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The issue at hand concerned the restoration of their nations' most critical environmental landscapes. Aside from Tsunade, who had long been aware of the situation, everyone else was visibly agitated.
The most excited among them were undoubtedly the representatives from Iwagakure and Sunagakure.
The majority of the Land of Earth was composed of desolate rocky wastelands, while the Land of Wind was blanketed in endless deserts. These barren lands had led to severe resource shortages, plunging their citizens into hardship and serving as the underlying cause for Iwagakure and Sunagakure's repeated involvement in the Shinobi World Wars.
If the rocky wastelands of the Land of Earth and the vast deserts of the Land of Wind could be restored into fertile soil, their national power would, over time, likely catch up to the Land of Fire—the most naturally abundant of all.
At this moment, Ōnoki, the Tsuchikage, and Gaara, the Kazekage, were practically overwhelmed with emotion.
Though the Raikage, A, and the Mizukage, Mei Terumī, were also somewhat moved, their excitement was noticeably more restrained.
In fact, if the land were truly restored, the Land of Lightning and the Land of Water might end up at a disadvantage.
Though one was an isolated island nation and the other a peninsula, both countries were dominated by mountainous terrain. The lack of arable land due to excessive mountains was not an issue that could be resolved simply by restoring the planet's natural energy.
"Everyone," Kaito reminded them, "each nation's topography is also influenced by its terrain and climate. Moreover, the planet's natural energy—channeled through the Dragon Veins—will restore the land through a slow and gradual process. Immediate, drastic changes may not be visible in the short term."
"However," he continued, "we shinobi possess immense power in our own right. Altering terrain and climate is not an impossible feat. As long as we persist, we will eventually breathe new life into these barren lands."
His words gradually calmed the room.
As Kaito had pointed out, land restoration was a slow process, and its authenticity could not be verified immediately.
Thus, the currently accessible land on the moon suddenly became all the more valuable.
The discussion then shifted to the specifics of establishing a defensive line in space.
Each participating faction would contribute a certain number of personnel, coordination between forces had to be determined, and—most importantly—the distribution of the coveted lunar land had to be outlined in advance.
Finally, Kaito promised that within two months, he would establish teleportation arrays in each of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, allowing direct access to the moon.
As for the other, smaller factions—since they were not primary contributors—they would have to rely on the arrays set up in the Five Great Villages.
Once all the arrays were in place, it would be time for everyone to ascend to the moon and begin constructing their defenses.
With that, the meeting concluded.
After finalizing the general plan of action, the Allied Shinobi Forces promptly began their withdrawal from the Land of Rain.
Due to the presence of Ōtsutsuki Toneri, Kaito instructed Sasuke to lead a squad ahead to the moon. Meanwhile, he returned alone to Mount Ōeyama via a summoned paper clone.
However…
"Would someone care to explain… what is going on here?"
Kaito rubbed his temples in exasperation as he surveyed the utter chaos that had overtaken the Uchiha residence.
The estate was overrun with yōkai of all sizes—drinking, laughing, dancing, brawling…
It was a scene of absolute pandemonium!
Expression stern, Kaito waded through the crowd of rowdy yōkai until he reached the main hall.
"Welcome back, Kaito-sama."
"BWAHAHAHA—!!"
Sprawled across the floor, Shuten-dōji raised an enormous sake bowl.
"Kaito! Come! Drink with me!!!"
"My dearest friend, I shall join you!"
Ibaraki-dōji was clearly already heavily intoxicated.
"DRINK!!!"
Even the usually composed and dignified Ōtengu was red-faced, downing alcohol with abandon.
Meanwhile, Yūrei was huddled with a group of female yōkai, behaving no better than the men.
Even the typically aloof and reserved Kaoru had adopted an uncharacteristically bold demeanor.
The only one maintaining any semblance of dignity was Seimei, who sat gracefully to the side, completely untainted by the yōkai's debauchery.
'Not bothering to review my paper clone's memories beforehand was a mistake…'
Kaito pressed a hand to his forehead and loudly demanded, "So, why exactly did you all decide to hold a banquet in my house?!"
"Isn't it obvious?"
Hai suddenly popped up in front of him, thrusting a cup into his hands.
"We're celebrating your victory over Kaguya-hime, of course!!!"
"Exactly!"
"What better place to celebrate your success than your own home?"
"OOOOH—!!"
"Come, everyone!" Shuten-dōji refilled his bowl to the brim. "A toast—to Kaito's triumph!!!"
"A TOAST!!!"
Completely ignoring Kaito's protests, the yōkai resumed their raucous revelry without hesitation.
"Tch."
Resigned, Kaito strode over and took a seat beside Seimei.
"I don't feel even remotely happy about this."
Seimei chuckled lightly and patted his arm in consolation.
Suppressing his irritation, Kaito straightened and spoke seriously.
"Seimei-sama, there is something I wish to discuss with you."
"Oh? Of course."
Seimei set down his sake cup—noticeably smaller than those of the yōkai—and stood, straightening his robes.
"Then please, follow me."
Without another word, Kaito led Seimei out of the hall.
"Oi!!! Seimei! Kaito! Where do you think you're going?!"
Noticing their departure, Shuten-dōji bellowed in displeasure.
"The party's only just begun! Don't you dare ruin the mood!"
"That's right, Kaito-chan, come drink with me!"
Yūrei suddenly lurched to her feet, cheeks flushed, and stumbled toward him.
"Seimei-sama and I have matters to discuss. We'll return shortly."
Kaito caught her before she could fall and gently guided her back to Kishi's side.
"Go on without me for now. I'll join you later!"
After giving her head a light pat, Kaito turned and walked out.
"Honestly, Kaito-chan!!!"
Ignoring Yūrei's grumbling for the time being, Kaito escorted Seimei to his laboratory. He opened a hidden door in the stone wall, stepped into the secret chamber, and activated a barrier.
"Finally… some peace and quiet."
With a snap of his fingers, a row of candles flickered to life.
"Please, have a seat, Seimei-sama."
"It seems you truly do have something important to discuss."
Seimei made no objection as the two knelt on the provided cushions.
"Yes."
Kaito began with a respectful bow.
"This concerns the path ahead… and I wished to seek your guidance, Seimei-sama."
"There's no need for such formality." Seimei unfolded his fan with a graceful motion. "If it is within my power to assist, I shall."
Kaito hesitated briefly before broaching a heavier topic.
"If I recall correctly… you once said your choice remains unchanged." He met Seimei's gaze. "Which means you still refuse my offer of a position in the Underworld?"
Seimei nodded. "My apologies, but I have no such desire."
"Then… you intend to pass on to the cycle of reincarnation?" Kaito sighed.
"You are correct."
Seimei confirmed without hesitation.
"Had I the choice a millennium ago, I would have lived and died as an ordinary man, experiencing the natural cycle of rebirth."
A serene smile crossed his lips.
"But now, thanks to you, I may finally fulfill that wish."
"I suppose that day is not far off, then."
Kaito smiled wryly.
"You truly are… remarkably at peace with this."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
Seimei's fan swayed gently as he laughed, free of restraint.
"So, let us make the most of our time. If you have further questions, Kaito, I am happy to answer them."