Chapter Text
The Sand village was in the middle of a political upheaval. A missing Konoha nin had killed their kage and manipulated them into conflict, they leaned hard on this fact and managed to not go to war. They maintained a truce with Konoha but the other villages might jump on them if they showed weakness.
Shinobi are highly dependent on civilians. Civilians not only grew their food and made their clothes; the death rate of nin was ridiculously high. They needed a constant stream of civilian-borns to bolster their ranks. The second the general public decided that they no longer wanted to be shinobi, the whole system would crumble.
This allowed the wind Diamyo to have some say in who the next Kazukage would be. He met with the council in Sunakagure. His first suggestion was Kankuro.
“Of course, why am I not surprised?” Some instinct caused Toph to roll her bind eyes. “The strongest in this village are Gaara, Baki, Elder Chiyo, and me. If you want to choose by lineage, Temari is the eldest kid. Kankuro isn’t even in the running. You only want him because he’s male and young enough you think you can influence his decisions.” Toph called out the Diamyo without blinking. “You have five people to choose from, pick one.”
The noble looked contrite and chose to pretend Toph hadn’t spoken. “Your thoughts?” He addressed Elder Ebizō.
“Kankuro is a genin. Gaara and Toph passed their exams. They have since both received field promotions to jonin. Temari is a chunin. Baki is elite jonin. Chiyo and myself are retired elite jonin. Baki has amble field experience. Temari has diplomatic experience. Gaara and Toph are indeed some of the strongest combatants in our village.” He notably didn’t say anything about Kankuro’s or Chiyo’s skills as neither of them wanted the position. Baki didn’t particularly want it either but he’d accept it if necessary.
“Will the villagers accept the jinchuriki as their leader?” It was a justifiable question so Toph said nothing and let the others assure him. “Miss Temari, may I ask as to your proficiency in battle?” He addressed Temari directly.
“I admit I’m not yet, Kage level. Although, I’m confident I’ll make jonin within two years.”
He nodded and then addressed Toph. “Miss Beifong, your parents have not disowned you or produced another child. They have declared your cousin as heir to their businesses but you may still qualify for inheritance. Would you be willing to claim this?”
Toph sat up straight in her chair and put on her ‘proper lady’ voice. “It saddens me greatly that my parents and I have been unable to reconcile. As I am now legally an adult, my career choices should no longer be a point of contention. I’d be happy to reconnect with my extended family. Including, your honorable self, cousin.”
“Is your blindness well known among shinobi?”
“We don’t share the fact, but I’ve been told it’s obvious when you look at me.” Toph answered, still sounding sweet as could be.
The nobleman considered for a minute.
Flashback:
Six children bowed and begged at two seniors who were trying to nap in the shade.
“We’re retired, go away.”
“Active duty joinin would be better instructors than us old folk.” The two elders tried to send them off, only for the children to whine.
“We’re not asking you to fight, just to train us.”
“Our instructors are no where near your skills.”
“Baki won’t spend more time with us. He has other responsibilities.”
“You trained our teachers.”
“You’re the best puppet master this village has ever created.”
“More importantly, you two invented a bunch of stuff. That’s what we’re trying to do.”
“I’m afraid these old hands aren’t much good for puppets anymore,” said Elder Chiyo.
“How about healing and seals? Word is you’re the one who delivered Gaara and made him a jinchuriki.” Toph said. Temari subtly elbowed her before she could start the guilt play. That was going to be their last resort.
“I’d like to improve my healing, ma’am.” Mikoshi said.
“As would I,” said Gaara.
“You?”
“Shukaku and I agree that healing can be considered part of one’s defense.” They agree now, after much arguing. Shukaku’s demand being that Gaara learn from Chiyo or nobody. It was a waste of time to study under anyone other than the grand-master.
“And I don’t care if you can wield them or not, help me with my seals and puppet design. I’m trying to make the ultimate puppet.” Kankuro spoke up.
“What do want from me?” Elder Ebizō asked.
“Wind release. Matsuri, Toph and I need to improve our taijutsu, wind weapons, and flight.” Temari answered.
“Aren’t you an earth user, Girl?” He meant Toph.
“Exactly, I need learn to sense vibrations and chakra in the air, or I’m handicapped the second I’m off the ground.”
“That’s not really my area.”
“Oh yeah? How many fingers am I holding up? Blind pride, Gramps, don’t deny it.”
“Hey, I’m not blind yet. Just near sighted.” Severely nearsighted.
“Oh? How many fingers is she holding up, Brother?” Chiyo snickered. Ebizō sent her a glare, her vision hadn’t deteriorated with age like his had and she never let him forget it.
“So, you’ll train us?”