"My Mangekyō Sharingan is incredibly powerful and versatile," Uchiha Ran began, drawing his blade with a calm precision. "Each eye houses a separate dōjutsu: one grants space-time manipulation, the other evolution. When both abilities reach full synchronization, the third power awakens—the Susano'o. Beyond that, I've developed a technique that fuses my swordsmanship with the immense ocular power of the Mangekyō to create a fully immersive genjutsu!"
He raised his blade, letting its polished edge catch the flickering lamplight.
"When I draw my sword like this," Ran continued, "the Mangekyō's power links with the blade in a unique resonance. Anyone who witnesses the ritual is hypnotized instantly. From there, I can manipulate their five senses at will—turning a fly into a dragon, a man into a woman… all under my control. This is the fourth power of my Mangekyō Sharingan, and I call it Fushō Ru Mō—Floating Life, Fleeting Dream."
"…The Mangekyō can do that?" Mikoto's eyes widened, completely captivated by his words. Her earlier sorrow seemed to vanish in the face of Ran's terrifyingly elegant abilities.
"Yes, Mikoto-senpai, and Tsunade-sensei. If you're willing, tomorrow I can demonstrate this power in front of everyone. Once fully hypnotized, we can individually draw each target into my genjutsu world, manipulate their senses, and extract Fugaku-sama's true thoughts!"
Mikoto's brow furrowed. "Th-That… doesn't seem… quite right…" She felt uneasy at the idea of Ran expending so much ocular energy. The Mangekyō's curse slowly leads to blindness, and using the fourth power on the Third Hokage and the elders might… well, Tsunade was right there listening. Mikoto shot a worried glance at Tsunade.
Tsunade, however, was entirely different. Her gaze softened as she looked at Ran, full of affection and trust. Noticing Mikoto's look, she spoke up: "Actually… there are some things I've been wondering about myself. If we hypnotize the Third Hokage and the elders, I can get answers to some questions of my own."
It didn't take long for the three of them to reach an agreement. Mikoto's gratitude toward Ran was palpable. As the Uchiha clan matriarch, she knew precisely the toll the third power of the Mangekyō exacts on its user's eyes. Ran's fourth power would be even harsher.
"Ran… your eyes… the strain is dangerous. You don't have to go to such lengths for me!" she said softly.
"Mikoto-senpai… don't worry about that," Ran said dismissively, waving a hand. "You, Tsunade-sensei, and Red are the most important people to me. My Mangekyō is different from the others—it's fine. Truly."
Seeing his casual confidence, Mikoto felt a pang of guilt. He was risking so much… all for her. And the weight of everything owed to Ran—the debts of family and clan—pressed heavily on her heart.
After a few quiet drinks, Ran and Tsunade escorted Mikoto home.
"Ugh… Fugaku-sama is unbelievable," Mikoto muttered, shaking her head. "He has me, yet still chases after others… and he's misappropriating family funds!"
Tsunade smirked and shot Ran a teasing glance. "He's only caught with one woman, and you're already scolding him? Some people really do have their eyes on more than one bowl… besides Red, it looks like you care for Mikoto-senpai in a way that's different too."
Ran chuckled inwardly. Tsunade really needs a leash sometimes… Clearly, my evolution from the Kinjutsu Orb isn't complete yet.
"Keep going, Kinjutsu Orb… evolve already!" he thought, grinning.
"Ran, I'm not happy with what you just said…" Tsunade protested, a playful glint in her eyes. Clearly, she felt the familiar itch of challenge.
Ran suddenly drew her into a tight embrace, activating the space-time vortex of Takamagahara, and let them both fall backward onto a soft surface.
Blinking, Tsunade and Ran realized they were lying atop a massive bed in the Takamagahara Castle's private chambers.
Feeling the warmth and softness of her chest against him, Ran smiled faintly. "Tsunade-sensei… consider how you phrase your words. Speak carefully to your 'younger brother,' or I might… punish you tonight."
Tsunade didn't flinch. To her, this was the ultimate thrill: facing the strongest while at the peak of her own strength.
"Hmph! You evil Uchiha brat! I'll challenge you again tonight! No way a beauty like me keeps losing—hah! Never!"
"Come closer, Tsunade-sensei, let me hold you," Ran said, noticing a slight distance. He extended his hand, and she toppled into his embrace.
"Tsunade-sensei… want something to eat? Takamagahara is my world; I can conjure anything, though it's all illusory. The taste, however… is real."
Ran produced a single pink cherry in his palm. "Open wide!"
As she bit into it, Ran asked if eternal life might eventually feel boring—without new sources of amusement, even immortals could tire of endless days. Tsunade pondered the question deeply, and in that moment, Ran's mischievous hand slipped under her robes.
A clever trick: ask a question to captivate her mind, then take liberties while she's distracted.
Ran chuckled inwardly. Men and women alike have their enduring fascinations: long legs, shapely hips… and long-time desires that start in childhood. Now, he was again taking his craft seriously.
"Ran!" Tsunade gasped, finally realizing she'd been tricked. Immortality can wait… focus on the present. She prepared to strike back, and with precise timing, her hand grabbed his.
"H-Hah… Tsunade-sensei, you—?!" Ran gasped.
"This time, you'll lose," she said, her tone both serious and teasing. "If you lose, you'll let me… take the top position!"
Ran smirked. "Then if I win, I want a reward too!"
"What?" Tsunade leaned in, her ear near his mouth, curious. Ran's eyes gleamed with mischief. Unable to resist, he lightly flicked his tongue across her earlobe.
"Ran!" she shivered, startled.
"Sorry, Tsunade-sensei… if I win…" Ran whispered, his voice dripping with playful menace.
Tsunade's shock was complete. Wait… that's allowed? That's really allowed? she thought, her mind racing as Ran's small hand continued its audacious exploration.
"Ahh… Ran, you—!"