The main world.
Spring, Year 20 of Konoha.
New Capital, British Continent.
An underground secret chamber in the Imperial Palace.
The Dragon Vein's light flowed slowly through the heart of the rune array, bathing the entire chamber in a pale golden glow. Toyotomi Yinglang stood at the center of the array, forming hand seals. Dark golden energy poured from his body, resonating with the Dragon Vein. Before him floated a translucent, faintly glowing apparition-Rin Nohara's soul.
Her eyes were closed, her face peaceful, as though she were asleep. Her body was transparent, revealing the rune-covered wall behind her. Her hands lay folded over her chest, as though she were dreaming a dream from which she would never wake.
Toyotomi Yinglang took a jade vial from inside his robes. It held a pale golden liquid-Meng Po Soup. He uncorked it and slowly poured the Meng Po Soup into Rin's soul. The pale golden liquid seeped into the apparition like droplets falling onto water, sending ripples spreading outward. Rin's brow furrowed slightly, then smoothed again. Her memories were washed away.
"Water of the River of Forgetfulness, wash away the past."
Toyotomi Yinglang murmured to himself.
"From now on, you are not Rin Nohara of Konoha. You are-Rin of the Empire."
He put the jade vial away and formed hand seals.
"Resurrection Technique."
Dark golden energy poured from his body and enveloped Rin's soul. The apparition began to solidify-first bones, then muscles, then skin, then hair. A complete, living body slowly took shape in the Dragon Vein's light.
Rin opened her eyes.
Her eyes were no longer their former brown, but-pale gold. Residual dragon vein power had tinted them that color. Her face was still delicate, but there was less of her former gentleness in her features and a little more bewilderment.
"Where