Beneath Sunagakure, in the Core Laboratory.
The lights were dim and yellow, and the instruments hummed.
Kushina stood beside the lab bench, holding a cup of tea that had gone completely cold without drinking it. Her gaze rested on Toyotomi Yinglang, who was reviewing files across from her. After hesitating for a long time, she finally spoke.
"I've always wanted to ask-why do you put so much effort into me?"
Toyotomi Yinglang looked up at her, a faint smile curling his lips.
"Because you're worth it."
"Worth what?"
"Worth my time."
Kushina shook her head.
"I don't believe you. Everything you do has a purpose."
"Of course it does."
Toyotomi Yinglang set down his pen and leaned back in his chair.
"My purpose is-to make you belong to me completely. Not just your body, but your heart too."
Kushina lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously tightening around the teacup.
"That's difficult."
"I know."
Toyotomi Yinglang stood and walked over to her.
"That's why I need you to see a few things clearly first."
"What things?"
"For instance-"
He paused, his gaze settling on her face.
"You like Minato Namikaze because he saved you, don't you?"
Kushina's pupils contracted slightly.
"You... how do you know?"
"How I know isn't important."
Toyotomi Yinglang shook his head.
"What matters is-do you know the truth behind that 'hero rescuing the damsel'?"
"The truth?"
Kushina's brows furrowed slightly.
"What truth?"
"Back then, Kumogakure ninja abducted you, and Minato Namikaze saved you."
Toyotomi Yinglang's voice was calm, yet every word was perfectly clear.
"But what if I told you-that heroic rescue was a setup arranged by Konoha?"
Kushina's face instantly turned deathly pale.
"What... what did you say?"
"I said-"
Toyotomi Yinglang looked straight into her eyes.
"You were abducted by Kumogakure because Konoha High Command