Politics

"Speaking"

'Thinking'

The way back was uneventful. If you ignore the bandit who was begging to be released all the time, then it was pretty peaceful.

They arrived around noon and were dismissed immediately. First, they brought their captive to the interrogation headquarters. After that Temari, Kankuro and Gaara went back to their room. They had no more training today to relax after the mission.

Meanwhile, Baki went to the Kazekage tower to report the mission details to the Kazekage.

"Baki. I already heard that you and your team returned from your mission. You even brought a captive for interrogation. It seems like you did well."

"Thank you lord Kazekage. The mission was completed but there were some major revelations during the course of our mission."

"Please enlighten me."

"Who knew of our mission?"

"Why do you want to know that? What happened on your mission?"

"We were attacked while during the night in the canyon. The leader of the attack claimed that we had a mole in our ranks. Only those who knew of our mission could have given them the information."

"Impossible. We are always careful when it comes to missions concerning Jinchuriki. Only the council and I knew about the mission. That means a member of the council must have leaked the information.

Those greedy bastards! They always do as much as they can to get more money. One of them sold the information."

"We have to take action immediately. The council is informed over all troupe movements of our shinobi. If this information falls into enemy hands. This could destroy everything!"

"Calm down Baki. I will take action in the council meeting.

I have been inactive for far too long. I should have taken action sooner."

"What do you mean?"

"Don't act like you don't know it. The council members are greedy. While most of the population is starving, they eat the most expensive food.

I should have taken action at that moment, but it isn't as easy as you might think.

I was afraid that if I take action, one or various clans would break away from Suna.

We are not like Konoha. We can't afford to lose any clan, we are already weak enough.

But that was a mistake. I have been blinded by my fear like a coward. I know what I have to do now."

"Should I leave, lord Kazekage?"

"No Baki, continue your report. I want to know what else happened on your mission."

"As I already told you, we were attacked in the canyon. Our attackers weren't strong, they were Genin level at best. They knew they couldn't defeat us head-on. So they decided to use the suicide bomb tactic. Gaara was able to save us with his sand last second."

"Gaara saved you?"

"Yeah. His performance was impressive during the mission. He not only saved us from the suicide bombs, but he also was able to defeat Mamoru the water demon."

"Really?"

"Yeah, but I haven't even mentioned his most impressive feat. He killed around 80 bandits with his sand Jutsu."

"What! I would have never thought that Gaara would grow so strong this quickly. Well, the stronger he is during the Chunin exams, the better for us.

If that was all then you are dismissed. We see each other at the Council meeting in the afternoon.

And before I forget it. You can tell your team that they will participate in the chunin exams."

"Yes, lord Kazekage."

Baki left the Kazekage tower and went towards the Kazekage residence.

He would formally tell his team that the Kazekage had given the go-ahead for them to participate in the Chunin exam.

He arrived at the Kazekage residence and called them all to the front entrance.

"What do you want Baki sensei? I was just about to sleep. Couldn't you have talked to us tomorrow?"

"Don't be in such a bad mood Temari. Be happy, I have good news for you.

Due to your good performance during your latest mission, the Kazekage has accepted our team's participation in the chunin exam."

"Really? That's great! Temari did you hear that, we are gonna become chunin."

"Don't be so confident Kankuro. You still have to make a good impression during the exams to become a chunin."

"Baki sensei, have you forgotten our last mission? You told us that we are on chunin level."

"Just because you are chunin level in terms of strength, does not mean you will pass the chunin exam. The reason behind the chunin exam is not primary to determine who becomes chunin."

Temari chipped into the conversation.

"What do you mean? They are called chunin exams. What other use could it have then to promote us to chunin."

"Temari, do you think the village needs us to fight Genin from other villages to determine whether we are strong enough to become chunin?

No, I can tell after some missions if you are strong enough to be chunin. The primary goal is to show off the new generation.

Many rich and influential people are watching the exam. The villages try to show off their most talented Genin. Most of the weak Genin die before the final exam. Only the best of this new generation will fight in the finals. I would not overestimate yourself. It can lead to your death if you're not careful."

Kankuro and Temari's faces had become pale after Baki's explanation about the true reason for the chunin exam.

Suddenly the cold atmosphere around Baki shifted completely.

"To celebrate our team getting accepted into the chunin exams, I will treat you to lunch."

And just like that, they went to a nice restaurant to have lunch.

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In the afternoon of the same day, the Council meeting.

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All council members except the Kazekage and his advisor Baki were already present for the weekly council meeting.

When the Kazekage entered all of them stood up. Right behind the Kazekage was Baki who was holding a paper scroll in his hand.

After the Kazekage has sat down all the other council members sat down as well.

The Kazekage began to speak.

"I want to come straight to the point. In this room is a traitor!"

The council members looked at the Kazekage with wide eyes suddenly one stood up.

"Impossible! We are the heads of the most important clans in Suna. None of us would ever leak any information."

The other members began to agree with the person that had just spoken.

"Shut up! My advisor has proof that information has been leaked. Baki if you would be so kind."

Baki stood up from his place right beside the Kazekage.

"Thank you lord Kazekage. As written down in this scroll we have proof of a traitor within the council.

Only recently my team got a mission assigned. It was a mission to deal with bandits in the north of the land of wind.

This mission was considered top secret. Therefore only the council got to know the mission details.

During the said mission, our team encountered a surprise attack. The one who led the surprise attack claimed that he got information from our village about the route we would take and the time we left the village."

"This is not enough proof!"

"Elder Hiraki, please let me finish before you start to speak.

Additionally to the leader of the ambush, we took a captive during the mission who also claimed, he had gotten information from within the village."

"That is still no reason to believe any of us are traitors!"

Suddenly the Kazekage stood up.

"Shut up! As the Kazekage it is my job to ensure the safety of the village. I have enough of this. I will disband the council. As long as we haven't found the traitor, I and my advisor will make all decisions."

Now nothing held Hiraki back anymore.

"Are you insane? My clan will not accept you taking control over the whole village. We will leave the village if you disband the council!"

"It's treason, then."

Suddenly two Anbu members appeared beside Hiraki.

"Elder Hiraki, by threatening that your clan will leave Suna, you have committed treason against us. The penalty for treason is a life-long prison sentence."

The two Anbu disappeared with Hiraki, leaving everyone else shocked.

"I have watched you long enough. While the civilians are starving you with food and keep it all to yourself.

This is unacceptable. I will no longer tolerate this. Therefore it has been decided to relieve all of you of your duty.

Every clan will hold a vote next week on who shall become their new representative in the council.

If one clan can't agree on one, it will not get a seat at all.

As long as the traitor isn't found none of you are allowed to leave the village or speak to any person outside the village.

Dismissed!"