Land of Demons.
Deep within the mountains leading to an unknown destination, a stream forms a waterfall flowing down from upstream, resulting in a huge pool below.
In the center of the pool, there's a stone protruding from the water's surface. A woman in a black ninja suit sits there, hands clasped together, carefully harmonizing her breath with that of nature, allowing her mind to enter a state of tranquility.
If forced to describe it, it's a mindset equivalent to 'death.'
Emptying everything from body and soul.
The harmonization of Chakra and Natural Energy within her body goes smoothly, without any hinderance.
Soon, her closed eyes open, and each eye turns red with a single Magatama emerging within.
Through the reflection on the water's surface, Ruri sees the current state of her eyes very directly, beginning a new round of evolution.
Of course, it can also be said that she is restoring her original Sharingan.
And this restoration is based on the strong foundation of Three Tomoe's powerful Donjutsu, acquiring even stronger Donjutsu than before.
"Just restoring to One-Tomoe is such a struggle. At this rate, wanting to restore to the Three Tomoe Form will take at least three years…"
Ruri can feel that she is stronger now than she was several months ago when she confronted Madara.
But recalling the momentary strength Madara once demonstrated, there still exists an overwhelming gap between her and Madara.
Despite being able to stay calm and peaceful during training, whenever she recalls her crushing defeat, her mood occasionally feels agitated.
Ruri stands up from the stone, immediately Instant Body to the shore of the pool, lightly patting the folds on her clothes.
"Oh dear, training in such a place with water splashing everywhere, yet not a single drop touches clothes or body, truly remarkable."
Ayane walks out of the woods ahead, showing a smile that really annoys Ruri.
"Best adjust your tone when you're talking to me."
"Oh come now, I'm just curious about your Sharingan right now."
Ayane is interested and stares at Ruri's One-Tomoe Sharingan, though in One Tomoe form, the pressure it gives her is stronger than the former Three-Tomoe Sharingan.
"Wide-eyed and clueless."
"This state of Sharingan should be unprecedented. But could my Byakugan also have some extraordinary change?"
Ayane begins to ponder.
Her Byakugan's Donjutsu is indeed strong, but it cannot have a clear layered evolutionary path like the Sharingan.
One Tomoe, Two Tomoe, Three Tomoe, and then the forbidden power of Mangekyo, and finally the Rinnegan.
Comparatively, the evolution of Byakugan seems much more humble, simple and plain.
"Stop being coy, both Sharingan and Byakugan have their own unique functionalities, there can be no perfect power in this world."
The Sharingan is more offensive and powerful, while the Byakugan is more comprehensive in function, each being able to exhibit their own unique charm in their respective areas.
Much like how a ninja squad should be equipped with a Medical Ninja to reduce the mortality rate.
Precisely because of individual shortcomings, there's teamwork to compensate for each other's deficiencies, making the power close to perfection.
As a former member of the White Fang Squad, Ruri knows this well.
If she were a blade piercing the enemy's heart, then Ayane would be the eyes that see through a thousand enemy tactics and the most solid shield in the team.
Though she dislikes Ayane's personality, among the ninja possessing Byakugan, only this woman can collaborate harmoniously and possess enough ability to keep up with her combat rhythm.
There's no better 'eye' than her.
"That's said, but still feeling a bit indignant, better find a chance for Hakushi to check me out thoroughly, every single part…"
Bang!
The air vibrates intensely.
On Ruri's shoulder, powerful Chakra erupts and turns into a blood-red tangible Chakra arm and hurls a heavy punch at Ayane's body.
"It's become sturdier indeed, with more strength too. Even the bones in the arm feel a bit sore…"
Ayane catches the descending attack with empty hands, though she manages to let it down, the pain from the arm is not just a joking matter.
And—
"You should refine your Tactile Genjutsu. If encountering someone like me, Tactile Genjutsu won't successfully deploy, only wasting Chakra."
Ayane smiles slightly, giving Ruri this piece of advice.
Ruri's Tactile Genjutsu can be cast through tools, tangible Chakra, or physical contact.
Generally, fighting Ruri, unless avoiding these three forms of attack, one would soon be put down by Ruri's Tactile Genjutsu.
Of course, for someone like Ayane who can see through enemy Chakra flows and is able to expel Chakra impact with great power from any part of her body at anytime, the Chakra used for Tactile Genjutsu would get sent back directly or blasted apart, making the Genjutsu ineffective.
"Who was exactly knocked down by my Genjutsu before, I wonder? Genjutsu is just a trick, I would never waste precious time on such matters. Also, don't forget my surname is Uchiha."
After saying this, Ayane's eyes widen.
Ruri twists her body at the spot, then her body turns into black smoke, silently dissolving into the air and disappearing.
Ayane turns to see Ruri's figure emerging at the exit to the outside forest, staring at her with a mocking smile.