The Transfer Team's Power Play and the Hidden Side of Compliant Operations

The night was as dark as ink, spilled across the boundless sea of sand.

The convoy had lit no torches, relying only on several specially made low-light sand mice to lead the way as they moved silently between the rolling dunes.

The twelve-person formation took the standard diamond-shaped escort pattern, tightly protecting the heavy all-metal carriage in the center.

Baishi had been assigned to the rear of the convoy, the position farthest from the core carriage.

It was the most dangerous rear-guard position in the formation. It required constant vigilance against ambushes from behind, and it was also the position most likely to be abandoned by the main force in an emergency.

The windblown sand tugged at his clothes, making them snap loudly.

"Hey, the one from Konoha."

Commander Inuzuka's voice came from the front of the formation. It was not loud, but it clearly overpowered the wind and reached everyone's ears.

He did not look back. He merely turned slightly, making his voice sound even more condescending.

"I heard you wrote a pretty good report, enough to impress Adviser Chiyo. Since you're supposedly talented, you can take on a little more responsibility."

There was undisguised mockery in Inuzuka's tone.

"The rear guard has the best view, and it's also the greatest test of ability. That settles it. Stay there and keep a good watch. Don't make the elite of Sunagakure waste their attention looking after an auditor."

It was an utterly merciless power play.

The atmosphere in the formation instantly became strange. Several ANBU ninjas curled their lips into faint smiles, while a few veterans transferred from the Regular Guard Division exchanged a discreet glance before lowering their eyes, as if they had heard nothing.

In this hastily assembled, faction-ridden team, the commander's first order was meant to establish