Kakashi was puzzled by Kuragami Uchiha's words, Land of Waves? Could it be that the Uchiha Clan had some business over there?
He wanted to ask for more details, but a loud and energetic voice calling his name from the entrance forced him to stop.
"Kakashi!!"
A man in a green suit with a bowl-cut hairstyle was enthusiastically waving at him from the banquet entrance.
Seeing this, Kakashi could only place a hand on his forehead, not knowing what to say. He had specifically reminded the guy yesterday to wear something formal today. And while Guy did take his advice, he still couldn't seem to part with that particular color.
At least it was clear that he hadn't arrived by walking on his hands this time, probably as a sign of respect for the Uchiha Clan.
This banquet wasn't just attended by the Inuzuka and Aburame Clans and former subordinates of the fourth Hokage. Some members of the Anbu and high-ranking Jonin were also invited, specifically those who had chosen to stay out of last night's security lockdown situation.
Once the banquet started, the Uchiha Clan, as the hosts, quickly displayed their generosity.
Dishes made from extremely rare and valuable ingredients, ones that even many elite Jonin had only heard of, were served one after another.
Among them were delicacies from the Land of Lightning, the Land of Earth, and the Land of Water.
The price of these ingredients was secondary; the impressive part was that Kuragami had only mentioned hosting the banquet last night, yet the Uchiha had managed to gather such an extravagant spread in less than half a day.
Seeing this, Kakashi couldn't help but once again marvel at the financial power of his ally.
Meanwhile, Naruto was already dazzled by the sight of so much gourmet food, unsure where to even start.
At this moment, Kuragami Uchiha stepped to the front of the long banquet table with a wine glass in hand and raised it.
Seeing this, the attendees all turned their attention to him.
"Thank you all for honoring us with your presence today."
Kuragami looked at everyone and said. "The Uchiha Clan has nothing grand to offer as hospitality, only these dishes that we gathered overnight from all across the Shinobi World through our summoning beast partners, the Ninneko. We hope everyone enjoys the meal."
"Thank you, Clan Head Kuragami and the Uchiha Clan, for the hospitality! A toast to Clan Head Kuragami!"
Kenshiro Inuzuka, seated near Kuragami, took the lead in raising his glass.
"A toast to Clan Head Kuragami!" Seiichi Nagai echoed from the Anbu ranks.
"A toast to Clan Head Kuragami!" The Jonin who had attended the banquet followed suit.
Kakashi then raised his glass as well and said loudly: "A toast to Clan Head Kuragami!"
The former subordinates of the fourth Hokage, as well as Guy, all joined in: "A toast to Clan Head Kuragami!"
"You're all too kind, far too kind."
Kuragami said with a bright smile before downing his drink in one gulp.
The entire crowd followed suit, raising their glasses and drinking.
After finishing his drink, Kuragami turned to Kakashi, who was not far away and grinned. "Now, let us hear a few words from our hero of the Third Shinobi World War, the legendary Anbu, Kakashi Hatake."
Being called out, Kakashi naturally stepped forward, refilled his glass, and stood beside Kuragami.
"It is an honor to stand here with all of you."
Kakashi began. "As the focal point of this recent turmoil, I never expected things to unfold as they did. As events progressed, I felt increasingly helpless. Fortunately, at the crucial moment, the Konoha Military Police Force acted swiftly to put an end to this farce. Thanks to the trust and assistance of my fellow comrades, I was able to weather the storm. This drink, I dedicate to all of you."
He raised his glass and drank, and the others followed suit.
After another round of drinks, Kuragami spoke again.
"The Konoha Military Police Force took action this time to root out certain individuals who colluded with enemy villages, attempting to defile the purity of the Will of Fire by tarnishing the reputation of our village's heroes. Ensuring the purity of the Will of Fire is our top priority!"
"Our village stands strong today because of the Will of Fire, the spiritual legacy left behind by the first Hokage. It is this guiding principle that has led us to this day. The Konoha Military Police Force has zero tolerance for any attempt to corrupt it!"
Kuragami's gaze swept across the banquet table as he continued with a smile.
"And yesterday, each of you took action because of the noble Will of Fire in your hearts. It was the Will of Fire that united us and allowed us to crush this conspiracy together!"
After finishing his speech, he looked at the gathered comrades and said warmly: "To be able to drink alongside so many who hold the Will of Fire in their hearts, today, I am the happiest man alive!"
"Well said, Clan Head Kuragami!"
Kakashi stepped forward again. "I propose that we all raise our glasses in honor of the Will of Fire!"
"To the Will of Fire!" The crowd raised their glasses again, downing another round of drinks.
"Everyone, eat well and drink to your heart's content today!"
Kuragami laughed as he set down his glass, officially marking the start of the feast.
… … …
After the banquet ended, the guests gradually departed. Kakashi, however, stayed behind and walked with Kuragami to the Naka River, with Yamato following at a distance.
After reaching an open space by the riverbank, Kuragami called Yamato over, handed him a blueprint, and pointed to the area.
"Do me a favor, build a facility here."
He instructed. "Make it the same scale as the current Konoha Military Police Force prison, but with better internal facilities. After all, this won't be used for regular criminals."
Yamato stepped forward, appearing a bit reserved in front of Kuragami. But Kuragami simply patted him amicably on the shoulder and said with a smile.
"Relax. I know you didn't have much of a choice in the past, but the people who forced you are dead now. As long as you hold the Will of Fire in your heart, we are all comrades, aren't we?"
"Yes, I understand."
Yamato nodded, accepting the blueprint.
After studying it carefully, he signaled for the two to step back before forming hand seals at high speed.
"Wood Style: Four Pillar House Jutsu!"
With his hands pressed to the ground, a surge of Chakra spread outward. Soon, saplings burst from the soil, rapidly growing into massive wooden structures, merging and taking the form of a building.
Kakashi observed the forming structure and asked: "So, you're planning to imprison those two advisors here?"
"That's right."
Kuragami replied. "The third Hokage personally intervened, so we have to give him some face. Naturally, we can't lock the two advisors up with common criminals."
Then, he turned to Kakashi and casually suggested: "By the way, want to take up a position here?"
"You mean work here?"
Kakashi glanced at the newly forming building.
"Sure, as long as you don't mind me being late every day."