The next day, outside the Yuhi residence.
"Mr. Jingyi? What are you doing here?!"
Kurenai Yuhi blinked in surprise.
It was hard to believe that Jingyi had come directly to her house. She glanced at his attire simple training gear.
Was he here… to invite her to morning training?
"Is your father, Yuhi Shinku, at home?"Jingyi i asked politely.
"Yes, sensei. He's in the courtyard… You're here to see him?"
Kurenai paused.
Father?
Though unsure why jingyi would want to meet her father, she didn't hesitate. Turning back toward the house, she called out, "Dad! Someone's here to see you!"
Yuhi Shinku, a former member of the Konoha military police and a respected genjutsu specialist, hadn't been on active missions recently. He stepped out from the courtyard moments later, surprised to see the visitor.
"Jingyi. Please, come in."
"Thank you. I came to ask for your insight on genjutsu."
"Oh?" Shinku's brow rose. "You study genjutsu as well?"
It was unexpected. Aside from the Uchiha clan, few in Konoha deeply studied illusions. Most shinobi only learned to recognize and break them, not to master them.
"I've had some ideas recently."
Kurenai, still nearby, spoke up. "she's being modest, Dad. His illusions are really impressive! He even has a sword technique that causes hallucinations!"
"Genjutsu with kenjutsu?" Shinku was intrigued.
Back during the Second Hokage's time, there had been research into combining swordsmanship with illusions, but those studies had largely faded into obscurity. Could jingyi have revived the concept?
He became serious. "I have some scrolls on genjutsu techniques"
"No need, Shinku-san. Actually, I was hoping you'd help me test the effectiveness of a new technique and provide feedback. You're Konoha's foremost genjutsu expert, so I thought of you first."
Shinku nodded. "I see. Then let's begin."
Jingyi shifted his stance, adjusting the angle of his blade. In a flash, he drew the sword.
A burst of light reflected sharply off the blade.
Shinku instinctively shielded his eyes. The glare was so intense, his vision swam for a moment just enough to disorient him. Then, he heard the sword sheathe with a sharp click.
He blinked.
"This… isn't genjutsu. You're using chakra to enhance the reflected light and cause momentary blindness brilliant. It mimics the confusion of genjutsu but bypasses the usual defenses."
"Exactly. I call it an Iai-based distraction technique. But if I can't disorient the opponent with the flash alone, I'm considering overlaying an actual genjutsu during that moment of visual disruption."
"It's a clever hybrid," Shinku said. "If the opponent wears tinted lenses or avoids direct eye contact, the flash weakens. That's where the genjutsu should take over. Yes… I see."
He began offering detailed advice how to time the chakra flow, the importance of subtlety in visual cues, and how to modify the effect for different angles of engagement. Though Shinku wasn't a swordsman, his mastery of illusion was undeniable, and every suggestion was valuable.
Jingyi demonstrated a simplified variant, drawing the sword in a sweeping arc across his body.
"Minimize the motion," Shinku advised. "Illusion doesn't require dramatic movements. Sometimes it's better to trigger the genjutsu first and strike while the enemy's distracted."
Kurenai stood off to the side, captivated. This was a different style of genjutsu than what she had learned a fusion of combat and deception she'd never imagined possible.
"By the way," jingyi said, turning to her, "Since I'm here Kurenai, have you decided about medical ninjutsu?"
"Yes! I spoke with my father, and he supports it."
Medical training would take time and effort, but she was determined. She didn't want to be a burden on the team inshe wanted to contribute.
"Good. I've brought some texts. Read through them, and if anything confuses you, come to me."
He handed her several books.
Kurenai opened the cover and gasped softly. "This is… Tsunade's work!"
Shinku's eyes widened. These were originals, with handwritten notes and diagrams. Such material was nearly impossible to acquire.
For Jingyi i to have access meant one thing: he had met with Tsunade.
Unbelievable.
Though Jingyii wasn't her student, the medical knowledge he'd passed on to Kurenai was priceless.
"Thank you, Sensei!"
With a polite bow to both father and daughter, jingyi i took his leave.
---
The village was different now.
Once, early-morning training sessions in Konoha were mostly limited to a few diehards like might Duy. But now? Thanks to Jingyi's example, the number of young ninja pushing themselves had grown.
He passed by Genma, Ebisu, Asuma, and Shisui all red-faced from their morning run, determined not to be left behind.
Everywhere he looked, competition had blossomed.
The shinobi of Konoha were being pulled upward by the current. Jingyi smiled ruefully.
Was this… his fault?
---
Back from his own mission, jingyi noticed the streets quieter than usual.
Everyone was already out doing missions or training. Even Kurenai was absorbed in her studies he had already given her guidance on basic Shōsen Jutsu (Mystic Palm Technique), earning a wave of progress toward mastering it himself.
As for Asuma and Shisui…
They were still refining Vacuum Blade and Wind Release: Wind Tunnel both high-level wind techniques.
Great students.
Though when it came to Fire Release, jingyi wasn't much help. He couldn't do everything.
Passing by a familiar tavern, he noticed two legendary figures sitting under the eaves Jiraiya and Orochimaru.
Jiraiya looked up. "Hey! Jingyi's kid! Come have a drink!"
Jingyi stopped. "Ah—Jiraiya-sama, Orochimaru-sama… I don't drink."
Jiraiya grinned. "Then just eat. This was supposed to be a Sannin gathering, but Tsunade bailed on us. You'll do as a replacement."
Orochimaru gave a rare chuckle. "Yes… join us."
Faced with two of the Sannin, jingyi couldn't refuse.
He stepped inside.