Kakashi was a bit puzzled by Seiryu's words. Land of Waves? Did the Uchiha have some industry there?
He wanted to ask more, but at that moment, a loud voice called from the entrance.
"Kakashi! Kakashi!" A green-suited, bowl-cut figure waved at him at the banquet entrance.
Kakashi could only facepalm—didn't know what to say. He'd specifically told him yesterday to wear something formal. Guy had listened, but apparently couldn't part with his favorite color.
At least he hadn't arrived upside down on his hands this time—for the Uchiha's sake.
This banquet, besides the Inuzuka and Aburame clans and some of the Fourth Hokage's old subordinates, also included some ANBU and Jonin squad members—those who'd chosen to slack off during last night's lockdown incident.
As hosts, the Uchiha soon showed their generosity, serving up rare and expensive dishes—ingredients even most jonin had only heard of.
There were delicacies from the Lands of Lightning, Earth, and Water. The price was secondary—the main thing was, Seiryu had told him just last night about the banquet, and in less than half a day, the Uchiha had gathered all these things. Kakashi had to marvel again at their financial power.
Naruto was dazzled, not knowing where to start.
Seiryu, holding a wine cup, went to the head of the banquet table and raised his glass.
The guests looked at him.
"Thank you all for coming today. The Uchiha have nothing good enough to offer, so we had to summon our family's summoning beasts—the ninja cats—to buy all these things from across the ninja world overnight. I hope you all enjoy the food tonight," Seiryu said.
"Thanks to Clan Leader Seiryu and the Uchiha for their hospitality! A toast to Clan Leader Seiryu!" Ago, not far from him, led the toast.
"To Clan Leader Seiryu!" ANBU member Nagai Seiichi joined in.
"To Clan Leader Seiryu!" The Jonin did as well.
Kakashi also raised his glass and said loudly, "To Clan Leader Seiryu!"
The Fourth Hokage's old subordinates and Guy joined in, "To Clan Leader Seiryu!"
"You're all too kind," Seiryu beamed, draining his cup.
Everyone followed suit.
Afterwards, Seiryu looked at Kakashi and said with a smile, "Now, let's have our hero of the Third Shinobi War, ANBU legend—Hatake Kakashi—say a few words."
Kakashi calmly walked over, refilled his cup, and said, "It's an honor to stand here with you all. As the center of this recent incident, I never expected things to develop as they did. Luckily, the Police Division acted in time and, with everyone's trust and help, I got through it. This drink is to you all."
Kakashi drank, and everyone toasted again.
After another round, Seiryu spoke: "This action by the Police Division was to root out those colluding with enemy villages, trying to tarnish the village's heroes and pollute the purity of the Will of Fire. The Will of Fire is the spiritual wealth left by the First Hokage, and under its guidance, the village has become what it is today. The Police Division will tolerate no behavior that sullies the Will of Fire!"
"And yesterday, you all helped out for the sake of that noble Will of Fire in your hearts. United by it, we crushed this scheme!" Seiryu continued.
He smiled, looking at each guest. "To drink with comrades who cherish the Will of Fire—today, I'm the happiest!"
"Clan Leader Seiryu put it perfectly!" Kakashi said. "Let's all toast—to the Will of Fire!"
"To the Will of Fire!" everyone echoed.
"Everyone, eat and drink your fill!" Seiryu laughed, signaling the banquet's start.
…
After the banquet, guests gradually left. Kakashi and Seiryu walked to the banks of the Naka River, with Yamato trailing behind.
At a clearing, Seiryu called Yamato over and handed him a blueprint, pointing to the land, "Please build a building here, same size as the current Police Division prison, but make the interior facilities better—it won't hold ordinary criminals."
Yamato was a bit nervous before Seiryu, but Seiryu just patted his shoulder kindly, "Relax, you had no choice before, and the people forcing you are gone. As long as you hold the Will of Fire in your heart, we're all comrades, right?"
"Yes, I understand." Yamato nodded, took the blueprint, studied it, and then told them to step back before he started weaving hand signs.
"Wood Release: Multiple Pillar House!" Yamato pressed his hands to the ground. With a surge of chakra, saplings burst forth, quickly growing into giant trees that merged into a building.
"You plan to keep those two advisors here?" Kakashi asked.
"Yes. The Third already spoke up, so we have to give him some face. Can't put the advisors in with common criminals," Seiryu said. "Right, want to take a post here?"
"Work here?" Kakashi glanced at the forming building. "Sure, as long as you don't mind me being late every day."