Arrival

A gentle breeze stirred the air, making the leaves rustle as if they were whispering secrets. A week soon passed and Ryomaru was ready at the entrance of the Leaf Village with other welcoming parties. He was flanked by Samui and Mabui. They had been his guards since he left Cloud for Konoha's exchange program. Samui's stern expression rarely changed, but Mabui's eyes occasionally darted to Ryomaru with a mix of concern and pride. Ryomaru felt a warmth towards them. Darui, who arrived a month ago to escort Genin who are going to participate in the Chunin Exam, was behind them.

To Ryomaru's right stood Temari, her green eyes glinting with a combination of excitement and nervousness. Like Ryomaru, she too was part of the exchange program. Behind her was Yura, ever vigilant, eyes always assessing and scanning the surroundings for potential threats.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, the venerable Third Hokage, held a dignified presence, and beside him were Homura, Koharu, and Shikaku Nara. Their serious demeanors were interrupted occasionally by a gentle nod or a whispered word. Shikaku, in particular, seemed restless, eager to reunite with his son who was away in the Sand Village.

His son was in Suna in exchange for Temari who came to Konoha; he wanted to see his son as soon as he returned with the Kazakage. Temari was also there to see her father's arrival and Gaara, her brother, who was in Cloud to be trained by none other than B with Naruto. Ryomaru was also there to greet the arrival of the Raikage.

Soon silhouettes started to appear from afar. The warm hues of the setting sun painted the horizon, causing the figures to look like majestic shadows moving forward with purpose. First to appear was the Kazekage, his signature headgear reflecting the golden rays, followed by Shikamaru, and then Asuma. The Sand Village's Shinobi trailed behind, their rust-colored cloaks billowing in the wind. Among them was Kankuro, whose eyes darted around, taking in the sight of the Leaf Village.

The moment Shikamaru was within view, his lazy grin found its way to his father's face. Shikaku's eyes twinkled with relief and joy, and they were in each other's arms in no time, hugging tightly.

"Never thought I'd miss the Lazy Cloud," Shikamaru started, rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish expression.

Shikaku chuckled, ruffling his son's hair, "I did warn you, Suna's sun would do that. Made you appreciate the shade more, huh?"

A playful punch from Shikamaru was his response.

Rasa, the Kazekage, approached Hiruzen, the two leaders exchanging a nod of respect. "Hokage-sama," Rasa greeted, his voice deep yet soft.

"Honored Kazekage," Hiruzen replied, bowing slightly, "I trust your journey was without incident?"

"Indeed," Rasa affirmed. "Thanks to Asuma and the skilled Suna Shinobi."

Asuma, with his signature beard, offered a respectful bow in acknowledgment, "The desert has its challenges, but it was an enlightening experience."

Temari, her fan strapped to her back, walked up to her father and Kankuro, embracing her brother first. "Kankuro, it's been too long."

Kankuro grinned, patting her head affectionately. "You've grown, sis. Konoha's been treating you well?"

She smirked, "Of course, I've been showing them how it's done."

Rasa offered a nod of acknowledgment to his daughter. "Temari," he said, his voice lacking the warmth of a typical father but laden with pride.

She bowed slightly, "Father."

The palpable tension was broken when Ryomaru stepped forward, confidently approaching the newly arrived party. "Kazekage-sama," he called out, his tone neutral.

Rasa's gaze settled on Ryomaru, a mixture of gratitude and acknowledgment visible in his usually stoic eyes. "Your idea of student exchange proved useful so far," the Kazekage began, each word measured and deliberate. "Baki's report from Cloud says Gaara is making remarkable progress with his Tailed Beast despite it being only a year since he began his training. And the fact that he's forging friendships, something we once believed impossible, is astounding. I should thank you."

The usually self-assured Ryomaru felt a flutter in his chest, taken aback by the Kazekage's forthrightness. Rasa had a reputation for being unemotional and focused on duty, making his words of gratitude even more profound. Ryomaru quickly collected himself, his charming demeanor shining through, "The gratitude should be mine, Kazekage-sama, and of course, Hokage-sama. Your trust in my idea and the willingness to send your people to my village is what truly made it all possible."

Rasa's eyes bore into Ryomaru's. "You gained no specific advantage from this exchange, and we are fully aware of that. Cloud has been instrumental in aiding both Sand and Leaf by working with our Jinchuriki—"

"Naruto and Gaara," Ryomaru corrected gently but firmly, emphasizing the names, "not Jinchuriki."

A faint smile tugged at the corners of Rasa's lips. "Naruto and Gaara," he echoed. "Our village stands stronger today because of Cloud's contributions. And while we provided training for standard students in exchange, it pales in comparison to what you've given us. My gratitude is deep."

Ryomaru nodded, his posture exuding the grace and dignity expected of someone being groomed for leadership. "It was an honor," he responded, his ice-blue eyes reflecting genuine warmth.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, then stepped forward. His wise eyes, seasoned by countless battles and experiences, held a gentle appreciation as they met Ryomaru's gaze. "Kazekage-dono speaks the truth," he began, his voice resonating with authority. "Thanks to Cloud's efforts, Naruto has been stabilized. We've had fewer concerns about any unforeseen incidents involving him. Your time here, though meant for training, didn't teach you much. You came already armed with formidable skills. And for your sacrifices and understanding, Konoha is in your debt."

Ryomaru dipped his head slightly, letting the Hokage's words wash over him. "Thank you, Hokage-sama. My time here has been enlightening in many other ways. Interacting with my peers, understanding the culture, and seeing the unity of Konoha has given me a broader perspective."

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