Main World.
Summer, Year 24 of Konoha.
Heavenly Court, Void Gate.
A pale golden curtain of light flowed slowly overhead, enveloping the entire space in a warm, sacred glow.
The Void Gate stood at the center of the Heavenly Court, ten meters tall and five meters wide, its frame densely engraved with runes. The runes glowed faintly in the curtain of light, giving off a mysterious aura like that of space itself.
Nagato stood before the Void Gate, his dark red hair gleaming purplish-black in the light.
Yahiko stood beside him, his short orange hair as neat as ever.
Konan stood on the other side, her cool face expressionless, but her hands were folding a paper crane.
Yutian stood behind them, his deep purple Governor's Robe impeccably arranged.
Sasori stood before the Control Console, his golden serpent eyes flickering faintly behind his lenses.
Toyotomi Yinglang stood in front of the Void Gate, his hands clasped behind his back, his moon-white Kariginu shining softly in the pale golden curtain of light. A faint smile lingered on his lips as his gaze swept over them.
"The second planet." His voice was calm. "Nagato, go ahead and scout."
Nagato nodded and stepped into the Void Gate. With a flash of light, he vanished.
Yahiko, Konan, Yutian, and Sasori remained where they were, waiting.
The second planet.
The sky was deep blue, and the clouds were thick. Sunlight spilled through them, bathing the sea in brilliant gold. There were no continents, only an endless ocean. Nagato stood in the air, his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan already activated, this unfamiliar world reflected in his scarlet pupils. His perception spread in every direction-no chakra fluctuations, no supernatural auras, only primal life energy and the salty sea breeze.
He lowered his head and looked at the sea