The Main World.
Konoha Year 29, winter.
The Country of Roran, the Royal Palace.
Outside the window, the desert gleamed golden in the winter sunlight, stretching endlessly to the horizon. Wind blew in from afar, sweeping up fine grains of sand that struck the palace's stone walls with a soft, steady rustle.
Toyotomi Shining Sand stood by the window, his red hair like a burning flame in the sunlight. He was six years old and wore white clan clothing with a golden hourglass emblem embroidered at the collar. His eyes were amber, and he gazed at the boundless desert for a long time.
Sasha sat on the throne behind him, holding a cup of hot tea. She was the queen of Rōran and Yōsa's mother.
"Your father is coming today."
"I know." Yōsa turned around. "He said he would give me air food technology."
Sasha's brows furrowed slightly. "Air food technology... isn't that the Empire's most closely guarded secret?"
"Yes." Yōsa walked over and sat down before her. "That's why Father is only giving me part of it."
Sasha looked at him. "How do you intend to use it?"
"The last thing the great desert lacks is the northwest wind. The northwest wind contains carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide can be synthesized into starch. Starch can be made into mantou. Mantou can feed people." Yōsa's voice was calm. "If we can feed people, we can support an army. If we can support an army, we can defend Rōran."
Sasha fell silent for a moment. "Your father was cursing people at six, and you're thinking about making money at six."
"It's all the same." Yōsa's voice was calm. "It all makes the Toyotomi stronger."
Noon.
Toyotomi Yinglang sat at the head of the Council Hall, his moon-white kariginu glowing softly in the