Main World.
Konoha Year Twenty-Two, winter.
British Continent, New Capital.
Imperial Palace, Consort Xin's Bedchamber.
Kushina sat at the dining table, holding an empty bowl, her eyes wide. Across from her, Toyotomi Jilan, a little over two years old, held a basin larger than his head and wolfed down his food. The basin held rice, stewed meat, vegetables, and eggs-a whole basinful, enough for a meal for three adult shinobi. Jilan had already eaten more than half, and his pace had not slowed at all.
"How can he eat so much?!" There was a trace of disbelief in Kushina's voice. "He doesn't even use a bowl anymore! He uses a basin!"
Toyotomi Yinglang sat beside Jilan, holding a cup of hot tea, a faint smile on his lips. His gaze rested on Jilan, with no surprise in his eyes, only satisfaction.
"A healthy appetite is a good thing."
"A good thing?" The corner of Kushina's mouth twitched. "He eats five times as much as I do! And he's only two! What happens when he grows up? Will he eat a whole cow in one meal?"
"A whole cow?" Toyotomi Yinglang laughed. "You might be underestimating him."
Kushina sighed, set down her empty bowl, and went to serve another bowl of rice. Jilan raised his head and looked at her, grains of rice still clinging to the corners of his mouth.
"Mom, more."
Kushina paused midstep. "More?"
"More."
Kushina took a deep breath and set the rice she had served in front of him. Jilan went back to wolfing down his food.
Toyotomi Yinglang set down his teacup and looked at Jilan. "I've discovered Jilan's special ability."
Kushina frowned slightly. "Special ability?"
"He can heal his injuries and restore his stamina by eating. But he needs to concentrate."
Kushina's pupils contracted