The Hokage building echoed with arguments as department heads clashed over jurisdiction. After a prolonged debate, a compromise was finally reached.
Konoha would take responsibility for recruiting genjutsu specialists, with Uchiha Naraku acting as the initiator and consultant for the newly proposed Psychic Healing Division.
Uchiha Fugaku, a powerful genjutsu user with a kekkei genkai, was also appointed as a genjutsu advisor.
Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen granted both men the nominal title of technical advisors to the Psychic Healing Division. He justified it by stating that as leaders of the Konoha Military Police Force, they could not afford to neglect their primary duties.
After persistent persuasion from Naraku and Fugaku, Hiruzen finally agreed to assign two Uchiha genjutsu-capable Jōnin to the mental healing department.
After all, when it came to genjutsu, few in Konoha dared claim superiority over the Uchiha clan.
Otherwise, Uchiha Naraku might very well send someone to challenge them then and there.
Sarutobi Hiruzen leaned back wearily. After a day filled with tense negotiations, he was both mentally and physically drained.
Seeing that the two Uchiha before him had no further objections, he allowed himself a tired sigh.
"For now, these will be the initial appointments for the Psychic Healing Division," he announced. "Tsunade will lead the department. Kurama Ryōta will serve as the section officer. Naraku, Fugaku—once you're back, assign two capable Uchiha Jōnin to the department. And don't try to patch the roster with unqualified people."
Hiruzen's voice carried a hint of warning. He still harboured deep reservations about the clans.
"Understood."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Both Naraku and Fugaku bowed respectfully.
Hiruzen gave a casual wave of dismissal. "Meeting adjourned."
---
Konoha Hospital
Following the Hokage's approval, the Psychic Healing Division was quickly established at Konoha Hospital within a week. Offices were furnished, and staff was put in place.
Today marked the department's first day of operation. Uchiha Naraku, dressed in a white coat, attended in his capacity as a consultant—secretly preparing to carry out experimental genjutsu therapy on the initial batch of patients.
All five patients were shinobi with records in the Military Police. Their conditions were severe—some bordering on insanity.
"Alright. I understand your situation. Just relax," Naraku said calmly.
Across the desk sat Yamamoto Haru, a shinobi who had previously caused destruction using Earth Release ninjutsu. His descent had begun after the death of his lover, and he'd spiralled into despair, insomnia, and violence. Only the support of his team had kept him from taking his own life.
"Yes, Lord Naraku. That's everything. I already feel a bit relieved just speaking about it. I'm sorry to burden you."
Yamamoto was polite, a stark contrast to the berserker who had lashed out with jutsu in public.
His eyes, bloodshot and ringed with heavy shadows, spoke volumes about his sleep deprivation and emotional torment.
As Yamamoto spoke, he met Naraku's gaze—and froze as the scarlet pattern of the Three Tomoe Sharingan filled his vision.
"Genjutsu: Sharingan."
Naraku formed the hand seal and guided the illusion deliberately.
---
In the Illusion World...
Yamamoto Haru jolted awake in a dim bedroom, breathing heavily.
"Apricot..."
A gentle female voice answered from beside him. "Haru, are you having another nightmare?"
The woman—Anzu—rose, smiled warmly, and walked to the small fridge, retrieving a bottle of water. It was a habit they used to share.
Haru stared at her in disbelief. Tears welled in his eyes.
"Anzu!"
He rushed to embrace her, crying uncontrollably as she patted his back gently.
"I came to see you, Haru. You must live on. I don't want to see you like this anymore."
Anzu's voice was soft and loving. She touched his cheek with tender fingers.
"Promise me, you'll keep living. For me?"
Haru nodded solemnly. "I promise, Anzu. I will."
Anzu smiled with radiant warmth and patted his shoulder.
"Good. That's good..."
As Haru cried, Anzu's form began to glow with starlight.
"For me, for your team, for Konoha—live on..."
Her form gradually dissolved into sparkling light. Even as she faded, she wiped away his tears with a gentle hand.
This illusion was unlike any dream Yamamoto Haru had experienced before.
---
Back in reality, Naraku observed carefully. Yamamoto's previously blank eyes now shone with clarity.
The man stood and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Lord Naraku. I will live on—because that's what Anzu wanted."
"If you feel uneasy again, come back. You're always welcome here."
Haru straightened up, determination burning in his eyes. "I will—but I don't think I'll need to. My team needs me. Konoha needs me. Thank you again."
He bowed again, then departed.
In the monitoring room, Tsunade, Uchiha Fugaku, Kurama Ryōta, and Yūhi Kurenai watched the footage in silence. The illusion-based therapy appeared remarkably effective.
As the originator of the project, Uchiha Naraku handled the first several cases himself.
His guideline was clear: fully understand the patient's emotional trauma—whether it stemmed from love, friendship, or family—before crafting a targeted jujutsu experience.
It demanded tremendous skill. The illusionist had to construct an accurate emotional landscape, with characters recreated realistically, often based on photographs or records.
After treating five patients, Naraku wiped the sweat from his forehead. Performing so many illusions in succession had left him drained. He signalled the monitoring room, requesting someone else take over.
The first day's results were promising.
Several patients emerged from therapy with brighter eyes, no longer listless or haunted. Some were even able to sleep for the first time in weeks—something even sleeping pills hadn't achieved.
Two patients fell asleep immediately after the session, as the weight of mental torment lifted at last.
---