The air in the Reception Room grew thick at the mention of Orochimaru's name.
Shikaku Nara's fingers silently tightened against his knees, then slowly relaxed. He looked at Baishi and found not a ripple of emotion on the Hokage's face, as though Chiyo had merely stated some trivial, long-anticipated fact.
After saying those words, Chiyo lowered her eyes, picked up the tea that had gone completely cold before her, and took a small sip.
She had delivered her diagnosis.
A diagnosis that went far beyond Konoha's expectations.
Now it was the buyer's turn to assess the value of that intelligence and decide on the next move.
Baishi's gaze swept over Chiyo's aged face before settling on the Crystal containing the sealed purple chakra.
"Thank you for your efforts, Adviser Chiyo."
His steady voice broke the silence in the room.
"Your professional opinion will be a valuable reference as we assess the Border Security Risk."
He still used the terms "adviser" and "valuable reference," bringing this nerve-racking intelligence exchange back within the framework of a routine, properly conducted official consultation.
Shikaku caught his meaning and stood.
"That concludes today's technical discussion. We'll prepare a set of meeting minutes and send it to your residence shortly. Adviser Chiyo, I'll have someone escort you back so you can rest."
Chiyo put down her teacup and slowly rose as well, bowing slightly.
"Sorry for the trouble, Lord Hokage, Lord Shikaku."
She said nothing more and did not look again at either the Crystal or the scroll of accounts. It was as though she had truly come today only to attend an ordinary Technical Symposium.
An ANBU operative appeared soundlessly at the door and gestured for Chiyo to follow.
Chiyo disappeared through the doorway, and the Reception Room door was gently closed behind her.
Shikaku