Naruto's civilian cannon fodder starts with the three-body technique

Chapter 290 Further Expansion of the Army
"Sasuke?!" Akimichi Torifu was both surprised and delighted.

"Senior Qu Feng, it's been a long time."

Sasuke Umino looked around and saw that everyone there was one of his own. He had a relaxed smile on his face, as if he had just gone on a picnic. "I came back to hand over my work and brought back a batch of logistical supplies along the way."

With a casual wave of his hand, several sealing scrolls appeared on the table as if by magic.

"The list of supplies such as medicine, food, and ninja tools is here."

Then, he tossed over a sealing scroll and instructed, "Oh, by the way, there's a batch of decent quality puppets here. Remember to reimburse me for these supplies. I won't charge for transportation; just calculate it based on the market price for merchants accompanying the army."

The command center fell silent instantly. Everyone stared blankly at the pile of sealing scrolls, then glanced at Umino Sasuke, who looked completely calm and collected.

They managed to penetrate deep behind enemy lines to attack a large oasis in the Land of Wind, and still had time to do business. They even solved the logistical problems on the front lines in the Land of Rivers. Their work efficiency is truly worthy of the Iron Wall of Konoha!

Akimichi Torifu looked at the sealed scrolls on the table, and then at the young man in front of him who seemed to have just returned from a hunting trip. His previous worries about the change of generals were instantly overshadowed by the absurdity of the scene before him.

He picked up the Hokage's order scroll and said in a deep voice, "Sasuke, you must have seen the Hokage's order. It requires you to immediately resign from your post as commander of the frontline mobile support force and return to Konoha to be questioned. What do you think about this?"

"Don't be so nervous, have an energy bar to calm your nerves."

Sasuke Unno, seemingly unconcerned, took out a box of enhanced honey energy blocks, gave a large block to Toru Akimichi first, then picked up a block for himself, poured himself a cup of tea, and began to eat.

"Huh? It's a top-grade concoction made with royal jelly and high-quality spirit beast meat!"

Akimichi Torifu took a bite of the honey-infused energy block that was handed to him. The rich, sweet aroma melted in his mouth, but it did not completely suppress the worry in his heart.

Akimichi Torifu, a kind-hearted man of Konoha, has always kept his distance from the village's political struggles. He didn't even serve as a Hokage advisor, focusing instead on family affairs and indulging in good food. He has high hopes for the young man, Umino Sasuke, and even admires him. At this moment, he can't help but worry about this promising young man.

"Removing you from your post, well, it's only temporary, but without this army to protect you, when you return to the village, your words will carry less weight when facing some people's attacks. I'm afraid some people will think you're easy to manipulate and do something irrational."

Akimichi Torifu simply didn't want to get involved in politics, but that didn't mean he was ignorant of politics. As a disciple of Senju Tobirama and the eldest elder of the Akimichi clan, no matter how far he stayed away from politics, he would still be involved. Even if he wasn't good at it, he certainly understood it, and he was also one of the few wise men in the Akimichi clan.

His concern wasn't just about Umino Sasuke; he was also worried that his old comrades were going too far with their political infighting. Being on the front lines in the Land of Rivers, in contact with the grassroots, he knew even more how high Umino Sasuke's reputation was among the frontline ninjas. He wouldn't dare say that he could command a hundred followers, but at least apart from the Hokage, no one in Konoha had a reputation that surpassed Umino Sasuke's, not even Tsunade or Orochimaru.

More importantly, besides his reputation and strength, Sasuke Umino is also very skilled in politics, which is quite rare for a ninja who only knows how to fight.

There are few truly strong ninjas, but they do exist. However, ninjas who possess both strength and prestige, along with political acumen, are extremely rare, especially in Konoha. The young man known as the White Fang of Konoha is a prime example. He was a skilled and perfect ninja, but without political wisdom, it would be very difficult for him to rise to a high position.

Thinking of this, Akimichi Torifu's gaze toward Umino Sasuke held even greater importance.

"It's just a dismissal, a minor matter."

Umino Sasuke broke off a large piece of honey-infused energy block and stuffed it into his mouth, chewing it with a crunchy sound. He mumbled, "Senior Torifu, I think we should just disband this frontline mobile support unit. That way, no one will be eyeing this piece of meat all the time, making everyone uneasy."

"Disband?!"

Upon hearing this, Akimichi Torifu's eyes widened, and he almost choked on the honey-infused energy block in his mouth. "Sasuke, this is no child's play. This unit is the elite of the elite, which you personally trained. It's the foundation of your survival. Without it, if you return to Konoha, I'm afraid—"

“Lord Torifu.” Nara Shikaku, who had been standing quietly to the side, suddenly interrupted, his eyes flashing with wisdom. “Perhaps, Commander, you have other plans.”

Umino Sasuke's eyes lit up, and he gave Nara Shikaku a thumbs up: "Shikaku, smart! As expected of my most capable little strategist. Torifu-senpai, don't worry, I do have another idea."

Then, he swallowed the food in his mouth, patted the crumbs off his hands, and the relaxed and casual look on his face disappeared, replaced by a calm yet sharp edge: "I do intend to disband the troops, but this 'disbandment' is not the same as that 'disbandment'!"
My idea is to disband the "Frontline Mobile Support Unit" designation on the spot, and disband all members, including the puppet unit, the weapon battalion, the genjutsu squadron, the logistics support group... and reorganize them according to their ninja rank and specialties into the existing 2,000-strong regular ninja army on the front lines of the Land of River!

Upon hearing this, a suppressed gasp filled the command post. This decision was truly astonishing. This was not disbanding the troops; it was clearly an attempt to expand the army!
Unbeknownst to the surprised reactions of the crowd, Sasuke Umino continued his calm analysis: "There are three advantages: First, since it's the Daimyo's request, I'll go all the way. I'll not only be relieved of my duties, but I'll also disband my direct subordinate units. This way, I'll fulfill the order and also prevent the Daimyo from holding me accountable, thus avoiding putting the Hokage in too much of a predicament. Second, our mobile support unit members, thanks to the earlier implementation of the reform policies and the extremely rich spoils from their numerous victories, have rapidly improved in strength, producing a large number of Chunin, Special Jonin, and even some Jonin! Their combat experience, equipment level, and understanding of the Will of Fire far surpass those of the regular troops. Dispersing them and incorporating them into the two thousand regular ninja will immediately make them the backbone of this ninja army, greatly enhancing the overall combat power of the frontline ninja!"

Third, and most importantly, Senior Feng, I spearheaded the frontline reform policy. Its core principles are: appropriate support, distribution according to work, and everything based on merit. The members of these mobile support units are the most direct beneficiaries and staunchest supporters of this reform policy. With their integration into the regular forces, coupled with the inevitable trend of reform, the core spirit and actual control of the entire frontline ninja army in the Land of Rivers will inevitably be firmly in the hands of… cough cough, in the hands of those who embody the spirit of the reform. After I return to Konoha, with the support of this formidable 2,000-strong ninja army, and with this confidence, anyone who wants to harm me will have to think twice about the consequences, right? Moreover, this will also prevent those far removed from the grassroots from doing irrational things!

Umino Sasuke had an expression that said, "I'm doing this for Konoha, and you don't want internal strife in Konoha either."

Akimichi Torifu felt a chill run down his spine and nodded unconsciously. Showing one's fangs appropriately can indeed prevent a lot of unnecessary disputes and make some people stop their irrational actions.

Seeing that Akimichi Torifu had already expressed his intention, Umino Sasuke said apologetically, "However, Torifu-senpai, by doing this, I am essentially taking away your direct control over the troops as the frontline commander-in-chief, turning this unit into a 'reformist' unit. You won't have any objections, will you?"

Inside the command center, all was silent. Everyone looked at Akimichi Torifu, especially the Akimichi clan's ninja guards and Nara Shikaku, whose faces were filled with complicated and conflicted expressions. Umino Sasuke was really bold, being so frank and not hiding his plot to seize power at all. He really didn't treat the Ino-Shika-Cho trio as outsiders.

Sasuke Umino's plan was indeed quite ingenious, a classic case of undermining the enemy's strength. On the surface, it was about disbanding the troops, but in reality, it was about infiltrating his core forces into the entire frontline ninja army of the Land of Rivers, riding the wave of reform, and ultimately taking control of this frontline force!
This frontline unit no longer has an independent designation, but it is more powerful than when it did, and it is difficult for outsiders to interfere. The key is that there are enough ninjas, and its influence has already secured a place in the power center of Konoha, and a very large one at that!

Akimichi Torifu remained silent for a long time. It wasn't that he lacked political wisdom; he just didn't usually show it off.

He clearly saw through Umino Sasuke's frankness and the enormous risks and opportunities it contained. As the eldest elder of the Akimichi clan and the nominal supreme commander of the front line in the Land of Rivers, this decision would indeed reduce his nominal control over the front-line troops, but in reality, it would strengthen his direct control over them.

His position as frontline commander was merely a temporary appointment. He was forced into this role because Mitokado Homura and Shimura Danzo were both incompetent. His actual control over the frontline troops was very limited. Just as the Konoha leadership could appoint him, they could also remove him from his position as frontline commander with a single transfer order.

If we follow Umino Sasuke's plan, although he will only be the nominal frontline commander-in-chief and will be subordinate to Umino Sasuke in terms of real power, his control over the frontline troops will be greatly enhanced.

In this way, even if the Hokage issues a transfer order and removes him from his position, he can still maintain a huge influence in this front-line force.

“Uncle, the number of civilian ninjas is enormous, and their rise is already showing signs of beginnings. Why not place a bet in advance and share the risk…”

Nara Shikaku leaned close to Akimichi Torifu's ear and whispered something to him.

After listening to Nara Shikaku's analysis, Akimichi Torifu nodded repeatedly. According to the intelligence data collected from the grassroots, although civilian ninjas do not hold much power, their numbers are huge. Once a leader emerges, they will inevitably rise to prominence. In fact, the next Hokage is very likely to be born from among the civilian ninjas. The Ino-Shika-Cho clans do not plan for the short term, but for the long term. Even if they do not ride this inevitable wave, they must not become enemies with it. Diversifying their bets and spreading the risks is the wise move.

Moreover, Umino Sasuke's plan would also benefit the Ino-Shika-Cho clan, increasing their influence among the frontline troops. The Umino clan is also considered a ninja clan and has always been on good terms with the Ino-Shika-Cho clan. Umino Sasuke himself is exceptionally capable and has political acumen, making his future limitless.

Whether from the perspective of personal feelings, family interests, or the future of Konoha, supporting Umino Sasuke is the wiser choice!
After figuring these things out, the solemnity on Akimichi Torifu's face slowly faded. He picked up a new honey-infused energy block, took a big bite, and began to chew.

Then, he slapped his round belly hard, making a dull thud, and laughed loudly, "Hahaha! Good, that's how it's done! What a brilliant 'disband'! What a brilliant 'retreat to advance'! What objections could this old man possibly have? Only when this ninja army is in your hands can it unleash its full power, win battles continuously, and allow the ninjas who have risked their lives with us to receive the merits and resources they deserve! As for me, I'm happy to have some peace and quiet, and I can focus on studying the recipes for these new honey-infused energy blocks you sent me. Alright, let's do it this way!"

Then, with a wave of his hand, he solemnly addressed the still-dazed crowd in the command post, especially the Ino-Shika-Cho ninja guards, saying, "Pass on my order! Effective immediately, the frontline mobile support unit designation is revoked. All members, according to Commander Umino Sasuke's execution plan, shall be immediately and systematically integrated into the various operational sequences of the regular ninja army on the front lines of the Land of Rivers. Staff Officer Nara Shikaku and Jonin Hakukumo Hayama will be responsible for assisting with the reorganization!"

He looked at Umino Sasuke, his eyes filled with the concern of an elder and a hint of sharpness that was hard to detect: "Sasuke, go ahead and do it. When you return to Konoha, be careful in everything you do. It's best to prioritize harmony. Of course, don't give too much face to certain people. The future belongs to you young people. We are here, and we are your strongest support!"

"Thank you very much, Senior Feng!"

Umino Sasuke bowed respectfully, a sincere smile on his face.

He knew that Akimichi Torifu's pat on the stomach and loud laughter not only meant he agreed to his plan, but also that the Ino-Shika-Cho trio had sided with him at this crucial moment.

The Ino-Shika-Cho trio are indeed Konoha ninja clans, but they also possess extremely high survival wisdom. They never consider temporary power, but rather how to survive well. If the Nara ninjas hadn't been smart enough to see the big picture, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio might not have supported his plan. At most, they would have neither opposed nor supported it. It wouldn't be like it is now, where the older generation doesn't participate much, but the younger generation has already started to claim their spots.

Sometimes, choice is more important than effort.

In terms of choosing sides, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio may not be the strongest, but in terms of survival wisdom, they are unparalleled in the entire ninja world.

(End of this chapter)