The twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month in Konoha Year 16, an auspicious day.
The skies over Konoha had cleared for once. The late-winter sunlight fell on snow that had accumulated for months, reflecting a dazzling white glare.
The streets had been cleared of snow, exposing the gray-black flagstones beneath. Two weddings were taking place at the same time, one in the east and one in the west.
In the east, the Toyotomi Clan Grounds were festooned with lanterns and decorations, red carpets covered the ground, and guests thronged the grounds. In the west, the little alley where Kagami Uchiha rented his home was deserted, with only a few faded red lanterns swaying in the wind like a dying person's final breaths.
At the Toyotomi Clan Grounds, Sakura Haruno's wedding was underway.
"Call all the students from the Martial Arts Hall! Time for the feast!"
Toyotomi Yinglang stood at the entrance to the Clan Compound in dark red formal robes, which lent a rare touch of softness to his stern face. His voice was not loud, but it carried clearly throughout the compound, bearing an unquestionable, almost boastful certainty.
"Yes!" Several servants answered and hurried off to pass on the order.
The students of the Martial Arts Hall soon poured out. Dressed in matching dark gray uniforms, they ranged from seven or eight to fifteen or sixteen, all brimming with energy, their eyes curious and excited. They were the future foundation of the Toyotomi Clan, the "seedlings" Yinglang had personally nurtured.
"Line up! Take your seats by class!" Toyotomi Ken, the Head Instructor of the Martial Arts Hall, stood on the steps, shouting instructions. The students filed in and sat in their designated area, orderly and quiet, though they could not conceal the light in their eyes.
Toyotomi Yinglang entered