It was already late at night.
Shihōin Naraku and Shikaku Nara's discussion came to a temporary close.
Shikaku asked, "If there's nothing else, I'll head back and finish the deployment plans for each team, then put them on your desk tomorrow morning for review."
"Three companies for Iwagakure, two each for the Land of Grass and Takigakure, one for the Land of Iron, four for the Land of Rain, plus one squad each for several smaller powers. By a rough count, we'll need to deploy around two hundred and thirty people."
"That number won't arouse alarm or resistance from the other powers."
"All right."
Naraku rose from his chair and rolled his shoulders, his joints making a faint popping sound. "Let's go with that number."
He walked to the window and pushed one pane halfway open. The evening breeze swept in, carrying the distinctive smells of everyday life in Konoha.
"With an operation spanning so many regions on this scale, unexpected problems are bound to arise."
"Choose experienced Jonin to lead every team. That'll help them complete their missions, too."
"Understood. I'll prepare contingency plans."
Naraku grunted in acknowledgment and said nothing more.
"I'll put the plans on your desk tomorrow morning," Shikaku emphasized once more before leaving.
"Good."
The next morning.
Just as Shikaku had said, he had delivered the completed plans to Naraku.
"That's Shikaku for you. So quick, and the arrangements are sound, too."
After going through the roster, Naraku nodded in satisfaction.
That was also why he had made Shikaku his aide.
Once he confirmed the roster, Naraku began issuing operational authorizations for the various support teams, personally stamping each with the Hokage's seal and signing his name at the bottom.
"All right, go make the arrangements. Have them set out as soon as possible."