The Japanese Ministry
Chapter 6
Dumbledore had stood and looked ready to make an announcement. The hall had become quiet and everyone was looking at him expectantly.
"I'm sure you all remember the Twiwizard tournament last year."
He paused. General agreement seemed to be in the air. They did indeed remember.
"During the tournament we met many different people from many different countries."
He looked around at all of the curious faces. They were wondering where he was going with this.
"Now, we have been honored with three new faces from and different country."
Comprehension dawned on the student's faces. That was what the three strange kids were doing at the table.
"Japan is a place where wizards do not go. We do not communicate with them for a very simple reason."
Again the students looked confused; thoughts like 'Japan?' and 'What reason?' ran through their heads. Now their curiosity had been sparked. Some students were holding their breath and others wished he would just get on with it. Many were wondering why there were so many dramatic pauses.
"Distrust."
Dumbledore smiled sadly.
"The Japanese do not trust us nor do we trust them. They have long memories and they hold vicious grudges. While we are filled with ignorance for we don't know what they have against us. This causes distrust which leads to lack of communication."
He paused yet again and took a deep breath.
"But memories fade and knowledge replaces ignorance. Representatives from Japan have been sent to the Ministry of Magic, but trust is still lacking. As an act of faith and to learn more about new allies Japan has sent us three young representatives."
Enlightenment spread across the faces of the students and Dumbledore's eyes had that annoying twinkle in them.
"These three here are Shinobi and so despite their age I'm going to ask that you give them the greatest respect. But unlike their normal jobs, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura have been sent here, to put it loosely, in the name of friendship. So I encourage you to speak with them and find out more about our neighbors. I now have few words to say other than 'Sleep well' and 'Good night.'"
And with that the hall started to empty. Many were thinking about the speech Dumbledore had made, including out favorite team who were whispering quietly to each other in Japanese.
"Well I think he sorta helped us out." Naruto commented.
Sasuke frowned. "Well I think he did the exact opposite."
"Did I ask for your opinion teme?"
"Dobe, you implied it. Would you have preferred it if I had ignored you completely?"
"Actually I-"
Sakura cut him off. "Must you two always argue? He did encourage them to talk to us and we'll get more information that way."
"But he also basically told them to spy on us." Sasuke argued. "Find out more about our neighbors indeed. The students have all just become informers, even if they don't know it. They seem like a nosey bunch anyway."
"I don't think he meant it that way Sasuke-teme. Plus, we can just steer the conversation away from us onto them. Not everyone is like you. People like to talk about themselves."
"Dobe. I'm just saying to be careful. We were warned that he might be manipulative. Don't let down your guard just because he's an old man and they're little kids."
Sakura smiled and rolled her eyes. "You know Sasuke; some of them are older than us."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Age wise maybe but in maturity levels they're worse than Naruto, and that's saying something."
"HEY!"
"So what did you make of Dumbledore's speech Hermione?"
The girl in question huffed in annoyance. "Honestly Ronald. Weren't you even listening?"
"I was too listening. But that doesn't mean I understood what he was going on about." Ron said in denial.
Before it could escalate further Harry stepped in. "We just want you opinion Hermione."
She turned to face him "Well I think it was very informing and interesting."
"Yes." Ron said with exaggerated patience. "Informing about what exactly?"
Hermione glared at him. "Well first off he's contradicting himself. Dumbledore says the Japanese don't trust us then they send three kids here to improve relationships. Then he goes and tells us to make friends with our neighbors, which is nice and all but, Japan isn't anywhere near here! So why are we so concerned about what they think?"
Harry nodded in agreement but Ron shook his head. "The first part of your explanation made sense but isn't it obvious why we want to get along with Japan?"
They both looked at him confused. Then Hermione spoke up. "National relationships are great and all, but it isn't that big of a deal for."
Then her eyes widened as if she had just realized something incredibly important. "Unless it's not the school that wants it but the Ministry."
Harry frowned. "So, it's more of a political thing."
Ron looked at them like they were insane. "You guys, it's not just a political thing. Everyone wants to be friends with the Japanese. They've got the best military and fighters around. They could really help us out in the war against You-Know-Who."
Harry looked at him in surprise. "But the Ministry doesn't believe Voldemort's back anyway. So, I don't think it matters how big their army is. Anyway, against Voldemort I don't think their chances are very good."
Ron shook his head again. "It's not the size of their army Harry, although it is big, it's the individuals in it. The Shinobi. The Ministry probably wants them as allies because they're afraid they'll attack us."
"What are you talking about Ron? What…wait a second…Ron, didn't Dumbledore call the three representatives Shinobi?"
"What?! I wasn't paying attention! Did he?!"
"That's not possible. They couldn't be over our age! Much less in the military!" Harry argued.
Ron had gone pale and he had a serious look on his face. "No mate. It is true. There are rumors about Japan and how they start training the Shinobi at a very early age. Maybe they're in training or something."
Hermione's eye's widened. "That awful! You can't just put children in an army!"
"Apparently you can." Ron said grimly. "I don't know much about them except that everyone says they're really dangerous."
"Great." Harry rolled his eyes. "The Ministry has just reached a new low. They want really dangerous children to fight their wars for them." His voice was laced with sarcasm.
"I think you're too gullible Ron. Children in an army?" Hermione frowned. "These are just rumors right? We shouldn't assume anything. Also, where exactly have you heard all this?"
"Stories and other places." But as Ron saw her roll her eyes he spoke up again. "But I swear they're true Hermione!"
Before she could reply Harry cut in. "I agree with Hermione. I don't think we should assume anything." Hermione got a smug look on her face while Ron frowned, but before he could complain Harry spoke again. "But we should definitely look into this. Ron's rumors might be true."
He glanced at each of them.
"Okay?"
The conversation had officially ended.
Omake:
"So about the tea-" Fudge started. But Anko cut him off.
"Forget about the tea. We want slaves instead!"
Fudge fainted.
Anko laughed,
…
Insanely.
AN: Don't know why I did that Omake.
The more reviews I get the faster I update. Like if I suddenly get thirty reviews from this chapter then I can promise you all an update by this Sunday, and today's Thursday. :) So that means a new chapie in three days! Unless of course, complications arise.
Also, do any of you have preferences on how the invasion will end up? Will the wizards fight, flee or surrender? Will the Shinobi abandon conquest, conquer, or will this all end in a humungous massacre. There are other options too.
Ciao.
