Hear me Out

The following week of the Chunin Exams unfurled in an expected rhythm. The contests of strength and wit went off without any grand spectacle, with no particular participant raising eyebrows. The village had an air of excited anticipation, mixed with the usual hustle and bustle that was common during such a large event.

During that time, Ryomaru found himself frequently drawn to Temari. They would often meet in the quieter parts of the village to talk and walk around, finding solace in their mutual understanding. Their conversations ranged from their experiences as shinobi to their dreams and hopes for the future. Their bond grew stronger, their connection deeper.

On the third day, their conversation steered towards Temari's younger brother, Gaara. She didn't fully disclose the extent of his issue, leaving it veiled behind phrases like 'not well' and 'different.' But Ryomaru, with his experiences with Naruto and stories from Uncle B, quickly realized the crux of the problem. Gaara was a Jinchuriki.

"I think...I think I understand, Temari," Ryomaru said, his voice steady. His ice-blue eyes reflected the setting sun, the fiery hues dancing within their icy depths. "What your brother is going through...it's not easy."

Temari, standing across from him, watched him with a careful gaze. She nodded, her eyes downcast, "He...he's not himself, Ryo. And it hurts me to see him like that."

Ryomaru didn't respond immediately, allowing the silence to settle between them. He thought of Naruto, of the pain and loneliness the boy had experienced in Konoha. And now, he realized, Gaara was going through something similar, maybe worse.

He could only offer her a piece of advice, a small comfort in the tumultuous storm they found themselves in. "I think," Ryomaru began, his voice calm and steady, "that showing Gaara love and trying to change how the village sees him would be the best thing you could do."

Temari's reaction was faint, a small helpless smile that didn't quite reach her sea-green eyes. It was the smile of someone who'd already thought of that, who'd already tried to enact it.

"But, I may have an idea..." Ryomaru added, his ice-blue eyes meeting Temari's. A flicker of curiosity sparked in her gaze, but she remained silent, allowing him to continue. "Back in Konoha, I discussed with the Hokage the possibility of a student exchange program between our villages."

"Student exchange?" Temari echoed, her brows furrowing in thought.

Ryomaru nodded. "Yes. We have not finalized anything yet, but if we do, it might be a good idea to have Gaara participate. Maybe even send him to Kumo."

"Kumo?" Temari's voice hitched. "But why...?"

Ryomaru held her gaze, letting his determination show. "Because Uncle B can help him," he said simply.

The silence that followed was heavy, charged with emotions. Temari was visibly taken aback, her gaze wavering as she processed his words. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, anxieties clashing with a flicker of hope.

"That's... a big step, Ryo," she whispered after a while. "But if it can help Gaara... maybe... maybe it's worth a try."

Ryomaru nodded, the flicker of hope in his heart growing. "We just need to convince your father, the Kazekage."

A plan began to form between them, a mutual agreement to bring this up to Rasa. Temari seemed hesitant but determined, while Ryomaru was resolute.

The opportunity to discuss their plan came sooner than expected. The following day, after a session of the Chunin Exams, Rasa had accepted Ryomaru's presence. This was their chance.

"Kazekage-sama," Ryomaru began, bowing respectfully. His heart pounded in his chest, but he kept his exterior calm, composed. "I wish to discuss a matter of potential mutual benefit between our villages."

Rasa's gaze was stoic, his onyx eyes showing no emotion as he motioned for the young shinobi to continue.

"Our Raikage-sama and Hokage-sama are considering an exchange program between Konoha and Kumo. I believe that Sunagakure should consider joining this initiative." He paused for a brief moment, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "Especially for Gaara."

At the mention of his son's name, Rasa's gaze flickered slightly, a faint hint of surprise flashing through his eyes. He looked at Temari who stood next to Ryomaru, her gaze steady, her determination palpable.

"The circumstances surrounding Gaara are...difficult," Ryomaru proceeded carefully. "I believe he could greatly benefit from the guidance of someone who understands his situation... like Killer B of Kumo."

The room fell silent, the tension nearly tangible. Rasa studied Ryomaru, his gaze intense. The boy stood his ground, his ice-blue eyes meeting the Kazekage's without wavering.

"Bold idea, kid," Rasa said, his tone carrying an edge of scepticism as he leaned back in his chair. His onyx eyes scrutinized the young shinobi in front of him, the faint crease on his forehead speaking volumes of his contemplation. "But not one that would fruit. No village would send their only deterrent to other villages to be brainwashed."

Ryomaru sighed internally, his ice-blue eyes remaining steady on the Kazekage. He'd expected this reaction, the apprehension and skepticism that came with the mention of shifting jinchurikis between villages. Yet, he refused to be dissuaded, he'd seen the shadow of desperation in Temari's eyes whenever she spoke of Gaara. It urged him to stand his ground.

"That is why I volunteered myself to go Konoha in exchange of their Jinchuriki," Ryomaru responded, his tone calm and resolute. "I may not be as powerful, but I am as important to be kept as a hostage."

A silence followed his words, heavy and suffocating as it filled the room. Rasa's gaze was unfaltering, scrutinizing the young shinobi with an intensity that would've made lesser men quail. But Ryomaru stood his ground, his determination shining in his ice-blue eyes.

"Kumo and Konoha are willing to take this risk," Ryomaru continued, pressing on his point. "It requires trust, but this not only will strengthen the alliance between our three villages, it will also help your son, Gaara. He is suffering in this village, and at some point, it will backlash."

----

Read 45(15 chapters for each novel) advanced chapters in my Patreon!

patreon.com/IWriteFanfic2