The rings of time had completed another circle.
A year had passed since the earth-shaking battle between Naruto and Shinshiki on the vast plains of Mitsuki Country.
At the end of that battle, Naruto, exhausted in body and mind, had fallen into a deep sleep after accepting Ryūshiki's charge.
Because of Naruto's absence... the Shinobi Grand Tournament, which should have been held in Amegakure's Torrent City, had also been suspended for a year.
Many, many things had happened over that year.
Those who had resented Naruto's forceful conduct and militaristic policies after his rebirth and return had finally let go of their deep-rooted prejudices.
From the bottom of their hearts... they hoped Naruto would awaken soon and lead them against the enemies in the heavens!
A pagoda now stood in the heart of Amegakure. In its deepest chamber were ten altars, each bearing an enormous, plump Chakra Fruit!
Yes, those were the ten Divine Grade Chakra Fruits that Ryūshiki had replicated with Ōmononushi after purging Taitō's will!
Throughout the year Naruto had spent asleep, they had been set aside and enshrined there!
They were the fruits of Naruto's painstaking efforts, elevated by Ryūshiki.
The Heaven Shinobi of Mitsuki Country shared one fervent wish... that when Naruto awoke, he would decide how to distribute the fruits.
Though Naruto had yet to awaken, the heaven-defying cause could not stop. After Shinshiki, the threat of another enemy from beyond their world appearing at any moment remained a sword of Damocles hanging over their heads!
That day, the Heaven Shinobi of Mitsuki Country held a meeting in Amegakure.
Rain remained Amegakure's unchanging refrain, just as the renewed Shinobi World, reborn after its ordeal, now resounded with the rallying of its ninja.
The Heaven Shinobi had already taken their seats in the meeting hall.
Sitting