Moonlight flowed, spreading frost-white and clear across the unchanging earth. This was the Land of Moon, a country with countless perfect spots for viewing the moon. Though it lay near the Land of Lightning, it remained peaceful, untouched by the turmoil of war.
Rikusei was lying on the roof of an inn, resting his head on a scroll as he gazed at the bright moon glowing softly overhead. A gentle breeze carried a familiar scent. He shifted over, making room beside him.
Madara appeared with the Body Flicker Technique and sat casually on the roof. He glanced at the drunken man in the courtyard, then shook the bottle of sake in his hand and pried off the cap. His nostrils flared as he blissfully inhaled the aroma wafting out, his narrowed eyes full of contentment.
"Give me a swig!"
He selectively ignored the salted fish whining beside him. Pinching the bottle cap between his fingers, he aimed and flicked it with a "whoosh." It struck squarely on the forehead. The crisp sound suggested the head was pretty sturdy—a fine Uchiha head.
He took a satisfied sip. The liquor's sharp burn seemed to dispel the anxiety in his heart.
Kumogakure was far bigger than he had imagined. He had visited the place long ago, when it had been nothing but wasteland. Now it had become a thriving village.
The changes brought by the passage of time left him wistful. A village assembled on a whim had, in such a short time, come to rival Konoha in every respect. The creativity of shinobi was astonishing.
The moonlight, sinking in the west, silently stretched his shadow across Rikusei, shrouding the boy's face and obscuring his expression.
Rikusei knew exactly why Madara had finally dragged him away in such a foul mood: the whole