SPECIAL NOTE: I do not own any of the characters in Naruto, except possibly my own OCs. This story is for fun only.
CHAPTER ONE:
Sarutobi Hiruzen hummed happily with his smoking pipe as he glanced upon the replies. Everyone thought it was a stupid idea; even the Council has already voiced their concerns. Danzo was severely against it, proclaiming about making Konoha weak and vulnerable. Most of the Council agreed with him.
Sarutobi was almost willing to let this project slide. The whole idea came from Namikaze Minato, the late Yondaime (Fourth) Hokage. All Minato was to create peace not only to Konoha but with all the Shinobi Villages. It was such a shame that Minato will never be able to do it himself. Sarutobi himself has some doubts but he was willing to try it.
Thankfully, Nara Shikaku was able to provide with a solution. He mentioned to try asking the villages and if they were willing to go through with it, although the stake was high, Sarutobi sent his message to the Great Five and even some of the smaller villages.
Most of the smaller villages were surprised with the idea but were not against it. However, because of the nature of small villages they lack the manpower to participate. Even Star Village mentioned about wanting to see where this program will go but will have to decline for now. Amegakure no Sato (Hidden Rain Village) didn't reply at all. Knowing the tension between Konoha and Ame (Rain), Sarutobi understood. He wasn't even sure if Ame received the message knowing how difficult it is to even get into the entrance.
Takigakure no Sato (Hidden Waterfall Village) and Kusagakure no Sato (Hidden Grass Village) agreed on the program. However, both cannot provide for a sensei and could only have one genin to spare for the program. Sunagakure no Sato (Hidden Sand Village) and the most surprising, Kirigakure no Sato (Hidden Mist Village) both agreed. Sarutobi didn't know if he will jump for joy or not. After all, he did all this behind the backs from the Shinobi and Civilian Council.
Both Kumogakure no Sato (Hidden Cloud Village) and Iwagakure no Sato (Hidden Stone Village) didn't reply, which was too obvious knowing that both villages, especially Iwa (Stone) still hated Konoha even though the war ended.
Sarutobi was surprised about the message from Kiri about the selection process and the request from the Yondaime Mizukage, Yagura, whom from what Sarutobi has heard is no longer Mizukage but a woman named Mei Terumi.
Rumor has it that Yagura announced a culling to all the Bloodlines in the Water Country. Before things could escalate, it was discovered that Yagura was being manipulated under a Genjutsu and was freed before things could get worst. Yagura called off the genocide, changed their Shinobi system and fearing that he will be manipulated again resigned as Mizukage and gave the hat to Mei Terumi. From what Sarutobi has heard, Kirigakure is currently flourishing, especially with all the Blood limit clans now being guarded and protected under the Mizukage.
Sarutobi sighed. He knows there are spies everywhere but what he didn't know is how Yagura knew about the boy. From what Yagura has requested, it does strike some concerns but he understood the reason behind it.
Sarutobi took out his pipe and sighed. This is only the beginning. The first Joint Shinobi Selection Program, he was worried about this will turn out but he knows that this is just a stepping stone towards peace.
Rasa, the Yondaime Kazekage and his council was skeptical about the message from the Hokage. A Joint Shinobi Selection Program? He understood the reason for it but who in their right mind thinks that this will result to peaceful interaction with the Shinobi Villages? Suna may be an ally to Konoha but it doesn't mean they are the best of friends.
There is still tension between Suna's economic situation all due to the Wind Daimyo and Konoha. Fortunately, the Hokage managed to negotiate with other countries that are near the borders of Suna to hire missions to Suna instead to them.
It helped lighten the load in Suna but they were still struggling with the budget cuts from the Daimyo. Suna has no choice but to extend their mission ranged from other areas and even some degrading missions.
When Suna heard that Taki and Kusa agreed with the program (Yes, there are spies everywhere) it wasn't a big deal until Kiri agreed. Kiri isn't even an ally to Konoha. That was the most shocking. There were some doubts about their intention until they have heard about what happened to Kiri about the Yondaime Mizukage.
What Rasa wasn't happy about was that Konoha wasn't the only one who sent him a message. Kiri sent him one a few days after the Hokage's about the program. Gaara? Yagura wants to have Gaara in the program? Is he insane? Does he want to start another war? How the man did knew about Gaara in the first place? Right. There are spies everywhere. Everyone also knew that Yagura along with Killer Bee from Kumo are the only two people who didn't hide their Jinchuuriki status. After all, these two were the only ones known to have control over the Bijuu, something Gaara didn't.
Maybe this could be a chance to either get rid of Gaara to avoid anymore damages to their already problematic situation or could be a good thing if Gaara will be able to learn how to control his Bijuu.
Rasa looked upon the instructions. Blood limit users as representatives are discouraged but are allowed if there are no other options. One jounin representative and at least one or two Genin to participate in the program. Whoever is the agreed host of the program must not provide a jounin sensei but will require two Genin to represent; this was to avoid any biases. From what Rasa read, Konoha will host this so Suna has to be careful in choosing who they will send. He was very worried about Gaara and wasn't sure if there are any available jounin and additional genin who would be willing to take on this program. Rasa took a deep sigh and requested for a meeting to the Council.
Ai, the Yondaime Raikage, was not happy. Nope. Not really happy. He, receiving a letter from the Hokage for this whatever program is a complete nonsense. Who does he think he is asking for such a thing? Ai and his council decided to ignore the message. They heard that Taki and Kusa were willing to join. Such weaklings! Ai thought. Small villages like that have to rely on alliances to protect themselves. That was alright, until they heard about Suna and Kiri.
"WHAT?! This is preposterous! The Hokage must be manipulating them! That's got to be it! No village in their right mind would think this would work!" He yelled. His subordinates are all keeping their distance, trying to avoid the Raikage's anger.
But the most worrying thing is this program allows some sort of alliance with Konoha. This also means that Kumo would be at a great disadvantage with three great villages against them. Ai mellowed down and crossed his arms. He knows the Tsuchikage would rather be dead than join but if Kumo will, and then Iwa would have no choice but the join. If Iwa would join though not likely but still a possibility, Kumo will have to. There are no consequences if they won't join right? Ai wasn't sure yet. Something in his gut is telling him something. Kumo is strong both in the military and economically. The only thing Kumo lacks is a decent amount of blood limit users. Maybe he should think about this.
"Mabui! Call for a meeting for the council!" he yelled.
Onoki was annoyed. He practically tore the paper in one of his tantrums and stamp on it. Unfortunately his back gave way and was unable to finish his ranting. Of course, for some reason he blamed Konoha for it.
However, this wasn't the only problem Iwa is facing today. There are still recovering from the explosion, masterminded by the crazy Deidara. Deidara almost wiped out Iwa. Though they managed to stop some of the blasts, the village is still in disarray with some of the buildings were torn down from the very foundations.
Onoki was able to control information about the event from the outside. So far, none of their enemies, especially Konoha has heard about it. And it better stay that way!
"Tsuchikage-sama!"
"Yeah, what?!" Onoki glared at the messenger. If that's paperwork then he has another one coming.
"This is an intelligence report from the Anbu at the borders, sir."
"Right." Onoki took the scroll and opened it. Tension seemed to bloom in the air and the messenger could see a twitching eyebrow visible behind the scroll. "WHHHAAAAATTTT?!"
Onoki couldn't believe the news. Not only did Konoha send this ridiculous request but Suna and Kiri bought it? Sure Taki and Kusa can burn all they want but Suna and Kiri. Sure Iwa and Suna don't particularly like each other and after the failed alliance Kiri hated them. What kind of Kages is running their village?
The next thing Iwa knew was a bright white light blast through the Tsuchikage's roof.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I was planning to put Kiri but the explanation about Yagura is enough for now. Ugh. I hope this is okay. I'll post Chapter Two soon, I hope.
