Summer, Year 15 of Konoha.
Compared with the scorching heat of the British Continent, summer in the Main World's Konoha had an added muggy dampness brought by moisture from the Naka River. Yet Konoha's political climate was even more feverish and unsettled than the weather.
A resolution personally signed by Second Hokage Tobirama Senju and formally passed at a meeting of the village leadership sent ripples through Konoha's great clans like a stone dropped into a still pool. Word also reached Toyotomi Yinglang, who remained attentive to Konoha's movements despite being far overseas.
"Effective immediately, the Senju Clan will formally launch the 'Deep Integration into Konoha Plan.'" The writing on the briefing Yutian had sent through a summoning beast was clear.
"Senju clansmen are encouraged to live in dispersed locations and marry outside the clan. According to their personal wishes and contributions, they may change their surnames after registering the change, participating in village affairs as Konoha villagers or under their new surnames. The Senju Clan will no longer retain an independent clan compound housing a large, concentrated population. Portions of the existing compound will revert to the village for the construction of public facilities..."
The study in the Imperial Palace, New Capital, British Continent.
Toyotomi Yinglang set down the briefing and tapped his fingers lightly against the smooth desktop. His face showed little expression, but his eyes were as deep as the night.
Sakura Haruno entered carrying tea and refreshments. Over the past few days, she had been permitted to move around the outer areas of the study as a "maid," and could also "happen" to overhear certain intelligence.
She set down the refreshments, glanced at the briefing beside Toyotomi Yinglang, and saw the words "Senju Clan integration into Konoha." She paused, an involuntary hint of approval appearing on