Uchiha's personal opinion

A few days later, the transfer document from the Hokage Building arrived at Hatake Sakumo's ninja army camp, and Uchiha Tokumitsu's prediction came true.

"...The deputy commander of the mobile forces, Jonin Uchiha Tokumitsu, is hereby transferred to the position of commander of the eastern border defense forces, in charge of affairs on the southeastern border of the Land of Fire."

Inside Sakumo Hatake's central command tent, Tokumitsu Uchiha read aloud his appointment document.

"Yes, congratulations, Mr. Deguang!"

Hatake Sakumo's face was also full of smiles, "From now on, you will be the youngest regional commander in the ninja world!"

"You flatter me. This matter was accomplished thanks to the help of my family and the strong support of Mr. Shuo Mao."

Uchiha Tokumitsu said with a hint of arrogance.

Sakumo Hatake also contributed significantly to his successful acquisition of this position.

Putting aside everything else, the fact that Uchiha Tokumitsu was allowed to reorganize the border troops on his own already gave him a huge advantage.

Even if the other Jonin in the village had their own ideas, they had to back down and give way to the alliance between Uchiha Tokumitsu and Hatake Sakumo.

The significance of border troops commanders is not limited to the standing ninja army they control; more importantly, they also have financial and administrative power over border area tasks, rewards, promotions, and other matters.

With this position secured, it also means that Uchiha Tokumitsu has officially joined the ranks of Konoha's high-ranking officials.

"Although the border troops' garrison commanders must be stationed outside the village and their power is slightly less than that of the village's heads, Deguang is still young and will have plenty of opportunities to return to the village to take up a post in the future."

"That's alright..."

Uchiha Tokumitsu didn't seem to care much about this. Unlike other Konoha ninjas, he didn't have the deep-rooted attachment to the village. Compared to staying in the village and constantly on edge, guarding against open and hidden attacks, Uchiha Tokumitsu felt more comfortable in charge of his own territory.

Furthermore, his Mangekyou Sharingan had only been awakened for a short time, and being far from the many eyes and ears of Konoha headquarters allowed him to focus on his training in peace; it also made it easier for him to plan his response to the Third Mizukage, who was suspected of being controlled by Madara Uchiha.

As for the various affairs and plans that the Uchiha clan planned to carry out in the village, Uchiha Tokumitsu only intended to operate them from behind the scenes.

"However, there is one more thing..."

Sakumo Hatake then handed over another document.

Uchiha Tokumitsu took it and quickly scanned it, then clicked his tongue in disapproval.

This is a document concerning the reassignment of command over mobile forces.

After Uchiha Tokumitsu was transferred to the position of border garrison commander, he automatically resigned from his position as deputy commander of the mobile force. Since the commander, Hatake Sakumo, was also the leader of the Jonin team, the Hokage Building went along with it and designated the mobile force as a direct subordinate unit of the Jonin team, and no longer established the position of commander.

It may seem like a casual remark, but it actually harbors malicious intentions.

In this way, the power is transferred from Sakumo Hatake to the position of Jonin Squad Leader. It seems that the leadership remains unchanged, but if Sakumo Hatake loses the position of Jonin Squad Leader one day, this move will be a useful hidden move.

What Hatake Sakumo was worried about was not the power of the mobile force, but rather that Uchiha Tokumitsu might have objections.

Among the operational Jonin of the Mobile Force, the main support for absolute military strength still comes from the Jonin brought by Uchiha Tokumitsu. Without Uchiha Tokumitsu's support, the Mobile Force would just be a meaningless ninja army designation.

"To strip away power without leaving a trace... that's more like the style of the Hokage."

Uchiha Tokumitsu didn't seem to care, and just smiled and said, "He just forgot that ninjas are not tools, but living people with blood ties and bonds. Such a crude scheme to sow discord is truly laughable."

Sakumo Hatake breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

"However... I wonder if Tokumitsu-kun has other plans for the Uchiha Jonin under the Mobile Force..."

"No need to reassign them for now, let them continue to assist Sakumo-kun."

Uchiha Tokumitsu laughed and said, "Besides, Sakumo-kun, you wouldn't be stepping down from your position as the Jonin team leader so quickly, would you?"

"That won't happen..."

Sakumo Hatake completely relaxed.

Uchiha Tokumitsu naturally had nothing to worry about. After all, the Uchiha Jonin of the Mobile Force were all drawn from the radical faction of the clan, so there was no need to worry about them being bought off or recruited. Therefore, it was better to be generous and let the ally share some benefits.

"Orochimaru returned to the village this afternoon. I'll stay here for a few more days and then lead my troops back to the village as well..."

Sakumo Hatake thought for a moment and added, "The border troops have many responsibilities in their respective defense zones, so I would appreciate it if Tokumitsu-kun would take good care of them..."

"Don't worry, Sakumo-kun! I can't say it's foolproof, but there won't be any trouble!"

Uchiha Tokumitsu humbly accepted the criticism, but responded with pride.

……

Half a month after Hatake Sakumo led his troops back to Konoha, an uninvited guest arrived with a secret letter and requested a meeting with Uchiha Tokumitsu.

"You are the messenger of Yagura, the mango-scented tree..."

Inside the central command tent, Uchiha Tokumitsu frowned and asked the envoy again.

“Yes, Lord Deguang!” the Mist Envoy said neither humbly nor arrogantly, “This is the sixth time you have asked this question.”

In theory, border commanders from different ninja villages whose defense zones border each other often make contact when they take office to enhance mutual trust between their border troops and try to resolve border conflicts and grudges, so as to avoid minor conflicts from escalating into war.

As a frontline commander, these are basic skills that you should know and be able to perform.

Before returning to Konoha, Hatake Sakumo had shared a similar experience with Uchiha Tokumitsu.

However... the content of this letter from Yagura Karatachi was a bit strange.

"Can something like this be discussed in a letter?"

Uchiha Tokumitsu still asked, puzzled.

"Lord Deguang, it's just ordinary border trade, and it's a good thing for both of us."

The messenger from the Mist was also very patient.

"What's your name?"

"My name is Ryū Yoshiyuki, and I am a subordinate of Yagura..."

"Such a large volume of trade... Won't the Mizukage have any objections?"

Uchiha Tokumitsu continued to ask.

"Lord Deguang, border trade is a good thing in itself, so there's no need for Lord Mizukage to worry about it."

The messenger, Riyuki Yoshiyuki, stated confidently, "Furthermore, both the Minazuki and Hozuki families are involved; it's just that Lord Yagura is the one who is making the appearance..."

Aside from polite greetings, Yagura's letter primarily addressed the issue of establishing tariff-free border trade between the two sides.

That is, what is commonly known as "smuggling".

"If I remember correctly, Konoha and Kirigakure should still be at war, right?"

Uchiha Tokumitsu returned the letter to the table and looked at Riyuki Yoshiyuki, saying, "Is this appropriate?"

"Lord Deguang, war is a matter for the village, while border trade is a matter for both of us. There's no need to confuse the two..."

Riyuki bowed and replied, "Just like the relationship between the village and the ninja clan, everyone has their own needs, so there's no need to worry too much about those minor details..."

"Tsk..."

Uchiha Tokumitsu was also impressed by the flexibility of Kirigakure's bottom line.

In the letter, Yagura also listed out the necessary supplies one by one.

One of the items was "Fresh Beef from the Land of Grass," and it even stated that "Ice Release ninjas can be dispatched to assist in freezing and preserving it"...

The only item related to military equipment is the 'Uchiha-controlled explosive tag,' which also states that 'there is no upper limit to the number that can be purchased'...

Besides that, there are all kinds of luxury goods.

"A life of complacency and idleness is a path to certain death..."

Uchiha Tokumitsu had also made up his mind.

"This matter is of great importance, and I still need to discuss it with my family."

Uchiha Tokumitsu tapped his fingers lightly on the table and said slowly, "But what can Kirigakure offer?"

"Lord Deguang, your trading partner is not Kirigakure, but a coalition of ninja clans including Karatachi, Hozuki, and Mizuki..."

Li Shengqing said solemnly, "I am merely a messenger. If you are interested, we can arrange another time to discuss the details. We can exchange information based on your specific needs."

If it weren't for the fact that Riyuki Yoshiyuki's chakra fluctuations were also quite noticeable, roughly reaching the level of a Chunin, Uchiha Tokumitsu would have thought the person in front of him was a shrewd businessman.

Uchiha Tokumitsu picked up a pen and sketched something on the letter, then handed it to Riyuki Yoshiyuki.

"I can agree to those things right now."

Apart from the special explosive tags produced by the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Tokumitsu agreed to provide almost all other supplies needed by Kirigakure, as long as he felt it was possible to procure them.

"Thank you for your support, Lord Deguang!"

Riyuki Yoshiyuki bowed deeply, then took out a document from his robes and handed it to Uchiha Tokumitsu. "This is our procurement quotation. Please review it, Lord Tokumitsu."

"You're really well prepared..."

Uchiha Tokumitsu casually took the book, glanced through it briefly, and then put it down. "By the way, are the Hozuki and Minazuki clans planning to support Yagura Karatachi?"

Otherwise, the Hozuki and Minazuki clans are both Mizukage families, holding extremely prominent positions in Kirigakure and wielding even more power than the Uchiha clans. There would be no need to involve someone like Yagura Karatachi, who comes from a humble background, in such a deal.

Uchiha Tokumitsu's question, though seemingly casual, was actually imbued with the illusionary effects of Yin Release chakra. While it didn't have a direct control effect, it could still make the person being targeted involuntarily reveal the truth.

"I am of lowly rank and have no knowledge of this matter."

Li Shengqing replied respectfully.

"Lord Yagura's ability to fight alongside you and Lord Sakumo without being defeated on the battlefield makes him one of our most outstanding ninjas, so it's only natural that the ninja clan supports him..."

Even though I know it's flattery, those words are really well-chosen!

Moreover, the fact that it was said while being slightly bewitched by illusions makes it all the more significant.

Uchiha Tokumitsu's smile widened.

"The first batch of beef from the Land of Grass will arrive in ten days! We'll settle accounts with gold initially, and then adjust the trade arrangements accordingly!"

"In that case, please allow me to take my leave and return to the village to report this good news to you gentlemen!"

Ryusei Yoshiyuki beamed with delight and bowed, saying, "I wonder how much the first batch of beef will be? I'd like to prepare the funds accordingly."

"Um……"

Uchiha Tokumitsu glanced at the price list again, pondered for a moment, and then slowly said, "Prepare ten thousand gold coins first!"

"Lord Deguang truly lives up to his reputation as a scion of a prestigious family; his demeanor and bearing are simply extraordinary!"

Rishō Yoshiyuki smiled so hard his back teeth were showing, and after bowing repeatedly, he took his leave.

When Ryusei Yoshiyuki received the mission to deliver the message, he never expected that this special border trade mission would go so smoothly!