Spring, Year 10 of Konoha.
The air in the Hokage Office seemed frozen solid.
Toyotomi Yinglang stood ramrod straight before the broad mahogany desk. He was only nine, but he had grown quickly and already looked like an adolescent. The childish roundness had vanished completely from his face, leaving a defined jawline and composed features. He wore the Toyotomi Clan's crisply tailored dark gray uniform with its standing collar, his epaulettes meticulously arranged. He was neat from head to toe, without a single fault to be found.
Behind the desk sat Tobirama Senju, his hands folded on the polished desktop and his back as straight as if it had been measured with a ruler. He wore no glasses. His narrow eyes stared directly at Yinglang, betraying little emotion, yet the oppressive atmosphere in the room was almost palpable.
Two documents lay open on the desk. On the left was a detailed report compiled by the Anbu on the Toyotomi School's curriculum and the sales of "Toyoda Sake." On the right was a copy of the formal inquiry from the Hokage Office delivered to the Toyotomi Clan compound just that morning, its ink still fresh. It questioned why the clan's children were not attending the Ninja Academy, why the clan was manufacturing Forehead Protectors without authorization, and why it was operating an unregistered business, among other matters, demanding rectification and an explanation within a set time.
Now, the person who would provide that explanation had arrived.
"Clan Head Toyotomi," Tobirama Senju began, his voice as flat as a frozen lake. "You have seen the letter I sent this morning."
"Yes, Lord Tobirama. I received it." Toyotomi Yinglang bowed slightly, his manners impeccable.
"Then explain." Tobirama leaned forward slightly, bringing an invisible pressure to bear. "Konoha established the Ninja Academy upon its