In a wide stone stream, vapor from a crisp cold water lingered in the air.
In this scorching season, it stood out as one of the few places where one could feel refreshed.
Sweating profusely, Kisame removed the clothes from his upper body, revealing a transformed physique from a teenager into a robust adult. Compared to before, his body was now much stronger with prominent muscles.
After an entire day of training, Kisame felt the weight of exhaustion. For a ninja in the prime of youth, this age marks a crucial period of rapid growth in strength.
So, with no assigned mission, Kisame preferred to find secluded spots for training alone, constantly striving to improve his abilities daily. Nevertheless, Kisame remained mindful of his overall health, ensuring a proper balance in diet and adequate sleep.
Throughout his six month spy training in the Land of Demo s, the knowledge he had gained surpassed more than just becoming a spy. It encompassed adopting scientific training methods conducive to maintaining a healthy and stromger body.
This focus stemmed from the realization that the organization he's destined to join isn't a merely a simple organization but a mysterious group known as 'Akatsuki,' shrouded in secrecy from the world.
The organization's leader possesses the legendary eye, the Rinnegan, and its core members included numerous renowned S-rank rogue ninjas from the ninja world. Even Orochimaru, one of the Sannin, had aligned himself with this mysterious group, underscoring the high caliber of its members.
Without sufficient strength, it might be difficult to survive within this organization. Even more so providing valuable information about 'Akatsuki' to Kirigakure and the Land of Demons in the future becomes an even greater task.
While Kisame remained unaware of specific details from his superior, Yagura, he vaguely knew that Yagura, along with that man from the Land of Demons, were secretly orchestrating an important plan that would shake the whole world with far-reaching consequences.
In this grand scheme, the 'Akatsuki' likely played a crucial role, making it the main reason for his mission as a spy.
To grant him the time needed to.get stronger, Yagura refrained from immediately assigning him the duties as the Mizukage Guard, displaying unwavering trust and allowing him the opportunity to become stronger.
Kisame help deep gratitude towards Yagura for this unconditional trust and was determined to fulfill his responsibilities as a Kirigakure ninja.
While it was understandable for the village's ninjas and civilians to fear him, no special explanations were needed. In fact, their resentment towards him becomes an advantageous scene for his defection.
For the upcoming missions, the more they directed their hatred towards him, the smoother his espionage activities will progress.
Leaning forward, submerging his head into the waterfall's water flow, letting his hair soak in the crystal-clear water, a refreshing coolness enveloped his senses, bringing a sense of comfort to him.
The oppressive summer heat began waning, dissipating gradually.
After washing his hair, Kisame shook it vigorously to rid it of water droplets, casually donned the jacket beside him, slung the imposing Samehada onto his back, and headed back in the direction of Kirigakure.
Returning to Kiri, as he strolled through the village streets, some onlookers would occasionally whisper and point, but most merely gazed in awe at Kisame, reluctant to meet its gaze directly.
This was only natural. As one of the seven ninja swordsmen in Kiri, Kisame was a well-known figure, although the past actions of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen during the blood mist incident had tainted their once-heroic reputation. Nevertheless, the villagers held a mix of reverence and inner hesitation towards Kisame.
Not fazed by them, Kisame paid no attention to these reactions. As a ninja, readiness to sacrifice for the village was paramount. In comparison to his previous superior, Fuguki, Yagura proved to be a Mizukage committed to Kiri's healthy development.
Although Yagura's rise to power through a coup faced criticism, Kisame recognized the parallels with his own past, having betrayed his former superior Fuguki. In a way, both he and Yagura were unconventional figures subject to some degree of criticism. Especially after joining the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, the public criticism intensified.
Kisame's residence was situated in a relatively secluded medium-sized apartment building in the village's corner. As he unlocked the door with his key, he sensed that something was amiss within the room.
The balcony of the window had been opened at some point, and a man roughly about 10 years his senior sat on the sofa, wearing a blindfold over his right eye, it seems he had been patiently awaiting for Kisame's return.
"It's illegal to break into someone's house without the owner's permission, isn't it, Senpai?"
Kisame remarked, revealing his sharp teeth and expressing dissatisfaction at the intrusion.
In truth, he had every reason to be displeased. Regardless of time constraints or urgency, breaking into someone's home was not an advocated ninja practice. Yet, many ninjas, not just those from Kirigakure, seemed to overlook this rule.
The intruder, a male ninja of the same rank as Kisame and a guard for the Fourth Mizukage, possessed strong sensory ninjutsu. An invaluable ability for Kiri. During a war outbreak, the strategic importance of a sensory ninja like him would exponentially rise.
Ignoring Kisame's dissatisfaction, the ninja, Ao, replied, "I'll be more careful next time."
Kisame took these words with a grain of salt. Next time... until the next time, the same mistake would repeat itself.
"Then, did you come here with a purpose? Does Mizukage-sama have a mission for me?" Kisame asked with interest.
Ao didn't make house visits for idle chat, he typically engaged in conversation only when necessary.
Nodding, Ao replied, "I'm here to inform you officially that your mission is about to commence. We'll be heading to the Daimyo's Mansion with Mizukage-sama next week. Prepare yourself."
Understanding Ao's message, Kisame gripped the Samehada's handle behind him, grinning.
"Finally, it's about to begin..." Kisame remarked eagerly.
Observing Kisame's anticipation, Ao felt a twinge of hesitation. Kisame's tenure within Mizukage's camp had been relatively brief.
Just five years ago, he served under Fuguki. Despite possessing considerable strength, his unique background, having been a subordinate of Yagura's political opponent, made it challenging for him to earn the trust of the village's council.
Unfortunately, Kisame was undeniably the most suitable candidate for this dangerous mission. His short tenure within the Mizukage's camp and past affiliation with the Blood Mist worked in his favor. It ensured his defection wouldn't arouse suspicion, aligning with the expectations of Yagura.
But in Ao's opinion, Yagura's quick trust in Kisame posed a significant risk. He could only hope that Kisame genuinely proved to be an excellent ninja loyal to Kiri, as Yagura believed, rather than truly harboring intentions to defect, join the Akatsuki organization, and seek revenge against Kiri.
...
Mid-September.
An information from the Land of Water sparked a commotion in the ninja world.
The Daimyo of the Land of Water who was in the prime of his life had suddenly passed away under mysterious circumstances.
At the same time, Kirigakure discreetly released news of one of its esteemed Seven Ninja Swordsmen, Hoshigaki Kisame, had defected, citing his involvement in a grave felony. Kirigakure asserted that Kisame's actions had an extremely adverse impact on the country's stability and the ninja village.
The ninja world was currently abuzz with discussions about the unexpected death of the Water Daimyo and the defection of one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. Surprisingly, the response to the latter matter remained relatively subdued.
Nonetheless, the senior leadership in the major ninja villages detected the irregularities. Specifically, Hoshigaki Kisame who was now an S-rank rogue ninja due to an unforgivable felony. Strangely, the information provided by Kirigakure omitted the details of Kisame's transgressions, leaving it intentionally vague.
Drawing parallels between the sudden death of the Water Daimyo and the classification of one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen as an S-class defected ninja for an undisclosed felony naturally lead to speculation about a possible connection.
Although lacking concrete evidence, the council from the other ninja village have assumed a likely scenario and found it the most reasonable scenario: Hoshigaki Kisame had assassinated the Water Daimyo, fled the Land of Water, and subsequently earned confirmation as an S-rank rogue ninja.
In general, S-rank rogue ninjas were not only recognized for their strength but also for causing incidents with significant repercussions towards their village and country during their defection.
This became a major criterion for evaluation. As long as the rogue ninja didn't pose a substantial threat to the village and country, an A-rank designation was usually considered the upper limit.
S-rank rogue ninjas were powerful people at the level of the country and ninja village. While strength remainsled a fundamental judgment factor, it wasn't the sole criterion.
The Land of Water's Daimyo's death sent shockwaves through the ninja world. The news couldn't be contained, the Land of Water's council couldn't hide such news. This had forced them to make an official announcement and expedite the selection of the next Daimyo as soon as possible.
Shiraishi, situated in the Land of Demons, swiftly received this information through the country's channels.
Yagura's actions were faster and more decisive than anticipated. But, rhis marked the official commencement of their plan.
As long as Kisame successfully attracted the Akatsuki's attention and participated in subsequent actions, the Land of Demons could alleviate some pressure, sparing them from constant vigilance on Akatsuki's movements all time.
....
"Hoo..."
A gentle exhale escaped Ruri's mouth. Even after a long time fighting, she hadn't depleted half of her chakra, yet she felt a hint of fatigue. Turning to Ayane, who stood opposite her, she remarked, "Sure enough, fighting with you is the only way to experience the joy of battles."
"I think the same. Fighting with you is truly a wonderful experience."
Both were visibly exhausted, sweat dripping down Ayane's fair forehead. The combination of strenuous exercise and hot weather made their bodies slightly sticky.
Despite the advanced underground training room with temperature control, sunlight seemed to penetrate, casting a strong glow.
Both their voices showed satisfaction with each other's strength. Their interaction resembled that of close girlfriends, without the slightest hostility in their eyes.
Since awakening the Mangekyou Sharingan, Ruri had sought Ayane to assess the specific capabilities of these eyes. Ayane, too, shared the same intention. Though her Byakugan hadn't undergone a transformation like Ruri's Sharingan, but merging with darkness had enhanced her doujutsu, allowing her to perceive things she couldn't see before.
For instance, Byakugan's 'mental deterrence' had grown more powerful, with an expanded scope. Enemies lacking sufficient strength and willpower couldn't approach within five meters of her body during battle.
Even if one managed to breach this distance, the mental pressure intensified with each step forward..A jutsu clearly demarcating the boundary between the 'weak' and 'strong.'
This was just one of the enhanced features. The observable range of her Byakugan had broadened to cover a radius of 20 kilometers. An extraordinary level of sensory, surpassing many elite sensory ninjas. It remained undetectable by certain special ninjas even when encountered using sensory ninjutsu.
The Byakugan distinguishes itself. It observed the chakra pathways within the human body. As long as the enemy's chakra flows, whether hidden in the sky or deep underground, once they entered her twenty-kilometer field, they couldn't elude her Byakugan's insight.
As for other special changes, Ayane was still in the process of developing them. Nevertheless, the aforementioned two changes had already satisfied Ayane.
The Byakugan's attack methods generally involve the usage of the gentle fist, with thd Byakugan primarily serving her as an observational eye.
Cooperating with Shiraishi's soul sensory ninjutsu, any existence within their double observation field had nowhere to hide.
Lately, they've been assessing their strength and observing the changes in their eyes.
The rules of the battle was straightforward: victory by any means. Of course, both may be entering the fray with the mindset of wanting to defeat each other.
"Hmph!"
On the underground built-in training ground, the two once again confronted each other with intensity. Their bodies clashed in mid-air, engaging in a fierce battle.
Ruri's body was enveloped in a miniature version of the Susanoo. It bore a dark red color, wielding a long dark red sword blade, and clashed with Ayane's palm strike.
Boom!
The atmosphere erupted instantly.
Their bodies plummeted, causing significant damage to the specially reinforced floor, which developed severe cracks.
While descending, Ruri simultaneously formed a seal.
"Fireball Jutsu!"
A massive fireball spewed from her mouth, heading directly for Ayane.
The flame's temperature was exceedingly high, causing the surrounding air temperature to sharply rise upon release. Moreover, the fireball's size exceeded that of ordinary ones, making it challenging for regular ninjas to evade unscathed.
Yet, Ayane made no attempt to dodge the fireball. Instead, she raised her hand, using it as a blade to split the fireball in half upon contact, making it disappear.
Ruri wasn't surprised; this was one of Ayane's typical attack methods. The Byakugan'e insight was far superior to the Sharingan, accurately able to discern the flow of chakra.
This allowed her gentle fist to maximize the ability to sever chakra, ensuring precise execution around the delicate acupoints. The combination of the gentle fist and the Byakugan to sever chakra flow in the human body, made ninjutsu ineffective. Because the jutsus was condensed from chakra.
However, Ayane's jutsu was limited to this traceable type of ninjutsu. More complex, precise, invisible, and formless jutsus, with concealed chakra flow characteristics, posed a challenge to nullify using her gentle fist.
Regardless, in actual combat, this skill proved powerful. When Ayane executed that movement, Ruri discerned her plan. Just before the fireball dissipated, Ruri swiftly moved towards Ayane's position.
Every of Ruri's move was under Ayane's observation, it was irrational to make a surprise attack on a Byakugan ninja. However, Ruri's intention wasn't a sneak attack but a direct confrontation.
Any surprise attack's effectiveness would be significantly reduced in front of Byakugan. Moreover, facing a powerful ninja like Ayane, the efficacy of a sneak attack was almost zero.
Ruri's grasp of the situation was astute. If Ayane relied on her superior observation to instantly respond accurately to the battle situation, then Ruri relied on her innate combat intuition to attack according to her character, compelling the enemy to surrender.
Ayane took a step back, and powerful chakra rapidly gathered in her Byakugan. The force of deterrence acted on the mental level, unleashing an extremely violent hurricane in the field, invisible to the naked eye, tearing and smashing everything in Ruri's consciousness space.
Ordinary ninjas had no recourse against such a brutal mental attack. Compared to the Sharingan's illusions, this mental attack was more domineering and direct. A ninja with weak resistance might plunge into prolonged chaos, rapidly collapsing mentally.
However, at the peak of this mental storm, the black core at the center of Ruri's three tomoe Sharingan ll vanished. The three black hook tomoe, originally surrounding the core, underwent an irregular but certain transformation.
Although the Sharingan underwent changes, it was apparent that the eyes transformed based on the three tomoe shape, with the Sharingan's center now bright red.
As these eyes formed, the power of the right eye's pupil began to surge, instantly quelling the formidable mental storm in Ruri's mind.
Ayane's attacks followed one after another, and Ruri used the ultra-high dynamic vision of the Mangekyou Sharingan to capture the scene.
The miniature Susanoo covering her body wielded a dark red sword blade, blocking Ayane's incredibly powerful gentle fist attacks.
Ruri's body was pushed backward, and the dark red blade in the Susanoo's hand emitted a distressing wail, revealing a visible crack.
Unable to endure Ayane's onslaught of Gentle Fist attacks, it couldn't hold on any longer and on the verge of breaking.
"Hey, your sharingan is a cheat, it's even able to negate my mental blow."
Ayane puffed up her face, staring at Ruri's Mangekyou Sharingan with a hint of dissatisfaction. Her Byakugan's mental coercion was her swiftest move, an instantaneous strike without a prelude. By using a large amount of chakra, even a Kage-level ninja could be temporarily affected, providing Ayane with a favorable opportunity.
However, Ruri directly employed her pupil power to counteract this aspect of influence, rendering the mental pressure caused immediately ineffective.
While the coercion was a mental attack, genjutsu also fell under the category of mental attacks. In other words, after Ruri uses her pupil power, regardless of the coercion or other related jutsu acting on mental level, like genjutsu, she had somewhat become impervious to them.
For an Uchiha, awakening such a doujutsu ability was truly strange. Ayane could understand if the Mangekyou amplified genjutsu, but Ruri's Mangekyou right eye could instantly defend against mental attacks, marking it different.
Could it be it surfaced to compensate for her deficiency in genjutsu, or did it originate from her strong and firm will which manifested when resisting Moryo's darkness, forming the prototype of the, making her impervious to any will related jutsu?
Regardless of how this it came into existence, it remained an ability Ayane disliked the most. Uchihas were supposed to awaken jutsus which amplified their genjutsu. How exactly did she awaken an ability which countered her Byakugan's coercion? Sure enough, she couldn't warm up to this teapot-lid.
"While the Sharingan is know as the eye of reflection. And I didn't awaken my Mangekyou using the known method. Besides, isn't it the same for you, gaining resistance to mental attacks? It just isn't showing like mine" Ruri said.
Ayane had nothing to say to that. Indeed, it would now be difficult for Ruri's genjutsu to affect her, and even if Ruri did, she could quickly break free.
"Would you like to continue?".
"Let's stop here for today. I'm a little tired, and I've basically figured out the power of my eyes. You're almost the same." Ayane replied.
Ruri nodded, not refuting her.
"So, what's your other Mangekyou ability? I don't seem to have seen you use it recently." Ayane asked curiously.
The Mangekyou Sharingan's ability came in pairs with each eye hosting one. Ruri's right eye pupil could negate any technique that worked on the mental level. The left eye's pupil technique was still a mystery..Ayane didn't know what it was or what ability it had.
"I'm still trying to develop it, because it is related to lightning release." Ruri said with a frown, seeming a little conflicted.
"Lightning release?"
Ayane blinked. Now she understood why Ruri was struggling. Because the Uchiha loved fire release, even though they could learn many jutsu from the other elements through the Sharingan. Fire release was the symbol of the Uchiha clan. Ruri was no exception. Even though she had copied many lightning jutsu in the past, her understanding of them was only preliminary.
"What's the name?" Ayane asked.
Ruri exhaled lightly, and a dazzling lightning flash lit up in the Mangekyou pattern of her left eye.
"Eight Lightning Gods."
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