Ringo continued, saying that although living this way felt free, it inevitably led to others distancing themselves and excluding her. Over time, a trace of loneliness would still seep into the depths of her heart.
Until Tian Yin arrived.
"Her true nature is similar to mine, but her outward demeanor is completely opposite.
She is much smarter than I am. She knows how to read people, saying the right things to the right people, and can always discern others' intentions to achieve her goals.
As for me, I only stubbornly cling to my inner desires, charging forward with a heart that matches my actions.
In this regard, I pretend not to admire her on the surface, but deep down, I am secretly learning from her. I think she represents the ideal state I should strive for."
[Is that so?]
Tian Yin was inwardly shaken. Fortunately, her mask concealed her face; otherwise, Little Apple, who was suddenly staring intently at her again, would surely have noticed something.
Recalling past memories, she felt that what Ringo said seemed... not a lie.
[Back then, I was secretly envious of her ability to live so straightforwardly...]
Just as Tian Yin's thoughts drifted away, Ringo happened to say:
"But even someone like her, after collapsing from overtraining that day, told me... she somewhat envied me because she couldn't live like I do."
This statement made Tian Yin freeze momentarily.
Ringo, who had been staring at her closely, how could she miss this subtle reaction?
Her words involuntarily halted. But soon, she averted her gaze again, continuing to look at the blue sky as she spoke:
"After that... she died. She died right in front of me, but fortunately, I didn't witness her entire corpse directly, leaving me with a sliver of hope."
"That... is truly regrettable."
Tian Yin murmured softly.
"Yes," Ringo's lips curled into a faint smile again as she continued:
"But I feel my hope... may have come true. A strange Anbu using Wind Release, reacting with such 'tacit understanding' in a first encounter that was meant to be a fight to the death."
She thought of how the other party had responded and the subsequent exchanges when she had closed in to thirty meters and revealed herself.
That sense of familiar resonance.
It was too familiar.
And this current battle... why was she the only one left conscious?
"So... are you Hibiki Tian Yin?"
Ringo looked directly into the eyes behind the mask and asked bluntly.
"I am not."
Tian Yin answered using a specially altered voice, while inwardly thinking:
[I am Uzumaki Tian Yin]
Tian Yin quickly placed her palm on Ringo's skin. Natural Energy began rapidly converging towards her, and in less than a minute, she activated Sage Mode.
"What are you doing?!"
Feeling her flesh and bones shift like fluid within her body, this horrifying and surreal experience made Ringo cry out.
[The drug residues need to be purged, and the physical damage healed with my Yang Release healing Chakra... This is delicate work.]
The core of Ryūchi Cave Sage Arts lies in transformation.
For Tian Yin, applying this most fundamental and essential sage art to another person's body was a first.
The moment she began, she felt it was completely different from using it on herself.
She could easily harmonize Natural Energy with physical energy to alter and reshape her own body to a certain degree. But when directing this energy into Ringo, she clearly sensed resistance from the remnants of the other's Chakra.
[Even with barely half a breath left... just pass out already!]
With a slight manipulation, Ringo, who had been about to struggle, lost consciousness. Simultaneously, aside from some instinctual bodily resistance, Tian Yin's infiltration of Ringo's body proceeded unimpeded.
[Logically, I should stand by and just ensure you don't die later. Otherwise, if you choose to seek revenge on the spot no matter what, or hold onto this grudge, we'd have no choice but to eliminate you all... But that wouldn't be good for Naruto and the others' growth. That's Kakashi's judgment.]
Tian Yin didn't want to interfere with the progress of this mission. It wasn't her task anyway, so she would cooperate according to Kakashi's plan.
But on a personal level, Tian Yin ultimately hoped Ringo could survive.
Although the other's feelings for her seemed unexpectedly intense, which genuinely troubled her.
But Tian Yin wasn't the type to stand by and watch someone die because of that.
Moreover, this was also a rare opportunity.
A perfect chance to get back at you for attacking me so mercilessly earlier, and to test... whether this method can cure Kimimaro.
[So... be a good test subject for me, Ringo]
Thinking this, Tian Yin activated a secret technique of the Ryūchi Cave Sage Body, subtly integrating a portion of her own flesh and blood into the depths of Ringo's body.
Then, Tian Yin began using this integrated flesh to establish a connection with Ringo's body.
At this point, if Tian Yin wished, she could completely devour Ringo's flesh and blood, leaving behind only an empty shell, similar to how Jugo absorbs White Zetsu.
But what Tian Yin intended was to guide Ringo in assimilating this small portion of flesh and blood—or rather, Tian Yin's cells.
The accumulated damage from Ringo's long-term drug abuse and physical overexertion was healed by about forty percent in this short time.
Unfortunately, these deep-seated, chronic issues had persisted for too long. They weren't ordinary injuries that could be fully restored in one go, and they had already damaged her foundation.
However, now that a part of her own Sage Body was integrated, albeit modestly, Ringo's constitution had fundamentally improved.
From now on, as long as Ringo doesn't act recklessly as before, her body can gradually recover through proper care.
Perhaps... she might even unlock the potential of these cells, enhancing her vitality and Chakra to a new level.
Finally!
Tian Yin thoughtfully placed a Cursed Seal within her.
This seal would react to Ringo's emotions.
In the future, unless faced with life-threatening situations, if she subjectively attempted extreme training beyond her body's limits, the seal would activate.
As for the effect... the corner of Tian Yin's mouth curled into a wicked smile beneath her mask.
During those years serving Orochimaru, she had certainly developed no shortage of various Cursed Seal Techniques. After all, this branch of Ninjutsu is closely related to Sealing Jutsu and Barrier Ninjutsu~
Tian Yin withdrew her hand. The treatment was now complete.
With everything done, Tian Yin retracted her palm. Looking down at the sleeping girl whose complexion had regained a healthy rosy hue, she clasped her hands together in silent prayer.
[Please don't let me encounter her again... The bonds in this naruto world are truly terrifying.]
She couldn't even imagine the scene if her identity were revealed.
Someone who, based on just a sliver of suspicion, would fight you to the death... was simply too frightening.
After finishing all this, Tian Yin moved the previously incapacitated Ye and Mei Terumī over, placing them beside Ringo.
Her gaze then shifted towards the direction of the bridge.
From here, she could see that the mist over there had already dissipated, indicating that the battle on that side had also concluded.
[So, what was the outcome over there?]
With a flicker, she activated the Body Flicker Technique and appeared on the bridge.
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