Autumn, Konoha Year Twenty-Two.
New Capital, British Continent.
The Council Grand Hall, Imperial Palace.
Candle flames flickered within the hall, the light and shadows steady. All the core senior officials stood arrayed in their places, the atmosphere solemn and dignified.
Nagato stood in the hall, his dark red hair gleaming a deep purplish black in the lamplight, his expression respectful and solemn. Yahiko stood beside him, his short orange hair neat and sharp, his posture as upright as ever. Konan stood quietly on his other side, her cool features devoid of emotion, her slender fingertips constantly fluttering as she folded one lifelike paper crane after another.
Yutian stood behind the three, his deep purple governor's court robes impeccably arranged.
On a chair to one side, Kushina sat gently, holding the sleeping Jilan in her arms. The little fellow slept soundly and sweetly, his tender little hand lightly clutching a lock of Kushina's hair.
Toyotomi Liuli stood beside the seat of honor, holding a cup of hot tea steadily in both hands as she quietly attended him.
In a corner of the hall, Kaguya sat alone in silence. Her silvery-white hair fell to her waist, and her pure white slit pupils reflected the dancing candlelight, deep and indifferent.
Before the console, Sasori stood with his head lowered, his golden serpent eyes flickering slightly behind his lenses as he calmly watched everything in the hall.
In the seat of honor, Toyotomi Yinglang sat at ease, gently toying with a lustrous, dark purple Soul Yin Stone between his fingers.
His gaze swept lightly over everyone present, a faint, composed smile on his lips as he slowly spoke.
"Nagato, Yahiko, Konan, Yutian, Kushina, Liuli, Kaguya, Sasori."
Each word rang clearly through the hall.
"Next, you will carry out the Star Sea Missionary Work Mission.