Baishi gently set the red scroll covered in scrawled handwriting on the desk.
The fragments of sealing wax looked like congealed blood.
Only he and Shikaku Nara remained in the office. At that moment, the insects chirping outside the window sounded unusually clear.
"She's gone mad." Shikaku stared at the scroll, his voice a little dry. "An irrational woman wielding supreme authority is more trouble than a hundred clearheaded political enemies combined."
It was the truth.
A rational opponent would weigh the pros and cons, compromise, and negotiate. But someone driven to a mental breakdown by withdrawal would only try to seize her last lifeline, heedless of the consequences-even if that lifeline dragged everyone down with her.
"How much authority can she still exercise?" Baishi asked.
His voice was calm, as though they were discussing an ordinary weather forecast.
Shikaku walked to the map on the wall. Dense red and blue lines divided the territory of the Land of Fire. His finger traced several routes connecting the Capital to the eastern border.
"In theory, the Daimyo Residence Supreme Security Directive lets her bypass every administrative department and directly mobilize the Twelve Guardian Ninja's reserves, block major transport routes, and even declare the border region a restricted military zone, forcing us to halt operations."
"But that would require Chiriku's cooperation," Baishi added.
Shikaku nodded. "Chiriku already made his position clear during the last audit crisis. He won't stake the entire Land of Fire's credibility on Lady Jiye's selfish desires. But she can bypass him and use the Daimyo Residence's Internal Guard."
"A group of guards responsible for ceremonial duties and internal security." Not a ripple disturbed Baishi's tone. "They won't reach the front."
Shikaku understood what Baishi meant.
Between the Capital and the eastern border lay Konoha's layers of defensive zones.