The Secret Late-Night Submission of Classified Intelligence and the Undercurrents at the High-Level Meeting

The Hokage's Office remained lit late into the night.

Baishi took off his sand-covered coat and casually draped it over the back of a chair. When his fingertips touched the warm teacup, a faint current of warmth traveled along his meridians, slightly soothing the restless energy within him that had yet to be fully tamed.

He had not turned on the main lights, leaving only a desk lamp glowing. Its light surrounded him in a small, dimly lit island of solitude. Outside the window, Konoha had already sunk into sleep.

The office door was tapped three times, extremely lightly. The knocks were neither hurried nor slow, with a distinct rhythm.

"Come in." Baishi's voice was quiet, yet clear enough to hear.

The door turned on its hinges without making a sound. Shikaku Nara entered and gently pulled the door shut behind him. The office once again returned to its isolated silence.

He held a black Scroll sealed with the highest-level security mark in red wax.

"Hokage-sama." Shikaku presented the Scroll with both hands, placing it neither too close nor too far from Baishi's hand. The distance showed respect while also making it convenient for Baishi to pick it up.

Baishi's gaze swept over the Scroll, but he did not reach for it immediately.

"Thanks for your effort, Shikaku." He picked up his teacup and blew on the tea leaves floating on the surface. "It's so late. Is there a new development in the south?"

Shikaku bowed slightly. No emotion could be seen in his eyes behind his lenses.

"Yes. The Land of Wind has submitted a formal diplomatic document."

He was concise, without any unnecessary embellishment.

"Fourth Kazekage Rasa claims that Jinchuriki Bunpuku's mental state has been damaged and his Chakra activity has dropped drastically. On that basis, he is