Under the light of a full moon, Might Guy moved silently through the shadows of Konoha. He carried the paralyzed Kakashi on his back, relying entirely on Kakashi's passive chakra sensing to navigate. By detecting the faint energy signatures of the Anbu patrols, they managed to bypass the village's surveillance network and reach the heavily fortified perimeter of the Uchiha compound.
"Halt!"
A voice cut through the darkness. Before Guy could react, a five-man Uchiha patrol squad materialized from the trees, their Sharingan eyes glowing ominously in the night.
System Explanation: The Uchiha compound has been completely militarized since Jin took command. Perimeter patrols are instructed to terminate unknown intruders on sight to prevent Anbu infiltration.
Had Guy and Kakashi not looked so battered and exhausted, the patrol would have likely opened fire with a volley of Great Fireball techniques. Instead, the patrol leader held up a hand, halting his squad.
"Kakashi Hatake? Might Guy?" The patrol leader frowned, his kunai drawn. "What are you doing at the Uchiha borders?"
Kakashi, still immobilized on Guy's back, studied the patrol's flawless formation.
Kakashi's Internal Monologue: Jin Uchiha has transformed this clan into an impenetrable fortress. They are on high alert, blatantly ignoring the Hokage's authority, yet carefully avoiding the first strike that would trigger a civil war. It is a masterful display of brinkmanship. If anyone can deter the village's pursuit, it is Jin.
"We are seeking asylum," Kakashi stated evenly, his voice hoarse but steady. "We attempted to assassinate Danzo Shimura tonight and failed. The Uchiha Clan is the only faction left in Konoha that can offer us a path to survival."
The Uchiha patrol exchanged bewildered glances. The Uchiha had been politically isolated and despised by the village for years. The idea of two elite, non-Uchiha Jonin willingly defecting to their side was unprecedented.
The patrol leader quickly processed the gravity of the situation.
"Wait here," the leader ordered. "I will report this directly to the Elders. The rest of you, guard these two. If any Root or Anbu operatives show up to claim them before I return, kill them."
With a flicker of movement, the leader vanished toward the center of the compound.
***
Jin Uchiha's Residence
Jin was preparing to sleep when the patrol leader delivered the urgent report. For a moment, the usually unshakeable strategist simply stared at the man.
Jin's Internal Monologue: This is a deviation from the projected timeline. The rumor I circulated was designed to destabilize Kakashi over several days. I anticipated a suicide mission, but not tonight. Why the urgency?
Jin's mind quickly connected the variables, arriving at the logical conclusion: Might Guy.
Jin's Internal Monologue: Kakashi did not care if he died tonight. But Guy likely intervened to save him, thereby implicating himself. Kakashi is entirely motivated by his trauma regarding dead comrades; he sought asylum not to save himself, but to ensure Guy does not face execution for treason. A fascinating psychological lever.
"I accept their defection," Jin stated decisively, recognizing the immense tactical value of the situation. "Escort them to my courtyard immediately."
As the patrol leader bowed and left, Jin turned to Tsuki Uchiha, the daughter of Elder Setsuna, who served as a household manager. Unlike the abrasive older generation, she was calm, refined, and highly efficient.
"Prepare two secure guest rooms, Tsuki. We have high-value guests," Jin ordered.
***
The Meeting
A few minutes later, Kakashi and Guy were ushered into Jin's private courtyard. The patrol respectfully bowed to Jin and withdrew to resume their perimeter duties.
Jin sat at a low table, observing the two battered Jonin.
"Kakashi. Guy," Jin began, his tone strictly business. "We were classmates at the Academy. Though we never interacted, I prefer efficiency over false pleasantries. You have chosen the Uchiha, and I accept you. Unless the Uchiha Clan is entirely eradicated, you do not need to worry about the Hokage or Danzo harming you within these walls."
Jin poured himself a cup of tea. "Your Anbu and regular shinobi duties are over. Write your formal letters of resignation tonight. I will have them delivered to the Hokage's desk tomorrow morning."
Jin's Internal Monologue: This is a mutually beneficial transaction. They need a fortress to survive the Hokage's wrath. I need high-profile political banners. By harboring Konoha's famous 'Copy Ninja' and a taijutsu master, I prove to the other noble clans that the Uchiha are not isolationist monsters, but a viable, protective alternative to Hiruzen's corrupt administration.
Kakashi and Guy looked at the young man before them with a profound sense of cognitive dissonance. They remembered Jin as the silent, thoroughly average student who sat in the back of the class. Now, he exuded the oppressive, calculating aura of a warlord.
"Understood," Kakashi replied, accepting the reality of their new hierarchy. "We agree to your terms, Jin. However, as defectors, we have no income. If we are to live here, we request an occupational assignment so we can earn our keep."
Kakashi was pragmatic. Neither he nor Guy had family wealth to fall back on. They were career soldiers who needed a wage to eat.
Jin rubbed his temples.
System Explanation: Due to decades of political and economic sanctions imposed by the village administration, the Uchiha do not have a robust commercial sector. Their logistics rely heavily on the Ninja Cats summoning contract for weapons and supplies, funded by old clan wealth and recently, the massive fortune looted from Danzo's Root base.
"Providing a conventional job is difficult. The clan's economic infrastructure is currently self-contained," Jin explained bluntly. "However, I can integrate you into our military structure."
Jin placed his teacup down. "Starting tomorrow, you are both officially designated as Squad Captains within the Uchiha Military Police Force. Your primary duty will be commanding three Uchiha squads to patrol our territorial borders. Your objective is strictly defensive: repel any Anbu or Root incursions."
Jin looked at both of them, offering a slight, calculated smirk. "And in your spare time, you are welcome to visit the Uchiha Academy to instruct our youth. Integrate yourselves. You are part of my vanguard now."