The handsome young Uchiha lord and the lovely, capable captain of the Uchiha's Konoha Military Police Force walked hand in hand through Konoha's bustling streets.
The sight drew countless gazes from passersby-wonder, envy, curiosity, and profound awe.
Long accustomed to being the center of attention, they chatted quietly as though no one else were around.
"How have things been at the police force lately?"
"Everything's proceeding as planned. The reforms have held firm. Shisui asked me to talk to you about the proposal for additional joint patrol outposts along the border..."
"Yes, that should work. We'll discuss the details tonight. Has Root made any unusual moves lately?"
"It's been very quiet. Danzo's remaining forces seem to have gone completely to ground. Or perhaps they're waiting for something."
"We can't let our guard down. Oh, and I've graduated, so I'll have more time now. I intend to personally oversee combat training for the clan's younger generation."
"That's wonderful. Everyone will be thrilled..."
"What about you? Have you hit any bottlenecks in your training lately?"
"A little. It's about extending Lightning Release's nature transformation..."
"I'll take a look tonight..."
The next day.
At a training ground somewhere in the village.
It was the very place where Team 8-
Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame-underwent their assessment under their Jonin instructor, Kurenai Yuhi.
At the edge of the training ground, Genya had appeared silently atop a tree at some point.
He stood on a slender treetop, swaying gently with the breeze, the hems of his black clan attire fluttering.
His deep gaze settled on the center of the training ground.
There, Kurenai Yuhi stood with her arms folded, intently watching her three new subordinates practice their teamwork.
Five years had left few traces of age on her. Instead, they had given