It was the first rain in Suna since last summer. I looked out of my window from the tower with a smile to see the citizens of Suna rushing around collecting the excess water in buckets, as the children ran and played merrily in it. Turning back around to my desk, I looked down at the paper work that needed to be finished. I disliked ever having to do such work, since I could never fully concentrate on it, my mind always wandering against my will. Then suddenly, as if a distraction was called for me out of luck, there was a knock at the door.
"Kazekage-sama?"
I looked up to see one of my personal guards standing with an urgent look on his face. I had figured so much from the edge in his voice. Something was wrong.
"What's wrong Isao?"
"The council is calling a meeting. It's about the Sound. The elder Ebizo-sama would also like to see you afterwards."
Ebizo… the elder whose sister saved my life. I owe my life twice over to him after what Chiyo baa sama did for me. I was curious as to what he wanted to discuss with me.
I decided that I should just get this meeting over with, so I headed out the door, followed by Isao. Naturally I had gotten used to everyone following me around. It seemed like with this power bestowed upon me, politically that is, I had grown in such a status that was unconceivable in my childhood. It was something I appreciated though, having so many people care about me. After the day that I returned to Suna, restored from death, I had looked upon my village with such a love that I never thought I had inside of me. My people mean everything to me, and this job just makes it all the easier to show.
I entered the council room and took my seat at the head of the table. I looked around, everyone staring intently at me, assuming that I already knew the situation and what we were going to do about it. I merely nodded to Baki, signaling him to start the meeting.
"Kazekage-sama, we have been informed of a rumor that the Sound village has planned an attack on Suna." The younger council member cleared his throat, "We were told to take immediate precaution and to close the gates to the village. Are there any other options? Is this a serious matter or a scare?"
"I wouldn't say it is a scare at all! You know what the Sound has been up to. Don't you remember our previous alliance with them? It's only obvious that the Sound would want to make sure the people who received large amounts of information about the Sound were dead!" One older councilman remarked snidely.
"Hardly so. The Sound hasn't been moving around for a while now. How can we expect them to just suddenly attack? What would be the instigator of these rumored attacks?" another chimed in.
Baki's voice was clearly heard over the mass of comments all coming out at once, "All we know is that the sound has gathered more men and are growing in number and skill. All we need is another attack to the village after what happened to our Kazekage the last time." He turned and looked directly at Gaara. " Kazekage-sama, I would hope that you understand the danger you could be in."
I nodded at the comment, and knowing Baki, I gave him the authority to do what he believes best in these types of situations. He understood from my nod and came to his conclusion then and there.
"We will call for backup from our alliance in Konoha. The gates will not be closed, but I will be calling our skilled jounin to the entrance of the village. Are there any objections to that, Kazekage-sama?"
I shook my head, confirming that I agreed with his idea. I let out a sigh waited until everyone else had dispersed. This is how meetings always were. Just me sitting at a table, acting authoritative and then having everyone else speak for me. Sometimes I really wish they would let me get a word in edge wise, but I trusted Baki with all my military advice. He was one of the most esteemed ninjas of our village. I would anticipate the arrival of our Konoha relief instead of worrying about things that he had under control.
