Intercepting the Secret Letter and a Power Check at the Advisory Council Meeting

The air in the Hokage's Office was heavy.

With a flick of Baishi's fingers, the secret letter from Sunagakure turned into a handful of fine ash that fluttered down from the edge of the desk, leaving no trace behind.

The contents of the letter confirmed his judgment.

Rasa, the calculating Fourth Kazekage, had indeed begun seeking outside aid after sensing danger. He had tried to contact Ōnoki of the Land of Earth and use the combined pressure of both nations against the Land of Fire. It was not a particularly brilliant move, but it was steady enough.

Unfortunately, the man he faced was not Sarutobi Hiruzen, who needed to weigh the pros and cons.

A light knock sounded at the office door. Without waiting for a response, the door was pushed open from outside.

Only a handful of people in this building could act so freely.

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura entered one after the other. They still carried the authority of the previous era. Their steps were unhurried, and their gazes immediately fell upon Baishi with a probing look.

"Lord Hokage."

Utatane Koharu spoke first. Her voice was as rigid as ever. She did not sit down, merely standing several steps away from the desk.

"We have just received a report from the Finance Department. All trade routes along the southern border have been shut down indefinitely. This will reduce the village's quarterly tax revenue by nearly thirty percent. Many trade associations dependent on commerce with the Land of Wind have already lodged serious protests with us."

Her words were flat, without an accusatory tone, yet every sentence held him accountable.

Mitokado Homura adjusted his glasses and added, "Sealing the border is a military measure of the highest level, usually employed only during wartime. Cutting off trade routes so