Main World.
Spring, Year 30 of Konoha.
Imperial Palace, Side Hall.
Ryukōshi and Jin Zhiyin sat side by side beneath the veranda. Vines in the courtyard had already covered half a wall, their new leaves glowing a tender green in the sunlight. The two sat an arm's length apart, saying nothing, simply sitting there.
Ryukōshi's eyes were closed, golden chakra circulating slowly within him like a river whose flow had been slowed. Jin Zhiyin looked down at his hands. Emerald green markings flickered beneath his skin, as though still adjusting.
Toyotomi Yinglang approached from the other end of the corridor, carrying neither documents nor a data tablet. He stopped before the two, his gaze moving from Ryukōshi to Jin Zhiyin. When he spoke, his tone was level, as though stating something already confirmed.
"I've found a way to advance to the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan."
Ryukōshi opened his eyes. Jin Zhiyin raised his head.
"Three approaches." Toyotomi Yinglang held up three fingers. "First, absorb Soul Yin Stones every day, using pure spiritual energy to nurture the source of your eye power. This isn't a temporary replenishment, but continuous reinforcement. Second, train in the Soul-Searching Illusionary Realm. One year inside is one day outside. Repeatedly hone the precision of your dōjutsu under extreme conditions and raise the threshold at which the side effects are triggered. Third-Devil Fruit Awakening."
He lowered his hand. "Your current Mangekyō is the initial fusion of a Devil Fruit and the Sharingan. After the fruit awakens, that fusion will reach its complete state. The conditions for awakening vary from person to person, but the path is certain. Soul Yin Stones lay the foundation, the Soul-Searching Illusionary Realm refines it, and Devil Fruit Awakening completes the final fusion. Once all three stages are complete, the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan will