In the Hidden Sand Village, the scorching desert heat collided with the shinobi's cool resolve. Like Konoha, the village found itself at a critical point following the chaos that had engulfed the ninja world. Strong leadership was desperately needed, and to handle the urgent matter of selecting the Fifth Kazekage, a set of experienced and knowledgeable shinobi, the council of elders were gathered.
The council chamber was a huge room with pictures of previous Kazekages on its walls, each one serving as a testament to the important decisions that had moulded the history of the village. The tension in the air stemmed from the expectation of a decision that could change the course of events in the Sand Village.
Elder 1: "The question before us is of grave importance. Whom should we appoint the role of Kazekage to lead our village through these difficult times?"
Elder 2: "Gaara of the Desert has demonstrated great strength and is also Ichibi's Jinchuriki. He has unparalleled power over the sand. We can't ignore him as a contender."
Elder 3: "There is no doubting Gaara's strength. However, his past and childhood... Can we take such a chance and endanger the safety of our village?"
Opinions differed, and the argument continued. Though the narrative of Gaara's change from a dreaded Jinchuriki to the village's defender was something difficult to come to an agreement on, there were still unanswered questions. The council was looking for a leader who could provide both strength and unshakeable stability because the wounds from past events were difficult to heal.
Elder 4: "We require an experienced individual who exudes both fear and respect in equal measure. It is essential that our village not portray weakness at this time."
At that moment, a bold proposition was made that would tremor through the chamber and silence the debate.
Elder 5: "One of us meets that description, but he is not free. He is in our prison."
The room emitted a collective exhalation as every council member recognised the meaning at once. The name that lingered in the atmosphere, unspoken but equally controversial, was Donquixote Doflamingo.
First Elder: "Doflamingo? The Heavenly Demon? You're not serious, can you? His power is undeniable, but he is a traitor!"
Elder 5: "Is he? Or is he the most devoted shinobi we've ever known, ready to do everything it takes to protect the village? His methods might be... out of the ordinary, but his output is unquestionable. A perfect record of accomplishment in his missions. More than any other person, he has contributed a lot for our village."
Elder 2: "Out of the ordinary? He made an attempt to kill the Fourth Kazekage! How on earth are we going to consider this man for the role of Kazekage?"
Elder 3: "Because we are in desperate times, and desperate times demand desperate measures." Doflamingo is a unique contender due to his grasp of the shinobi world, his strategic intellect, and his unmatched powers. His time in prison may have given him an opportunity to think about his actions."
Elder 4: "How about the village itself? Will the people welcome a Kazekage who previously attempted to assassinate their Kazekage!"
The chamber was a storm of opposing emotions and viewpoints. Though radical—even dangerous—the idea to consider Doflamingo for the role of Kazekage highlighted the grave circumstances that the village was in. A strong leader who was able to navigate the intricate secrets of the ninja world and defend the village at all costs was desperately needed.
Elder 5: "Let's not make a hasty decision. Think about Doflamingo's significance rather than just his past deeds. He is an exceptionally talented and ambitious shinobi. Maybe the world needs a leader who can represent both the good and the bad in it."
The council fell silent, each member contemplating the seriousness of the suggestion. The road ahead was loaded with uncertainty, but one thing was certain: the decision they were about to make would permanently alter the fate of the Hidden Sand Village.