A Dead-End Stalemate and a Joint Investigation That Turned the Tables

The air in the Hokage's Office froze at the news of Nakai's death.

Under the lights, the emergency report on the Old Archives lay quietly on the desk, every word cold and merciless.

The dead could not testify.

Baishi's fingertips silently traced across the desktop as his gaze settled on the deep night beyond the window. This lead had been cut too cleanly, like a play rehearsed in advance. The other side had clearly anticipated that he would trace the matter back to Nakai and had used a disposable pawn to sever every Vine that might have extended from it.

The office door was pushed open from outside.

There had been no knock.

Consultant Mitokado Homura appeared in the doorway, followed by Utatane Koharu, whose expression was equally grim. The two Konoha elders entered without any announcement, carrying the imposing air of those who had come to demand answers.

"Lord Hokage."

Mitokado Homura's voice was old and hoarse, yet it carried unquestionable pressure. He had not used the honorific "Fifth Hokage," instead addressing him directly as "Lord Hokage." That subtle change in address was itself a statement of position.

Baishi slowly rose from his chair without showing the slightest emotion.

"Consultant Homura, Consultant Koharu, what brings you here so late at night?"

"What brings us here?" Mitokado Homura snorted coldly and slammed a Scroll onto Baishi's desk. "A veteran who devoted his entire life to Konoha died under suspicious circumstances in the Ninja Academy library! He died within the area sealed off by your ANBU! Does that not count as important?"

His voice suddenly rose, filled with grief and accusation.

"Baishi, since taking office, your methods have grown increasingly ruthless. First came the inspections, then the reassignments, and now you have directly driven a Jonin who bled for this village