The atmosphere at the High-level Regular Meeting was somewhat stifling.
The windows of the Meeting Room were tightly shut, cutting off the bustle of the village and slowing the circulation of air. The tea on the table had already been replaced once, and the rising steam was gradually fading, leaving only a thin layer of mist on the sides of the cups.
Baishi sat at the head of the long table, his fingers absently rubbing the corner of a document. The paper was smooth, carrying the dry scent of ink.
Mitokado Homura sat to his left, and Utatane Koharu to his right. Both advisors were dressed unusually formally that day. Their expressions were solemn, and they had not said a word since the meeting began.
Shikaku Nara sat below Baishi, his notebook spread open before him. The tip of his pen hovered over the paper, yet remained suspended there.
More than half the agenda had already passed. The discussion had concerned routine matters such as rebuilding the village and the curriculum for the Ninja Academy's new term. Baishi had approved several documents and rejected a few impractical budget requests. Everything had proceeded without a ripple.
Until Utatane Koharu gave a soft cough.
Everyone's gaze in the Meeting Room drifted toward her, more or less.
"Lord Hokage," Utatane Koharu said evenly, revealing little emotion. "The investigation into the Konoha Oceanic Trading Company has been underway for two days."
She did not look at anyone. Her gaze rested on the teacup before her.
"The company has been sealed, and its accounts frozen. Its overseas trading partners have been sending inquiries every day, while more than a hundred employees and their families are now in a state of panic. If this continues, it will harm both the village's commercial reputation and its internal