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Mastermind of the Akatsuki 173
🕑 Added 2024-10-06 07:00:04 +0000 UTCChapter 173: Logistics
In Shikaku's view, while Fugaku was indeed a capable deputy commander, his responsibilities were limited to overseeing patrols, reconnaissance, and defensive tasks on the front lines.
The authority to assign tasks was significant, but it often involved doing things that would upset others, much like the duties of a security force.
If the Uchiha were to act as arrogantly as they had in the past, deliberately assigning their clan members to safer and easier positions, it would surely cause dissatisfaction among the lower-ranked shinobi and further diminish the Uchiha's influence.
Conversely, if the Uchiha were to take the lead, the intense conditions on the battlefield against Kumogakure would undoubtedly result in heavy casualties for them.
Unless the Uchiha could endure significant losses and successfully capture the Two-Tails’ jinchuriki, they would again find themselves at a disadvantage in the power struggle between the higher-ups and their clan.
After Fugaku left the command room with Shisui, discussions continued among the others in the room.
After addressing the emergency situation of the Two-Tails’ jinchuriki infiltrating the Land of Fire, Jiraiya and Shikaku shifted their focus to strategic considerations.
From the existing reconnaissance reports, it was clear that the invading forces from Kumogakure numbered around four thousand, launching their attack from the Land of Water and the eastern coastline of the Land of Fire.
In the Land of Water, Kumogakure was primarily advancing with a large contingent, while the Hidden Hot Water Village within its borders, despite having signed a treaty with Konoha, had no real capability for resistance and could only be slaughtered at will.
Meanwhile, the enemy along the eastern coastline consisted of smaller units conducting raids.
Currently, Jiraiya was mainly responsible for the front lines in the Land of Water, while the Uchiha were tasked with defending against smaller enemy incursions and conducting activities within the Land of Water.
After a thorough discussion, Jiraiya and the others had nearly finalized their upcoming strategic deployment.
At this moment, Nara Shikaku took out a report and said to Jiraiya, “Jiraiya, aside from the imminent pressure from Kumogakure, there’s something else that requires your attention.”
“What is it?” Jiraiya asked, puzzled.
Shikaku handed the report to Jiraiya and continued, “There’s a problem with logistics. Our food reserves and military rations can only sustain us for two weeks, while strategic supplies like kunai, shuriken, and explosive tags can last a maximum of three days. Moreover, as the war continues, medical supplies will also face shortages.”
“Only three days left?! We never lacked these before. The old man promised me he would provide sufficient funding.”
Jiraiy’s lips twitched, and his head began to ache.
He had previously served as the commander on the front lines against Iwagakure, but he had never faced a shortage of supplies. How could Konoha lack these strategic resources?
Seemingly sensing Jiraiya’s thoughts, Shikaku spoke with a hint of resignation, “Lord Jiraiya, that was the past; this is the present. After the Third Shinobi World War, everyone in the village believed that wars wouldn’t break out easily again, so they reduced their orders for weapon production. Additionally, the peace led to a drop in weapon prices, so no one is producing kunai or explosive tags anymore. It’s not a matter of money or procurement capability.”
Upon hearing this, Jiraiya scratched his head and asked Shikaku, “Is there a way to solve the supply shortage?”
Shikaku nodded slightly and said, “There are two possible solutions: first, we need the village to quickly produce weapons and send them to the front lines; second, we can only seek aid from other shinobi villages to procure military supplies.”
Who would sell supplies to Konoha?
Jiraiya fell into thought and quickly recalled Amegakure led by Yahiko and the others. Given his relationship with them, procuring supplies from Amegakure should be relatively easy.
But… Jiraiya was unsure how to approach his disciples about it.
Did this mean that in order for Konoha to achieve victory in this war, the master would have to procure a large amount of military equipment?
Shikaku noticed Jiraiya's hesitation and said slowly, "Lord Jiraiya, have you thought of a solution?"
Jiraiya nodded slightly and then replied, “Amegakure, which has been in a constant state of readiness, should have accumulated quite a bit of military supplies. However, I’m not sure if I can convince them to sell military resources, since they are merely the heirs; the true leader of Amegakure is still Hanzo of the Salamander.”
Hearing this, Shikaku smiled and said, “Since Lord Jiraiya is reluctant to speak, I can write a letter on your behalf. As long as it gets to them, that should suffice.”
Jiraiya sighed softly, “I guess we’ll have to do it that way.”
---
After Fugaku and Shisui left the command room, they immediately headed towards the Uchiha camp.
Shisui gradually came to a halt and looked at Fugaku’s back, puzzled. “Fugaku-sama, why are you so eager to take on the task of capturing the Two-Tails’ jinchuriki...?”
Fugaku glanced at Shisui and replied, “Of course, it’s to protect the village. Additionally, I’m preparing for the elections after the war. I plan to follow the Fourth Hokage’s example and use my military achievements to become Hokage!”
Shisui fell silent.
He couldn’t find any reason to refute Fugaku. Fugaku was acting for the village and for the clan. If the Uchiha could truly become Hokage through contributions and the trust of the villagers, it would not be a bad outcome.
However, after all this time, he couldn’t forget what Byakuya had said, and he felt very conflicted and lost.
He didn’t know whether to believe in his clan and the village or in Byakuya’s prophecy. The former was his faith, supporting him through over ten years, while the latter was the brutal reality.
Seeing Shisui lost in thought, Fugaku was surprised but didn’t think much of it.
Though Shisui was one of the clan's top geniuses, his age meant he hadn’t experienced significant setbacks, which was likely why he continued to oppose Fugaku’s views within the village.
As time passed, Shisui would eventually understand Fugaku’s good intentions; everything he did was for the Uchiha, and he felt no shame in that.
Upon reaching the Uchiha camp, they found only about ten Uchiha shinobi present, with the rest still on their way and not expected to gather for a few more days.
Nevertheless, the impatient Fugaku announced his decision to everyone.
After a lively discussion, all the Uchiha shinobi present agreed with this decision. However, there was an ongoing debate over who would pursue the Two-Tails’ jinchuriki.
After pondering for a moment, Fugaku looked at Shisui, Tekka, and others, saying, “Shisui, the task of capturing the Two-Tails’ jinchuriki will be assigned to you. Once you gather information, inform us immediately.”
Upon hearing this command, Shisui initially thought Fugaku was targeting him.
However, there were only about a dozen jōnin in the clan who had awakened the three-tomoe Sharingan, and he was one of the top among them. Such a dangerous task could only be entrusted to him.
‘Hopefully, nothing unexpected will happen along the way…’ Shisui thought to himself.
