Capítulo 42: Three Villages On Board
The silence following his words was deafening, the tension in the room coiling like a spring. Temari stood beside Ryomaru, her eyes resolute and her stance unwavering. She gave a small nod of agreement, mirroring Ryomaru's sentiments.
Rasa looked at Temari, then back at Ryomaru, his onyx eyes weighing the gravity of the boy's proposition. He leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest as he contemplated. It was a bold proposal, one that bore significant risks. But if the other villages were willing, it might just offer a sliver of hope for his troubled son.
It was the potential benefit for Gaara that stayed his outright rejection of the proposition. Rasa knew of the struggles Gaara faced, the isolating pain of being the village's jinchuriki. The chance to alleviate that, to offer Gaara a glimmer of normalcy, was tempting.
However, Rasa couldn't ignore the diplomatic implications and potential threats. Trust was a fickle thing, especially between shinobi villages. Still, if they could ensure proper safeguards, if they could ascertain that this move wouldn't compromise the village's security...
"Konoha and Kumo are willing to take this risk, you say?" Rasa finally spoke, his voice carrying a hint of intrigue. He eyed Ryomaru carefully, his mind churning with questions and possibilities.
Ryomaru nodded, his gaze not wavering from the Kazekage. "Yes, Kazekage-sama. They understand the potential benefits for all villages involved."
Rasa was silent for a moment longer, his onyx eyes studying the young shinobi. He looked at his daughter, her unwavering gaze meeting his. Rasa sighed, a soft sound that echoed in the quiet room. "We will need to discuss this in detail, and I will need assurances from both the Hokage and the Raikage."
Ryomaru bowed slightly, a hint of relief flashing in his ice-blue eyes. "Thank you, Kazekage-sama. Your willingness to consider this proposal...it means a lot."
The meeting between the three Kages was held in a large chamber, devoid of any elaborate decoration but emanating an air of intense authority. They sat around a round table, each representing their respective villages - Konoha, Kumo, and Suna.
Raikage A, with his imposing figure and stern gaze, was the first to speak, "The exchange program, as proposed by my son, involves a great deal of risk and trust, not just among the Jinchuriki, but also between our villages."
Hiruzen Sarutobi set his Hokage hat on the table and nodded in agreement, "Indeed, Raikage-sama. The idea is ambitious, but it does have potential benefits, including strengthening the bonds of our alliance."
Rasa, his piercing gaze unfaltering, added, "And fostering a stronger new generation by allowing them to learn different aspects of each village. Still, there are concerns that need addressing."
A held up a hand, "One of the major concerns is the involvement of Danzo Shimura in this matter. I cannot and will not condone his presence in Konoha during the exchange program."
Hiruzen sighed, knowing full well the tension that Danzo's name invoked. "I assure you, Danzo will not interfere in this program. His...approach may differ from mine, but he understands the value of our alliance."
"The trust we are speaking of," Rasa interjected, "is hard-earned and easily broken. My own son will be among those venturing into unfamiliar territory. His wellbeing, along with the other children's, must be guaranteed."
"We all share that sentiment, Kazekage-sama," Hiruzen responded. "I assure you that their safety is paramount in our discussions."
A nodded, "This will also require an absolute guarantee that unique and family techniques of the students will not be revealed. This is non-negotiable."
"Agreed, Raikage-sama," Hiruzen said, giving a firm nod. "We all value the integrity and secrecy of our village techniques."
"Then," Rasa's gaze moved between the other two Kages, "there is the issue of the Jinchuriki. Sending them to Kumo... Killer B has managed his situation admirably, but this is still a gamble."
A's gaze was steely, "B has not only managed, but thrived. He has found a balance that few Jinchuriki ever do. This is an opportunity for Gaara and Naruto to learn from his experience."
Rasa's eyes held a flicker of hope, quickly masked by his usual stoicism. "This is not a decision to be made lightly. But for Gaara's sake...I am willing to entertain this possibility."
A's gaze hardened, "This venture must benefit all involved, Kazekage. Not just your son."
Rasa gave a curt nod, "Of course, Raikage. The objective is mutual growth and strengthened bonds, after all."
"I propose a student exchange per village," Hiruzen suggested, cutting into the growing tension. "One being a Jinchuriki obviously, and the other two selected based on merit and compatibility."
A nodded, grudgingly agreeing, "The Jinchuriki is a given, and one must be a shinobi of high potential. An individual who can adapt to different situations and environments. Someone like...Ryomaru."
"Ryomaru," Rasa echoed, considering the boy. He recalled the determination in those ice-blue eyes when the idea was first proposed. "A fitting choice, indeed. But that still leaves Suna with one less participant."
A thoughtful silence descended, the Kages considering their options. After a few moments, Hiruzen broke the silence, "One of our clan heirs could be exchanged with Gaara. Perhaps...Shikamaru Nara. He has a unique mind and can learn a lot from Suna's shinobi, and vice versa."
The proposition was met with nods of agreement, Shikamaru being an ideal candidate due to his strategic brilliance. "That leaves us with the issue of contingencies," Rasa said, his tone growing serious. "If there is an accident or a misunderstanding, how can we ensure that Suna will have a voice?"
Hiruzen met Rasa's gaze steadily. "All three villages will sign an agreement ensuring that any issues arising during the exchange will be handled collectively. The Kage will meet to discuss the situation and decide the course of action."
This led to a comprehensive discussion of various hypothetical situations and the possible ways to handle them. Diplomacy and fair judgment were emphasized heavily during this discussion, given the sensitivity of the situation.
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