The Main World.
Konoha Year Twenty-Two, summer.
Konoha, the Toyotomi Clan Grounds.
As the Toyotomi Clan's party returned from Rōran and passed through Konoha's gates, villagers on both sides of the street cast complicated looks their way. There was curiosity, awe, and wariness they could barely conceal. The party numbered only a little over a hundred, but every one of them carried an indescribable edge-not killing intent, but confidence. They were no longer Konoha's dependents. They were the ruling family of the Country of Roran, the Great British Empire's reach into the Shinobi World.
Toyotomi Yinglang walked at the head of the party, dressed in dark gray clan robes, a sword at his waist and his stride unhurried. Behind him, Toyotomi Liuli held the recently born Toyotomi Ryukōshi, while Senju Tsubaki held Toyotomi Jinsyokuin. The two infants slept peacefully in their mothers' arms, unaware of what their births meant.
"Clan leader, we're back."
Toyotomi Hiyoshi walked up beside Toyotomi Yinglang, a trace of excitement in his voice.
"Mm."
Toyotomi Yinglang nodded.
"We're back."
His gaze swept across Konoha's streets. The scars left by war and rebellion remained-burned houses, collapsed walls, and defensive fortifications that had yet to be dismantled. But Konoha's ninja were already clearing the rubble and rebuilding homes. Hiruzen Sarutobi was more efficient than he had expected.
"This is precisely the period when order is being restored."
Toyotomi Yinglang spoke calmly, as though discussing the day's weather.
"Buy land, build houses, and establish a ninja training system for the Martial Arts Hall."
A gleam flashed in Toyotomi Hiyoshi's eyes.
"The Martial Arts Hall?"
"No, the Martial Arts Hall."
Toyotomi Yinglang nodded.
"When the Martial Arts Hall's students grow up, they'll live in houses built by the Toyotomi, marry women introduced by the Toyotomi, and take missions provided by