Konoha's Room 3.
The long table gleamed, reflecting the silent lights overhead.
Baishi sat at the head of the table, with Chief of General Staff Shikaku Nara to his left. Across from them sat the Daimyo Residence's delegation, led by Ito Masamune.
The steam had long since faded from the untouched teacups.
Yesterday had been spent on formalities. Today was the real first round.
Shikaku Nara cleared his throat, breaking the stagnant silence.
"Lord Ito, colleagues, welcome once again to Konoha. We appreciate you coming to guide our work." He spoke slowly, choosing each word with care. "Yesterday's tour was mainly to give you a firsthand look at the village. Today, we'd like to hear the delegation's specific requirements and instructions."
His opening was impeccable, and it put the ball in their court.
Ito Masamune leaned forward slightly, his hands folded on the table and a practiced smile on his face.
"You're too kind, Chief of General Staff Shikaku. We're not here to make demands. We're here to help."
He paused, looking past Shikaku straight at Baishi.
"Lord Baishi, the Daimyo Residence has been following Konoha's recent development closely. To better help the village clarify its finances and guard against potential risks, we'd like to conduct a thorough review of several key projects."
Baishi lifted his teacup and gently blew aside the floating leaves. He said nothing, merely gesturing for Ito to continue.
Ito's smile remained, but his tone suddenly grew weightier.
"Under the Daimyo Residence's authorization, the delegation needs to examine every original ledger for the Kazama Logistics Park project since its inception, as well as all original receipts and contracts from the Konoha Military Procurement Department for the past two years, as part of a routine audit."
He put unmistakable emphasis on "original."
When he finished, several Konoha