Non-compulsory reading:
Thank you, Masashi Kishimoto, for your amazing work of fiction.
The book will become more political, as I want to expand more on the Ninja system.
Buddhism will be heavily referenced, as Taiju's character is symbolic of rebirth/enlightenment.
Please do reviews! My grammar is improving, hopefully 😅
Power stones?
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[Konoha's foreign affairs building]
Located in the secluded North side if Konoha, far from civilians, but close to the Hokage's tower. The Foreign Affairs Building serves as the house of all trade and diplomatic matters.
The Daimyō dictate all trade between Ninja nations, as every ninja village is a military system of their respected land. Such as all trade between the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind is first discussed between the two Kages before their embassies deliver the matter is finalised by the Daimyō. In regard to Sunagakure, the village of Red Sand has a delicate relationship with its Daimyō after the disappearance of the Third Kazekage, a man regarded as the strongest Kage of his generation. The relationship between Sunagakure and the Wind Daimyō deteriorated further as the Daimyō chose to advance trade with Konoha directly between his governors and not through Suna. This was an issue that led to the shaky history between the two villages, following its failed attack on Konoha and alliance with Orochimaru. Suna and Konoha have been at odds, but the promotion of Gaara, the One-tailed Jinchūriki, and youngest Kage to date. Konoha and Suna's trade negotiations have been rebuilt as Lady Tsunade has made Suna a priority relationship amongst the Ninja Villages.
...
"I must thank you again for your hospitality, Lady Fifth." Gaara expresses his gratitude in his deep and mature voice.
The Redhead Kazekage's eyes once held malice is now as calm as the desert winds.
"It is my pleasure. " Tsunade nods her head.
The two Kage sat alone in the claustrophobic office, the 4 walled room was decorated with maps, clan flags and framed photos of past Kage in trade talks. The aesthetic of the room didn't relate to how complex these meetings could get. Even with the idea of improving each other's nations with trade, each nation still has to think of leverage above all. That's why the work of diplomats is as stress inducing as the Kage position. Konoha's leverage over Suna is it's rich land, modern medical facilities and abundance of water. Suna's leverage over Konoha was its natural minerals from iron to gold dust and natural gases. Konoha benefits immensely from these raw materials to improve its economy and in return, Suna gets water, medicine and finished products from its raw materials sold. Jinchūriki aside, these regulations were ideal for both villages.
"I know our villages do not have the best relationship. " Gaara addresses the elephant in the room.
"Yes, our history is very...complicated. " Tsunade added.
Gaara taps his finger against the polished desk.
"This meeting is not only about trade talks. That is the diplomats' responsibility. We need to discuss the matter of Takigakure and its Jinchūriki, Fū. " Gaara reveals his notion.
Tsunade clenches her jaw. "The last time I was informed about her whereabouts, my Anbu said that she is training under Shibuku. " Tsunade spoke.
Gaara studies her face for any sign of deception. "Shibuku is dead, and so is the population of Takigakure. " Gaara reveals to her.
"What!?" Tsunade balls up her fist, the leak of chakra causing the desk to groan.
"I am sorry to inform you. At seems your networks are behind." Gaara comments.
Lady Tsunade growls at him. "Be careful, kid. Even if we are peers by position. I am still your elder. " Tsunade scolds him like she would with Naruto.
"My apologies, Lady Fifth. My wording was immature."
"Continue with what you have to say" Tsunade urges.
"Right...regarding Fū, my Root believes she is with the Kunoichi of the Nadeshiki Village. The All-women village is an independent Ninja system, not belonging to any Daimyō, but is a major benefactor of the Ninja population, as many of its high-ranking Kunoichi go on to marry Ninja of other nations in exchange of all female children to be returned to Nadeshiki for further development and nationalism. " Gaara breaks down to her.
"I am aware of Nadeshiki and it's strict relationships with us, as the 5 Great Villages. " Tsunade adds on to the conversation, "Takigakure was one of the few independent lands that were open to trade with Daimyō-funded countries. With their Jinchūriki in the hands of Nadeshiki, there is no guarantee that our fellow Kage won't try to reason with them for Fū's possession. We both know that Jinchūriki are–"
"The greatest sign of military power of a Land. " Gaara finished her statement.
Tsunade glances at the window. "This is our unfortunate reality." She clears her throat.
Gaara let the moment settle before responding. "You can tell how personal this issue is to me as a Jinchūriki myself. Fū should be given the right to choose her own path, whether as a Jinchūriki of a new nation or an independent Ninja. "
"Stop it. We both know how that will end. " Tsunade warns him.
"Does this conversation make you uncomfortable?" Gaara muses.
"Lord Fifth. " Tsunade spat out, "The idea of a Jinchūriki being independent is dangerous for their own well-being with the Akatsuki at large." Tsunade argues.
"So keeping them as prisoners in a village is better? Isn't it hypocritical for us leaders to brand Jinchūriki as state weapons? The truth of the matter is the Biju were distributed amongst the villages as a sign of peace and growth, but it only fuelled the human desire for power and control. The tailed-beasts are sacred beings forced to be tools, and the unfortunate children that have to host them are not seen as heroes for carrying the burden of such immense power, but they are demonised by their own people and Kage for a fate they didn't consent to." Gaara expresses wholeheartedly, every word came from the bottom of his soul.
Tsunade couldn't help but let out a gasp at the resounding message of the young Kage across from her.
"Gaara...I–"
"Forgive me if it seems as if I'm attacking you, Lady Tsunade. I can't seem to not take this personally. Maybe it's my lack of maturity, but my heart is telling to not let this be dismissed." He continues to speak. "I already decided to meet with Yamato Nadeshiki to discuss the possibility of Fū being an ally of Sunagakure. We do not wish to own her, but be her partner. " Gaara concludes.
"That's is very admirable of you, Lord Kazekage." Lady Tsunade whispers with an embarrassed blush creeping up her neck.
"I am in full support of your decision. I would like to expand Konoha's support in the matter of Fū. I need time to arrange a squad to assist you. When are you leaving for Nadeshiki?" Tsunade asked.
"I depart in a few days. I still have to finish trade talks with your diplomats before heading off to Nadeshiki. " Gaara revealed.
"Is the Wind Daimyō still restricting your trade involvement?"
"Yes. The stubborn man is not fond of my radical views for Suna, as I will never beg for his support. Like my father, I'll continue to develop independence from the Daimyō's influence. " Gaara pledges.
"Oh–Kami...you are more problematic than Naruto. " Tsunade groans.
Gaara smirks at her. "My dear friend, Naruto is the reason why I'm so stubborn. " Gaara jokes.
"How is he? I've heard he has returned back to Konoha. "
"How do you know that!?" Lady Tsunade slams her fist down the desk, shattering the desk into pieces of wood.
"Shizune!"
"Yes–my lady!?"
"Summon Danzo and those old headaches, now!"
Gaara ignores her panic, looking out the window.
'Naruto. I wonder how strong you have become, my friend. '