Disclaimer: I own nothing but the OC (if there will be any)


"I won't consent to that… that preposterous idea!", a male voice shouted while his hand thumped the oval table expressing and emphasizing his indignation.

"You have to admit that the arrangement has some merit. We've already seen good results. Why should we relinquish this opportunity?", countered calmly the opponent in the debate.

"You want me to agree that the most powerful weapon we have ever created should be influenced by 18-year old girl! A foreigner no less! While we're at it why not marry them?", he mocked.

"Don't be absurd! Instead of blowing it out of proportion, focus on the essence. Kagome Higurashi has a positive influence over Gaara. It is in the Suna's best interest to extend her stay permit."

The heated discussion has been going for over an hour and although all the pros and cons had been analyzed thoroughly it didn't seem like it will come to an end anytime soon. The arguments were flying above the table between opponents like kunais with explosive tags.

The strong emotions are understandable, but they cloud the judgment, though Chiyo. Having heard both sides she decided to push from different angle.

"If I may offer council?", she asked politely knowing perfectly well that her position in the village gained her many privileges and among them the ability to speak whatever, whenever and wherever she wants.

"As you all know we haven't had a Kazekage for more than 2 years. Our political position was never so weak and precarious."

"We don't have anyone strong enough!", a voice interrupted.

Chiyo raised her hand to silence the audience and continued. "We have Gaara. By the age o six he was able to protect himself from every assassination attempt. They were carried out by our best operatives. Since then he has gotten better. Alas it's not his strength that has been questioned but his personality and mental stability. Until today no one felt it safe to nominate him." She paused to sip a bit of water while others waited patiently for her to resume. "As you all know, some two years ago after the battle in Konoha, Gaara's behavior has changed significantly. Although we still don't understand what caused it, now we have a jinchuriki who takes great measures to ensure that all his companions came home alive and unharmed. This shift in priorities resulted in him gaining respect, trust and sometimes admiration from his brothers and sisters in arms." She nodded her head as in confirmation. "Unfortunately, this is not enough. Kazekage has to be uniformly accepted by shinobis and civilians." Chiyo took out a newspaper from the personal shelf that was under the table. "Each one of you has an exact copy on your shelves. If you would be so kind and turn it to the last page. You should note the right side." Some councilors eagerly took the paper while others followed reluctantly spurred by their competitors' actions.

"How long has it been going?" inquired Kiyoko with a scowl on her face.

"A month and a half or nearly so."

"That's a mockery!, Taki pointed at the caricature, and read aloud the title "how the beauty tamed the beast."

Chiyo sighted in resignation, "Yes, but look at it deeper. Think.", she ordered. "For the first time people aren't afraid of him. They feel brave and safe enough to do these silly little cartoons. Indeed gossip about Gaara and his lady friend is the hottest commodity in Suna right now. Thanks to all that people start to approach him. Some, especially in bazaar, where he comes often with Kagome Higurashi, consider him an awkward, quite often socially challenged, but solid boy. If this will continue villagers may choose him for a Kage: shinobis for his prowess and care on a battlefield and civilians for his kind disposition toward a girl and mayhap others, in the future. Who can say what will happen if this continues. He might forge deep relations that will bind him to the village even more."

"But she is a foreigner.", Kiyoko said in resentful voice.

"And the ANBU report on her proved she is harmless.", Chiyo calmly retorted. "Information she provided checks out. She is from Iron County, She is an orphan. She used to live in a shrine and at some point she decided to travel and she visited many countries but as she has no chakra, we are positive she is not a spy."

"That's precisely a point. She has no chakra. There must be something wrong with her."

"It's known to happen. Rarely but some people are born with no chakra. Her oddness is an advantage for us. If a need arise to dispose of her, it will be an easy endeavor" she gave them a minute to consider this option and when they felt secure she added, "before you vote remember what happened last time when Gaara lost an important person." In this moment few people shuddered remembering Shukaku rampaging in Suna and realized there was no one who could contain him anymore.

Pleased with her input Chiyo rose and retired to her private research lab. I hope they won't take your friend away, Gaara.


Author note: As you can probably tell this one gave me a difficult time. In the process I realized I quite don't like to write political stuff, so next time there will be something fun (I certainly hope so).

When in trouble I seek inspiration in new/favorite books. On that note I'd like to recommend two: Penryn & the End of Days (book 1 and 2, YA) and Kushiel Trilogy (one of best in the world but only for adults). If you read one and would like to discuss it with someone, you can send me a message.

Reviews are much appreciated.