Chapter 35: "A! I Am the Raikage! The Raikage!"
Konoha.
Uchiha Clan District.
Inside Bai Ye's mansion.
After an eventful noon, things had settled down.
There was nothing to worry about regarding the Uchiha Police Force. Shizune and Tsunade had already arrived, bringing the medical team to handle any casualties. Given their presence, concerns about Cloud Shinobi Village's potential retaliation were minimal.
As for Bai Ye, he had returned home, intending to take a well-earned nap.
As the disciplined Captain of the Police Force, it was only fair that, since his lunch break had been spent handling work, he should reclaim that lost rest time during working hours.
However, this so-called "nap" was anything but peaceful.
"Are you finished yet?!"
Kushina's patience had completely worn thin. Her face burned with embarrassment, and she was on the verge of fleeing the scene.
It was still broad daylight!
Though she had never tried this time slot before, Bai Ye's oddly cheerful mood today had left her overwhelmed.
In frustration, she stormed down to the basement, where Samui and Yugito Nii were being held.
Glancing at Yugito, Kushina assessed the younger kunoichi's small frame before shaking her head and discarding her initial idea. Instead, she turned to Samui, grabbing her hand.
"Help me!"
Flushed with embarrassment yet oddly resolute, Kushina pleaded.
Samui raised an eyebrow, her sharp gaze scanning Kushina's unusually disheveled appearance and slightly unkempt attire. Something was definitely off.
"Don't ask. Just do it. You'll have my gratitude."
Kushina didn't give her a chance to protest, shoving Samui toward Bai Ye's room before exhaling in relief.
A few minutes later…
A furious voice erupted.
"What the hell?! You Konoha—ugh—Nine-Tails Jinchūriki—damn scoundrel—despicable—"
"You actually—"
"You tricked me!!"
Kushina, unbothered, remained composed.
She had known for a while now that the fates of the two Cloud kunoichi were already sealed.
It was inevitable.
Though a twinge of guilt surfaced, the satisfaction of having orchestrated such a "beautiful" outcome outweighed it.
Tch.
Any woman who entered this mansion would eventually share the same fate.
Even she was no exception. She was merely Bai Ye's private possession now.
Sighing, Kushina found herself momentarily melancholic.
But before she could step out of the room, a hand shot out from within, yanking her back inside.
Clearly, her escape plan had failed.
---
In a dimly lit basement room, Yugito Nii frowned.
"Is Samui in danger?" she asked.
Inside her mind, the Two-Tails Matatabi stirred, hesitating before replying.
"You should stay out of this."
Tailed Beasts and their Jinchūriki shared a complex bond—one that sometimes allowed emotions to be transferred between them.
Even while imprisoned, Matatabi could still sense the outside world. Bai Ye hadn't suppressed its abilities completely.
It knew exactly what was happening above.
Yet, there was something… strange about this situation.
Matatabi's burning blue eyes flickered thoughtfully.
What was this odd feeling?
---
Afternoon.
By the time work hours were over, Bai Ye finally made his way to the Police Force Headquarters, looking completely refreshed.
A model of self-discipline, he had once again worked tirelessly to maintain peace in the village—beating Raikage into submission and letting his undercover ally deliver a figurative slap to the Third Hokage's face.
Naturally, Bai Ye was in an excellent mood.
"How's the deceased?"
Pausing near the infirmary, Bai Ye casually inquired.
From inside, Uchiha Sanyo replied respectfully, "No worries, Captain. He passed peacefully."
Tsunade, lounging lazily nearby, suddenly perked up.
"Oh, right. Since you're here, let me fill you in."
Yawning, she stretched before delivering her report.
"Raikage's condition has stabilized somewhat, but you really did a number on him."
"Even with my full medical expertise, the best I can do is make sure he can move around. But as for returning to his peak form? Impossible."
She tapped her chin, considering her words.
"That said, if he pushes himself recklessly, he could still unleash bursts of power—but it'd be a one-time thing. No second chances."
In short…
Raikage was crippled.
Bai Ye raised an eyebrow. "Where is he now?"
"Uchiha Cong is interrogating him. Said he wants to make sure you look good and get something out of him."
Tsunade smirked, leaning forward slightly. "Hey, what about my overtime pay?"
"Auntie came in during lunch, skipped her afternoon nap, and still hasn't been compensated."
Bai Ye chuckled. It's a good thing you weren't around at noon, or else Samui wouldn't have had a turn.
Given Kushina's friendship with Tsunade, she absolutely would've dragged her into the mess.
"Alright. One-third of Raikage's treatment fee goes to you."
Tsunade's eyes gleamed at the impressive sum.
"Now you're talking, kid."
Satisfied, she glanced at the time before promptly deciding to leave early.
With half a year's worth of salary now in her hands, she was headed straight to the casino for some entertainment.
Bai Ye had always been generous with her, and for good reason.
No matter how much he paid her, she
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