Chapter 2: Moving Forward
"Let's end our discussion today and have this finalised draft stipulated in the contract. It should be signed and ready in a few days at best." With added sigh, a steady female voice continues. "I'm sorry, the council always takes last-minute pre-cautions and doubts when it comes to international agreements like these"
"That's no problem, Hokage-Sama." answered Temari with a wry smile."Believe me, we have quite a fair share of this kind in our own council too"
Tsunade looked amused. "We're all set then! You must be pretty tired, Temari-san. Please feel free to enjoy the rest of your stay here as you see fit…Shizune!" Raising up calling out to her assistant, she was more than ready to hang loose herself…a little cup of sake would surely be blissful!
Temari took a moment when the door opened to bow and quietly leave the HoKage chamber, fulfilling her important ambassador's assignment of carrying through this initiative inter-village contract, the first official one in 4 months between Suna and Konoha after the war ended. During the time in-between, she had been working as a liaison by travelling back and forth until today that all terms and conditions were mutually agreed upon by both parties.
It had been an especially strained period of time for people; shinobis and citizens alike, of all five elemental nations with the war taking its tow both physically and mentally on them whist struggling their best to recover from the losses. Proper burials to honour fallen comrades, restorations and repairs of some damaged buildings and infrastructure, additional houses and shelters to accommodate some of the poor orphans left behind, replenishments of food and supplies mostly used up as military provisions during the war, etc…were among the works to be prioritised of which all subjects with various skills were gathered and be in charge in every position possibly required . That is to say, nobody really had any luxury to openly mourn after all…
'Geez…just give us a break, won't you!'
Her stream of thought was interrupted when a lone figure leaning against an entrance wall came into view.
The pony-tailed shadow ninja was idly standing there, hands in his pockets looking as disinterested as ever. She sighed for umpteenth time. It must have been really long days for both of them; her in never-ending meetings and him constantly waiting for her. How his face slightly brightened up with a more attentive countenance whenever he saw her was always endearing and refreshing in her mind though. It never got old for only she had a privilege of receiving this concerned gesture from the lazy, nonchalant, yet one of the most genius shinobis Konoha had to offer. Her lips gently curved upward as she strolled to him, her oasis.
"Come take a breather eh?" He tilted his head to the side after just one quick glance at her and without another word, they agreeably retired themselves for an evening into the warmth of crowded busy street.
.
.
.
'For better or worse..' thought Temari 'I truly wish you realised this same deep affection within yourself, Gaara'