Mizukage's Pokémon Ninja Scroll

Chapter 233 Air Force Deterrence

However, after thinking about it again, Jianchuan Ju realized that it was actually quite understandable.

Looking at the map, Whirlpool Island is practically right next to the Land of Fire.

If ownership falls into the hands of Kirigakure, it would be tantamount to placing a cannon right on Konoha's doorstep.

Especially now that Kirigakure still has the Sky Division as an ace, Konoha's eastern front was frequently forced to retreat due to bombings during the war.

If this were during peacetime, all the people of the Land of Fire within the flight range of the Sky Guard ninjas would probably prioritize digging air-raid shelters before they could sleep soundly.

If the technology of the subsequent air force equipment continues to improve and its flight range is extended to the area where Konoha Village is located, even the Hokage will probably not be able to sleep soundly.

Neither side showed any intention of backing down in the meeting room, so there was really no need to continue the discussion.

The Third Mizukage said one last thing.

"This is also the wish of the Daimyo of the Land of Water. You should go back and think it over carefully."

Then came the sound of a chair being moved.

Just as Jianchuan Ju was wondering whether she should avoid the situation since the two sides parted on bad terms, the conference room door was suddenly pushed open forcefully.

The person who came out seemed to have no idea that there was a young kid sitting outside the meeting room.

After stepping halfway out the door, the old man paused for a moment, then a look of hatred flashed in his eyes.

Jianchuan Ju didn't seem to care and began to sized up the two envoys from Konoha.

The younger one behind him doesn't need much scrutiny; his pineapple-shaped haircut clearly identifies him as a Nara clan ninja. However, since Tachibana Kanagawa has never met Nara Shikaku and this person doesn't have any scars on his face, it's impossible to be certain if it's him.

The older one, however, had light brown hair, a thick beard, and wore black half-rimmed glasses. Tachibana recognized him at a glance.

Mitoka's inflammation?

"Is this old man talking so rudely? Does he look down on us, Kirigakure?"

Just then, the Third Mizukage and Elder Genji also came out from inside the door. Seeing Mitokado Homura standing there in a daze and Kenkawa Tachibana standing up opposite him, they introduced them with smiles.

"Let me introduce Elder Mitomon. This is our young Jonin from Kirigakure, Kenkawa Tachibana."

As she spoke, she waved to Jianchuan Ju.

Kanakawa Tachibana naturally followed obediently.

"Elder Mitomon, I have long admired your name."

"The Konoha F4, huh? I've certainly heard a lot about them!"

However, when faced with the seemingly harmless-looking Tachibana Kenkawa, Homura Mitokado's face darkened, and he replied through gritted teeth.

"The renowned Gale Wings need no introduction from Lord Mizukage."

The Third Mizukage seemed completely unconcerned about Homura Mitokado's attitude, patting Tachibana Kanagawa on the shoulder as he spoke.

"Tachibana boy, you've come at the right time. You'll be in charge of escorting Elder Mitomon and his party back to the Land of Fire."

Upon hearing this, Mitokado Homura's face turned even more ashen, and he abruptly and rudely turned and left.

Jianchuan Ju was also slightly taken aback.

"What? They didn't come alone? They need an escort?"

Seemingly sensing Tachibana's thoughts, and seeing that Homura Mitokado had already walked away, the Third Mizukage casually waved his hand and said.

"Come on, let's talk about your plans for the future."

With her brain racing, Tachibana followed the Third Mizukage into the Mizukage's office, and Elder Genshi followed behind with a smile.

Sitting down at his desk, the Third Mizukage continued the previous topic without hesitation.

"How much of the meeting did you hear?"

"So it was intentionally left a crack in the door?"

Jianchuan Ju scratched his head awkwardly.

"All I heard was about the ownership of Uzushima Island."

"That's enough."

The Third Mizukage nodded, and since Tachibana Kenkawa heard that, he didn't have to explain it again.

"Taking Whirlpool Island is a shared desire of both the village and the daimyo. The daimyo needs a commercial port city close to the mainland, belonging to the Land of Water. The village needs to station enough people on Whirlpool Island as a frontline base to launch an attack immediately should war break out in the future."

Tachibana Kanakawa nodded in response, indicating her understanding.

"Business and military, you know."

Although these cannot be established directly within the Land of Fire, Uzushima is close enough to the Land of Fire's mainland that if it can be truly controlled, it could even extend its influence to surrounding cities and villages within the Land of Fire in the future.

"So, what does the Third Hokage need me to do?"

Tachibana tilted her head, unsure what taking down Uzushima had to do with her.

At this moment, Elder Yuanshi took over the conversation and spoke on behalf of the Third Mizukage.

"Tachibana boy, you don't need to do anything. Just take two members of the air squad and fly around once after you escort Elder Mitomon to the border of the Land of Fire."

"After that, you will return directly to the Whirlpool Island camp and set up camp. This time, bring all the spare flight equipment and the trained air force reserve members with you."

"The village will notify Haruyu to take over, and during this period, they will organize several test flights for the Air Force members around the Land of Fire."

"Wow, a military exercise! Air Force deterrence, I get it!"

Jianchuan Ju couldn't help but feel ashamed. Most of those reserve members usually worked on the aircraft carriers of the Air Force, responsible for logistics. Putting aside their combat skills, they were certainly capable of flying out and intimidating people.

Furthermore, since ground-based catapult systems are not as complex as aircraft carrier construction, several can be built within the Uzushima front-line camp.

When the air force formation goes out, it will consist of hundreds of people, and I estimate that anyone who sees it will tremble.

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"The number of regular ninjas currently stationed at the front line seems to be small. Would doing this be risky?"

Jianchuan Ju asked cautiously.

The Third Mizukage waved his hand dismissively and said it didn't matter.

"I know Hiruzen Sarutobi's personality. He's just testing the waters. He won't force us back into the battle unless the attack lands on Konoha."

Tachibana Kenkawa nodded in agreement. If it were the "Ninja Hero" from before the Second Shinobi World War, he might have forcibly sent people to raid the Uzushima camp and completely drive Kirigakure out.

But what about the current "Ninja Technique Doctor"?

It is estimated that they will only continue to increase their investment in peace talks in order to prevent Konoha from being attacked from both sides.

"But Hiruzen Sarutobi is a kid, and so am I. Does this mean I've been directly promoted in seniority?"

After understanding the situation, Jianchuan Ju was relieved, realizing that she wasn't actually the key to this mission.

To be fair, Tachibana Kenkawa is far from being able to intimidate the enemy single-handedly; rather, the total number of flying ninjas in the Air Force is the real bargaining chip at the negotiating table.

"Alright, Tachibana-kun. That Mitokado Homura failed in this negotiation and should be returning to Konoha Village soon. You should go back and arrange manpower and equipment as soon as possible."

"yes!"

After bowing to the Third Mizukage and Elder Yuanshi, Tachibana Kenkawa quickly left the Mizukage's office.

On his way back to the Air Force Base, Tachibana Kanagawa stroked his chin, lost in thought.

"The commander at the front is currently Teacher Qing, so perhaps that's accurate."

(End of this chapter)