Shinobi World No. 1.
Autumn, Konoha Year 43.
Sunagakure, Sandcastle Base.
Toyotomi Yinglang sat in his study, a huge map of the shinobi world spread out before him. Markers in different colors indicated the movements of the various forces-the northern Kumogakure and Hiruzen Sarutobi, the southern Sunagakure and Jashin Cult, the eastern Kirigakure and Minato Namikaze, and the various factions entrenched at Konoha Headquarters. The war had lasted several months, and the situation was developing as he had expected.
But his attention was not on the map.
He was sensing-his Immortal Mangekyō Sharingan was already active, intricate patterns slowly revolving within his scarlet pupils. His perception pierced the thick rock layers of Sandcastle Base, the endless yellow sands of the Land of Wind, and the vast plains of the Land of Fire, reaching toward the east.
That was where Minato Namikaze was fighting Kirigakure.
"The Sage of Six Paths has intervened."
Toyotomi Yinglang's voice was calm, yet carried a trace of cold certainty.
Kushina sat opposite him, holding a cup of tea that had gone completely cold. She had grown accustomed to life here-practicing ninjutsu at the training ground during the day, keeping Toyotomi Yinglang company in his study as he handled affairs at night, and falling asleep in his arms late into the night. She was no longer Konoha's Kushina Uzumaki. She was Kushina Toyotomi. But when she heard the name "Minato Namikaze," her fingers still tightened slightly.
"What?" Her voice was a little strained.
"Minato Namikaze." Toyotomi Yinglang repeated the name. "He's fighting Kirigakure in the east. But that's not the point. The point is-he can now activate Sage Mode instantly."
Kushina's pupils contracted slightly.
"Instantly? How is that possible? Minato... isn't good at senjutsu at all."
That was a fact. As Minato's lover, she knew the limits