A black dot appeared on Konoha's skyline.
Shikaku stood on the rooftop of the Hokage Building. The cigarette in his hand had burned down to the end, but he had forgotten to stub it out. His gaze stayed fixed on the figure descending steadily from the sky, and his breathing began to quicken.
"He's here." He turned and called down to the floor below.
Tsunade leaned halfway out of her office window and looked in the direction Shikaku was pointing. When her golden eyes caught that familiar black figure, she let out a heavy breath.
"Notify the Five Kage. He's back."
When Shengu Xuan landed atop the Hokage Building, Shikaku was already waiting there with three ANBU, each standing as straight as though awaiting inspection.
"Lord Shengu." Shikaku stubbed out his cigarette and tucked the butt into his pocket, unmistakable relief in his voice. "The situation on the moon..."
"Taken care of." Shengu Xuan hopped down from the edge of the roof, his hands in his pockets as usual, and swept his gaze over the surrounding buildings of Konoha. "I've been gone three days. How are things here?"
"Very quiet." Shikaku followed him toward the stairs, speaking as they walked. "The intelligence networks of all Five Great Shinobi Villages have been monitoring the moon. After word came back that its orbit had returned to normal, every village sent messengers to wait in Konoha."
"Wait for what?"
"For you." Shikaku paused at the turn in the stairs, looking at Shengu Xuan's back as he lowered his voice a little. "The Raikage and Mizukage arrived the day before yesterday, the Kazekage yesterday, and the Tsuchikage only just entered the village this morning."
Shengu Xuan's steps faltered, and he glanced back at Shikaku.
"All Five Kage are here?"
"Including Lady Tsunade, all five."