"Kairen, are you really planning to reorganize the Guardian Twelve?"
Uchiha Retsu frowned in concern. "I don't think there's anything wrong with simply reorganizing them, or even letting White Fang senpai handle it. But if you plan to wipe out the Valley, that's declaring war on Danzō. Would the clan agree to that?"
Uchiha Honō laughed. "Haha, Retsu, you got part of it right—yes, it's a war against Danzō. But it won't be us, the Uchiha, who'll fight him—it'll be the Guardian Twelve, the ones White Fang assembles. Kairen, if this plan of yours works, we'll let the Hokage faction tear itself apart."
"I think the Hyūga clan should be invited into the Guardian Twelve," Uchiha Danten added thoughtfully. "They're one of the old noble clans, with territory in the Land of Fire and close ties to other major families. Besides, their impression of the Daimyō isn't bad. Bringing them in—even if they don't oppose the Hokage faction—at least ensures they won't sit back and watch."
"There's also the Uzumaki clan," Uchiha Retsu said coldly. "Let's drag them in too—just to disgust the Hokage faction. Let everyone remember, for years to come, just how those people betrayed their allies."
"Then we might as well include the Inuzuka clan," Uchiha Gorou joined in. "They've been following our lead quite loyally lately—we shouldn't leave them out."
The group traded words one after another, and once their discussion ended, they returned to their compound to report everything to the Second Elder. Afterwards, they summoned a ninja hound through a summoning jutsu to deliver the message back home.
――――――――――
"The Daimyō wants Sakumo to reorganize the Guardian Twelve. What do you all think?"
The Third Hokage looked across the table at the assembled advisors.
"The Daimyō wants it, then let him have it. Having Sakumo help organize it isn't the same as making him a Guardian himself—I see no issue," Jiraiya said, picking at his nose.
"I have no objection either," Orochimaru murmured, leaning lazily against the wall. "The Guardians' duty is to protect the Daimyō. Whoever assembles them doesn't change that."
"I agree," Elder Mitokado said. "It's better to have Konoha handle the formation than leave it to the Daimyō alone."
Danzō stayed silent—neither supporting nor objecting.
The Third Hokage nodded. "Then it's settled. Have Sakumo come to me after this meeting; we'll discuss it further."
――――――――――
Hatake Sakumo, having just received his orders from the Hokage, returned home and was still thinking over how to form the team when news came that the Uchiha clan, along with the heads of several sword clans, had arrived together to visit him. He signaled the steward to receive them in the main hall.
Once seated, Uchiha Nobunaga spoke directly. He explained the situation from start to finish and even presented a list of names—a clear token of allegiance.
On that list were signatures from the Uchiha clan, the sword-wielding families, the Inuzuka clan, the Uzumaki clan, and even the Hyūga clan.
"We, the undersigned, all support you," Nobunaga said earnestly. "And it's not just about forming the Guardian Twelve. We respect your character and strength, Sakumo. You've already earned the Daimyō's trust—surely, you're not far from taking the next step forward."
Sakumo looked down at the heavy list of names, feeling the weight of expectation pressing upon it. He clasped his hands together politely.
"You all flatter me. This reformation of the Guardian Twelve will depend entirely on everyone's support."
The room burst into laughter and good spirits.
Within a single day, Sakumo drafted the new list of Guardians:
Uchiha Clan: Uchiha Kairen, Uchiha Danten
Hyūga Clan: Hyūga Tenrai, Hyūga Harushō
Inuzuka Clan: Inuzuka Hideo
Gekkō Clan: Gekkō Hyakushō
Oda Clan: Oda Yūshin
Uzuki Clan: Uzuki Hajime
Uzumaki Clan: Uzumaki Shito, Uzumaki Akie
Hatake Clan: Hatake Yasuo
Fire Temple: Monk Kūmyō
He brought the finalized list to the Third Hokage and reported,
"These clans—the Uchiha, Uzumaki, Hyūga, and the Fire Temple—were personally designated by the Daimyō. I visited them myself, and all expressed it was their honor to serve.
As for the others, most came to my estate on their own initiative. Their skills are outstanding, so I decided to include them. Aside from the Fire Temple, all are Konoha shinobi."
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at the list and smiled.
"Good work, Sakumo. Proceed as you see fit."
"Yes, Hokage-sama." Sakumo bowed and took his leave.
The Hokage exhaled a long puff of smoke, studying the list. The presence of the sword clans and the Uchiha wasn't surprising—but the inclusion of the Hyūga and Uzumaki was. The Uzumaki likely sought a safe haven, but the Hyūga's intentions… were worth watching.
He took another drag.
Sakumo, you couldn't wait, could you…
The Daimyō examined the list in his hands. To be honest, even he was impressed by how swiftly the young man had completed the task. Hyūga, Uzumaki, Uchiha—add a Senju and the four great clans of the Warring States would be reunited.
At that thought, his hand clenched ever so slightly around the parchment.
"Excellent. I'm very satisfied with this list," the Daimyō said with a pleased smile. "Every type of clan is represented. Don't underestimate me just because I'm not a shinobi—I know the strengths of each family."
"Please rest assured, Daimyō-sama," Uchiha Kairen replied confidently. "Each clan will establish a residence within the Land of Fire. Though there are twelve of us, we come from eight shinobi families and the Fire Temple.
Aside from the monks, the eight clans will all set up bases near the capital—ideally close to your estate. The Uzumaki will erect barrier seals around the perimeter to keep out intruders.
The Hyūga, Inuzuka, and Uzumaki territories will form a triangular defense around your mansion. Monk Kūmyō from the Fire Temple will reside within your estate itself. The remaining members will be stationed strategically nearby to provide complete protection. You may rest easy, Daimyō-sama."
And so, the Guardian Twelve officially assembled. Each clan began establishing its own post—including the few remaining members of the dwindling Uzumaki clan, barely a dozen souls now.
Kairen had visited them personally; despite their hardships, they still brimmed with hope for the future. Building a home here, in safety, was far better than wandering as mercenaries, used and discarded by others.
In the end, Uchiha Kairen naturally took the captain's armband of the Guardian Twelve. After all, the rule was simple: the strongest leads.
Monk Kūmyō might have been formidable, but as a monk devoted to his spiritual practice, he wasn't about to lead eleven ninjas into battle. That would disturb his meditation far too much.
Kairen had expected some protest from the Hyūga clan—but it never came. He realized he'd underestimated them. They were pragmatic, always moving with the prevailing current—what others called "holding onto strong thighs."
After all, no Hyūga from the main house would serve here; those who joined were branch family members—men who knew better than to draw unnecessary attention.
Kairen gave a concise briefing on the defense formation: the twelve Guardians would be divided into three rotating squads guarding the Daimyō's mansion. Each night, one member from the Hyūga and Uzumaki clans would remain stationed there. The clans' compounds would maintain hidden posts facing the mansion, ready to respond to any crisis.
Meanwhile, Uchiha's summoned hounds would stand watch—guarding the Daimyō's residence around the clock.