In the courtyard.
Yuhi Shinko meticulously explained the key points of Genjutsu. Kurenai's explanation was superficial, only scratching the surface.
Yuhi Shinko was different. As one of Konoha's jonin, he was a master of Genjutsu, rumoured to possess Genjutsu abilities comparable to the Uchiha Clan, and one of the top-tier strong individuals under the Hokage in Konoha.
His profound understanding of Genjutsu allowed Ren to avoid many detours and improve and progress most quickly.
"Watch carefully, this is the 'There is no such place' technique!"
Yuhi Shinko explained while forming hand signs.
In an instant, the courtyard before Ren's eyes transformed into a forest. The chirping of birds on branches and the towering trees all around seemed real.
"Is this Genjutsu?"
Ren gazed at the vibrant forest before him, lost in thought.
Although Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu were nominally the basic skills of a Ninja, in reality, the status of these three abilities was unequal.
Firstly, Ninjutsu could be said to hold the dominant position. Whether it was ordinary Ninjutsu or the special abilities of a Bloodline Limit, Ninjutsu had always held the dominant position in the anime. Furthermore, Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke were most proficient in Ninjutsu, and in almost every battle, Ninjutsu held the dominant position.
The use of Ninjutsu required hand signs. In the battle between Kakashi and Zabuza, both sides performed very complex hand signs when using Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet. However, in the later stages, Water Dragon Bullet could be used with minimal hand signs, and almost all Ninjutsu could be used without hand signs. Nevertheless, the status of Ninjutsu could not be shaken.
Then there was Taijutsu. Taijutsu was also frequently used in battles. Whether it was Might Guy's Eight Gates Formation or Lee's Lotus, these all fell within the scope of Taijutsu. However, Ninjas like Might Guy and Lee who specialised in Taijutsu were few, but Taijutsu was also very important in every battle.
Compared to Ninjutsu and Taijutsu, the status of Genjutsu was relatively lower. Firstly, regarding the use of Genjutsu, it was very difficult for it to appear in battle. In the original work, battles using Genjutsu were few and far between, and Ninjas who used Genjutsu were basically from the Uchiha Clan. Genjutsu Ninja outside of the Uchiha Clan were very rare.
Genjutsu works by creating illusions to inflict mental damage on enemies. For an ordinary Ninja, using Genjutsu is still very useful; it can be used to gather intelligence or to cause the enemy's mental breakdown. However, this power's effectiveness is greatly reduced against those with a Bloodline Limit like the Sharingan!
Powerful Genjutsu came from the Uchiha Clan, such as Uchiha Itachi's Tsukuyomi and Uchiha Shisui's Kotoamatsukami.
Typically, Genjutsu uses the five senses as a medium, and to avoid it, one needs to seal off the five senses.
From this perspective, the path of Ninjutsu-Genjutsu is feasible!
Ren's eyes grew brighter.
Not only Ice Release, but Storm Release could also be combined with light-attribute Genjutsu like the Lightning Pillar.
While Storm Release automatically locks onto the enemy, its destructive power comes from "lightning." However, pure lightning is too violent and cannot be freely controlled. But with the addition of the "water" attribute, the technique becomes as fluid as water, and lightning transforms into a laser whose direction and angle can be freely controlled.
Storm Release compensates for the difficulty in controlling lightning, being a Bloodline Limit that combines the advantages of both lightning and water.
Adding light-based Genjutsu on top of this, the enemy would lose their vision while being riddled with Storm Release lasers from all directions, turning them into a porcupine!
But for now, let's build a solid foundation. If one method works, all methods work.
By then, other Genjutsu will also be easily understood by analogy!
Ren, having come back to his senses, looked up at Yuhi Shinko, listening intently for what he would say next.
"How was it? What do you feel?"
Yuhi Shinko looked at Ren, who had come back to his senses, and asked seriously.
"Hmm... I have some insights. Genjutsu is a technique that interferes with the enemy's five senses using Chakra, disrupting their Chakra, and causing them to fall into an illusion."
Ren paused for a moment to organise his thoughts before sharing his insights.
"You understand it well. The combat style of Genjutsu is different from Ninjutsu and Taijutsu; it's a combat style that requires high intelligence and combat awareness."
Yuhi Shinko continued to make hand signs. This time, Ren was tied to a tree trunk. From the nearby wood, Yuhi Shinko emerged halfway like water, continuing his explanation.
"There are currently only three ways to dispel Genjutsu:
The first way: Use the stimulating sensation of pain to dispel and resist Genjutsu. For example, the method of biting your tongue to dispel Genjutsu is particularly effective in emergencies.
The second way: Requires the help of a teammate to dispel Genjutsu. This situation is mainly for most high-level Genjutsu, especially those from the Uchiha Clan's Sharingan Genjutsu. After all, the Uchiha's Fire Release and Genjutsu are top-tier existences in the entire Ninja World."
The third way: Stop the flow of Chakra for some time. However, stopping the flow of Chakra in battle is tantamount to leaving an opening for the enemy, so this move is not very effective in actual combat."
Just like that, under Yuhi Shinko's tireless guidance, one diligently taught, and the other diligently learned. Unknowingly, dusk had already fallen.
Noticing the time, Kurenai went to the window and saw the two still discussing. She shook her head helplessly and reminded them through the window.
"Father, Ren, it's dark."
"Hmm?"
Returning to reality, the two realised how dark it had become.
"Is it that late already? Then let's stop here for today. You can take two of those scrolls back to study. If you have any questions later, come ask me. If I'm out, go ask Kurenai. As my daughter, her Genjutsu mastery is quite good too."
Ren, walking out the door, turned back to listen to Yuhi Shinko's instructions, nodding seriously.
Then he waved goodbye to Kurenai.
"Well, Uncle, I'll take my leave now. Thank you for today. I'll visit again another day. Goodbye, Kurenai, see you at school tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow."
Kurenai, standing beside her father, smiled and waved back at Ren.
Watching Ren walk away and his daughter beside him with a reluctant expression, Yuhi Shinko's mouth twitched slightly.
This kid not only learned his Genjutsu but also tricked his daughter away. This is outrageous.
Never mind. This kid is someone he watched grow up. He won't interfere too much. They are still young now; they can talk about future matters later.
Yuhi Shinko shook his head at this thought and urged Kurenai to quickly wash up and rest.
At this time, Ren had already returned home. After a hot shower, he felt completely refreshed!
Wiping his wet hair, Ren turned on his bedside lamp and looked at the Genjutsu scrolls he brought back today.
Ren unconsciously chewed on the pen cap.
Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, Genjutsu, what else could be converted into combat power...?
It seems... I've got it!