Hakushi himself continued practicing the Spirit Transformation Jutsu, further mastering the nature change ability of Yin Attribute Chakra.
Time unknowingly reached the end of August, and the weather gradually became hotter.
Since returning to Konoha, about a month had passed.
During this month, Hakushi and his team had exchanged letters with their captain on the front line, Jonin Hatake Sakumo, to discuss each other's current situation.
Sakumo learned that Hakushi and his team had unexpectedly fallen into the Hidden Sand Ninja's trap, and after a fierce battle, the three barely escaped the trap successfully.
However, after escaping, due to severe injuries, the three needed to return to Konoha for recuperation, which would take two months.
As for other matters, nothing was revealed.
In the letters sent back by Sakumo, there were mostly words of concern for them. His task on the other side was going smoothly; he successfully destroyed an important stronghold of Hidden Sand, gaining some advantage for Konoha Ninjas on the front line.
Currently, the Konoha Ninjas' morale was gradually rising, while the Hidden Sand Ninjas seemed somewhat powerless.
It is believed that it won't take long for Konoha and Hidden Sand to sit together for negotiations, ending the war in a peaceful manner, and putting a perfect end to the years-long conflict.
Although Sakumo tried to describe the front-line situation as relaxed, Hakushi and his team knew this was just Sakumo's words of comfort; the situation was actually far from optimistic.
But as long as Sakumo was safe, Hakushi and his team felt reassured.
◎
"The village is quieter than before."
After lunch, accompanied Ruri out, walked with her along the streets of Konoha, noticed that the crowds were sparser than usual, Hakushi sighed.
This was probably related to the war on the front.
Konoha had undergone two consecutive wars with Hidden Rain and Hidden Sand, although Konoha had achieved ultimate victory against Hidden Rain, it still suffered losses and needed time to recover.
Before Konoha could recover fully, during such a weakened and slack state, Hidden Sand came to provoke, forcing Konoha into a hurried response.
In the battle with Hidden Sand, both sides achieved victories and losses, remaining deadlocked without reaching a satisfactory conclusion.
Hidden Sand hoped to plunder as many resources as possible within the Land of Fire for self-development.
Konoha hoped to exert pressure on Hidden Sand from the front, forcing Hidden Sand to sign a peace treaty and end the war.
This was an unsolvable problem, just waiting to see who would be unable to hold out first.
Ruri didn't pay much attention to Hakushi's lament.
"How's your work?"
These days, Hakushi had been stuck in the lab, rarely showing up outside except for meals.
During the day, Ruri had her own things to do, having little time to inquire about Hakushi's matters.
Hakushi knew Ruri was asking about Immortal Technique research, so he answered, "The success rate has improved a bit, but the risks remain. If used recklessly, it will result in a state like yours that day."
Ruri nodded.
That day she forcibly fused Chakra and Natural Energy within herself to form Sage Art Chakra, enhancing the power of Fire Style Jutsu, seemingly succeeding but problems arose afterward.
The Sage Art Chakra within her body began to riot, her consciousness plunged into deep coma. If Hakushi hadn't performed surgery in time, the outcome would have been grim.
Thus, during such a state, the Immortal Technique can be said to have failed, and cannot be considered a success.
However, thinking back to the immensely powerful feeling when fusing Sage Art Chakra that day, Ruri felt a strong desire within.
The power of Immortal Technique was incredible, as seen when releasing Fire Style using Sage Art Chakra; it can make a ninja undergo transformative growth.
Importantly, her Sharingan, now in the Three Tomoe Form, had reached the peak of ordinary Sharingans, and was no longer able to evolve further.
Next, there are two paths to choose.
One is to obtain the method to awaken the more advanced Mangekyo Sharingan from the four elders, further elevating the power of Sharingan.
The other path is Immortal Technique.
In Ruri's eyes, Immortal Technique has greater emphasis.
Because Ruri doesn't have a direct understanding of Mangekyo Sharingan's power, but Immortal Technique is powerful as she personally experienced.
Moreover, the person who defeated Uchiha Madara, a Mangekyo Sharingan owner, was the First Hokage.
Among the First Hokage's special techniques, besides Wood Style, there was the enigmatic Immortal Technique.
Immortal Technique absolutely possesses power that rivals Mangekyo Sharingan.
Although Ruri is eager, she knows conquering the Immortal Technique isn't easy, so she hasn't pressured Hakushi to avoid stressing him.
"Let's go there and take a look, I want to buy a few clothes."
"Sure."
Hakushi had nothing to buy and went along with Ruri's wishes.
It was a very traditional clothing store, well regarded in Konoha.
While accompanying Ruri inside, Hakushi unexpectedly encountered a familiar person.
"Uchiha... and Chiba?"
Wearing a Konoha Ninja Headband, a man in his late twenties looked in amazement at Hakushi and Ruri as they entered the clothing store.
"Teacher Fujimura?"
Hakushi also recognized the man's identity, as his homeroom teacher from freshman year until graduation in sixth grade—Fujimura Daiga.
Didn't expect to meet here.
"Are you the owner of this store, Chunin Fujimura?"
Ruri looked at Fujimura with a scrutinizing expression.
Fujimura's lips twitched, just call me teacher, why specifically add the Chunin prefix?
"No, no, actually…"
Teacher Fujimura scratched his cheek, looking a bit embarrassed.
"...This is my girlfriend's store, she went out temporarily, I'm watching it for her."
"Didn't expect Chunin Fujimura would have a girlfriend."
Hakushi stroked his chin, showing a thoughtful expression.
"..."
What is this, husband following wife's lead? Fujimura inwardly complained.
"Come to think of it, why are you two in the village? I remember your squad leader is Jonin Hatake..."
"Ah, due to some accident, currently we're on leave in the village."
"Really?"
Fujimura didn't mind, began introducing various clothes in the store to Hakushi and Ruri.
Inside this clothing store, there were all sorts of attire: ninja suits, bathrobes, casual clothing, sportswear, etc.
Additionally, there were many accessories, like beautifully designed masks, earrings, very attention-grabbing.
"How about it, the clothes here are pretty good, right?"
Fujimura said happily.
"So-so."
Ruri said so, yet her gaze was fixed on a particular piece of clothing.
It was a kimono with a style and color exceptionally satisfying to her.
As for the price, it wasn't in her consideration.
Hakushi also noticed the kimono, smiled and said: "Come to think of it, Ruri, I've hardly given you a gift over the years. If you like it, I'll buy it for you."
Since research and accommodation fees were provided by Ruri, Hakushi rarely had to spend money; the saved mission rewards were more than enough to buy the kimono.
Upon Hakushi's words, Ruri's calm and undisturbed face quickly flushed with red.
Fujimura saw Hakushi, who seemed baffled by Ruri's blush, sighed and said: "Chiba, kimonos shouldn't be casually given. For a girl, a gift of such clothing from a guy implies a proposal."
"Uh?"
Hakushi's body stiffened, he sensed… killing intent!