The Main World.
Konoha Year Twenty-Two, autumn.
The British Continent, New Capital.
The Imperial Palace, Heavenly Court.
A pale golden curtain of light slowly swirled overhead, enveloping the entire space in a warm, sacred glow. The Devil Fruit Tree stood lush with branches and leaves, dozens of fruits hanging silently from its boughs like sleeping stars. Nagato, Yahiko, Konan, Yutian, Kushina, Liuli, Kaguya, and Sasori stood beneath it, gazing up at the luxuriant tree of energy. Their faces were expressionless, but an indescribable anticipation filled their eyes.
Toyotomi Yinglang stood before the tree with his hands behind his back, his moon-white kariginu gleaming softly in the pale golden light. A faint smile touched his lips as his gaze swept over each face.
"Today, I will grant you divine positions."
His voice was calm, yet every word was perfectly clear.
"A divine position is not a reward, but a responsibility. Those who receive one will have their souls bound to the Heavenly Court. You may have your own ideas, selfish desires, and ambitions. But unless you want your souls scattered into oblivion, you must obey the Heavenly Court's rules."
He paused.
"Now, step forward when your name is called."
First was Yutian.
Toyotomi Yinglang took a dark golden token from inside his robes. The character for "earth" was engraved on it, surrounded by densely packed runes. The token glowed faintly beneath the curtain of light, radiating a weighty, steady aura.
"Yutian, I name you Ksitigarbha King, one of the highest administrators of the Underworld. You will oversee Hell, suppress evil ghosts, and maintain order in the Underworld."
Yutian knelt on one knee and accepted the token with both hands. It felt heavy in his grasp-not with weight, but with "responsibility." He lowered his head and looked at the character for "earth"