Kakuzu

"It's been such a long time. Should we call Orochimaru and grab a drink together?"

"Grab a drink?"

Tsunade's eyes lit up instantly.

"Isn't it a bit too late for that? The barbecue joints outside are probably all closed by now..." Tsunade thought hard for a moment, "So, we drink at my place?"

Ye Ning slapped his forehead, wanting to cry but having no tears.

Fine, it looks like tonight is going to be another sleepless night.

The Third Hokage's decision did not exceed Ye Ning's expectations.

Under the pressure and threats from the Daimyo, the Third Hokage predictably chose to compromise, allowing the Uchiha clan to select an elite squad to serve as the Daimyo's personal guards.

Moreover, this elite squad was composed of genuine elites.

A full fifteen-man squad, including five Jonin, with the remaining ten being elite Chunin.

One must realize, these were ninjas from the Uchiha clan!

In the Shinobi World, the common consensus was that an Uchiha ninja was nearly impossible to defeat in a one-on-one encounter. An Uchiha ninja who developed evenly in taijutsu, ninjutsu, and genjutsu was essentially invincible.

A fifteen-man ninja squad containing five Jonin—Uchiha Fugaku was uncharacteristically generous this time.

It should be known that although the Uchiha clan was hailed as the premier noble clan of Konoha, and even the Shinobi World, their actual population was not large, and the number of their ninjas was far fewer than clans like the Sarutobi or Shimura.

Fifteen ninjas might not be a bone-breaking loss for the Uchiha clan, but it clearly showed how much importance the Uchiha clan placed on this matter.

A standard Police Force squad only consisted of ten people, led by a single Jonin.

Being able to deploy such a configuration was already considered very generous.

Looking at the indifferent, spiky-haired men before him, Ye Ning nodded in satisfaction.

As expected, the Uchiha clan's looks were top-tier.

If nothing else, this squad was certainly easy on the eyes.

The fifteen clansmen vaguely took the middle-aged ninja standing at the front as their leader. After asking, Ye Ning learned his name.

Uchiha Ryu.

An elite Jonin with a high status in the Uchiha clan, even holding a strong chance of becoming their youngest elder.

"Lord Ye Ning, Young Clan Leader Fugaku has given specific instructions: we will follow Lord Ye Ning's orders completely and are at your disposal."

This man, who was about to become an elder of the Uchiha clan, kept his posture very low—so low that Ye Ning could hardly believe this was an expression someone from the Uchiha clan could make.

Ye Ning nodded and led these fifteen Uchiha ninjas on the journey toward the Daimyo Mansion.

Originally, Ye Ning hadn't wanted to move at all.

These Uchiha guys weren't incapable of finding the capital of the Land of Fire on their own.

They could have just gone straight to the capital, requested an audience with the Daimyo, and handled it without him needing to show his face.

But for the past few days, Tsunade's temper had been poor, and she had been flying into rages every now and then.

Ye Ning had learned a truth.

Never provoke a woman who is on her period!

Rather than staying at home worrying about triggering Tsunade's anger, it was better to take this opportunity to hide away.

However, this journey was much more boring than Ye Ning had imagined.

Aside from Uchiha Ryu, Ye Ning didn't have a single person to talk to on the road!

Perhaps because of Fugaku's repeated instructions before departure, these Uchiha ninjas were polite enough in their attitude toward him, but that was all.

As proud Uchiha, it was truly difficult for them to lower their heads and speak submissively to Ye Ning.

They could only keep their faces stiff, following behind Ye Ning without saying a word.

Among the many Uchiha clansmen, only Uchiha Ryu could lower his posture enough to exchange a few words with him.

"Lord Ye Ning."

Uchiha Ryu touched Ye Ning's arm, his body suddenly tensing up.

Ye Ning turned his head, looking at Uchiha Ryu with some confusion.

"It seems someone is tailing us from behind."

Uchiha Ryu maintained a normal expression, lowering his voice as he spoke to Ye Ning:

"The strength of the person coming is likely no weaker than mine."

Ye Ning raised his eyebrows in surprise.

Someone tailing them?

Were they coming for him?

Ye Ning furrowed his brows, unable to figure out who exactly would be targeting him.

The entire squad, save for him, consisted entirely of Uchiha clan shinobi. Furthermore, the Uchiha clan members had their fan crest emblazoned upon their clothing, making their identities clear at a single glance.

Under such circumstances, to think there was actually someone daring enough to tail them—to tail a group of Uchiha clan shinobi?

Ye Ning suddenly grew curious about the identity of the stalker.

Knowing full well that they were tracking an Uchiha squad, yet continuing to follow them, meant they were either a fool with a muddled brain or someone brimming with confidence in their own strength.

Seeing that Ye Ning made no move, Uchiha Ryu volunteered himself:

"Lord Ye Ning, shall I go and capture him?"

Uchiha Ryu kept Uchiha Fugaku's instructions firmly in mind.

Whether the Uchiha clan could change, whether they could erase the stereotypes held against them to reintegrate into Konoha, and even whether they could rise to greatness once more, all depended on this seemingly young boy before him.

By clinging tightly to Ye Ning's coattails, the Uchiha clan would undoubtedly have a bright future.

Although those were not Uchiha Fugaku's exact words, that was precisely what he meant.

As a high-ranking member of the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Ryu was willing to sacrifice everything for the Uchiha, which naturally included setting aside his inner pride.

Obeying Ye Ning's commands was, therefore, only proper.

"No need, let's see what he actually wants to do."

Ye Ning rejected Uchiha Ryu's proposal.

With the enemy in the shadows and them in the light, launching a preemptive strike was clearly not a good choice.

Since the stalker had chosen to follow them all this way, he would inevitably be unable to restrain himself and strike first.

As long as they remained vigilant and kept a constant watch on their surroundings, they could easily shut the door and beat the dog.

"I understand. Rest assured, Lord Ye Ning, I will certainly ensure your safety."

He was joking.

The gentleman before him was the hope for the Uchiha clan's revival!

Securing Ye Ning's support was equivalent to securing the support of the Daimyo!

If they wanted to revitalize the Uchiha and make the name of the Uchiha famous throughout the Shinobi World once again, wouldn't that be an easy task?

Therefore, he would do everything in his power to protect Ye Ning's safety!

Uchiha Ryu continued to feign ignorance on the surface, but in secret, he was fully alert. His Sharingan had been quietly activated without anyone noticing, the three tomoe within his pupils radiating a cold aura.

Kakuzu, hidden in the shadows, felt somewhat frustrated.

This target seemed much harder to kill than he had anticipated...

To think he was actually being protected by a full fifteen Uchiha shinobi?