Escape From Konoha

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.

As he spoke, he unfurled the scroll he had brought and presented its contents to the two young women.

The name of a Kirigakure ninja, renowned and prominent, had naturally captured their attention.

"Are they seeking cooperation?"

Despite the inadvertent revelation of their whereabouts, Ruri, Ayane, and Shiraishi all understood that this was but a ruse on the part of the other party.

It was a form of speculation, lacking concrete proof that the three of them resided within the Land of Demons. Moreover, it carried an underlying intention to request cooperation.

All three recognized the dangerous and deteriorating situation in Kirigakure.

The other party lacked the confidence to single-handedly reverse the tide. Partnering with notorious rogue ninjas would though certainly tarnish Kirigakure's reputation which would ultimately prove less damaging than the potential failure of internal reforms within the village.

Naturally, this was predicated on the assumption that the other party believed the three of them to be hidden within the Land of Demons.

In the current context, it appeared to be a test, but the direct inclusion of their names at the end of the scroll raised questions. Was it an act of overconfidence or sheer foolishness?

The three could not exclude the possibility of the individual responsible for sending this scroll here was the Kirigakure ninja themself or someone else might be plotting something else. The possibility couldn't be ruled out.

"This is the current situation, but beyond seeking cooperation, it could also be a ploy to provoke us..."

Shiraishi nodded in agreement.

"If it's someone else... Uchiha Madara?" Ruri contemplated.

"No, if it were Uchiha Madara, there wouldn't be a need to this at all. Because once we are exposed, it would inevitably reveal information about his own whereabouts. In comparison, we have an advantage. Madara wouldn't engage in such trivial provocations."

Even if Madara learned of their location, it would not fundamentally affect them. At most, it might make tracking him marginally more difficult for them. In contrast, compared to the three of them Madara was in a more vulnerable position.

Shiraishi understood that Madara's primary objective was not the elimination of the three of them. Instead, he appeared to be waiting and planning for something else.

That something was of greater importance than the three of them and it was surely related to the Divine Tree and the Tailed Beasts.

So, even if another party employed the Kirigakure Ninja name to intimidate or threaten them, it was highly improbable that Uchiha Madara was behind such actions.

"Are you going to meet them in the Land Of Rainbows?"

The meeting place suggested by the other party was in the Land Of Rainbow, a nation close to the Land Of Water.

"I'd like to hear your thoughts as well. This is an important matter, so we shouldn't be careless."

What intrigued Shiraishi the most was the uncertainty surrounding the identity of the individual mentioned in the scroll. It was unclear whether it was indeed the Kirigakure ninja or perhaps someone else pretending to be them.

It was obvious that the mysterious figure hidden within the shadows was equally uncertain about whether the three of them were indeed secretly residing in the Land of Demons. They were playing a guessing game, where neither party possesses concrete knowledge.

"Then, let that child Tu, head there. If the person in the scroll is accurate, we can arrange for our journey with the reverse summoning jutsu."

While Ruri was confident in her own abilities, it was prudent to exercise caution in the world, where hidden dangers often lurked.

"However, the scroll doesn't specify the meeting time. We can't have Tu stay in the Land Of Rainbows for a long time."

Ayane pointed to the scroll's content, expressing her doubts. The information was indeed somewhat vague, as it only mentioned the meeting location without providing a specific time.

"No, they have actually mentioned the time. In my estimation, there's a high likelihood that they're genuine."

Shiraishi stroked his chin, deep in thought. If it were indeed this ninja seeking cooperation, he would need to strategize carefully on how to approach and cooperate.

Konoha stood as a deadly enemy, and the complex political landscape made forming an alliance nearly impossible.

Kumogakure had a domineering approach, favoring physical confrontation for resolution, which rendered them an unsuitable ally.

Iwagakure was similar to Kumogakure, with a stable internal environment, making cooperation unlikely.

As for Sunagakure... there might be a chance. However, the Chiyo siblings, high ranking members of Suna, had successfully redirected internal conflicts caused by the mysterious disappearance of the third Kazekage towards external conflicts. This had increased the morale of Suna forces.

Thinking about it carefully, it appeared that only Kirigakure, embroiled in fierce internal strife and with an extreme eagerness for systemic change, had the potential to be a "friend."

The chances were not low.

The premise was that they had to aid the reformers in toppling the rule of the third Mizukage, ushering in a shift beneficial to the Land of Demons. Otherwise, there would be no room for negotiations.

The pace of these events had to be carefully controlled.

....

In Kirigakure, Yagura was tasked by the Third Mizukage to visit the Land of Demons, an incident that didn't trigger much commotion.

After Kuraki arrived in the Land of Demons, she saw Karatachi Yagura, the Mizukage's right-hand man, who stopped in front of a ward in the Purple Rose Medical Company.

He was been accompanied by several Jonin on his journey, but despite his efforts to suppress it, a cold aura lingered about him, which emanated a cold and uncomfortable atmosphere.

It was the consistent aura of those who strictly followed the 'Blood Mist' policy. Merely passing by them could elicit the disgusting scent of blood.

Among them, Yagura stood out, having an aura that even overshadowed the contemporary Seven Ninja Swordsmen.

In Kirigakure, he held a position of authority second only to the Mizukage himself. If there were no unforeseen events, Yagura was poised to inherit the mantle of the fourth Mizukage, becoming the new leader of the Blood Mist faction upon the impending abdication of the third Mizukage.

Hence, the reformers, Kuraki and the sensor nin Nakayoshi, naturally looked colder towards Yagura.

"This is the third's order document."

Yakura naturally didn't have much to say to these two, unwaveringly executing the Mizukage's orders.

"Is it true that Ringo-sama has been released?"

Kuraki asked, well aware of the facts. She choose to ask the question to avoid arousing suspicion, as she had covertly returned to Kirigakure in advance.

Yagura's eyes betrayed no emotion as he replied coldly, "Though I have a strong desire to rid ourselves of reformers like you, Mizukage-sama's command is to set Ameyuri Ringo free. I am grateful for Mizukage-sama's kindness. Upon your return, please remain cooperative and avoid any confrontations with Mizukage-sama. After all your medical ninjutsu and sensory ninjutsu are vital assets to the village."

This was less an act of kindness on the third Mizukage's part than a result of his advanced age and increasing indecision.

Additionally, he considered the unique abilities of Kuraki and Nakayoshi.

Training skilled medical ninjas was no easy task, and the training of sensory ninjas also consumed time and resources.

Combatants could be replaced swiftly, but the loss of medical and sensory ninjas, once incurred, left a void that couldn't be swiftly filled. Even Konoha, which had a relatively strong medical system, was reluctant to relinquish medical ninjas easily.

Furthermore, the medical system was still in its development stage.

"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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