Chapter 156: 152: Encounter
The Land of Demons.
Deep within the mountainous terrain, water from the waterfall cascaded down from a higher reach, forming a massive pool below.
In the center of this pool, a woman clad in a black ninja outfit sat on a stone jutting out from the water, her hands folded as she attuned herself to the rhythm of nature, achieving a profound state of tranquility.
It was a state equivalent to 'emptiness,' where everything within her body and mind was purged. The chakra within her body effortlessly harmonized with natural energy, without any obstructions.
Soon, her closed eyes snapped open, revealing the distinct red color of her Sharingan with a tomoe emerging.
It was a moment of rebirth for her ocular power, essentially the restoration of her original Sharingan. This recovery was bolstered by the powerful pupil power she possessed in her tomor state, resulting in an even higher pupil power.
"Just regaining the one tomoe feels like a challenging task. At this rate, it may take three years or more to fully restore the three tomoe."
Ruri thought aloud.
While she had grown stronger since her last battle with Madara, she couldn't help but be reminded of the overwhelming power he had demonstrated. The disparity between her strength and his was lare, and the memories of her defeat left her restless at times.
Ruri stood up from stone, moving to the pool's edge to straighten out her clothing. She marveled at the extraordinary ability to practice in an environment where water splashed but never made contact with her clothes or skin.
"It's incredible training in a place where water splashes around, yet not a single drop can touch your body or cloth."
Ayane came from the forest in front, showing that very smile that made Ruri disgusted.
"I would advise you to adjust your tone when speaking to me."
"Don't take it the wrong way, I was merely curious about your current Sharingan."
Ayane said as her gaze fixed on Ruri's one tomoe Sharingan. Even though it was a single tomoe Sharingan, it exuded a more powerful aura than the previous three tomoe Sharingan.
"Hmm." Ruri nodded.
"Your Sharingan is certainly unique in this situation. But why can't my Byakugan experience some remarkable changes as well?" Ayane pondered aloud.
The Byakugan's evolutionary pathway lacked the clear hierarchy observed in the Sharingan.
Ruri had the one tomoe, two tomoe, three tomoe and the forbidden Mangekyou Sharingan. In contrast, the Byakugan's development was more simpler.
"Don't get ahead of yourself. The Sharingan and Byakugan serve different functions. Perfection doesn't exist in this world."
Each had its own unique charm within its respective field, just like how medical ninjas in a ninja team helped reduce casualty rates. The shortcomings of one individual were complemented by teamwork, bringing the strength closer to perfection.
As a former member of the White Fang's team, Ruri deeply understood the importance of such cooperation. If the Sharingan was like a sharp blade capable of piercing an enemy's heart, then Ayane's Byakugan was the discerning eye capable of unraveling thousands of tactics and the ultimate shield within the team.
Despite her hatred of Ayane's personality, she was the sole Byakugan user capable of achieving a harmonious fighting rhythm and an ideal partnership.
"That's true, but I can't help but feel somewhat unsatisfied. I should probably have Shiraishi-kun examine me thoroughly, checking every part of my body carefully..."
Boom!
A sudden explosion rocked the air, and a powerful chakra surged at Ruri's shoulder, manifesting as a blood-red physical chakra arm. It swung forth and struck Ayane's body.
"It's even stronger than before. The bones in my arm are in pain."
Ayane remarked even though she successfully deflected the blow.
"You should improve your genjutsu. Against someone like me, your genjutsu is useless and will only be a waste of your chakra."
Ayane responded with a slight smile, offering Ruri this piece of advice.
Ruri's genjutsu could be used through various means: tos, physical chakra, or even physical contact.
Ordinary people facing Ruri in combat would quickly succumb to her genjutsu unless they managed to evade or counter those three forms of attack.
For ninja like Ayane, who could clearly discern the direction of an opponent's chakra flow and deflect powerful chakra attacks from any part of their body, Ruri's genjutsu wouldn't stand a chance.
Chakra intended for genjitsu would either be directly redirected along its original path or even scattered, rendering the genjutsu ineffective.
"I don't know who may have fallen prey to my genjutsu in the past. Genjutsu are but a trick, and I won't waste precious time on such things. And don't forget, my last name is Uchiha."
After Ruri finished speaking, Ayane's eyes widened upon hearing this.
Without a moment's delay, Ruri rotated on her heel, and her body dissolved into black smoke, vanishing into thin air.
Ayane turned around and, to her astonishment, saw Ruri's figure reappeared at the exit leading to the forest outside, staring at her with a mocking smile.
"My genjutsu targets both touch and sight at the same. It is completely useless to prevent the sense of touch. You would do well to remember this. It appears that your Byakugan still needs some more training."
"Hmph...."
Ayane pouted and looked at Ruri with an irritated expression. What was meant to be a display of recent progress had backfired, leaving her Byakugan's capabilities dwarfed by a mere genjutsu.
Her attempt to show off her recent progress had been foiled, and her Byakugan was clearly no match for Ruri's powerful Sharingan.
If not for her pupil power being more powerful than even the basic Sharingan, or even the three-tomoe form, it wouldn't be difficult to challenge her continually. This was because, in a clash with the ordinary Sharingan, Ayane's Byakugan would subdue it, and the failure of the genjutsu would recoil on the user.
"So, you two are here."
In the midst of the tense atmosphere, Shiraishi located this secluded area utilized for meditation.
The sight of Ruri and Ayane in this locale appeared to surprise him. Were the two of them training together today?
"Perfect timing. I won't need to search for you individually. I have something to discuss with you."
"What's up?"
Ruri crossed her arms over her chest, turned her head, asking him.
"Our location has been exposed."
Shiraishi's revelation was truly startling. Both Ruri and Ayane's expressions froze.
"What happened? How did we get exposed?"
"I don't have all the details. I have a few guesses... but this development took me somewhat off guard."
Shiraishi scratched his head, conveying a somewhat helpless smile.
"We understand."
Kuraki nodded, her expression was unreadable.
"I won't enter the ward, considering people like me aren't particularly welcome to see Ringo. I will visit Miroku-sama, the Miko, to discuss Ringo's situation . And you, make sure to prepare quickly, and do remember to retrieve the Kiba. We will meet outside Oni City at three in the afternoon."
Returning to Kirigakure entailed the protection of the medical and sensory ninjas, in addition to safeguarding the invaluable Lightning Sword.
This was why Yagura was sent to convey the Mizukage's others. After these words, Yagura turned and departed, gollowed by the jonin behind him.
After Yagura's departure, Kuraki and Nakayoshi breathed sighs of relief.
Overall, the mission could be considered a success.
However, the strife between the Blood Mist faction and the reformist faction wouldn't stop here. Instead, as time passed, the conflict between these two groups would intensify, possibly escalating into a coup that could jeopardize the entire village's stability.
As Jonin of Kirigakure, they couldn't remain uninvolved.
....
Ameyuri Ringo had come seeking medical treatment in the Land of Demons but died due to an incurable disease. This news rapidly spread throughout the ninja world, with varying reactions from different villages.
Ultimately, this was Kirigakure's internal matter and didn't concern others. Besides, Ameyuri Ringo, the Lightning Release genius, had been gravely ill, with rumors circulating for some time. Over the past year, she hadn't been seen on any missions, leading to the assumption that her severe illness had now claimed her life.
Upon hearing the news, Tsunade, who knew some of the inside details, was stunned and sighed.
Honestly, Ringo hadn't suffered from an incurable disease; she had fallen victim to severe poisoning that had severely impaired her body's functions, rendering her incapable of continuing as a ninja.
The only person in the ninja world who could heal her injuries was her former student, Chiba Shiraishi, who had long since defected from Konoha.
She had recommended that Kirigakure send Ringo to the Land of Demons to prevent her condition from worsening, but the results so far hadn't been as successful as hoped.
The alternative, or perhaps the bitter truth, or was suicide.
Tsunade had witnessed such situations multiple times. For a ninja, enduring a debilitating condition that forced them to spend their days bedridden was often more painful than death.
Choosing to end their life was seen as an escape from a state of inhumanity, sparing them from confronting their own grim, incapacitated existence. For Ameyuri Ringo, death was a form of relief.
"No matter the village, these political struggles are all too common." Tsunade sighed as she sipped her tea.
In this regard, as a member of the Konoha ninja, she couldn't afford to mock other villages.
...
Three days later.
In a port town of the Land Of Rainbows, a discreet, dimly lit alleyway concealed the emergence of Tu from the ground. His head rotated more than 180 degrees as he meticulously surveyed the town.
After sensing the 'target' chakra, he retreated into the ground and swiftly advanced towards the 'target's' location.
In less than ten seconds, Tu stopped, reemerging in a small dark room.
He turned his head to look around, and after confirming that there was no problem here, he immediately performed seals, and pressed his palms on the ground.
Poof!
Accompanied by the sound of puff with white smoke drifting through the house, the figures of Shiraishi, Ruri, and Ayane appeared here.
"It is truly a hidden environment."
"Well, Kirigakure is quite the heavyweight, and if discovered, it could spell trouble." Shiraishi replied, amused by the secrecy.
Having areived their destination, Shiraishi activated his sensory ninjutsu, ensuring they were safe. He directed his attention to a wooden door nearby, leading to another room containing their 'target.'
"I'll handle this alone." Shiraishi affirmed.
"Are you sure?" Ayane asked.
"Yes, the 'target' came alone, and although it's not necessary, I'll entrust external surveillance to you."
With a nod to Ayane, Shiraishi pushed open the nearby wooden door and entered the inner room. The setting mirrored the outer room, enveloped in dim light, perfect for concealment.
Within, a figure obscured by the darkness stood.
Startled by footsteps behind him, the figure turned to face Shiraishi.
"I didn't expect to see the real deal. Seems like my speculation was accurate."
The figure in the dark confessed quite unexpectedly.
Shiraishi glanced around the dim surroundings, addressing the individual with a degree of admiration, "You deliberately chose a place like this and dispatched a shadow clone to come. Your caution is impressive."
"My main body is under the third's surveillance. It wouldn't bode well if he grew suspicious."
"Let's cut to the chase. I don't have much time to spare. How do you propose we cooperate?" Shiraishi asked straight to the point.
The other party held a prominent position within Kirigakure, making their circumstances cumbersome. Establishing contact with them as traitors presented its own set of risks.
"I need you to heal Ameyuri Ringo's disease and temporarily conceal her presence. This should be quite simple for you, considering your influence over the Land of Demons." The fifure requested.
"And what will you offer in exchange?" Shiraishi pressed.
"When the time is right, Kirigakure will clear your names, erasing any records of you as traitors."
Shiraishi narrowed his eyes.
The other party had evidently foreseen his reaction. It seemed that they had conducted a thorough analysis of the series of changes occurring within the Land of Demons. This suggested a certain degree of understanding.
"Interesting, but I don't think Ringo's situation is worth the effort. Tell me about the other conditions, and I'll weigh the advantages and disadvantages."
While the Seven Ninja Swordsmen enjoyed a stellar reputation, the concessions required of Kirigakure to rectify the rebellious ninja's name were big.
This undertaking would have significant implications for Kirigakure on the international stage.
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