[center][color=#11BCC2][h3][u][b]Anzen-sei, Kikuë[/b][/u][/h3][/color][/center][hr]
Turning her attention to Ayameko as she spoke up, Kikue leaned forwards slightly, to show the barest shred of interest—even if she didn't feel it in the least. As the old woman finished the pleasantries she typically went through and mentioned that Kyokujitsu no Tochi actually had some proposals, her eyebrow twitched incrementally—as if she had been about to raise it—nonetheless she did not. Then the sankage dropped the first of her little [i]'proposals'[/i] and Kikue managed—as she typically did—to keep her expression largely neutral, but slightly interested.

The reality was different for through her mind swam numerous possibilities. Using the village's genin as spies to scout out the strength, defenses, status, and possible political moves of Kyokujitsu was just one. However, another was the possibility of what this could mean if they all agreed to it. It could mean defectors, or the borders of their three countries opening up. It could mean greater safety and better relations among the three great nations, yet, she wasn't sure if she trusted the other two on that front. Plus, genin, and many chuunin teams as well, typically had a jounin leader and who would lead and teach those teams? Whichever village snatched that would basically be drawing the attention of the genin and making them look up to individuals of another village.

The implications and possibilities felt endless, and she was seeing as many problems as she was benefits. At the same time, having genin in an exchange program go to multiple nations meant that the cultural diversity could grow considerably, and they could be made aware of the differences in other cultures around the world, they could be trained how to deal with vastly different terrains and social climates. It would be very good for genin, but it could be very bad for the Land of Storms if anyone of them let slip information to anyone else about what they might come to know about the defenses of their betters. Secrets revealed, friendships made, but rivals too, perhaps enemies.

Knowing the Sankage, this was likely not a move to broaden the spy network, and knowing Kyoko, it was more likely meant to foster peace. However, Kikue had grown up in Kirigakure, a place where the strong fought amongst themselves, and preyed on the weak in kind. She had grown up with stories from her mother about the wars of the past, and then even older stories of the same from the elders of her clan...and later from those of the village and elsewhere in her country. She was wary for she knew that the smallest thing could begin a domino effect that led to chaos...that led to death...that led—she clasped her hands together on the desk—to war.

She smiled, the expression curving innocently onto her lips, though it did not entirely reach her eyes, [color=#11BCC2][b]”Who would lead these squads?”[/b][/color] She asked, her first move made, tone level, demeanor relaxed, but interested. She was used to dealing with complex problems, and just as used to snatching up opportunities as they were presented to her.

Perhaps she could turn this to her advantage. If not, well...hopefully she could make it something that was disadvantageous to all of them. She glanced at Kyoko briefly, then around the table. It appeared that, this year they might be in for a rather interesting meeting.