May 3, Kaiyuan Year Five.
Shinra Capital, evening.
The last glow of sunset gradually sank beneath the horizon. The Empire Building's crystal curtain walls reflected the brilliant evening sky, complementing the Golden Tenseigan suspended overhead.
Office workers holding glasses in restaurants, housewives feeding their children in family diners, crowds gathered beneath the giant screens along shopping streets, patients propped up in hospital beds—countless people waited for the evening news that had become a familiar part of their lives.
The screen lit up.
After the familiar fan animation, two young hosts appeared on-screen.
Uchiha Ayane wore a crisp white suit, her long hair neatly tied back to reveal her delicate, dignified face.
She had become far more mature and elegant than the somewhat timid girl of four years ago.
Uchiha Chiyao had changed into a pale cherry-blossom-pink suit that made her look even gentler. She sat upright, her lips curved in a slight smile, both poised and approachable.
The camera slowly pulled back, revealing the circular interview area at the center of the studio.
Two prominent figures occupied the guest seats.
Namikaze Minato, Governor of Earth Province.
Karatachi Yagura, Governor of Water Province.
Both had been invited into the Imperial News studio as special guests.
Ayane's voice was clear and solemn as it reached households across the Empire through their screens.
"Imperial News, special report."
"Three months ago, atop the God Tree on Imperial Star, His Majesty consumed the God Tree Fruit and achieved the ultimate transcendence of life itself. From that moment on, His Majesty ascended to godhood and became immortal."
Chiyao smoothly took over, turning toward their two guests. "Governor Minato, Governor Yagura, as two of the founding statesmen who followed His Majesty, how do you feel at this moment?"
"Please share your thoughts with us, and with all