"I'm back." Hearing the sounds from beyond the kitchen, Shinku Yūhi set down his pan, lowered the flame, and went to the door. "Kurenai, you're back, eh? Renzou's here too. Come in and make yourselves comfortable; I'll be done soon." Shinku Yūhi smiled at the two removing their shoes, then returned to his cooking.
"Uncle Shinku's cooking today? Looks like I'm in for a treat," Renzou said, putting on slippers and glancing at Kurenai with a smile. After their intense training yesterday and saying goodbye to Kai and Shisui, Renzou had spent the next day at the ninja academy reviewing the fundamentals of genjutsu that Kurenai had explained a few days prior, preparing for today's lesson. After school, he'd told Uchiha Kai he had other plans and suggested he train with Shisui. Now, Renzou was a guest at Kurenai's home, arriving just as Shinku Yūhi was cooking. Kurenai's mother had passed away relatively early, and she had lived with her father since childhood. Shinku Yūhi, a stern and formidable instructor to outsiders, was a gentle and doting father to his daughter.
"Uncle Shinku, let me help you," Renzou said, reaching the kitchen doorway and addressing Shinku Yūhi, whose back was to him. It felt awkward to do nothing as a guest.
"No need, you go and chat with Kurenai. By the way, you wanted to learn illusions from me, right? Go ask Kurenai to find some genjutsu scrolls for you. You can familiarize yourself with the basics. I'll start teaching you after dinner." Shinku Yūhi waved him off without turning around. Renzou nodded and went to find Kurenai.
Having overheard the conversation, Kurenai was already coming downstairs, carrying four or five scrolls. Renzou quickly took them, and he followed Kurenai to the study, placing the scrolls on the table to begin his preliminary study.
"Hell Viewing Technique," "Demonic Illusion: Fox Spirit," "Tree Binding Killing Technique." Renzou scanned the dense writing on the scrolls. Rubbing his temples, he pulled out his own notes and began to delve into them. While pure illusion is potent, its strength has limits. How can I amplify it, make it more threatening? Renzou's pen tapped against his notes. Cloud Shinobi Village's Lightning Style Chakra Mode? It's a development of ninjutsu based on taijutsu, utilizing Lightning Chakra to enhance speed and attack power. Could I combine bloodline limits and illusions?
An idea sparked. The Ice Release ninja Haku's Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals in the original world! Using water to create ice mirrors, utilizing the reflections for super-speed movement, and confusing the enemy's position to land senbon strikes. Its speed made it nearly impossible to predict. Since it was unbreakable, those trapped could only await their demise.
Renzou's mind raced.If I could merge the control of genjutsu with the substantial physical damage of ninjutsu, it could be my ultimate attack. For example, the Tree Binding Technique, excellent for control, paired with the devastating power of Lightning or Fire Style. If that were the case…
"Time to eat, Renzou. You can study later. Come on, let's eat first." Shinku Yūhi, having finished preparing the meal, asked Kurenai to call Renzou from the study.
Kurenai entered the study and saw Renzou engrossed in his reading. She playfully snatched the notes from in front of him, winking her red eyes. "Oh, the food's ready already? Come on, let's eat."
Snapping back to reality, Renzou blinked, glanced at the notes on the table, and followed Kurenai out. There was no rush. He could eat first and then discuss his ideas with Shinku Yūhi. A ready-made illusion master was right here; no point in delaying.
"Uncle Shinku's cooking is as amazing as ever."
"Dad, how do you make everything taste so good?"
"Haha, if you like it, eat more." The meal passed in a pleasant atmosphere.
"Dad, you go teach Renzou genjutsu, and I'll do the dishes," Kurenai volunteered after dinner, gently ushering the two men out of the kitchen.
They exchanged a helpless smile. "Then let's practice in the courtyard. Renzou, go to the study and bring the genjutsu scrolls. I'll wait for you outside," Shinku Yūhi instructed, heading towards the courtyard.
Renzou went to the study, gathered the scrolls and his notes, and followed. As he stepped into the courtyard, his eyes widened. A bright red coffin stood in the center, six feet long and two feet wide, an unnerving sight in the open space.
Um?! Where did that coffin come from? Wait… it looks like it's moving! An immediate sense of danger prickled at Renzou's skin. He tossed the scrolls aside and drew a kunai, his gaze fixed on the steadily shifting coffin, as if facing a formidable opponent.
The coffin lid creaked open with a heavy grinding sound. What's inside?! A figure slowly rose from within, clad in red, long hair obscuring its face, revealing only a pair of vaguely visible blood-red eyes staring in his direction.
The hairs on Renzou's arms stood on end, his teeth chattering involuntarily. Ghosts? In the Naruto world? While the Pure Land confirms the existence of the soul, what is going on with this female ghost?! Watching the figure float out of the coffin, approaching step by step, Renzou forced himself to remain calm.Bite the tip of your tongue!The sharp pain jolted him. Hiss! The taste of blood filled his mouth, but his mind cleared. He looked ahead. The coffin was gone, the ghostly figure was gone, and only Shinku Yūhi stood nearby, looking at him with a surprised expression. And Renzou was still standing where he had entered the courtyard, the illusion scrolls scattered at his feet.
"Not bad. You reacted quickly and thought to use pain to dispel the illusion," Shinku Yūhi said with satisfaction. Calm in the face of danger. He is indeed the son of Hyuga Mina and Uchiha Shanzhou!
"Was that… an illusion just now?" Renzou asked, looking around, a gradual sense of relief washing over him.
"That's right. The Hell Viewing Technique. You've experienced its power," Shinku Yūhi replied with a smile.
"An illusion? Interesting. It seems I'll be very busy in the future…"
"Genjutsu is exhilarating!" Renzou thought, a newfound eagerness blooming within him.
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End of Chapter 19