Yukawa watched as Kurenai continued her genjutsu training, but his focus was entirely on the system interface before him.
He had collected three genjutsu traits—enough to synthesize a new one.
[D-Rank Talent Trait: Genjutsu – Novice Illusionist.]
[Trigger Condition: Possess three genjutsu traits.]
[Effect: All genjutsu techniques gain 30% increased effectiveness.]
[Note: Learning more genjutsu may unlock a path to evolve this into the C-rank trait Genjutsu – Journeyman Illusionist.]
According to standard shinobi rankings, mastering the Three Basic Techniques was enough to become a Genin.
Yukawa had now mastered three genjutsu—being called a Genjutsu Genin was no exaggeration.
A 30% boost in genjutsu potency could give him a significant edge in combat.
Maybe... just maybe, he could even go toe-to-toe with an average Sharingan user.
The only thing that slightly disappointed Yukawa was how linear this trait seemed—it felt like he could already see the end of the path. It was essentially the same road Yuhi Shinku had walked.
But the more he thought about it, the more it made sense.
In the shinobi world, no matter how powerful a genjutsu was, could it really surpass the Mangekyō Sharingan?
Genjutsu, as a path, might serve as a powerful stepping stone—but in the long run, ninjutsu and taijutsu offered greater potential.
Unless, of course, the system someday granted him a pair of Sharingan.
After regaining his stamina, Yukawa said goodbye and stepped outside to a small grove nearby.
His current chakra reserves weren't enough to handle high-level ninjutsu training—he'd wait until his foundation was solid.
Yukawa stopped in front of a wooden training post and casually pulled out a senbon needle he had prepared earlier.
Senbon—slender, needle-like throwing weapons—were one of the three most commonly used shinobi tools alongside kunai and shuriken.
With a flick of his wrist, he threw it straight into the bullseye.
Just like shuriken, senbon were thrown projectiles, so the throwing techniques were similar.
The peaceful Sunday flew by quickly.
Yukawa glanced at the progress bar for his [Seven Ninja Tools] trait and smiled with satisfaction.
---
The new week began.
Early in the morning, Class 1-A was already bustling.
Since class hadn't started yet, the students were chatting in pairs or small groups.
Kurenai sat with her chin resting in her hands, visibly annoyed.
Sarutobi Asuma, seated beside her, was rambling nonstop about what he did over the weekend.
She had absolutely zero interest in hearing it.
Out of habit, Kurenai glanced at Yukawa.
He was focused on reading a book—completely absorbed. She didn't want to interrupt him.
Ever since he had enrolled, Yukawa had always been this diligent.
As for her... she could never manage that kind of discipline.
If she read for more than half an hour, her attention would scatter, and the slightest noise would distract her.
Her thoughts drifted.
Yukawa... was actually pretty handsome.
Even if she'd given up on defeating him, her dream of becoming the big sis hadn't vanished.
After all, what's a life without a dream?
Meanwhile, Asuma finally noticed something off.
Following Kurenai's gaze, he looked over—and immediately snapped.
It's him! Again! That damn Yukawa!
Asuma's face twitched in anger, practically seething.
No way he was going to let Yukawa steal the spotlight again!
"Kurenai," Asuma said smugly, lifting his chin, "I learned a Wind Style jutsu yesterday."
At the Academy, learning any technique beyond the Three Basic Techniques made you a certified genius.
Especially considering they had only been in school for two months.
In the entire class, only Hatake Kakashi was on par with him.
Asuma could already imagine Kurenai's shocked reaction. He was just about ready to laugh out loud.
"...So what?" Kurenai replied flatly.
Asuma's triumphant smile froze.
What do you mean, so what?
You won't even give me a little praise?
"Yukawa learned three genjutsu yesterday!" Kurenai said proudly, her tone as if she were the one who had done it.
"No way! Absolutely not!"
Asuma leaned back in shock.
You can tweak the truth, but don't just make stuff up!
Who the hell learns three genjutsu in one day?!
"You don't believe me?" Kurenai huffed.
"Of course not," Asuma replied without hesitation.
Liars deserved to swallow a thousand senbon.
He was the Hokage's son. With a special jōnin for a tutor, he had more knowledge than most of his peers.
Clearly, Yukawa had tricked Kurenai.
Learning three genjutsu in a day? He had never heard of such a thing.
"Just you wait," Kurenai said with a smirk—a mix of mockery, pride, and nonchalance.
She stood and walked over to Yukawa.
But when it came time to speak, she hesitated.
Would this bother him?
"What's up?" Yukawa looked up from his book and asked calmly.
Kurenai pursed her lips and explained the situation.
"That's nothing," Yukawa said casually.
He had been so absorbed in training lately that he'd completely forgotten about Sarutobi Asuma.
But now he remembered.
Didn't we have some kind of three-month duel promise?
Why wait three months? He'd settle it today.
Especially now that he had the traits [Ninja Throwing] and [Genjutsu: Novice Illusionist]. He was itching for a fight.
Even if Kurenai hadn't said anything, he would've gone looking for Asuma himself.
"Asuma."
Yukawa walked over and sat in Kurenai's seat.
"What do you want?" Asuma scowled, eyes sparking with challenge.
Nearby, Mizuki perked up and leaned in, eager for gossip.
"I'd like to move up our duel," Yukawa said directly. "How about today?"
"Move it up?" Asuma blinked—then immediately exploded with fury.
This was outright disrespect.
Just one week had passed, and this guy thought he had a chance?
What a joke.
"Fine! After school, meet me outside!" Asuma crossed his arms. "Don't come crying when you lose!"
Yukawa gave a slight nod.
He exchanged a look with Kurenai, then calmly returned to his seat.
The duel with Asuma was just a side event.
His real focus was still on scoring first place in the written exam—for the trait reward.
Thankfully, with the memories of his past life, his adult-level knowledge made things much easier than it would've been for a kid.
"Tch..."
Asuma saw how calm Yukawa was and grew even more annoyed.
Show me some respect, damn it!
Do you even consider me a worthy opponent?
He clenched his teeth. After class, he would defeat Yukawa.
And once he did... maybe he could win Kurenai back?
---
"What's wrong, Kakashi?"
Rin Nohara had noticed Kakashi staring. She followed his gaze—to the new student, Yukawa.
"They're going to duel after class," Kakashi replied flatly.
You've piqued my interest, Yukawa.
He'd only been here a week, and already he was challenging Sarutobi Asuma?
That was... unexpected.
Asuma wasn't weak. Even Kakashi would need to put in real effort to beat him.
Kakashi sensed someone like himself.
"How did you know they were going to duel?" Obito Uchiha asked in confusion.
"I heard it," Kakashi replied, glancing his way. "Isn't heightened senses a basic requirement for a ninja?"
"You jerk!"
Obito took the jab to heart. "Let's go outside and settle this!"
"No interest," Kakashi said with an expressionless face.
"Obito..." Rin quickly tried to calm things down. "Don't start a fight. Class is about to begin."
"Hmph! I'll let you off this time for Rin's sake!" Obito grumbled.