"No. They are a waste, as is this pointless bickering between villages." Kabuto said, swirling his cup to warm his hands. "But it is hard to make them listen, is it not? There is too much anger and fear still left over from the last few centuries."

He paused, knowing that the alternative exemplified by the Sound was not seen as much better by most outsiders. But, well, heroes needed someone to fight, didn't they? When there were no more terrifying monsters you were left with a lot of broken people and someone had to pick up the pieces. And not everyone had families to take them in afterwards. If Juugo found peace at the Ame, then good for him. Others didn't have that option.

"You are lucky to have such a compassionate leader. And to have found a place that fits you so well." And Kabuto couldn't help but smile. Yes, the Sound had lost a valuble piece, but the boy was happy, and the Sound-nin was not heartless, no matter what the Leaf might think.

>(Bah, yes. Getting used to all the changes in this AU is taking me far too long. My appologies.]