Chapter 290: Expanding the Army Again
"Sasuke?!", Akimichi Chōza was surprised and delighted.
"Lord Chōza, long time no see," Sasuke looked around. He saw that everyone was familiar to him, and a relaxed smile adorned his face. "I'm back to hand over my duties, and I brought some logistical supplies along the way."
With a wave of his hand, several sealing scrolls appeared on the table. "Here's the list of medicinal herbs, food, and ninja tools. Oh, and by the way, here's a batch of high-quality puppets. Remember to reimburse me. I won't charge for shipping; I'll just use the market price."
The command center fell silent. Everyone looked at the pile of scrolls, then at Sasuke, who seemed completely calm. Behind enemy lines to attack the great oasis in the Land of Wind, but with time to solve logistical problems on the front of the Land of the Rivers, this efficiency is worthy of the Konoha Iron Wall!
Chōza took the Hokage's order scroll and said in a grave voice: "Sasuke, I'm sure you have seen the order. It requires you to immediately relieve yourself of your duties and return to Konoha for questioning. What do you think?"
"Don't get so nervous. Eat an energy block," Sasuke said indifferently, and gave one to Chōza.
"Huh? It's a secret mixture of royal jelly and summoned beast meat!", the Akimichi exclaimed. As a good man from Konoha, he had always stayed away from political struggles. He was quite optimistic about the young Sasuke, and he even admired him. "Removing your position, unfortunately, is only temporary, but without this army, your voice will have less influence when you return to the village."
"It's just a dismissal, an unimportant matter," Sasuke broke off a large piece of the energy block. "Lord Chōza, I think we should dissolve this unit, so that no one thinks about this piece of fat all day."
"Dissolve?!", Chōza exclaimed, almost choking. "Sasuke, this is not a joke. This unit is the elite you raised, the basis of your life. Without it, I'm afraid that when you return to Konoha, you will have problems."
"Lord Chōza," Shikaku suddenly interrupted, "perhaps the commander has other plans."
"Shikaku, smart!", Sasuke gave him a gesture of approval. "Lord Chōza, don't worry, I have other ideas." He swallowed the food and his relaxed expression vanished. "I want to dissolve the troops, but this 'dissolve' is not that 'dissolve'! My idea is to cancel the designation of the support force, and all members will be dissolved and incorporated into the regular two-thousand-man army on the front of the Land of the River."
Upon hearing this, a contained breath resonated in the command center. This decision was too shocking. This was not dissolving the troops, it was expanding the army!
Sasuke continued to analyze calmly: "There are three benefits: First, I will comply with the order and block the daimyō's assumption of responsibility, so as not to make things difficult for the Hokage. Second, thanks to the reforms, the members of our force have rapidly increased in number. If we incorporate them into the regular army, they will become the backbone, boosting overall effectiveness. Third, and most importantly, I was the one who promoted the reform policy. These members are the most direct and firm beneficiaries and defenders. After their integration, the spiritual core and real control of the entire front-line ninja army will be in the hands of... ahem, of those who align with the spirit of the reform. After my return to Konoha, I will have the support of these two thousand soldiers. With so much confidence, anyone who wants to touch me will have to weigh the consequences."
Chōza's heart trembled and he nodded unconsciously.
"It's just that, Lord Chōza, by doing this, I am depriving you of your direct control over the troops," Sasuke said in an apologetic tone.
Inside the command center, there was absolute silence. Everyone looked at Chōza. Sasuke was truly bold. He was so frank and did not hide his plan to seize power.
Chōza was silent for a long time. Sasuke's frankness and his... he clearly saw the enormous risks and opportunities. As the patriarch of the Akimichi clan and the nominal supreme commander, this decision would undoubtedly reduce his nominal control, but in reality, it would strengthen his direct control.
"Uncle, the number of civilian ninjas is huge, and their rise has begun to be noticed. It is better to bet in advance and share the risks...", Shikaku whispered to him.
After listening to the analysis, Chōza nodded. Sasuke's plan also benefited the Ino, Shika, and Chō clans, increasing their influence.
"Hahahaha! Well, that's it!", he laughed heartily. "A great 'dissolution', what can I oppose? Only in your hands can this army unleash all its potential." Then, he waved his hand and said solemnly to those who were still stunned: "Transmit my order! From today on, the number of the mobile support force will be revoked. All members will be incorporated into the conventional ninja army, in accordance with Commander Sasuke's plan."
He looked at Sasuke with the concern of an elder: "Sasuke, go ahead. After you return to Konoha, be careful in everything. The future belongs to you, young people. Here, we are your strongest support!"
"Thank you, Senior Chōza!", Sasuke bowed seriously, with a sincere smile. He knew that when Chōza patted his stomach and laughed, he was not only agreeing with his plan, but also showing that the three tribes of Ino, Shika, and Chō had allied with him. Sometimes, the decision is more important than the effort.
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