Chapter 61: Gauging Strength, Genjutsu Backlash
Notes:
Raikiri, also known as Lightning Blade, is an S-rank technique and Kakashi's signature jutsu.
After Team Nine left the Hokage Residence, Sarutobi Shinnosuke entered the office with a frown. "Old man, why didn't you let me take this mission? Even if you didn't want me involved in the hostage rescue, why not let me lead this relatively safe mission?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a stream of smoke slowly and said in a low tone, "With the White Fang leading, this mission isn't much of a problem. You know how missions have been scarce in Konoha lately. This reinforcement mission is ranked high but the danger level is minimal, so everyone wants a piece of it."
"Out of five slots, Danzo requested two for himself. For the remaining three, after careful thought, I decided it would be best to assign them to Minato's team. Tonan will be accompanying you soon."
"Given his talent, Tonan will become a powerhouse sooner rather than later, which will be a great asset for you. This mission is more about padding his record. Don't try to compete with your future subordinate; take it easy and rest up."
...…
Ten minutes later, Uchiha Tonan's group reached the village gate. Two Konoha shinobi waited there, clad in green flak jackets and forehead protectors, each carrying a tachi strapped to their backs.
"Are you Team Nine from Konoha? I'm Kamiya Kazuki," the first introduced himself.
"Yoshida Taro," the second said flatly, his expression deadpan and almost lifeless.
Tonan adjusted his glasses, about seventy percent certain these two were Root operatives.
Minato gave a slight nod. "Namikaze Minato."
Kakashi responded indifferently, "Hatake Kakashi."
Tonan bowed politely, hands on his knees. "Uchiha Tonan. Please take care of me."
Kazuki gave a stiff smile and asked, "Is this the mission target Danzo-sama mentioned? Let's get the formalities done so we can leave the village. Then I'll assign you to garrison posts based on your strengths."
The five walked to the registration office, passed Konoha's barricades, and stepped out of the village. Kazuki pulled out several maps from his ninja pouch.
"There are five towns with garrisons, each with different odds of reinforcing the two lords. Show me the ninjutsu you specialize in—I need a general assessment of your strength."
Minato scratched his head and said, "I specialize in the Flying Thunder God Technique…"
"Cut the chatter, just show us," Taro interrupted coldly, showing no respect. Minato's easygoing nature meant he didn't take offense and sincerely demonstrated his skill.
He threw a special kunai, disappearing and reappearing in an instant.
Kazuki's stiff smile returned as he handed Minato a map. "Excellent speed. This is the town where you'll be stationed."
Kazuki then turned to Kakashi, who silently raised his hands.
Crackle, crackle, crackle.
Sharp, electrifying sounds filled the air. Kakashi crouched slightly, left hand gripping his right wrist, right hand shaped like a tiger's claw as ball-shaped lightning sparked violently.
The crackling electricity was fierce enough to make everyone's pupils shrink in awe. Tonan thought, Has he already perfected Raikiri? Kakashi's talent is insane.
Kakashi suddenly lunged toward a large tree nearby.
Bang.
A massive hole exploded in the tree trunk. Kakashi retracted his hand, panting lightly, body trembling from the exertion.
Tonan raised an eyebrow. "False alarm. That's an incomplete version. It shapes chakra and its nature flexibly but hasn't yet used lightning nature to awaken the body's latent potential and increase speed. Without that speed, this Raikiri's destructive power is mediocre. Plus, it deals significant damage to the user."
The others saw the flaws too but didn't underestimate Kakashi for a moment. For a chunin, this was a game-changing move. It was clear the technique was self-taught, no hand seals, and held immense potential for growth.
Kazuki nodded and handed Kakashi a map. "Promising ninjutsu. This is your station."
Kazuki and Taro then turned simultaneously to Tonan. Adjusting his glasses with a shy smile, Tonan said, "Senpai, I specialize in Sharingan genjutsu, but it only works on human targets. I'm not sure I can demonstrate it here."
Taro squinted coldly. "Use it on us. Use your full power."
Tonan nodded. "Understood." He closed his eyes briefly, then reopened them, the three tomoe slowly spinning in his irises.
Both Kazuki and Taro showed no change in expression, unreadable.
Tonan formed the necessary hand signs and asked politely, "Senpai, may I begin?"
Kazuki nodded.
"Senpai, please look into my eyes. Without direct eye contact, it won't work."
Without hesitation, the two stared deeply into Tonan's eyes.
In the next instant—"Genjutsu: Hell Viewing Technique."
The surroundings subtly shifted; barely noticeable unless scrutinized carefully. Kazuki and Taro realized Minato and the others had vanished.
Kazuki glanced around and said lightly, "Is this the Sharingan's genjutsu?"
Taro's expression remained frozen.
Swish.
Suddenly, a ninja wearing an animal-style mask appeared in front of them and shouted, "You two, the mission has changed, Dan—"
Before the masked figure could finish, Taro made a hand sign.
The illusion shattered instantly.
Tonan screamed in agony, clutching his knees as blood and tears streamed from his eyes. He was suffering from genjutsu backlash.
Taro said coldly, "Your genjutsu is trash."
His harsh rebuke stung Minato, who quickly defended Tonan, "Genjutsu isn't meant for direct confrontation. Tonan's genjutsu is strong—it just didn't work because you were prepared."
Kazuki smiled apologetically, handing a map to Tonan. "Sorry about Taro. He's always like that. Here's your station. Let's move to the border together."
Had Taro not broken the illusion, Kazuki would have. The genjutsu caster could see what happened inside the illusion, risking vital intel leaking out. Exposing Danzo's secrets or their mission details was unacceptable for Kazuki and Taro.