Hokage Building, third basement level, General Staff Headquarters.
On the enormous sand table, chakra lights representing Konoha's various units flashed and moved in a calm, efficient rhythm. The air smelled of paper, ink, and the faint, distinctive scorch of overloaded chakra communications equipment.
Shikaku Nara sat at the center of the command station. Apart from the unfolded operational map, the only thing on the desk before him was a cup of tea that had long since gone cold.
He had not slept all night, yet his eyes were clearer than ever.
Operation "Pure Land," a code name personally chosen by the Fifth Hokage, Baishi, had signaled its ruthless, uncompromising nature from the very beginning.
"Reporting, Chief," an ANBU communications operative said, hurrying to his side and keeping his voice low. "The Third and Fifth Reconnaissance Squads dispatched to the outskirts of the Sea of Death have reached their designated positions and are setting up the Perception Barrier. The first phase of the intelligence containment network should be complete in forty minutes."
Shikaku nodded, his gaze never leaving the sand table.
"Remind the frontline commanders that our objective is to 'clean up,' not to 'engage.' Until the main force arrives, no unit is to make unauthorized contact with any active unit in the target area."
"Yes, sir."
The communications operative left to carry out his orders.
The atmosphere in the command room was tense but orderly. Everything was proceeding according to the scenario Shikaku had rehearsed hundreds of times in his head.
Then another communications operative's report disrupted that smooth rhythm.
"Chief, urgent message from logistics."
Shikaku looked up.
"Speak."
"The Third Supply Warehouse under the Defense Department has rejected our requisition request." The operative's voice sounded strained. "The 'Seventh Form' Specialized Drilling-and-Blasting Explosive Tags required for the operation cannot be