Chapter 89: Best Assist of the Year: Danzo!
Flowing Sand Gold! A rare mineral found deep in the desert, essential for crafting high-quality ninja tools.
Under normal circumstances, you could get your hands on it by paying a high price.
But during wartime, this material becomes a controlled substance, and it's understandable why it's so heavily guarded.
Inside the main tent.
"I never expected you, Uchiha Takashi, to escape from Rasa's grasp. For this escort mission, I'll credit your team with an additional S-rank mission!"
After hearing the report, Orochimaru decisively offered compensation.
If Rasa hadn't appeared, it would have been an A-rank contribution owed from previous missions. But since a Kage-level (desert-limited) ninja personally intervened, compensation was indeed warranted.
An S-rank mission contribution, when converted to money, amounts to a million ryo.
You can take the money directly! But no one is that foolish, because there are many valuable things that money can't buy.
"Thank you, Lord Orochimaru!"
Uchiha Takashi was quite satisfied with this compensation. When benefits are offered, they're genuinely given!
Unlike his boss before he transmigrated, who would promise the moon but never deliver.
If Uchiha Takashi had a choice, he'd also prefer to follow a leader like this.
What Uchiha Takashi didn't know was that as soon as their team returned unscathed from Rasa, their reputation had already spread before they even reached the camp.
So now, Team 404 was no longer just a 'genius team' but a team of formidable warriors. It's no wonder Orochimaru took them seriously and offered compensation.
"By the way, your next mission is... to handle logistics!"
Orochimaru's expression was a bit peculiar as he spoke.
Because this assignment wasn't his decision.
It was Danzo! After hearing about Team 404's achievements, Danzo was furious and naturally didn't want to give Uchiha Takashi more opportunities to shine on the battlefield.
A strong reputation and status are forged in battle.
Once you're kept off the battlefield, no matter how strong you are, you can't prove it.
Suppressing a strong ninja doesn't necessarily mean sidelining them; preventing them from showcasing their strength is the best way.
The Uchiha clan is the perfect example of this! And logistics management is a nightmare for most ninjas.
Aside from the Nara clan, few can handle it well, which is why in Konoha, these positions are almost monopolized by the Nara clan.
"What, you want me to manage logistics...!"
Uchiha Takashi asked in disbelief.
Because this was the position he had always dreamed of.
Everyone knows logistics is not only lucrative but also safe.
Before graduation, he had thought that if he couldn't pass the exams, he'd find a way to become a civil ninja and sneak into the logistics department.
Now, with this position handed to him, how could he not be surprised?
However, his expression was misunderstood by others.
"Lord Orochimaru, is this..."
Mitokado Shihiro cautiously inquired.
Sending someone to logistics right after they made a significant contribution—wasn't that a bit too much?
"This is an order from the village's higher-ups!"
Orochimaru didn't hold back from naming Danzo as the source of the order.
Of course, as the commander of the ninja forces, he had the authority to refuse such an order.
The question is... why would he?
Uchiha Takashi wasn't part of his faction. The previous mission was compensated for, and without any personal ties, why would he offend Danzo for him?
"Danzo, that..."
Mitokado Shihiro was about to say more when he heard the pineapple-headed ninja beside him cough, signaling him to stop.
Danzo, after all, was a high-ranking official in Konoha, the head of the Root.
Even Orochimaru, in terms of status, was a notch below him, so they couldn't just criticize him recklessly.
"Tch!"
Mitokado Shihiro wasn't foolish and understood the consequences, so he unhappily shut his mouth.
That's just his personality, which is why he left the Anbu to follow Orochimaru. Though his new boss was ruthless, he was genuinely tolerant.
Chapter 89: Best Assist of the Year: Danzo!
"I accept this position!" Uchiha Takashi almost added, "It's a deal, double the joy."
After all, logistics is not only safe but also allows for a laid-back lifestyle.
The benefits of working in an office are well-known. If it weren't so easy, the Nara clan wouldn't be so quick to take it easy either.
Of course, Uchiha Takashi knew what Orochimaru was thinking.
If he were to side with Orochimaru, such an appointment could naturally be declined.
But as a transmigrator, it's normal to seek support when lacking power. However, once you have power, continuing to rely on others is like going back home to sell sweet potatoes.
With such strength, why should I be anyone's underling?
That's pretty much the idea.
As for why work for Konoha?
It's because he still wants to thrive in Konoha.
Leaving Konoha means missing out on countless resources.
"If you change your mind, you can come to me anytime!"
Orochimaru wasn't bothered by Uchiha Takashi's refusal to join him.
In his view, Takashi would eventually tire of the tedious and monotonous work and come under his wing.
Considering this, he didn't oppose Danzo's appointment that bypassed him.
It's like letting the other party be the bad guy while he reaps the benefits. He'd be a fool to refuse this appointment.
Logistics, here I come! Uchiha Takashi suppressed his excitement, putting on a face of 'grief and indignation' as he walked out of the main tent.
Outside the tent,
Hinata Aotsuki and Yamakawa Koji, waiting there, saw Uchiha Takashi's expression and also turned solemn, but refrained from asking questions.
"Let's go..."
If he hadn't kept his head down, Uchiha Takashi feared he wouldn't be able to suppress his grin.
Lacking money and time, Danzo's assist came just in time, how could he not be thrilled?
Danzo is truly a good person!
Not only did he cultivate so many Hashirama cells, this 'biological artifact,' but he also thoughtfully transferred him to logistics.
If Danzo were in front of him, he would have at least given him an 'Assist of the Year' award.
On the way, Uchiha Takashi shared the news of his appointment to head the logistics department.
"If only Danzo's eyes and hands would meet with some misfortune!"
Hinata Aotsuki said with a dangerous smile.
Yes, she was considering breaking Danzo's hands and blinding his eyes.
For others, it might just be a casual remark.
But with her meticulous planning and the Byakugan's intelligence-gathering capabilities, it's not entirely impossible.
"Danzo dared to scheme against you..."
Yamakawa Koji, raised with the Will of Fire, refrained from speaking rashly, but his expression showed he considered Danzo a dead man.
Having been saved by Uchiha Takashi and due to their bond, he didn't verbally pledge allegiance, but in his heart, he placed Takashi above the village. Even if asked to assassinate Danzo, he wouldn't hesitate.
"Don't worry, this is a good thing. Remember, what I need most right now is time!"
Uchiha Takashi signaled them not to get worked up.
For him, logistics work meant having plenty of free time.
And his growth indeed required time.
After chatting for a while, the three parted ways, and Takashi headed to the warehouse area behind the main tent.
This area was off-limits to unauthorized personnel, so after confirming his identity, Uchiha Takashi met the administrative ninja previously in charge.
A member of the Nara clan.
The person was sprawled over a wooden table and, upon seeing Uchiha Takashi enter, handed him a stack of documents and quickly introduced:
"These are the warehouse inventories, transport teams... data. Your job is to ensure the camp's supply of various materials. It's all yours now!"
With the introduction done, he quickly left.
Being from the Nara clan, he naturally understood why Uchiha Takashi was assigned to logistics, so he preferred to keep his distance and not get involved.
(End of Chapter)