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Arc V Chapter 10

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Shibi cut straight to the point. ”Why do you deploy our ANBU to the front line.”

Because she didn’t trust her Root friends and wanted them to die a gruesome death. As long as they fought on the front line, they were under control and couldn't do anything stupid. Maintaining an iron grip on them was of utmost importance.

Asami maintained her smile and lied. ”What's the issue, Shibi? I don’t see anything wrong with the fact that our esteemed ANBU friends get to see a bit of action?”

Shibi didn’t bite her bait. ”Fair enough, but shouldn’t we keep them in reserve instead?”

“We shouldn't split them up and use ANBU like normal front line troops. It's a waste of resources to attach them to units.”

Asami didn’t believe her eyes. Shibi actually knew what a reserve was. This was a miracle of unprecedented proportions. She wasn’t surrounded only by illiterate idiots. Perhaps there was still some hope left for Konoha.

Shibi wasn’t completely inept, quite the contrary, which was probably the reason Shikaku recommended them both. She followed his suggestion and chose Shibi and Tsume as her subordinates.

Asami regained her faith in humanity. ”Your points are valid, but I have to disappoint you.”

“We are already seriously understaffed as things stands now. We don’t have enough men to form a tactical reserve without dangerously weakening our front line.

“Our resources are ... limited, and we have to work with what we have. We can’t spare even a single ANBU.” Asami smiled, and it worked, Shibi relented.

Shibi took a deep breath. “And what about the right flank? You shifted forces and weakened the right flank in favour of the left flank. Isn't a ratio of five to three a bit ... unbalanced?”

Asami folded her hands. “It's a matter of perspective. Both flanks were originally supposed to be equal in strength, but I was forced to improvise. We can't rely on genin to do the fighting. They won't hold.”

”But don't worry, three battalions will suffice to fulfill the mission. The right flank just has to work harder to achieve their objectives, and if push comes to shove, they can rely on me.“ Asami pointed at herself accompanied by a diabolical smile.

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“You?” Tsume's eyes widened.

Tsume doubted the princess’s ability to fight. Asami might be better at all command and strategy thingies, but her high-born pampered ass was of little use in a real fight. Asami was just a little girl.

“Yes, me.” Asami responded with her own glare.

Shibi intervened and deescalated. “What Tsume means is that ... we didn’t expect you to take part in the fighting.”

”Keep in mind. You are the commanding officer. You can’t just go wherever you want and do whatever you please. You carry responsibilities.” Shibi's vocie remained calm. His manner reminded her of Shikaku.

”So I should avoid fighting and command from behind the lines?”

“Not exactly, but yes.”

Asami strode towards the nearest window to calm her mind. Her eyes swept across the village drawn to the golden horizon. ”What do you think, Fumihiko?”

“Shibi has a point. Executing such a complicated operation will be troublesome without effective leadership and with you going on front line adventures.” Fumihiko voiced his concerns, but Asami's decision stood. She wouldn't forego all the fun.

Asami missed her little adventures. Her heart yearned for action, her sword longed for the sweet taste of blood.

”You are both correct, but ultimately, it doesn’t matter.”

“As I need to attend the chunin exams, I won’t be available anyway. Therefore, I don’t intend to be in charge of this operation.”

Tsume furrowed her eyebrow. “And that means what?”

”That I decided to delegate command to a group of competent people.”

“And who are these people?”

Asami grinned.“You. I will put you in charge of the operation in my absence. You and Tsume will command the stronger left flank.”

Shibi merely nodded. ”I understand. And who is going to be in command of the right flank?”

Asami flashed an evil grin. Fumihiko gulped. He didn’t like her grin at all. ”Fumihiko-kun~, are you so kind as to do me a little favour?”

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