Chapter 74: (T) An all-day event.
The town of Hikage, in the early morning. Malik, Waraji, and Zōri are preparing for the day's events, starting with a meeting with the clan leaders.
Malik gathered Waraji and Zōri in the inn's common room, a sense of purpose in his eyes. "Today, we're going to unite the Kurokage and Shirokage Clans. The first part of our plan is another meeting with the clan leaders. We need to explain our intentions and set the stage for the events that follow."
Waraji nodded, his expression serious. "What's the plan?"
"We're going to hold a series of contests," Malik explained. "The younger clan members will compete, allowing them to face each other head-on without bloodshed. As the games progress, the events will require more and more teamwork. This will help them build bonds, even if they're weak at first."
Zōri's eyes lit up with understanding. "And the bandits we encountered before?"
"Exactly," Malik replied. "You two will gather them and bring them to participate in the games as well. We'll pay them if fear isn't enough motivation. Having an outside group participate will add another layer to the competition and force the clans to work together."
Waraji and Zōri exchanged glances, both of them nodding. "We're on it," Waraji said, determination in his voice.
"Good," Malik said. "While you're doing that, I'll prepare for the meeting with the clan leaders. It's crucial that they understand our intentions and support the plan."
With a final nod, Waraji and Zōri set off to find the bandits, while Malik headed to the Kurokage compound for the meeting with Kaito Kurokage and Yumi Shirokage.
Malik stood in the main hall of the Kurokage compound, facing Kaito Kurokage and Yumi Shirokage. The tension between the two leaders was palpable, but Malik remained calm and composed.
Kaito's dark eyes bore into Malik. "You requested another meeting, Malik. What do you propose?"
Malik took a deep breath, his voice steady and confident. "I propose a series of contests between the younger members of your clans. These games will start with individual competitions and gradually move towards team-based events. This will allow the younger generation to face each other without bloodshed and, eventually, learn to work together."
Yumi's bright blue eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Contests? And how will that help us unite?"
Malik continued, "The contests will provide a controlled environment for your clans to compete. By the time we reach the team-based events, the participants will have built some level of mutual respect and trust. This will create the foundation for a more unified future."
Kaito crossed his arms, his expression skeptical. "And what of the bandits we encountered recently? Will they be involved?"
"Yes," Malik confirmed. "Waraji and Zōri are gathering them as we speak. Their participation will add an external challenge, forcing your clans to collaborate and adapt."
Yumi's gaze softened slightly. "It's an interesting idea, Malik. But how can we be sure it will work?"
Malik met her gaze with unwavering resolve. "We must try. If this plan succeeds, it will be the first step towards lasting peace. We owe it to the future generations to give them a chance at a united and prosperous Hikage."
Kaito and Yumi exchanged a glance, a silent agreement passing between them.
Kaito nodded slowly. "Very well, Malik. We will support your plan. But know that our patience is not limitless."
Yumi added, "We'll see how the contests unfold. If they bring us closer to unity, then it will be worth it."
Malik smiled, gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you. I promise, together, we can achieve this."
With the clan leaders' tentative agreement, Malik felt a surge of hope. The first part of the plan was in motion, and now it was up to Waraji and Zōri to bring the bandits to participate in the games.