Establishing Authority: Tunan Asserts Control
Soon, Uchiha Tunan and the staff member arrived at a residence in the northern district of the City of Fire.
A wooden plaque above the gate bore the words "Kitajo Guard" (北城卫).
Under the staff member's guidance, Uchiha Tunan stepped inside.
The staff turned to him and asked respectfully, "Lord Tunan, do you find the residence satisfactory?"
Uchiha Tunan's gaze shifted to the row of uniformed men standing in the courtyard.
"And these people are…?"
The staff member quickly explained, "They are your subordinates, responsible for carrying out your orders and protecting this residence."
Tunan nodded approvingly. He reached into his ninja pouch and retrieved a prepared red envelope, handing it to the staff.
"Much appreciated."
The staff accepted it with a pleased expression, bowing deeply. "Thank you, Lord Tunan. If there's nothing else, I will take my leave."
Once the staff member departed, Uchiha Tunan walked toward the assembled guards, carefully observing them.
"Kitajo Guard operates in shifts, correct?"
The head officer stepped forward and respectfully replied, "Yes, Lord Tunan. We operate in three shifts."
Uchiha Tunan nodded. "Summon all off-duty personnel. I want to meet everyone."
"At once, sir."
The attendants quickly dispersed to carry out his command, leaving only the chief officer behind.
Tunan set his belongings down, instructed the officer to set up a table in the backyard corridor, and requested tea to be prepared.
He then sat down, sipping his tea as he waited.
---
The Assembled Guard
An hour later, every Kitajo Guard member had gathered in the courtyard, standing in a disciplined formation.
Before Uchiha Tunan could speak, a man confidently stepped forward, bowing slightly.
"I am Shota Uenohara, Deputy Captain of the Kitajo Guard."
He straightened and continued, "Though I wasn't born in Konoha, I became a shinobi through my own efforts. My strength is on par with a Chūnin."
Without waiting for acknowledgment, he casually took a seat beside Tunan.
Uchiha Tunan didn't react with anger. Instead, he offered a faint smile and looked at the assembled guards.
"I am Uchiha Tunan, a Chūnin of Konoha, and from today onward, I will be your new captain. Those holding leadership positions, introduce yourselves."
One by one, the senior officers spoke up.
"Kawatō Sanjō, Captain of Kitajo Guard."
"Toyota Kamiya, Captain of Kitajo Guard."
Several others followed.
Once introductions were complete, Uchiha Tunan lifted the teapot, slightly leaning forward as he poured tea into Shota Uenohara's cup.
With a calm tone, he asked, "Since I'm new here, I could use some guidance. Would you mind giving me an overview, Deputy Captain?"
Uenohara grinned, amused by the request.
"Honestly, there's not much to do. Patrols and guard duty are handled by the lower ranks. As the captain, you'll have plenty of free time. And don't worry about pay—it's deposited into your account regularly."
Tunan feigned delight. "That sounds almost too easy. Getting paid for doing nothing?"
Uenohara chuckled. "Exactly. You should focus on your training and let us handle the minor affairs. If anything serious happens, I'll take care of it."
He patted his chest with a smug expression.
Just as he reached for his tea, a sudden gust of wind sliced through the air—
Clang! Clang!
In the blink of an eye, Uchiha Tunan had driven two kunai through Uenohara's hands, pinning them to the table.
"AHHHH!!" Uenohara screamed in agony, his eyes wide with shock and pain.
The assembled guards instinctively moved to intervene—
"Doton: Yomi Numa." (Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld.)
The entire courtyard turned into a treacherous swamp, pulling the guards down.
"Please, Lord Tunan! Spare us!"
"What did we do wrong?!"
"Why are you doing this?!"
Cries of fear and confusion echoed, but Uchiha Tunan remained indifferent.
He calmly picked up his tea cup, took a sip, and spoke lightly:
"Forgive me, gentlemen. I'm young, and I fear you might not take me seriously. I see no better way to establish authority."
He set his cup down with a soft clink.
The chief attendant, having finally recovered from his shock, quickly bowed and refilled Tunan's tea.
Tunan glanced at him and asked, "You're quick-witted. What's your name?"
The attendant immediately knelt, pressing his forehead to the ground.
"My name is Yoshihara Sō, Lord Tunan."
Tunan nodded approvingly. Then, without looking up, he slowly rotated his tea cup in his hands.
"Tell me, Deputy Captain, why did you sit at my level?"
His tone was soft, almost amused. "Did you take me for a clueless boy?"
Uenohara gritted his teeth, his hands trembling with pain as blood dripped onto the table.
"Damn you, Tunan. This isn't Konoha—you can't do whatever you want here!"
Tunan tapped his fingers on the table twice and turned to Yoshihara Sō.
"Sō."
"Yes, my lord?" Yoshihara responded instantly.
"Search Deputy Captain Uenohara's residence. Bring me anything… suspicious."
Yoshihara bowed deeply before hurrying off.
Uenohara's face twisted in panic.
Uchiha Tunan, meanwhile, took another sip of tea, his expression calm.
The rest of the guards, still trapped in the swamp, watched in silent horror.
They understood now.
Their new captain wasn't here to make friends. He was here to rule.