Half a month later.
Sunagakure.
During that time, Baki had temporarily taken up the position of Kazekage Advisor, thanks to the former Hokage's fondness for the children.
The position made things considerably easier, allowing him to do a great deal for the village. The goods brought over from Konoha had all made for very favorable trades.
At least on the surface, things were heading in a good direction.
The unrest within the village had gradually settled down, too. No one was clamoring to leave anymore.
Those who had tried to leave too late had either been killed or arrested.
Only those who had fled early had escaped.
It could almost be called a flourishing recovery.
Now, Konoha had sent him a letter.
The letter left Baki silent for a long time. It was a difficult decision to make, and in the end, he left it to his student.
Temari rubbed her golden hair and asked in confusion.
"Exchange students?"
"That's right. Konoha and Iwagakure have reached an agreement. In seven days, they'll send people to pick us up, and they'll also send people to our village."
Baki was actually quite eager to take part in the exchange student program. It would not only foster goodwill but also show the outside world that they had allies, even if those alliances were only for show.
"It would still be very beneficial for us."
Running a village was far too difficult. With their Kage assassinated and their ranks thinned by defections and purges, their strength had taken a massive hit. Some of the smaller neighboring villages, including their vassals, were beginning to harbor other ambitions.
If Gaara, their jinchūriki, had not been there to hold the line, a major battle might already have broken out.
Temari touched the corner of her mouth