On November 30th, Konoha Year 59, Shishou once again utilized his Lurigan identity to learn another session of genjutsu theory from the Third Hokage. He showcased his terrifying learning talent, impressing the old master.
Although Shishou had already studied once earlier in the month, he thickened his skin to ask for another lesson, knowing he was about to face Uchiha Itachi. The stakes were high.
"Mr. Lurigan's talent in genjutsu is truly remarkable," the Third Hokage remarked, his expression complicated as he looked at Shishou. Despite having taught him only twice, within a month, Shishou's genjutsu abilities had progressed so significantly that there was little left for the Hokage to teach. This level of talent was already on par with Orochimaru's, if not surpassing it.
"It's all thanks to your guidance, Lord Hokage," Shishou responded with a smile. His words were not just polite; the foundation and recommended readings provided by the Third Hokage had been invaluable in his understanding of genjutsu.
"Next, you can start learning advanced genjutsu. Let's schedule this for our next meeting," the Third Hokage said, glancing at the setting sun. "This time, Yūhi Kurenai will be your instructor."
"No need..." Shishou started to refuse, not particularly interested in ordinary genjutsu given his Sharingan and advanced Uchiha genjutsu scrolls. But hearing Kurenai's name made him reconsider.
"No need? What do you mean by that, Mr. Lurigan?" the Third Hokage asked, puzzled.
"Ahem, I mean we can schedule it for the month after next. After all, next month is the New Year," Shishou quickly fabricated a reason, retracting his initial refusal. If Kurenai was involved, he was definitely interested.
"Mr. Lurigan has a point," the Third Hokage agreed, nodding.
"Then, I shall take my leave," Shishou said, picking up a pebble and casually tossing it towards Might Guy before vanishing with the Body Flicker technique. Guy's green jumpsuit always reminded him of the energetic youth back in his previous life.
"Mr. Lurigan, how about a youthful competition?" Guy shouted excitedly, catching the pebble. Beside him, Kakashi put away his Icha Icha novel and nudged Guy, "The Hokage is leaving. We should follow."
A few days later, near the border of the Land of Fire, close to the Rain Village, Shishou, accompanied by Uchiha Mikoto and Uchiha Izumi, approached the Uchiha ancestral land. This was the place where the Uchiha clan had lived for generations before the establishment of Konoha, and now, Uchiha Itachi was there.
As they arrived at the outskirts of their destination, Shishou placed his hand on Mikoto and Izumi's necks. "I'll have my phosphor bugs attach to you, forming a chakra membrane. This will prevent Itachi from recognizing your chakra signature. Remember, his genjutsu skills are formidable. Do not let him get close. When you can no longer hold your ground, I'll take over. Understood?"
"Understood," Mikoto and Izumi replied, their faces determined. They had resolved to avenge the Uchiha clan, and Itachi was a necessary opponent.
With Shishou's phosphor bugs covering their faces and altering their appearances, the two women charged towards the dilapidated shrine within the Uchiha ancestral land.
"Itachi, have you found what you're looking for?" Zabuza, gripping his Executioner's Blade, addressed Itachi, who was studying a Uchiha mural.
"Not yet. But we should deal with the intruders first before they cause any damage," Itachi replied, stepping out of the shrine with Zabuza following closely.
Outside, Itachi saw the masked figures of Mikoto and Izumi. For some reason, he felt a familiar aura from them, especially the older one, whose gaze held complex emotions—love, reluctance, resentment, anger, and hatred.
Without hesitation, Izumi drew her katana, slashing towards Itachi and Zabuza. The blade ignited in a fierce flame, transforming into a fiery bird that soared towards them.
"Scatter," Itachi commanded, dodging the attack with Zabuza, who charged at Mikoto and Izumi.
Mikoto quickly retreated, remembering Shishou's warning. She formed hand seals, summoning a ten-meter-long water whip.
"Water Release: Water Whip!"
Uchiha genjutsu had a range of five meters, something Mikoto was acutely aware of. On the other side of the battlefield, the clash of blades rang out as Izumi engaged Zabuza, alternating between water and fire techniques.
Suddenly, Izumi's Sharingan flared to life, locking eyes with Zabuza, trapping him in a genjutsu.
"Sharingan!" Zabuza exclaimed, realizing he had been ensnared. "Release!" he shouted, breaking free just in time to block Izumi's katana aimed at his neck with his forehead protector.
He swiftly retreated, distancing himself from Izumi.
Damn it!
Izumi cursed inwardly. Her genjutsu skills were weak, only effective for brief moments and usually only in surprise attacks.
"Tsk tsk, Zabuza Momochi, the man who can block a Tailed Beast Bomb with a blade. What an impressive technique," Shishou muttered in the shadows, admiring Zabuza's skill.
Hearing Zabuza's alarm, Itachi disengaged from his fight with Mikoto, joining Zabuza and eyeing Izumi intently. The Uchiha clan had been annihilated, and the only ones left with Sharingan were the masked man and Danzo.
Has Danzo set his sights on my eyes? Is Sasuke safe?
Itachi's killing intent surged as he considered the implications.