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"You must understand, Hokage-sama, that Amegakure chunin must meet a much higher standard than all others to be considered for promotion, this one is of opinion it would be unfair to Ame's genin to be sent off to exams where they wont be permited to graduate even if they show themselves capable in the eyes of the regular citizen." The masked woman says, voice and word choice walking the line of respect and derision so well Kushina would admire her for it more if it didn't make Minato so starry-eyed.
"I do, yes of course; but if you are not able to send them to the chunin exams abroad what did you have in mind?" He's leaning forward over the desk and Kushina can feel the waves of amusement coming off of the two masked men flanking the first Amekage.
"It is this ones understanding that the next international Chunin exams are being held 5 months from now here in Konohagakure, is that correct, Hokage-sama?" Minato nods, folding his hands over top of the freshly signed treaties and merchant contracts. "Than this one would like to make the offer of taking both the financial and security burden from your village to host the next Genin exams in Amegakure."
The uproar from the 2 councilors beside her is immediate and Kushinas jaw twitches at their shortsightedness. Sure; she could see how bad this would look if Amegakure was signing peace with them in private, or if the chunin exams had already been on their way to being organized but as it is Amegakure was not a country that kept its dealings quiet any longer, and Minato had been putting off budgeting for the chunin exams until after the official signing of the treaties any way.
Minato raises his hand after letting them yell for a while before he tilts his head in her direction.
"It is this one's humble opinion," Kushina begins, ignoring how her husband's bottom lip wibbles as he holds back his startled laugh. "That Councilors Mitokada and Utatane misunderstand the offer and the spirit in which it has been made. This one is of the opinion to accept Ame-Ichi-sama's generous proposal, to the length that Hokage-sama and Ame-Ni-sama and Ame-San-sama are all also in agreement and of similar mind to continue correspondence through the organizational process to ensure Amegakure is most ready to put on a showing that leaves itself as well as Konohagakure shining in a good light."
She can see Ame-Ni-samas jaw and shoulders twitching as he holds his laughter at bay; whereas Ame-Ichi-sama let's out a soft chuckle as she covers her mouth with delicate fingers.
"This one apologizes if she has been too exaggerated in her speech," she says, her voice slightly lower now as she slides into an Ame accent. "It simply seemed to me that your councilors would appreciate the effort."
Minato throws his head back and laughs in easy delight; meanwhile Kushinas own amusement sours a little... even if she had set that up for her. She shrugs mentally and tunes back in, ignoring the indignant noises at her side.
"I can assure you we are in agreement, thank you for your kindness in granting us this opportunity Hokage-sama, we will reach out to Sunagakure and Kirigakure to inform them of this; as we are contractually obligated to as allies." And isn't that just the kicker, Amegakure says they'll tell you and then they do, and somehow it has yet to publicly bite them in the ass.
They all stand and official goodbyes are said, the Ame Three bow to Minato first before turning in sync to bow to her and the other Councilors, she bows back despite the other two grumbling beside her and only dipping their heads.
The door closes behind them as their ANBU escort appears to take them back to their Inn before they departure time tomorrow morning and Minato sweeps her up with a whoop of joy; talking a mile a minute as he takes apart every word choice and non-verbal cue they had allowed to be seen. Kushina rolls her eyes affectionately, butting in with things he'd missed being behind his desk the whole time.
Things were really, really, looking up these days.