"The Kumogakure Envoy Mission refuses to explain, and even used a Hyuga Branch Family ninja as a chip?"
Sasuke Uchiha pressed the Border Emergency Report onto the table, his fingers tracing along the edge of a Forehead Protector scorched by Lightning Release, the paper making a crisp sound.
Hiashi stood on the other side of the conference table, his expression frighteningly gloomy.
"They are forcing the Hyuga to bow, and also testing who is really calling the shots in Konoha right now."
Shikaku held a cigarette between his fingers without lighting it, only looking at the information scrolls piling higher and higher in front of Sasuke.
"We can temporarily delay responding to Kumogakure. The more anxious we are to explain, the more they will lead us by the nose."
Fugaku frowned.
"The Orphanage just had an incident, and the village has not completely stabilized yet. If conflict breaks out on the border again, the old faction in the Hokage Building might seize the opportunity to make a comeback."
Sasuke picked up a Newly Compiled Defense Map, directly drawing red circles around the East Gate, North Gate, the Orphanage, and the Hyuga Clan Compound.
"So from now on, Konoha's defense will be completely taken over by the Joint Law Enforcement Department."
Kakashi leaned against the window, holding the latest ANBU deployment roster in his hand.
"The Hokage Building side will be dissatisfied."
Sasuke raised his eyes.
"They no longer have the Defense Stamp."
The conference room fell silent.
Sasuke pushed the second Order Document to Shikaku.
"Maintain border vigilance, do not launch preemptive strikes, and do not accept unilateral negotiations with Kumogakure."
He looked at Hiashi again.
"The Hyuga Clan Compound enters Level 2 alert, and all Main Family children temporarily relocate to the inner ring."
Hiashi did not waste a