Chapter 6 — Kakashi's Attention
The essence of genjutsu lies in interfering with an opponent's five senses through chakra to create illusions, or manipulating the flow of chakra within the brain's nerves to carry out spiritual attacks. It is one of the three fundamental skills of a ninja.
However, compared to ninjutsu and taijutsu, genjutsu places relatively higher demands on its caster. As a result, the vast majority of ninja treat it merely as a supplementary method. Aside from learning how to dispel genjutsu when attacked, few devote themselves to studying it in depth.
The reason is simple: casting genjutsu is rather dangerous. Once faced with an opponent whose mental strength surpasses one's own, not only would the effort be futile and chakra wasted, but one could easily suffer backlash, placing oneself in grave danger. A single misstep could leave one helpless at the mercy of the enemy.
The most classic example was Kurenai Yuhi. A newly promoted jōnin daring to use genjutsu against Uchiha Itachi—she was instantly taught a lesson that made her question her life choices, completely forgetting that the Uchiha clan once dominated the ninja world with Fire Release and genjutsu. In the end, she merely became background decoration to highlight the power of the Sharingan.
In less than a quarter of an hour, Kakashi—leaning against a tree trunk and leisurely reading Icha Icha Paradise—suddenly raised his head in surprise. He sensed a change in the flow of chakra from Tetsuya not far away.
"Thank you, Kakashi-senpai."
Having successfully cast the Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique, Tetsuya was in high spirits. He handed the scroll back to Kakashi.
After reading it twice, the contents of the scroll were firmly etched into Tetsuya's mind. Succeeding on his very first attempt confirmed that his talent had indeed undergone a qualitative transformation.
Even back in the Academy when he learned the Three Basic Techniques, things had never gone so smoothly. It was enough to once again prove the value of Uchiha blood.
"Try casting it on me once."
Taking back the scroll, Kakashi spoke with a hint of surprise in his eyes.
Although the Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique was only D-rank in difficulty, compared to ninjutsu—where one only needed to mobilize chakra—genjutsu also required the additional coordination of mental energy. The difficulty was on an entirely different level. That Tetsuya could learn it in such a short time was completely beyond Kakashi's expectations.
"My apologies in advance."
After giving a respectful warning, Tetsuya's chakra mixed with spiritual energy surged forth, spreading silently like fine threads toward Kakashi.
Intending to verify the integrity of the genjutsu, Kakashi did not deliberately defend himself, allowing the invisible strands to seep into his body.
"Kakashi, kill me!"
In an instant, Kakashi seemed to return to the Third Great Ninja War. A girl with painted cheeks staggered toward him, tears sliding from the corners of her eyes, along with that cry he could never forget.
Rin… I'm sorry!
Seeing his former companion, Kakashi knew clearly that everything before him was merely an illusion, yet he still felt the urge to cry.
"Kakashi, why did you break your promise to me!"
Before Kakashi could disrupt his own chakra flow to break the genjutsu, another figure appeared beside Nohara Rin. Though half of his body was a mass of mangled flesh and the eye socket on the other half of his face was hollow, blood flowing down, Kakashi recognized him at once.
Uchiha Obito!
As expected… Obito would never forgive me.
Sweat beaded on Kakashi's forehead as he lowered his head, unable to face the two figures drawing ever closer.
To escape this scene that haunted his nightmares time and again, the three-tomoe Sharingan hidden beneath his forehead protector trembled slightly. Almost instinctively, he activated Demonic Illusion: Mirror Heaven and Earth Change.
This rare counter-type genjutsu not only dispelled an opponent's illusion but also reflected its effects back upon the caster.
Not good—could that genin withstand the rebound of the genjutsu?
As the illusion shattered before his eyes, Kakashi couldn't help but feel a trace of regret.
Though it was only the lowest level of genjutsu, it had been reinforced by Kakashi's near-loss-of-control Sharingan power during the reflection. Would it cause serious mental damage?
"Kakashi-senpai, are you alright?"
When Kakashi's vision returned to reality, he immediately heard Tetsuya's voice. The boy stood half a meter away, concern written across his face.
"…I'm fine."
Kakashi wiped the sweat from his forehead, his eyes filled with astonishment.
He hadn't fallen into the illusion caused by the rebound?
Could this boy's genjutsu talent rival that of a genjutsu-specialist jōnin like Kurenai?
"Thank you again for the ninjutsu scroll, Kakashi-senpai."
Unexpectedly gaining a genjutsu left Tetsuya in a good mood. After expressing his sincere thanks once more, he turned to leave.
As cannon-fodder genin, Tetsuya knew very well how difficult it was to obtain a single ninjutsu. His gratitude was genuine.
"Genjutsu: Temple of Nirvana Technique!"
Watching Tetsuya walk away step by step, Kakashi suddenly formed hand seals. Feathers the size of palms drifted down from nowhere, instantly covering an area seven or eight meter in radius.
This was a large-scale A-rank genjutsu. Anyone who saw the illusionary feathers would fall into a deep sleep. However, because its power was dispersed over a wide range, any genin with relatively strong mental strength could quickly realize they were under genjutsu and calmly dispel it.
Kakashi's sudden use of the technique was precisely to test the limits of Tetsuya's genjutsu talent.
Yet what Kakashi had not anticipated was that, despite being within the range of the technique, Tetsuya's steps never faltered. The chakra within his body remained steady and unchanged. He walked straight across the river, exited the genjutsu's range, picked up the two bags on the opposite bank, and soon disappeared from Kakashi's sight.
Genjutsu… ineffective?
Kakashi narrowed his eyes sharply, committing the matter to memory.
"After the mission ends, I'll look into his background."
—————
Behind the Hokage Tower, Kakashi flipped through numerous files and soon found Tetsuya's ninja record.
Tetsuya. Both parents were native civilians of Konoha, passing away one after another three years ago. After entering the Academy, his performance was rather mediocre. Whether in theoretical exams or practical combat, he blended in among the other civilian-born students. He was not qualified to enter the A-Class of that year—a typical cannon-fodder ninja.
After graduation, he was assigned to a squad led by a chūnin. Following routine procedures, he completed over a dozen D-rank missions. During his first and only mission outside the village, an accident occurred. The chūnin leader and teammates were either killed or injured, leaving him the sole survivor.
The only evaluation from his Academy teacher stated that Tetsuya trained diligently but was limited by talent, achieving little. At best, if he continued steady cultivation, he might hope to become a chūnin in adulthood.
Kakashi closed the file and returned it to its place, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
The Academy curriculum was broad, and the graduation exam merely selected randomly from the Three Basic Techniques. It wasn't surprising that Tetsuya's genjutsu talent had gone unnoticed.
If Tetsuya were to focus on training in genjutsu, perhaps he might one day have the chance to become a Special Jōnin?
Tap, tap, tap!
Just as Kakashi pulled open the door to the records room, he heard the sound of a cane striking the ground. His expression darkened slightly.
At the end of the corridor, an elderly man with bandages wrapped around his forehead and right eye walked slowly forward, heading toward the Hokage's office.
A member of Konoha's council of elders, leader of Root—
Shimura Danzō.