The next morning, I woke up early, eager to visit Training Ground 8. Kurenai-sensei had invited me to learn genjutsu from her, and I was excited to get started. Before heading out, I decided to summon my two divine dogs. I didn't want anyone to know about my Ten Shadows technique, so it was better to have them with me already. And of course to put my clone on his daily chakra nature transformation technique.
I am not sure why Kurenai seems to be so interested in me after knowing that I have Yin release but its good for me. If I can learn Genjutsu under her then that's awesome.
With everything set, I made my way to Training Ground 8. This was the first time I was walking around with my Divine dogs so I was surely getting looks but that's fine, they are just dogs so that's not that big of an issue.
The sun was just rising, casting a warm glow over the village. When I arrived, I saw Team 8 already there, practising their own techniques. Kurenai-sensei spotted me and waved me over.
"Good morning, Shika," she said with a smile. "Are you ready to start?"
Kurenai asked, she also glanced at the two dogs following me while waggling their tails. But didn't comment anything about them.
"Yes, Kurenai-sensei," I replied, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.
Kiba and Akamaru were practising some new moves nearby. Kiba looked up and immediately came over.
Kiba was just excited to see the dogs I was talking about while Akamaru looked a little afraid around those dogs.
"Woh, I don't know this breed. What is this sign on their forehead ?" Kiba asked curiously when he looked around the dogs.
Good thing that I already instructed them not to attack anyone until I gave specific orders.
"Don't know, but these two are awesome," I said, grinning. "And thanks for all the advice yesterday about ninja dogs. The food you suggested me, they like it quite a bit."
To that last point, even I am surprised that they can eat.
"Good, hahah" Kiba said. "You mind if I take them on a run. They look really fit. And smell strong."
I at this just blink.
Take them on a run, they are not a car.
And what does that even mean that they smell strong?
"Sure." I just nodded anyway and mentally commanded the dogs to listen to Kiba for the time being.
"What are they called." Before going he asked.
" Ah, that one is Snow and this one is Shadow," I explain.
But to this, he gave me a look, like asking 'Are you serious.'
"What ?"
"You seriously name them after their fur colour ?"
"Yeah."
Kiba just shook his head and took the dogs away. Making me confused what is wrong with the name?
Back to others.
Hinata was practising her Gentle Fist technique, and her Byakugan activated. She paused and gave me a shy smile. "Good luck, Shika. Genjutsu can be challenging, but I'm sure you'll do great."
"Thanks, Hinata," I said, appreciating her encouragement, the girl sure is nice. Naruto sure got it good. If only there were more girls like her in the anime.
On the other side, I saw Shino and just gave him a little nod, which he repreciated.
Kurenai-sensei clapped her hands to get everyone's attention. "Alright, let's get started. Shika, come with me. We'll begin with the basics of genjutsu."
I followed her to a quieter area of the training ground. She began by explaining the theory behind genjutsu. "Genjutsu is all about controlling the opponent's mind. You create illusions that can deceive their senses and manipulate their perceptions. It requires intense concentration and a deep understanding of how the mind works."
Same exact explanation as yesterday, but I don't know how to exactly do that.
She demonstrated a basic genjutsu technique, casting an illusion that made it seem like the trees around us were swaying in a strong wind. "See how subtle it is? The best genjutsu are the ones that seem like part of the natural world."
I nodded, trying to absorb everything she said. "That's almost like it was really happening." I can't help but praise.
I felt that I would feel something wrong with my chakra but nothing, it felt as natural as breathing to me.
"Okay, I will give it a try," I reply after learning the hand signs from her.
Closing my eyes, I focused on my chakra, imagining it flowing out and creating an illusion. I pictured the trees swaying, just like Kurenai-sensei had shown me. When I opened my eyes, I projected my chakra on Kurenai sensei and saw her eyes getting glassy and going out of focus for a second before she regained control.
"Good start," she said encouragingly. "You did good, but here is a little problem with what you did. You try to exactly copy what I show you. That is not right.
To make it a copy you were focusing the Genjutsu to bend like you remember which kind of distorted it. It immediately given it away.
Remember even an artist can make an exact same painting twice. There are always differences. So trying to do that in a Genjutsu is even more pointless
Don't bother copying but rather imagine your own style there. You have to picture it well, all the details as you can. From the wind direction to the smell in the air. From the subtle sound, the Genjutsu should have to the obvious places the target will more focus on." She patiently explains and I listen with intent.
She only showed me once basic Genjutsu hand sign and then left me to train.
I practised for a while, each attempt getting a bit better. Kurenai-sensei guided me from time to time, offering tips and corrections. Her patience and expertise were invaluable, and I could feel myself improving with each try.
But with this also comes the question of why suddenly she is helping me out.
After a few hours, I managed to create an illusion that made the trees sway convincingly. Kurenai-sensei smiled, clearly pleased with my progress. "Well done, Shika. You're picking this up quickly. Much better than when I started back then." There was a genuine smile on her face.
I nodded, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Thank you, Kurenai-sensei."
"Hmm if you don't mind then may I ask you a question ?" I asked, after pondering a little.
She looked at me at this and then nodded.
"Hmm, I was wondering why you are suddenly helping me like this. I really appreciate your help but I am not even in your genin team or anything. So... " I asked with a little hesitation. Wanting to know her motives was my curiosity but if that cost me this chance to learn under her then its not worth it.
She hearing this just smiled back at me.
"Because I believe that you have the talent. You see Shika, Yin release is a rare chakra affinity. It doesn't appear on people often, even among Nara clan people despite them being so close to shows.
I had a student who had Yin Release before. She was fabulous in genjutsu. But ultimately she couldn't become a Ninja. I somewhat feel like that was my fault.
You have talent Shika, being able to learn Genjutsu on the first try itself explains that. That's why I want to help.
It just feels like I have a chance to fix what I did wrong back then. " Kurenai said, the last part only in wishper.
I honestly have no idea what she was talking about. Never knew something like this happened in the anime. But again I skip almost all the fillers but maybe it could be.
Maybe that last snow mission was also in the anime and so was that last C rank mission. Maybe.
"I understnad Kurenai sensei. I promise that I will give my best to learn Genjtusu from you." I reply with confidence.
To this Kurenai just smile back.
.
.
.
Soon Kiba walked over, Akamaru by his side. "How's it going?"
"Pretty good," I said. "Kurenai-sensei is a great teacher."
"No doubt about that," Kiba said with a grin. "Hey, what you feet those dogs. They are insane. I have never seens dogs so powerful as them before. Their reaction time, intelligence and speed is out of the world"
Kiba asked with amazement on her face.
"Wuuf." Akamaru also chimp in.
"Hmm, just normal woof.... I mean food.
They always have been strong. I am not sure. Maybe something to do with their breed? Don't know." I just reply, not wanting to continue the topic.
"Hey mind bringing them to the my house, I know my mom will love to meet them." Kiba's eyes shine and mine at the same time fell dull.
I rather not do that thank you.
"Okay, but currently I don't have much time. Really need to finish this Genjutsu here. Maybe next time."
"Hmm okay."
"By the way, where are they ?" I asked.
"Oh they are racing with each to other. I just wanted to test out how fast they are but both Akamaru and I got out almost immediately. " Kiba said with a little embarrassed laughter on his face.
I just sweat drop.
.
.
.
Later on Kurenai had to go and train with others so I ended up getting apir with Hinata.
"You did well, Shika. I could see your progress from here."
"Thanks, Hinata," I said, appreciating her kind words.
"By the way Hinata. Do you also know how to use Genjutsu ?" I asked.
"Ah hmm no I never learn that." She shyly replies.
"Huh why, with your good chakra control and Doujutsu you can become a really good Genjutsu user. Not to mention you have Kurenai sensei as a teacher.
"hmm, I..." Hinata presses her hands together, not saying anything for a while finally saying.
"I t...tried but can't use any technique whi..which can put others in a genjutsu for long," Hinata replied, and this puzzled me.
What does that mean that she can't?
xxx
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