It was late at night.
The Clan Head's bedchamber, Toyotomi Clan Grounds.
Charcoal burned fiercely in a bronze brazier, driving away every trace of the indoor chill and leaving only a warm, suggestive dimness. The candle flame swayed gently in the breeze, casting shifting shadows on the walls like some ancient, mysterious dance.
Toyotomi Yinglang sat propped against the headboard, his long black hair spilling over his shoulders and making his sharply defined face look even colder. His eyes were half closed, as though he were deep in thought, or perhaps listening to something.
Toyotomi Liuli lay beside him, supporting her head with one hand while unconsciously playing with his loose hair with the other. The flush from earlier still lingered on her face, but her eyes-those eyes that glimmered faintly scarlet in the darkness-were unusually clear.
"Yinglang." Her voice was soft, yet carried a rare note of seriousness.
"Hmm?"
"What do you intend to do about Sakura Haruno?" Liuli's fingers stopped at Yinglang's collarbone. "That little girl seems determined to stick with you."
Toyotomi Yinglang opened his eyes and turned to look at Liuli. The warm yellow candlelight cast soft shadows over her cool face, lending a rare gentleness to eyes that usually held a scrutinizing look.
"Give her an official status." His answer was crisp and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.
"In Konoha, she's my concubine. Once we're in the empire, I'll make her a Consort."
Liuli raised an eyebrow, an amused curve forming at the corner of her mouth. "You've even divided your harem into ranks?"
Toyotomi Yinglang straightened against the headboard, his tone as flat as if he were reciting an official document. "I've already settled them."
He extended a hand, his fingers tracing light marks in the air as though listing items on an invisible