Shinobi World No. 1.
Winter, Year 46 of Konoha.
Land of Rain, Jashin Cult Headquarters, side hall.
Dark red light flowed slowly through the side hall, stretching the four figures' shadows long. Toyotomi Yinglang sat on a stone platform, his moon-white Kariginu taking on a cold white sheen in the light. He held a cup of hot tea, its fragrance curling upward through the dark red glow. Nagato sat cross-legged opposite him. His Mangekyō Sharingan had faded, his eyes returning to their ordinary violet color. Yahiko stood before the window, arms folded across his chest, his short orange hair particularly striking in the dimness. Konan sat beside the window, folding a paper crane, its wings trembling slightly between her fingertips.
"After watching the battle at Mount Myōboku, what questions do you have?"
Toyotomi Yinglang's voice was calm as his gaze swept across their faces.
Nagato was silent for a moment.
"Teacher, was the Will of Fire cultivated by the Sage of Six Paths?"
Toyotomi Yinglang set down his teacup and leaned against the stone wall.
"Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju sowed the seeds. The Sage of Six Paths applied the fertilizer and pesticides."
Nagato's pupils contracted slightly.
"Sowed the seeds... applied fertilizer and pesticides..."
"Yes. Sowed the seeds, applied fertilizer and pesticides."
Toyotomi Yinglang nodded.
"Hashirama Senju proposed the Will of Fire, and Tobirama Senju institutionalized it. That was sowing the seeds. The Sage of Six Paths secretly guided, strengthened, and maintained it-letting the Will of Fire take root and sprout in Konoha, making Konoha's shinobi willingly risk their lives for the village. That was applying fertilizer and pesticides."
Yahiko frowned slightly.
"So... the Will of Fire isn't something of Konoha's own?"
"It is something of Konoha's own."
Toyotomi Yinglang shook his head.
"But it isn't something Konoha grew independently.