After Cang Lu had done his utmost to persuade them to stay, Rikusei and Madara remained on the moon for a few more days, until things on his end were no longer so hectic.
Cang Lu proposed throwing Madara a grand Bonfire Party, but Madara flatly refused. The passionate Otsutsuki had already plied him with more than enough drinks over the past few days.
Madara made up his mind: the fine wines in the scroll could go to Hashirama. He was never touching them again.
Cang Lu, whose offer had been rejected, looked at Rikusei with eager hope, wishing he could change Madara's mind. Clearly, things didn't go his way.
Seated on the Puppet Flying Bird, Cang Lu gazed down at the mountains and forests, searching for the passage that led straight to the Shinobi World.
He didn't mind telling Madara where this place was. Madara could fly up from the Shinobi World on his own, after all. It was better to tell him outright than have that immense chakra appear on the moon again someday and startle their fragile hearts.
"Whoosh!"
The bird sped past the treetops like a shooting star, its rushing silhouette stirring a commotion in the silent forest.
"Not bad, the speed when you're flying at full power."
Cang Lu turned his face away from the wind and called out to the boy behind him, who wanted to experience the thrill of going that fast.
Rikusei's cheeks were flushed. He didn't answer, only closed his eyes and let the morning breeze rush against his chest, savoring the unique charms of the moon.
Madara, meanwhile, stared at the glowing artificial sun, carefully observing its inner workings and comparing them with what Cang Lu had told him.
The bird slowed and glided toward the ground. Sensing the wind