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The sudden proposal drew the attention of everyone present. All eyes turned to him, their surprise evident. The idea was radical, unexpected, but it was a beacon of hope in the midst of their strained discussion.

Realizing he had the floor, he took a deep breath, emboldened by their silence. His voice steady, he elaborated, "Konoha sends a number of students to Cloud and in return, we send an equal number of students. I can come in exchange for Naruto, so you can be certain that Cloud will not play any tricks. I don't mean to sound arrogant but, I am quite important in my village."

His words rang through the silent park, settling into the hearts of those listening. The fact that he, a child of only nine, was offering himself up for the safety and growth of another was testament to the maturity beyond his years. Despite their strained relationship, A gave a prompt nod of agreement, his pride in his son clear.

"We can also learn from each other," Ryomaru continued, his ice-blue eyes locked with the Hokage's. "We have different perspectives on certain things, and can add that to our understanding, learn different paths, that would increase our knowledge."

A silence fell over them. Ryomaru's offer was met with contemplative expressions. Sarutobi's eyes held a glimmer of admiration for the young boy. The wisdom and empathy he displayed far exceeded his tender age. Yet, there was a lingering sadness in the Hokage's gaze as he looked at the boy. This was the world they lived in, where children were burdened with the responsibility of maintaining peace.

Danzo remained silent, his single eye darting between Ryomaru and A. His calculating gaze was a stark contrast to the warmth in the others' eyes, a chilling reminder of the power dynamics at play.

Koharu and Homura exchanged uneasy glances. Their wrinkled faces were etched with concern.

Sarutobi sighed, a blend of pride and regret tugging at his heartstrings as he locked eyes with the young shinobi, "That's a generous offer, Ryomaru. Your maturity and foresight are commendable."

Turning his attention to A, he continued, "We will consider this proposition, Raikage-sama. I see the value in it, but as you can understand, there are certain logistics to be worked out."

"Of course," A responded, his eyes softening slightly as he glanced back at his son, "But let this offer serve as a reminder that despite the political games we play, it is the children who bear the brunt. Let's strive to make this world a better place for them."

Danzo finally decided to speak, his voice a serrated blade, slashing through the momentary truce. "We can never let this happen." When all eyes trained on him, he looked at Ryomaru, the lone star amidst a desolate void. In his gaze, there was a maelstrom, a potent blend of desire and hatred. "This brat is smarter than his age. Even if he comes to our village, no one can brainwash him nor play tricks, but Kyubi's Jinchuriki—"

His words were cut short by Ryomaru, his voice thundering through the silent park, "His name is Naruto."

Danzo's eye flared with anger, the seething ire momentarily overtaking the usual frostiness of his demeanor. "Naruto is different. He is not as smart, and can easily be swayed."

Hearing this, A's mouth curved into a grin, the flicker of amusement radiating a contagious warmth, "How about you escort him to Cloud. I would be worried if you were to be in Konoha when my son is here."

Danzo, hearing this, seemed to visibly stagger under the weight of the audacious suggestion. His face twisted in a grimace, a shadow of disbelief skittering across his features. But he didn't answer. He just looked at his childhood friend, his gaze silently pleading for Sarutobi's intervention.

Sarutobi, who had watched this exchange unfold with an unreadable expression, cleared his throat. The sage-like Hokage held an air of calm, "Fugaku is in your village. Danzo's arrival might complicate things," his words danced on a delicate line of diplomacy and reality.

A gave a slow, measured nod, acknowledging Sarutobi's concern. The momentary pause seemed to stretch into an eternity, each tick of the clock a poignant reminder of the monumental decision they were about to make.

"I will send Danzo to somewhere else if we go with this idea," Sarutobi finally broke the silence, his voice carrying a touch of finality.

A agreed, the lines of worry on his face softening a fraction, replaced by a resigned acceptance. Then, as if a switch was flipped, he turned towards Ryomaru, a flicker of paternal concern visible in his eyes. "Let's go."

His voice rang out, not as a Raikage, but as a father, his demeanor making it clear that the meeting was adjourned. With a curt nod, Ryomaru stepped forward, striding confidently beside A, matching his pace. His heart was racing, the adrenaline of the previous exchange still pulsating through his veins, but his face remained a serene mask.

They stayed in Konoha for two more days. Ryomaru longed to explore the village, captivated by its distinct, foreign allure, a stark contrast to the familiarity of Cloud. The gentle harmony of the whispering leaves in the breeze and the murmur of the bustling streets filled him with a unique sense of tranquility and curiosity.

He wished to see Naruto, perhaps share a few stories, learn about his life, play with him, and create a bond. But each time he voiced his desire, he was met with a resolute "No" from A. The Raikage was cautious, unwilling to add any more variables to an already complex situation.

Ryomaru spent most of his time in the residence they were given, focusing on his training. His every move was as precise as a carefully choreographed dance, his ice-blue eyes shimmering with a fierce determination, the world around him forgotten in his intense focus.

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