. "Proceed, teach them a lesson, and restore the guards' reputation. Also, don't report such matters to me next time; handle them according to the regulations."

Two big slaps? Uchiha Satoshi was momentarily stunned but quickly regained his composure.

"Yes, sir!" With a fierce expression, he glared at the arrogant man.

"You... you dare to hit me?" the man shouted, pointing at Uchiha Satoshi. "My father is Mitokado Homura! I dare you to hit me!"

Mitokado Homura was one of Konoha's esteemed elders, serving as a close advisor to the Hokage.

Slap! A loud smack echoed as Uchiha Satoshi struck the man. He sneered, unfazed by the man's claim. After all, even the Hokage's son wouldn't be exempt from punishment under Bai Ye's orders.

Slap! Another resounding smack followed. The troublemaker was swiftly apprehended.

Bai Ye nodded in approval. The Uchiha clan's rebellious spirit was evident, and he appreciated their readiness to act decisively.

"Hmm," Bai Ye mused.