The night grew deeper.
The lights were still on in the Hokage's Office. Shikaku Nara carefully tucked the draft reform proposal for the Konoha Military Police Force, bearing its red-ink approval, into his document folder.
Baishi did not urge him to leave.
Shikaku showed no intention of leaving, either.
After Tsunade's secret letter had been sent off, the air in the office seemed to grow heavier. The black metal box had already been locked in a drawer, but the chill it brought lingered in every corner of the room.
"Lord Hokage, about procuring sand scorpion grass..." Shikaku finally broke the silence. His voice was very low, as though he were discussing some trivial chore.
Baishi drew his gaze back from the darkness outside the window and looked at his Chief of General Staff.
"Draft an official document."
"Yes." Shikaku nodded, then added, "But I need your decision on how this document should be routed."
He took another blank sheet of official stationery and a pen from the leather bag he carried.
"Under the regulations, bulk purchases of specialized medicinal ingredients require the Medical Department to submit a request, the Logistics Department to verify the price, and the Finance Department to approve it. Finally, the Commerce Department handles contact with outside suppliers."
Shikaku laid out every step of the process clearly.
"That means passing through at least four departments and no fewer than ten staff members. And the final procurement list will be compiled and publicly disclosed in the financial report at the end of the quarter."
Baishi tapped his fingers lightly on the desk.
"Too slow, and too conspicuous."
"Yes." Shikaku agreed. "You know Director Morita of the Finance Department. He doesn't care who you are, only what the rules say. For a special purchase like this, one not included