Preparations

Realizing that Zeus possessed the power to obliterate their village if he desired, the Raikage made a calculated decision to continue their conversation within the confines of his office. Confidentiality was paramount during these trying times, and negotiations of such magnitude needed to be handled discreetly.

Zeus, showing no signs of exhaustion, accompanied Raikage and Gaara back to the village without any delay. However, among the ranks of the shinobi battalion, an air of tension saturated the atmosphere. People kept their distance and cast wary glances at Zeus. Fortunately, the composed expressions of Raikage and Killer B leading the way instilled a sense of security.

After traversing a multitude of mountains and rivers, they finally arrived at the village. Zeus couldn't help but be pleased by its grandeur. The village was cloaked in an ethereal mist as if nature itself shielded it from prying eyes. Wisps of clouds gracefully danced through the buildings, imparting an otherworldly ambiance. Majestic waterfalls cascaded down the mountainsides, their thunderous roars echoing through the valley below.

Towering spires and formidable edifices defiantly stretched toward the heavens, as if daring to challenge the very sky itself. The rooftops were adorned with intricate symbols and patterns. Occasional flashes of lightning illuminated the village, serving as a testament to its affinity for lightning-based techniques. Zeus couldn't help but smile, appreciating the village's impressive prowess.

For a brief moment, he contemplated how different his life might have been if he had been born in this village. However, such ponderings were futile, as they contradicted the immutable laws of the universe.

With Gaara by his side, Zeus entered the village and was promptly guided to the Kage's office. The villagers gazed at Zeus with a mixture of fear and curiosity. During their short walk, Zeus couldn't help but notice that life in this village appeared to be far superior to that in the Sand Village. Perhaps it even surpassed Konoha, although he couldn't be certain since he hadn't visited there in quite some time.

"After Gaara learns to control the beast, I'll probably have to visit Konoha," Zeus silently contemplated as they stepped into Raikage's office. Present in the room were Gaara, Killer B, and a dark-skinned man named Darui—the most prominent figures currently residing in the village.

"Let's dispense with formalities," Raikage declared, his voice resounding as he settled into his imposing Kage seat. "We accept your offer. In exchange for teaching us those jutsus, we will impart the knowledge to Gaara, guiding him in gaining control over the One-Tailed Beast. However, as mentioned earlier, it is an arduous process with uncertain outcomes."

"Alright, alright. Just tell me how to do it already," Zeus muttered, his gaze fixed on Raikage. Raikage maintained a serious expression as he motioned for Darui to proceed. Darui approached the table and unfurled a map of the world.

Raikage placed his thumb on a specific area in the ocean. "There is an island located here, where Killer B and Yugito learned to control their respective beasts. It is a unique place that enhances the Jinchuriki's ability to communicate with their inner beasts."

"Why isn't it marked on the map?" Zeus inquired.

"For reasons of secrecy, of course," Raikage replied, furrowing his brow. "And for other undisclosed purposes."

Zeus's gaze lingered on the map momentarily. "So, we'll be heading to an island. How long will the journey take?"

"That depends on the weather, but it shouldn't exceed three weeks," Raikage promptly responded. "Currently, Yugito is on a mission, so Killer B will accompany you as a guide and teach Gaara the methods of gaining control over his monstrous companion."

Zeus lifted his eyes, making eye contact with each person in the room. "Aren't you concerned about entrusting one of your most valuable assets to a complete stranger?"

"He's not merely an asset. He's my brother," Raikage retorted, swiftly dismissing Zeus with a mildly disgusted expression. "And no, I'm not worried. It is unsettling to say this, but if you wanted to, I don't believe anyone in this room could stop you from doing as you please. So, your compliance with our requests right now implies that you won't harm Killer B without any reason."

Zeus absorbed Raikage's words and couldn't help but smile. "For someone with such a brawny physique, you are quite intelligent. It seems like not just everyone can climb to the position of Kage in this village."

"I don't know whether I should be offended or not when such words come from a teenager," Raikage remarked, placing a hand against his forehead. "How old are you, anyway?"

Zeus initially wanted to provide an immediate response, but the words became lodged in his throat. How old was he, actually? He mentally calculated the passing years and months, finally recalling the specific date. "I should be approximately 16 years old right now."

Zeus then gestured toward Gaara. "He should be around 11."

"Such strength at 16. The world is spiraling into madness," Raikage mumbled, shifting his gaze toward Gaara. "Listen, kid, you're incredibly fortunate that this man is willing to help you. Don't squander this opportunity and give it your all. Killer B will do everything he can to assist you, but the true challenge lies within your own mindset."

Gaara nodded, glancing at Killer B, who maintained an unperturbed expression. It seemed that he wasn't particularly thrilled about the impending journey to the island, but Zeus paid little heed to his personal desires.

"I will arrange for a ship and crew to transport you to the island. You may depart as early as tomorrow," Raikage concluded their discussion and intense negotiations.

"I haven't transcribed the techniques onto scrolls yet, so I'll do it during our voyage and provide them to Killer B." Zeus inquired, rising from his seat. His eyes made eye contact with Raikage. "There is no issue with that, right?"

Raikage nodded with a frown as he sighed, also standing up. "There is no issue. We will arrange a temporary place for you both to stay."

***

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