"I understand what you mean." Chojuro nodded, his gaze turning serious behind his glasses.
"Precisely because our generation's views are already set, and because we carry the weight of history, I've been wondering whether the next generation might find a new way."
"I've spoken at length with Darui, and he agreed to a proposal of mine: Kumogakure will send three young people to Kirigakure as short-term exchange students. One of them will be Darui's younger son, Damian."
He leaned forward slightly, his tone earnest and hopeful. "Naruto, I'd like Konoha to send some promising children of its next generation as well—the ones who represent its future."
"Let them study, train, and live together for a while in a relatively neutral, safe environment."
"They don't carry as much historical baggage as we do. They can meet simply as ninjas and as peers."
"Perhaps, if we plant the seeds of friendship now, they'll one day finish what our generation couldn't, and achieve a peace built on true mutual understanding."
An exchange for the next generation?
Naruto fell into thought.
He remembered his youth, when he and Gaara had fought to the death on the brutal battlefield of the Chunin Ninja Exams, only to reach an understanding and a sense of connection.
The bond they had forged across hatred and trauma remained one of the foundations of the strong alliance between Sunagakure and Konoha.
If Boruto, Sarada, and the others could connect with their peers from Kumogakure, Kirigakure, and other villages sooner, and come to understand one another's struggles and dreams...
Perhaps this really was a seed worth planting.
Naruto raised his head, his eyes bright and resolute once more.
"Chojuro, that's a good idea. If Darui's agreed, I have no objections either."
"Konoha will choose suitable young people to take part in