https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-88-The-Eighty-Eighth-Forced-Retreat-of-a-Shadow-Level-Stronger-/12832088/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-90-Shinobi-Logistics-Is-That-It-/12832091/
Chapter 89: The Year's Best Assist: Danzo!
Chapter 89: The Year’s Best Assist: Danzo!
Flowing Sand Gold!
A rare mineral found deep in the desert, it is an essential material for crafting high-quality ninja tools.
During peacetime, you could buy it for a hefty price. However, in a time of war, such materials become controlled items, and it’s understandable why they are so highly valued.
In the main tent:
"I never expected you, Tohei, and your team to escape from Gaara. I’ll record this escort mission as an additional S-rank mission for your team!"
Orochimaru decisively offered the compensation after hearing the report.
If Gaara hadn’t appeared, it would have been a mere A-rank mission. But with a Kage-level shinobi (limited to the desert) personally intervening, the compensation was certainly justified.
An S-rank mission contribution is worth one million ryo in cash.
But no one was that foolish, as many valuable items couldn’t be bought with money.
"Thank you, Lord Orochimaru!"
Tohei was genuinely satisfied with the compensation. It was a real deal, unlike his former boss in his previous life, who promised one pie in the sky after another but never delivered.
Tohei would be happy to follow such a powerful leader.
However, what Tohei didn’t know was that by the time they returned to camp, their team’s reputation had already spread. Now, Team 404 was no longer known as the "Genius Team" but as a team of strong shinobi. It was no wonder Orochimaru took notice and offered the compensation.
"By the way, your next mission is... to handle logistics!"
Orochimaru’s expression was a bit odd as he spoke.
This wasn’t his decision.
It was Danzo’s.
Upon receiving the report of Team 404’s achievements, Danzo had flown into a rage. He was determined not to give Tohei another chance to shine on the battlefield.
A shinobi’s reputation and status are built on the battlefield. If they can’t fight, even the strongest among them can’t prove their worth.
Suppressing a strong shinobi doesn’t necessarily mean sidelining them; the best way is to prevent them from showcasing their abilities.
The Uchiha clan was the perfect example of this!
Logistics management was a nightmare for most shinobi. Only the Nara clan could handle it well, which is why they monopolized these positions in Konoha.
"What, you want me to manage logistics...!"
Tohei couldn’t believe his ears.
This was the position he had always dreamed of. Everyone knew that logistics was a lucrative and safe job.
Before graduation, he had even considered becoming a civilian ninja to join the logistics department if he failed his final exam.
Now, this position was being offered to him, and he was genuinely surprised.
But his expression was misunderstood.
"Lord Orochimaru, is this...?"
Mitsuki Shizukana asked cautiously.
They had just accomplished a great feat, and now they were being "relegated" to logistics. Wasn’t that a bit too much?
"This is an order from the village’s higher-ups!"
Orochimaru didn’t mince words and revealed the source of the order.
Of course, as the commander of the ninja forces, he had the authority to reject this order.
The question was... why?
Tohei wasn’t part of his inner circle, and he had already compensated the team for their previous mission. With no personal connection, why would Orochimaru risk offending Danzo?
"Danzo..."
Mitsuki Shizukana was about to say more when he heard a cough from the pineapple-haired man beside him, a clear reminder to be cautious.
Danzo was a high-ranking official and the leader of Root. Even Orochimaru, despite his power, was a step below him in status. They couldn’t afford to speak out of turn.
"Hmph!"
Mitsuki Shizukana wasn’t stupid and understood the consequences, so he shut his mouth, albeit reluctantly.
This was his personality, which was why he had left the Anbu to follow Orochimaru. His new superior, though ruthless, had a remarkable tolerance for his subordinates.
"I accept the position!"
Danzo was practically waiting for a "Deal sealed, double happiness" to follow.
After all, the logistics department was not only safe, but it also allowed one to take it easy.
The benefits of working in an office were well understood—especially by the Nara clan, who were known for their laid-back lifestyle. If it weren't so relaxing, they wouldn't be so inclined to take it easy all the time.
Of course, Danzo's thoughts were not lost on Tang Ping.
If he were to side with Danzo, such an assignment could easily be refused.
However, as a transmigrant, it was normal to seek support when one lacked power. But once one had strength, continuing to rely on others was like giving up and going back to selling sweet potatoes.
Why should I, with such formidable power, be anyone's underling?
That was the gist of it.
As for why he was working for Konoha?
It was simply because he still wanted to stay in Konoha.
Leaving would mean losing access to countless resources.
"If you change your mind, you can always come to me!"
Danzo was not at all perturbed by Tang Ping's refusal to join him.
In his view, Tang Ping would eventually find the mundane and tedious work unbearable and would seek refuge under his command.
This was why he did not object to Danzo's appointment. Let the other man be the bad guy and take the blame, while he reaped the benefits. He would be a fool to refuse such an arrangement.
"Logistics department, here I come!"
Tang Ping barely contained his excitement, walking out of the main tent with a face full of feigned indignation.
Outside the tent!
Hyuga Aozuki and Yamashina Koji, who had been waiting, noticed Tang Ping's expression and also grew somber, though they did not ask any questions.
"Let's go..."
If he hadn't been looking down, Tang Ping might have burst into laughter.
He needed money and time, and Danzo had just provided the perfect assist. How could he not be elated?
Danzo was such a good person!
Not only had he cultivated so many Hashirama cells, a biological wonder, but he had also thoughtfully assigned Tang Ping to the logistics department.
If Danzo were here, he would at least deserve a "Best Assist of the Year" award.
On the way, Tang Ping informed them of his new assignment to oversee the logistics department.
"If only Danzo's eyes and hands were both out of commission!"
Hyuga Aozuki said with a dangerous smile.
Yes, she was planning to break Danzo's hands and blind his eyes.
If anyone else had said this, it might have been a mere joke. But with her Byakugan and intelligence-gathering abilities, she had a real chance of pulling it off.
"Danzo dared to scheme against you..."
Yamashina Koji, raised on the Will of Fire, couldn't bring himself to say much, but his expression clearly showed that he considered Danzo as good as dead.
Rescued by Tang Ping and bound by a deep bond, he might not have declared his loyalty openly, but in his heart, Tang Ping came before the village. If asked to assassinate Danzo, he wouldn't hesitate.
"Don't worry, this is actually a good thing. Don't forget, what I need most right now is time!"
Tang Ping gestured for them to calm down.
To him, the logistics job meant having a lot of free time.
And he truly needed that time to grow.
After a brief chat, the three parted ways. Tang Ping headed to the warehouse area behind the main tent.
This area was off-limits to unauthorized personnel, so he had to confirm his identity before meeting the administrative ninja in charge.
A member of the Nara clan.
The man was sprawled on a wooden desk. Seeing Tang Ping enter, he immediately handed over a stack of documents and quickly briefed him:
"These are the records for warehouse inventory, transport teams... Your job is to ensure the camp's supplies are well-stocked. Everything is in your hands now!"
With that, he was out of there.
As a member of the Nara clan, he understood why Tang Ping was assigned to logistics and had no intention of getting involved, so he kept his distance.
(End of Chapter)
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