"Genjutsu, simply put, is a technique that uses chakra to interfere with the enemy's five senses, trapping them in illusions."
Yuhi Shinku began his lecture in a serious tone.
The five senses referred to sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. In most genjutsu techniques, sight played the dominant role.
The most iconic visual genjutsu, of course, was the Sharingan.
There was an old saying in the shinobi world: "When facing an Uchiha, never look into their eyes."
Because with just one look—you'd explode—wait no, you'd fall into a genjutsu.
"When two genjutsu users clash, victory depends on the strength of their Yin Release—that is, their mental prowess."
Shinku turned to Yukawa. "Your spiritual energy is naturally strong, making you a perfect fit for genjutsu."
"What about me?" Kurenai couldn't help but ask.
"Yours is also stronger than average for your age."
Yuhi Shinku paused, leaving the second half of the sentence unsaid.
If Kurenai's genjutsu talent was at 6,000, then Yukawa's was well over 10,000.
But that didn't mean Kurenai was untalented.
In fact, before meeting Yukawa, Kurenai had the greatest potential for genjutsu Shinku had ever seen.
Except for the Uchiha clan, of course.
They didn't rely on talent—just awaken the Sharingan, and you'd be born a genjutsu specialist.
"Alright, enough talk. Let's dive into practice."
Shinku clapped his hands. "We'll start with the most basic genjutsu: Demonic Illusion: Phantom Servant Jutsu."
Phantom Servant Jutsu was a D-rank technique that conjured eerie black apparitions to frighten enemies.
These apparitions were slow and non-lethal, but when attacked, they split into more shadows.
In essence, it was a genjutsu version of a shadow clone technique.
"Watch carefully and follow my hand signs."
Shinku slowed his movements as he formed the seals.
Soon, a humanoid black shadow emerged from behind the sofa.
Its whole body was pitch black, radiating a cold, chilling presence.
Yukawa and Kurenai, mentally prepared, weren't startled at all.
This was clearly a genjutsu meant for ambushes.
"Now it's your turn."
Dispelling the illusion, Shinku looked at the two with hopeful anticipation.
It had taken him an entire day to learn this technique, but with their talent, perhaps they'd master it in just half a day.
He blinked—and suddenly froze.
Right before Yukawa, a humanoid shadow burst forth without warning.
Shinku felt like he had fallen under a genjutsu.
That was far faster than expected.
"Damn it!" Kurenai muttered, staring at the empty space in front of her with frustration.
Her talent truly couldn't compare to Yukawa's.
Still, she quickly swallowed the sting of failure and tried again and again—until she finally succeeded in casting Phantom Servant Jutsu.
Though… her summoned shadow was vaguely humanoid, it looked more like a malformed creature from a horror story.
"Kurenai, your talent really is outstanding."
Shinku smiled warmly.
But Kurenai didn't feel even a hint of joy.
Comparison only deepened the pain. Standing next to Yukawa, she still fell short.
"Uncle Shinku, can you teach me the second genjutsu now?" Yukawa asked as a new system trait quietly appeared in his mind.
"You've only just learned Phantom Servant Jutsu and haven't even mastered it yet," Shinku replied seriously. "Train with it for two more days. You mustn't rush."
"But Uncle Shinku, look."
Yukawa clapped his hands—and immediately summoned another perfect black phantom.
"This… this can't be possible!" Shinku's eyes widened.
"…" Kurenai was speechless.
Not only had he learned it in record time, he'd already mastered it?
In genjutsu, mastery was measured by how quickly and effectively the illusion could be cast.
And Yukawa's second casting was significantly faster than the first—he had already reached the skill's execution limit.
The reason?
He was cheating.
[E-Rank Ninjutsu Trait: Phantom Servant Jutsu]
[Trigger Condition: Successfully cast the technique.]
[Effect: This technique is automatically mastered upon acquisition.]
[Note: Has a synthesis path. Three E-rank genjutsu traits can be combined into a D-rank trait: Genjutsu: Novice Illusionist.]
When the trait was acquired, Yukawa's mind was instantly flooded with experience—like he had practiced the technique hundreds of times.
"Your talent is even greater than I imagined!" Shinku exclaimed with excitement.
It had been ages since the shinobi world had seen a true genjutsu master. The Uchiha had stolen all the glory with their Sharingan.
But now, Yukawa gave him hope.
Perhaps someday, a true genjutsu master could rise again.
As his student, Yukawa might even bring fame to the Yuhi name—perhaps even enough to found a new Yuhi Clan.
"…" Yukawa fell silent at the sight of his hopeful expression.
What was he supposed to say?
"I shall bring honor to the Yuhi family with my overpowered talent!"
"I'll teach you the second genjutsu now," Shinku said with a deep breath. "
Demonic Illusion: Death Mirage Jutsu."
Yukawa's eyes gleamed.
This one had a strong reputation in the original story—used by both Orochimaru and Kakashi.
Though still a D-rank technique, it was far more potent than Phantom Servant Jutsu.
It forced the enemy to witness their worst fears, shattering them from within.
After Yukawa successfully cast it once, a new trait appeared again:
[E-Rank Ninjutsu Trait: Demonic Illusion: Death Mirage Jutsu]
[Trigger Condition: Successfully cast the technique.]
[Effect: This technique is automatically mastered upon acquisition.]
[Note: Has a synthesis path. Three E-rank genjutsu traits can be combined into a D-rank trait: Genjutsu: Novice Illusionist.]
Yukawa let out a long breath.
His chakra was nearly depleted—casting three genjutsu in a row had drained most of it.
This was why the Ninja Academy started students with just the Three Basic Techniques.
But Yukawa wasn't finished yet. He asked Shinku to teach him a third genjutsu.
After all, he was just one away from trait synthesis.
To stop now would feel like pausing an action movie right before the climax—just missing that final burst of satisfaction.
Seeing Yukawa still had some energy left, and already recognizing his talent, Shinku agreed.
[E-Rank Ninjutsu Trait: Genjutsu: Triple Sakura Illusion]
[Trigger Condition: Successfully cast the technique.]
[Effect: This technique is automatically mastered upon acquisition.]
[Note: Has a synthesis path. Three E-rank genjutsu traits can be combined into a D-rank trait: Genjutsu: Novice Illusionist.]
Triple Sakura Illusion caused the target to see a flurry of petals, creating an opening for an attack.
Its utility was more limited than Death Mirage Jutsu—better suited for distraction than psychological warfare.
With his chakra now fully spent, Yukawa sat to rest.
His rapid progress was due not only to his innate talent but also to the relatively low difficulty of these techniques.
Kurenai, having just witnessed a truly absurd display, sat in silence for a long while—before suddenly breaking into a soft laugh.
This guy was truly a man among men… a genius among geniuses.
How was she supposed to beat that?
Turns out—she was just an ordinary girl after all.