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"Hmm, not interested?"
Kaito slightly furrowed his brows, seeming somewhat troubled.
Sasuke, sitting behind him, barely lifted his eyelids, his entire demeanor radiating an unspoken "Can you stop acting?"
"Fair enough." Kaito tapped his folded fan against his palm. "After all, the land of Amegakure technically belongs to the Daimyō of the Land of Rain. It's not something we can just occupy without reason—this would involve diplomatic negotiations between feudal lords."
"..."
Everyone in the room stared at him in dead silence.
If you already knew that, why did you bring it up like that earlier?!
Are you messing with us?!
Completely ignoring the silent resentment in their gazes, Kaito unfurled his fan and waved it leisurely, then suddenly brightened as if struck by inspiration. "In that case, I have an even better idea."
Yet, no one in the room showed the slightest hint of anticipation.
Kaito smiled faintly, raising his left hand as a massive sphere of spiritual energy materialized above his palm.
"The Moon."
The glowing orb began to rotate slowly, its surface gradually forming intricate topographical details—oceans, forests, and landmasses all clearly visible.
"This is an accurate representation of the Moon's surface."
The group's attention was instantly captivated by the spiritual model.
And Kaito's next words only intensified their fascination:
"An area equivalent to that of a major nation in the shinobi world—completely unclaimed land with immense developmental potential. Surely, you must have some interest in this?"
Their eyes gleamed brighter and brighter.
Especially the siblings from the Land of Wind—Gaara and his siblings—whose desire was practically palpable.
"Moreover..."
Smaller orbs began to orbit the lunar model as Kaito continued.
"With these satellite-like celestial bodies, we can establish a defensive line on the Moon, potentially intercepting the Ōtsutsuki clan's invasion in outer space before they ever reach our world."
The breathing of many in the room grew heavier.
"Once I construct the necessary teleportation arrays, you will be able to travel directly from your villages to the Moon."
With a wave of his hand, Kaito dispersed the spiritual model and smiled again.
"So? What do you think? Would any of you be willing to join this plan—to construct a planetary defense system in space?"
"To protect the world we all share, I and Iwagakure cannot stand idly by!"
Ōnoki, his eyes wide with fervor, declared with a vigor that made him seem twenty years younger.
You shameless old fox!!!
The others inwardly cursed in unison.
"Kumogakure joins!"
A (the Fourth Raikage) immediately followed.
"Sunagakure joins!"
"Amegakure joins!"
Gaara and Mei Terumī were quick to respond as well.
Kaito nodded repeatedly, feigning deep satisfaction.
"Konohagakure will naturally participate too."
Tsunade stated calmly, though not without a hint of amusement.
"Kaito-dono." Mifune's expression betrayed a trace of urgency. "Might the Land of Iron also have the honor of joining your plan?"
"Of course." Kaito smiled warmly. "To protect our world, I hope to unite all available forces."
Mifune's face lit up, and he immediately declared solemnly, "Then, on behalf of the Land of Iron, I formally announce our participation in your plan."
Shion also spoke up: "Though the Land of Demons is small and weak, we are willing to contribute what little strength we have to protect the world."
"Excellent." Kaito appeared genuinely pleased. "With this, we can form a united front for the planet's defense."
The atmosphere in the room grew increasingly excited as everyone turned their attention to the remaining faction leaders.
Chiriku, a renowned former member of the Twelve Guardian Ninja and a monk of the Fire Temple, was a unique case.
The Fire Temple was funded by the Land of Fire's nobility and had little need for land.
Moreover, he was known for his unwavering loyalty to the Daimyō—likely placing him at odds with the shinobi's stance.
As for the three Great Sage creatures of the summoning realms, they each possessed their own secluded habitats and lacked any real desire for territory.
"Namu Amida Butsu."
Chiriku, noticing the collective gaze upon him, calmly pressed his palms together in a Buddhist gesture.
"Master Chiriku."
Kaito set down his fan and returned the gesture with the Kikkō seal.
"This humble monk has witnessed your reopening of the Pure Land and the restoration of the cycle of reincarnation—a deed of immeasurable merit to save all living beings."
Chiriku bowed slightly toward Kaito.
"Though I lack the ability to partake in such an endeavor, I am deeply awed."
"Oh?" Kaito's lips curled into a faint smirk. "From what I understand, Master Chiriku, as a former member of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, possesses considerable strength. How could you lack the ability?"
"The Fire Temple has few monks, and I cannot speak for other temples." Chiriku bowed again. "Namu Amida Butsu. I must ask for your understanding. That said, should battle come, I will gladly lend my strength to repel the invaders."
"I see." Kaito slowly reopened his fan. "Master Chiriku's integrity is truly admirable."
"You flatter me."
Chiriku bowed once more, lowering his eyes in silence.
Kaito did not press further.
At this point, it no longer mattered which side Chiriku stood on.
The tides of fate were already in Kaito's hands—an unstoppable force that even the Daimyō could not resist.
Thus, his gaze finally settled upon the three summoning sages.
"Great Sages," Kaito's tone remained cordial. "Might I ask your thoughts on the matter?"
"Kaito-dono, as I've said before..."
The White Snake Sage, currently in the form of an elderly human woman, idly twirled her pipe—uncharacteristically refraining from smoking.
"Ryūchi Cave will support all your actions, unconditionally."
"Indeed. In that case, I can only express my deepest gratitude for the White Snake Sage's unwavering support. We shall discuss the specifics later."
Kaito accepted the pledge without hesitation.
"Great Slug Sage." Kaito turned to the small, resting form of Katsuyu. "As you've stated, you are Lady Tsunade's summon and will support her in all matters. I suppose no further discussion is needed."
"That is correct." Katsuyu's voice was gentle. "Unlike Ryūchi Cave and Mount Myōboku, Shikkotsu Forest has only ever been home to me. I will continue to serve as Lady Tsunade's summon in battle, as always."
"That works as well."
Kaito nodded in acknowledgment.
"Thank you, Katsuyu."
Tsunade couldn't help but smile.
How cunning, Katsuyu.
The same thought crossed the minds of the White Snake Sage and the Great Toad Sage.
The latter, still in its wizened toad form—though now only half a person's height—barely twitched its drooping eyelids before speaking.
"Mount Myōboku has no need for land on the Moon. Like the Great Slug Sage, we shall fight alongside our summoners—Jiraiya, Minato, and Naruto."
It continued, "However, should Kaito-dono require it, Mount Myōboku may also dispatch toads to assist in constructing the space defense line."