The Main World.
Autumn, Konoha Year 17.
Rōran, the Palace.
Moonlight spilled through the high windows onto the cold floor tiles, stretching the shadow of Toyotomi Yinglang's clone. He sat in the seat of honor, toying with a Jade Seal-the Great British Empire's Imperial Seal, which represented supreme power.
Shiya knelt below on one knee, his back perfectly straight, awaiting orders.
"Shiya."
Toyotomi Yinglang set down the seal and leaned back in his chair.
"Here."
"Go write Sunagakure a warning letter."
His voice was calm, yet every word was perfectly clear.
"Deliver it to... the bed of the Second Kazekage Shamon's... wife."
Shiya's pupils contracted slightly.
Deliver it to the Kazekage's wife's bed?
This...
"Your Majesty, what should the letter say?"
"The contents are simple."
A cold smile curved Toyotomi Yinglang's lips.
"Warn Shamon-if you dare come to Rōran... I'll kill your son, sleep with your wife, and then go slaughter the students at Sunagakure's Ninja Academy."
Shiya's breath caught slightly.
Kill his son, sleep with his wife, slaughter the students.
This...
"Your Majesty, wouldn't that be too..."
"Too what? Too ruthless?"
Toyotomi Yinglang interrupted him, stood up, and walked to the window.
"Shiya, remember this-"
He turned, the moonlight casting sharply contrasting shadows across his face.
"It is a ninja's nature to fear power, not respect virtue."
"Only when you make them afraid, when you let them know that you can take away what they treasure, will they respect you."
Shiya fell silent.
He remembered those rogue ninja, remembered their screams as they were buried alive.
They had been afraid.
So they would not come again.
"Your Majesty, I understand."
"Good."
Toyotomi Yinglang returned to the seat of honor and sat down.
"Shiya, let me ask you-"
He paused.
"Why do you think ninja always love peace, yet keep