The Budget Overrun and the Clash Over Kyoto Personnel Assignments

Konoha First Conference Room.

The clock had just passed nine in the morning.

The long conference table had been polished spotless, its surface reflecting the cold fluorescent lights overhead. Baishi sat at the head of the table with only a cup of tea before him. Most of its steam had faded.

To his left sat the advisers Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu. The two elders sat straight-backed with their eyes closed, as though everything around them was of no concern.

To his right, Shikaku Nara was reading through documents, his lenses occasionally catching the light.

Farther down sat the heads of ANBU, the Security Department, the Logistics Department, the Medical Department, and other key divisions. They sat rigidly, eyes lowered. In the vast room, the only sound was the occasional rustle of a page turning.

The atmosphere was heavy.

Baishi picked up his teacup. Its base tapped lightly against the table.

"Everyone's here. Let's begin."

He skipped the opening remarks and went straight to the point.

"Late last night, the Land of Wind sent us a diplomatic document. Shikaku, brief everyone."

Shikaku Nara rose and handed out the documents, then gave a concise account of the previous night's report.

When they heard that Sunagakure was demanding S-Rank Lightning Release Ninjutsu, a three-year supply of Soldier Pills, and a stationed medical Expert Group, more than a few department heads frowned.

"Lord Hokage, this is extortion!" the short-tempered Logistics Minister blurted out.

Baishi raised a hand to stop him.

"Let's not rush to a conclusion." He turned to Mitokado Homura. "Adviser, what do you think?"

Mitokado Homura slowly opened his eyes. His clouded gaze betrayed nothing. Instead of answering Baishi's question, he gently pushed a document forward.

"The matter with the Land of Wind is a contest between nations. It requires careful