Main World.
Year 26 of Konoha, winter.
British Continent, New Capital.
Imperial Palace, Council Hall.
Winter sunlight streamed through the high windows, casting faint patterns of light and shadow across the long conference table. No fire burned in the hall, but the air was not cold-the Empire's Palace had temperature-regulating runes that kept it springlike all year round. Toyotomi Yinglang sat at the head of the table, his moon-white kariginu gleaming softly in the sunlight. He held a cup of hot tea, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Six children sat before him.
Jilan sat on the far left, his short black hair shining like ink in the sunlight, his scarlet two-tomoe Sharingan slowly revolving in his eyes. He was six this year, but already had the build of an eight- or nine-year-old. He sat straight-backed, like a small pine rooted in rock. A short blade hung at his waist, its black sheath engraved with the character "丰."
Ryukōshi sat to his right, his golden holy light Sharingan glowing faintly, its single tomoe revolving slowly. He was five this year, half a head shorter than Jilan, but his posture was straight and his expression composed. Sitting there, he resembled a blade still in its sheath. His hands rested naturally at his sides, faint golden light flowing around his fingertips.
Jin Zhiyin sat to Ryukōshi's right, his emerald-green forest Sharingan gleaming softly in the sunlight. He was also five, the same age as Ryukōshi, but slimmer, with faint pale-green markings like leaf veins visible beneath his skin. He held an Oak Seed in his hands. It glowed faintly in his palms, as though breathing.
Senrin sat to Jin Zhiyin's right, her golden ponytail swaying gently in the breeze. She was three this year and wore a little Deep Red Princess