In the Hokage's Office, only a thin layer of dark green tea remained in the cup before Shikaku. His eyes were bloodshot, red veins spreading across the whites. He hadn't slept once since receiving that call from Hoshino Maki.
Calls, maps, a steady stream of updates—he was coordinating with thirty defensive positions without missing a beat, displaying his formidable organizational skills to the fullest.
Of course, he wasn't under quite so much pressure now. In three days, ten outposts and bases in the southwest had already been taken out. Hoshino Maki had relieved him of a considerable workload.
"East, northwest, or around Konoha to join the Cloud Ninja? No, the Sand Shinobi just fought the Cloud Ninja, so they wouldn't—no, wait. If the Cloud and Stone can form an alliance..."
Shikaku stood before the map, his gaze shifting restlessly within the circle he had drawn earlier as he muttered to himself.
The ten defensive positions had no discernible pattern. There was no way to figure out the enemy's next move.
"Shikaku."
The office door opened, and Hiruzen Sarutobi walked in.
"Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the deep circles under Shikaku's eyes and sighed. "Go home and get some rest, Shikaku. You have to trust that others can share the burden."
Shikaku shook his head and managed a faint smile. "It's fine. Even if I went home now, I wouldn't be able to sleep. I might as well stay here and see what I can do."
Hiruzen patted Shikaku on the shoulder. "Don't worry. With the Hyuga and Uchiha reinforcements, the other two fronts should hold for now. The Sand Shinobi aren't that much of a threat."
Shikaku nodded, then seemed to remember something. "Have there been any reports from the ANBU, sir?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed inwardly. "No. Qing hasn't found