In the tranquil courtyard of the Yūhi household:
Shinku Yūhi patiently elucidated the fundamental principles of genjutsu to Renzou. Though his initial explanations were broad strokes, they laid a crucial foundation. As one of Konoha's esteemed "Eight," Shinku Yūhi possessed exceptional skill in illusionary arts, rumored to surpass even many within the Uchiha clan. A formidable power beneath the Third Hokage, his deep understanding promised Renzou a path of rapid and effective learning.
"Look closely, this is the Illusionary Forest Technique!" Shinku Yūhi declared, his hands weaving through a sequence of seals. In an instant, the familiar courtyard before Renzou dissolved, replaced by a vivid forest. Birds chirped from unseen branches, and towering trees stretched in every direction, their illusory presence utterly convincing.
"Is this genjutsu?" Renzou murmured, gazing at the vibrant illusion, lost in thought. While ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu were all considered basic ninja skills, their practical significance often varied. Ninjutsu typically held a dominant position, from common techniques to the unique abilities of Bloodline Limits, as exemplified by Naruto and Sasuke. Regardless of the battle, ninjutsu usually took center stage, often requiring hand seals, though skilled users could sometimes forgo them. Taijutsu, frequently employed in combat, encompassed everything from Might Guy's Eight Inner Gates to his Front Lotus. While fewer ninjas specialized solely in taijutsu, it remained a vital component of any fight. Compared to these, genjutsu often held a lower profile. Its direct application in battle was less frequent in the original world, with Uchiha clan members being the primary users. Genjutsu inflicted mental damage by creating illusions, useful for intelligence gathering and causing psychological distress. However, its effectiveness could be diminished against those with dōjutsu like the Sharingan. Powerful genjutsu users predominantly hailed from the Uchiha clan, typically using the five senses as a medium. A common counter was to disrupt or block the senses.
Looking at it this way, genjutsu is definitely a viable path! Renzou's eyes brightened. For now, let's master the basics. One solid foundation will allow understanding of other genjutsu by analogy!
Snapping back to the present, Renzou looked at Shinku Yūhi, listening intently. "How was that? What did you experience?" Shinku Yūhi asked, observing Renzou's reaction.
"Hmm… I have some understanding. Genjutsu is a technique that uses chakra to interfere with the target's five senses, disrupting their chakra flow and causing hallucinations." Renzou paused, organizing his thoughts. "It's a combat method requiring significant intelligence and tactical awareness, quite different from ninjutsu and taijutsu."
Shinku Yūhi began forming more seals. This time, Renzou found himself bound to a tree trunk, while from the wood beside him, a translucent, water-like image of Shinku Yūhi continued his explanation. Currently, there are primarily three ways to break genjutsu: First, through intense pain. Biting your tongue, for example, can be particularly effective in emergencies. Second, with the assistance of a teammate. This is often necessary for more advanced genjutsu, especially Sharingan-based illusions, as the Uchiha's Fire Style and Genjutsu are top-tier. Third, by momentarily disrupting your own chakra flow. However, doing so during combat leaves you vulnerable, so this method has limited practical use."
Shinku Yūhi's red eyes met Renzou's. "If you can successfully activate the Sharingan, it will be an incredibly potent asset for genjutsu. Even a single tomoe will greatly enhance your abilities." A fleeting hint of sadness crossed Shinku's eyes. "Your father also spoke of wanting to research on genjutsu with me back then…"
Seeing Shinku Yūhi's momentary wistfulness, a wave of warmth washed over Renzou. Since his father's death, the Yūhi family had shown him considerable kindness. "Don't worry, Uncle Shinku. I will inherit my father's will and live to protect Konoha!"
Hearing Renzou's earnest words, Shinku Yūhi seemed to snap out of his reverie. For a fleeting moment, he seemed to see the shadow of Uchiha Shanzhou behind the boy. "Brother Shanzhou, leave it to me!!" "Brother Shanzhou, you're really popular! Let's have a drink tonight!!"
"Okay!! I believe you!! Let's continue!" And so, under Shinku Yūhi's dedicated instruction, one teaching earnestly and the other studying with focus, the afternoon slipped away unnoticed until dusk began to settle.
Kurenai, noticing the fading light, came to the window and saw the two still deep in discussion. She shook her head with a smile and called out, "Father, Renzou, it's getting dark."
"Um?" They both looked up, realizing how late it had become. "Is it so late? Then let's stop here for today. Take these two scrolls back with you to study. If you have any questions later, just ask me. If I'm not around, ask Kurenai. For my daughter, her proficiency in genjutsu is quite good as well." Shinku Yūhi said as they walked towards the entrance.
Turning at the door, Renzou listened to Shinku Yūhi's instructions, nodding seriously. Then he waved goodbye to both Shinku and Kurenai. "Uncle Shinku, thank you for today. Sorry for bothering you. I'll visit again soon. See you tomorrow at school, Kurenai."
"See you tomorrow," Kurenai replied with a smile, waving back from beside her father.
Watching Renzou walk away and his daughter's lingering gaze, Shinku Yūhi's lips twitched slightly. That kid not only learned my genjutsu but also seems to have charmed my daughter. Unbelievable.Oh well, I've watched him grow up. I won't interfere too much. They're still young. We'll see what the future holds. Shaking his head, Shinku Yūhi urged Kurenai to wash up and rest.
Meanwhile, Renzou arrived home, feeling refreshed after a hot bath. Toweling his damp hair, he turned on his bedside lamp and looked at the genjutsu scroll he had brought back. Immediately, chakra surged into his left eye like a tide. "Sharingan!"At the same moment, his five senses sharpened dramatically, his field of vision expanding, accompanied by a strange new sensation – the ability to manipulate the five senses of others."So this is the Sharingan's power? Without learning about genjutsu, I wouldn't have understood this feeling."
After a while, Renzou deactivated his Sharingan, large beads of sweat beading on his forehead and dripping down his temples. "As expected of the Sharingan, its affinity for illusion is incredible!" Of course, the toll on his body was also significant. Feeling utterly drained, Renzou sat on his bed, a powerful wave of sleepiness washing over him.
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End of Chapter 20
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Author's Notice: Hereafter, new chapters will be published only on Sundays, with two chapters released each Sunday. The release times will be Sunday morning at 2:45 AM Indian Standard Time and Sunday night at 10:45 PM Indian Standard Time.