The Higher-Ups' Strict Inspection Order and the Clever Diversion of Trouble

The Inspection Group leader's words were like a handful of sand poured into Ji Tu's nerves, which had only just relaxed.

On-site inspection.

Those four words seemed to lower the temperature inside the stone house by several degrees.

No matter how flawless the accounts were, the supplies themselves were fake. Those inferior Sealing Talisman Papers and badly worn Conduction Nodes would immediately reveal their true nature to anyone familiar with the trade—one touch, one probe with Chakra, and the truth would be exposed.

Cold sweat instantly soaked Ji Tu's back.

He looked toward Baishi as if seeking help, only to find him standing quietly to one side, as though none of this had anything to do with him.

The Inspection Group leader had already risen and was expressionlessly straightening his gloves.

"Let's go, Captain Ji Tu. We'll start with the C-7 Node listed in your report as having the heaviest losses."

His tone brooked no argument.

"Yes... yes."

Ji Tu's voice was hoarse, and his steps came out somewhat unsteady.

Just as the group was about to leave the stone house, Baishi suddenly spoke.

"Wait, sir."

Everyone stopped in their tracks.

The Inspection Group leader turned around, his sharp gaze falling on Baishi's Fox Mask.

"You are?"

"Baishi, a secondee from the Konoha Logistics Department. I'm currently assisting the Third Squadron and Maintenance Team with the audit." Baishi bowed slightly, keeping his posture humble.

"Is there something you need?"

"I wouldn't dare delay you in the execution of your duties." Baishi took a stack of documents from his robes and presented them with both hands. "It's just that, according to auditing procedures, an on-site inspection requires cross-checking the original supply-issue forms. While sorting through the old files just now, I found several documents whose approval procedures seemed somewhat irregular. I'd