Main world.
Konoha Year Twenty-Two, spring.
British Continent, New Capital.
Imperial Palace, Council Hall.
The snow outside had begun to melt, and droplets pattered down beneath the eaves. Spring sunlight streamed through the high windows, casting dappled light and shadows across the long conference table. Toyotomi Yinglang sat at its head, holding an intelligence scroll that had just arrived from the shinobi world. His gaze moved slowly across the page, a faint smile on his lips.
Toyotomi Liuli stood beside him, holding a cup of hot tea.
"Yinglang, how are things... in Konoha?"
"Tobirama Senju is 'dead.'"
Toyotomi Yinglang set down the scroll and leaned back in his chair.
"Kinkaku and Ginkaku announced that they killed the Second Hokage. Kumogakure is in civil turmoil, and the Hagoromo Clan wants to seize the position of Third Raikage. Konoha has no leader. Hiruzen Sarutobi has been named Third Hokage, but he hasn't formally taken office yet."
Liuli's brow furrowed slightly.
"What about Danzo?"
"Danzo is already making preparations."
Toyotomi Yinglang's voice was calm.
"A rebellion is about to break out."
A glimmer flashed through Liuli's eyes.
"Then what do we do?"
"Attack Sunagakure."
Toyotomi Yinglang's answer was crisp and decisive.
Liuli's brow furrowed deeper.
"Attack Sunagakure? Why?"
"Because one of our Toyotomi clansmen has gone missing, of course."
A faint smile curled Toyotomi Yinglang's lips.
Liuli froze for a moment.
"Someone's missing? How come I, the clan leader's wife, haven't heard about it?"
"No one is."
Toyotomi Yinglang shook his head.
"But I altered the genealogy a little and made up a member of the Toyotomi Clan."
Liuli's pupils contracted slightly.
"Made up a clan member?"
"Yes, I made one up."
Toyotomi Yinglang nodded.
"The Toyotomi Clan's genealogy lists a clansman named 'Toyotomi XX.' He went 'missing' on the Land of Wind's