The Fine Line of Reporting and the Hidden Test at the Outer Perimeter of the Underground Palace

The wind and sand had stopped.

Captain Zuo Shi walked ahead, his footsteps making dull sounds against the sandy ground. He did not look back, but his words were directed at Baishi, who followed half a step behind him.

"The person we're meeting shortly is Minister Masa of the Defense Department."

"Remember: speak less, observe more."

"Yes, Captain." Baishi replied, his voice muffled by the Fox Mask, revealing no emotion.

The Defense Department building was far more imposing than the regular guard barracks. It was built from massive blocks of stone, with tiny windows, resembling a fortress.

The guards at the entrance merely nodded when they saw Zuo Shi and did not question him.

The corridors were quiet as they made their way inside. Occasionally, ninjas carrying scrolls hurried past. When they saw Zuo Shi, they merely nodded in greeting, though their gazes lingered a moment longer on Baishi's Fox Mask.

The minister's office was at the very end of the third floor.

Zuo Shi stopped at the door, adjusted his Protector, then raised a hand and knocked.

"Come in."

The voice inside was deep and resonant.

Zuo Shi pushed open the door and stepped aside, allowing Baishi to follow him in.

The office was spacious. Behind a broad desk sat a man. He did not look at those entering, his gaze remaining on an Inner Village defense map spread across the desk as his fingers slowly moved over several marked locations.

Zuo Shi stopped three steps from the desk, his feet together.

"Minister Masa."

Baishi stood behind Zuo Shi, his head slightly lowered, his gaze fixed on the ground half a meter in front of his feet.

After roughly half a minute, the man named Masa finally raised his head. His face looked as though it had been carved