Asano slapped the document onto the desk.
"The Daimyo's Residence makes the rules."
"Unless you hand over the Seal of Authority, the Private Treasury won't release a single coin, and not one item of supplies will leave the South Street Special Economic Zone."
"If you're so capable, let the shinobi on the front lines fight the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist with empty stomachs and bare fists."
Hyuga Hiashi stepped forward, fixing Hiruzen with a piercing stare.
"Lord Hokage, the greater good comes first."
Hiashi's voice left no room for compromise.
"The Hyuga Clan's children cannot be sent to their deaths without Explosive Tags."
"Please surrender the Seal of Authority, Lord Hokage."
Shikaku Nara stepped forward next, his tone level.
"Please put the village first and surrender the Logistics Seal, Lord Hokage."
Choza Akimichi and Inoichi Yamanaka both clasped their fists.
"Please hand over the seal, Lord Hokage!"
Tsume Inuzuka went further, sneering.
"Hiruzen, stop clinging to your power."
"Hand over the Seal of Authority, and the frontline troops can break camp immediately."
"If you keep stalling and the Land of Waves garrison is wiped out, you'll be the village's guilty party."
The clan heads surrounded Hiruzen.
Their gazes held none of their former respect, only pressure and disgust.
Hiruzen looked at the once-obedient leaders of the Shinobi Clans before him.
Then he looked at Chikage, who stood calmly off to one side.
Hiruzen knew the tide had turned against him.
He had held this position for too long, growing accustomed to controlling others through their interests and the will of fire.
But now, Chikage had brought the Daimyo's Residence into the picture and used commercial rules to tear his political maneuvering to shreds.
With trembling hands, Hiruzen opened the bottom drawer of his desk.
He took out a