Dozens of heavy wagons laden with supplies stood steadily outside the gates of the South District Command Center.
Their shafts pressed against the Bluestone Road, creaking dully.
Shimura Danzō stepped away from the lead wagon, leaning on his cane. The bandages wrapped around his face stood out starkly in the firelight.
The Uchiha clan members and Hyuga Branch Family guards stationed on either side of the gates all reached for the weapons at their waists.
Draped in a black coat, Qian Ye strolled out of the camp to greet him.
"Lord Danzo, why did you deliver the supplies yourself?"
Qian Ye hurried forward, his expression showing just the right measure of surprise and admiration.
Danzo waved a hand, signaling the Root Death Squad operatives behind him to pull away all the black cloth covering the wagons.
The cloth slipped off, revealing specially made black iron crates stacked in neat rows.
The crates were packed with Jonin-grade Special Explosive Tags, large quantities of unsharpened, high-purity ninja-tool steel bars, and a full two thousand boxes of concentrated military ration pills.
These supplies were all reserve stock drawn from Root's most secret underground strategic warehouse.
"Qian Ye, I have always acted swiftly and decisively."
Danzo stopped and struck his cane against the ground twice.
"If that spineless Hiruzen Sarutobi wants to play tricks behind our backs, I will never allow it."
"The Seventh Legion is the Hidden Leaf's sharp spear, and a core force I value highly. Its morale must never falter over a few missing meals."
Danzo lowered his voice, his clouded lone eye fixed on Qian Ye's face.
"I have just one question for you. Is the second shipment of deep-sea black tortoise ore truly secure?"
Qian Ye clasped Danzo's withered hand, his expression turning solemn.
"Lord Danzo, your kindness to