The air in the Hokage's Office had been stagnant for two days.
Shikaku Nara placed the last document on Baishi's desk, his voice carrying a barely perceptible rasp.
"Lord Hokage, this is the report the Logistics Department just delivered. Routine maintenance on the village's three main roads has been suspended. We can keep paying Genin for regular missions for one more day at most."
"As for the Konoha Military Police Force, Fugaku Uchiha hasn't said anything, but equipment rotations for two patrol squads have already been put on hold. His people are very upset."
"Most importantly, there are the clans that bought the bonds. The Hyuga and the Akimichi Clan are still holding steady, but the heads of several smaller clans came to the General Staff Headquarters for the third time this morning to ask about the situation."
Having finished, Shikaku stood silently to one side.
His meaning was clear.
Konoha was a precision machine, and with its funding cut off, its gears had already begun to grind.
If this continued, the village would descend into chaos before the Daimyo Residence even released its audit report.
Baishi's gaze remained on a border defense map, as though he had heard none of Shikaku's report.
He drew a small circle in the map's southeastern corner with a red pen.
"Have the Defense Department lower this outpost's alert level from B-Rank to C-Rank."
Shikaku froze for a moment.
At a time like this, he was adjusting border defenses instead of discussing finances?
"Lord Hokage, at a time like this..."
"Carry out the order."
Baishi's voice was calm, without the slightest ripple.
"Yes."
Shikaku suppressed his doubts and nodded. He knew this young Hokage never made a move without a purpose.
Just then, a soft knock came at the office door.
An ANBU entered