The genjutsu lasted for two hours. But in the first ten minutes…
Might Guy, Kurenai Yuhi, and Genma Shiranui were all brimming with excitement.
Receiving one-on-one guidance from their teacher, learning new techniques, correcting their weaknesses, and rapidly improving their skills—how many genin could boast such treatment?
But after an hour in the genjutsu, which equated to an entire month inside that illusory world, Kurenai began to wither, and Genma could barely hold on.
Only Might Guy still clung to his enthusiasm for training.
After a month and a half, Kurenai had lost all will to live, Genma was questioning his entire existence, and even Might Guy's face showed exhaustion.
There was no day or night inside the genjutsu.
A space of pure white, devoid of any other color, containing only them and their teacher.
No need to eat, drink, relieve themselves, recover stamina, gather ninja tools, or replenish chakra.
Aside from brief breaks when their mental endurance reached its limit, every moment was dedicated to training.
And because their teacher was constantly watching, they didn't even have a chance to slack off!
Even prisoners in a cell got some time outside.
But this…
...
Two hours later.
When the three finally emerged from the genjutsu, Kurenai's eyes were red-rimmed, barely holding back tears.
Genma's gaze was hollow, like a soulless husk.
Even Might Guy, usually full of energy, was drooping. He tried to force a signature smile, but it looked more pained than joyful.
Too cruel!
This was beyond cruel!
What they had assumed was just a short genjutsu training session had stretched so long it nearly broke them.
That vast, empty, and lonely experience was even more terrifying than physical exhaustion.
Was their teacher really not some kind of demon in disguise?
Clap, clap, clap—
"Not bad, not bad. Once you fully integrate what you've learned in the genjutsu, your skills should take another leap forward. I'll recommend you all for the next Chunin Exams."
Yamanaka Shinno smiled as he applauded the three.
Seeing their drained and unenthusiastic reactions, he decided to sweeten the deal.
"Chunin! The path of youth must not be halted by mere hardships! This time, I will surpass Kakashi!"
Might Guy's eyes lit up. The moment he heard he would be recommended for the Chunin Exams, he immediately regained his energy.
"Thank you, Sensei!"
Kurenai and Genma, hearing this, finally had something to look forward to. They forced themselves to perk up and thanked their teacher.
Noting that it was nearing noon, the three politely declined Kushina's invitation for lunch, quickly bid farewell to Shinno and Tsunade, and disappeared in a flash.
After being tormented for two months in the genjutsu, all they wanted now was to run wild in the village and feel free.
Shinno watched them leave, a faint smile on his face.
Ever since he took them under his wing, their progress had been remarkable.
Kurenai had initially only possessed a blue trait, "SStrong Mental Force," and a green trait, "Illusionist".
Now, not only had her "Illusionist" trait upgraded to the blue-tier "Little Witch of Genjutsu," but she had also gained a green trait, "Master's Legacy," and a white trait, "Clever and Quirky."
Genma had started with only one blue trait, "Influenced by Peers ."
Now, he had also acquired the "Master's Legacy" trait and a green trait, "Ninja Tool Mastery."
As for Might Guy—he had the strongest talent and the most unrelenting drive among the three.
His original blue traits, "Burning Youth" and "Extreme Recovery," remained unchanged.
But his white trait, "Thick-Browed Kappa," had evolved into the green-tier "Green Beast Cub," bringing him one step closer to his future as the "Azure Beast."
On top of that, he had gained three new green traits: "Iron Body,""Taijutsu Specialization," and "Master's Legacy."
The only concerning part… was the newly appeared gray trait: "Shaken Conviction."
"Shaken conviction… is it because of Might Duy?"
Shinno closed the door, rubbing his chin in thought.
In the original timeline, Might Guy had witnessed his father being belittled by other shinobi, humbly pleading for missions yet still being ignored. That experience had shaken his resolve.
A father is an irreplaceable figure in a child's heart.
Might Duy was not only Guy's father but also the very embodiment of his beliefs and the guiding force in his life.
In the original story, Guy only regained his conviction after witnessing his father open the Eight Gates—
Kicking the infamous Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist into oblivion and proving the true power of perseverance.
Only then did he fully inherit his father's will and charge forward on his path.
"But I can't just let the kid's dad die…"
Shinno scratched his head. He wasn't someone like Danzo, willing to resort to any means necessary to push an agenda. He just couldn't do something like that.
However…
Finding another way to reinforce Duy's greatness in Guy's eyes wasn't impossible.
After all, Might Duy wasn't some hopeless failure.
As a transmigrator, Shinno had gained access to the Eight Gates scrolls through his own achievements and family connections.
But back then, his talent in taijutsu was average, and training in the Eight Gates was grueling.
The cost outweighed the benefit, and he had better alternatives—so why suffer through it?
Considering the sheer difficulty of mastering the Eight Gates, Might Duy's ability to forcefully open it meant his base physical condition far surpassed most Jonin.
Even if he only specialized in taijutsu, he should have at least reached Special Jonin level.
The only reason he remained a Genin all these years was likely due to his personality—too easily swept up in emotion, too single-minded in taijutsu, unfit for the diverse nature of shinobi missions, lacking reliable teammates to cover his weaknesses, and failing the Chunin Exams due to poor written scores.
"Maybe he never even had anyone willing to recommend him for the Chunin Exams…"
Shinno muttered to himself.
After all, a shinobi with no team was unlikely to have a Jonin sensei to vouch for him.
And Jonin weren't just handing out recommendations like candy—endorsing someone who flunks the written exam would be an embarrassment.
I should find a chance to meet Might Duy and assess his situation.
If there weren't any major issues, he could arrange a suitable position for Duy where he could contribute to the village.
That way, he'd gain a reliable fighter, and Might Guy's psychological struggles would resolve themselves.
A win-win!
...
"You've been standing there mumbling to yourself forever—get over here and eat! Damn it, why did I have to give such big red envelopes to your students?!"
Tsunade's irritated voice rang from the dining table.
She had just suffered a major financial loss.
Shinno and Kushina had each gifted the three students ten thousand ryo in red envelopes. As their senior, she couldn't just sit there empty-handed.
Thirty thousand ryo—gone!
That was enough to spend an entire afternoon at the slot machines!
"I'm coming, I'm coming."
Shinno snapped out of his thoughts, walking toward the table, conveniently ignoring the latter half of Tsunade's complaint.
Heh, as if she'd ever win that money back from me.
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
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