Late at night, the office on the top floor of the Hokage Building was still lit.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind a broad mahogany desk, holding troop rotation records and financial statements.
The military funds allocated by the Land of Fire's Daimyo Palace always had fixed destinations.
Yet lately, the aroma of stewed meat had drifted from the South District Special Guerrilla Legion's camp every day.
Not only that, according to patrol reports, the South District's craftsmen were working through the night to produce Fine Steel Heavy Armor, consuming astonishing quantities of fine iron.
"Hiruzen, that brat Qian Ye's money definitely isn't coming from legitimate sources."
Mitokado Homura adjusted his glasses and slapped an itemized account gathered by ANBU onto the desk.
"The meat and medicinal supplies the South District consumes every day cost at least several hundred thousand in silver."
"The Defense Department never approved that funding for him."
Utatane Koharu coldly added:
"He's too close to the Uchiha clan, and now he's stockpiling supplies on a massive scale. We can't let our guard down."
"We must find out where he's hiding his treasury."
Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up his specially made pipe from the desk and slowly drew in a mouthful of thick smoke.
Qian Ye had distinguished himself on the front lines and enjoyed considerable prestige in the village.
Sending ANBU straight to his door to audit his accounts would not only lack justification, but also provoke a backlash from the marginalized ninja clans.
"Send a squad skilled in infiltration."
Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a pale smoke ring, a cold gleam passing through his clouded eyes.
"If they find hard evidence of unauthorized weapons transfers or a private treasury, the village will have grounds to reclaim military authority over the South District."
"Remember, be discreet. Don't alert the guards outside."