Chapter 26: Ninjutsu Genius or Taijutsu Failure?
It was only natural for Pain to have his doubts.
What he didn't realize, though, was that Uchiha Yi was far from an ordinary shinobi.
His supposed "talent" for ninjutsu was merely the result of his abilities being enhanced by an external "system."
Knowing his true circumstances, Uchiha Yi wouldn't blindly follow the standard approach of dedicating all his time and effort solely to ninjutsu, taijutsu, or genjutsu.
In ninjutsu, with his system as a backup, he didn't need to worry. For genjutsu, his Insight ability allowed him to see through most illusions.
If he encountered powerful genjutsu, like Tsukuyomi, Infinite Tsukuyomi, Izanami, Izanagi, or the auditory genjutsu Demonic Illusion: Toad Confrontation Chant, which even affected Rinnegan users, he'd need to level up his Insight ability further.
While genjutsu could be an effective tactic, using it was complex and mentally exhausting. To master it, one had to master the art of deception.
Why bother with illusions on weaker opponents if he could defeat them directly?
As for powerful foes, genjutsu might not be effective and could even backfire.
In short, Uchiha Yi didn't see the point in investing heavily in genjutsu.
That left taijutsu—his most obvious weakness and an area he genuinely cared about improving.
While the Sharingan gave him extraordinary perception, seeing an opponent's moves clearly didn't mean his body could react fast enough.
Facing Hidan had already been a struggle for him.
What if he encountered two, three, or even more enemies of Hidan's level—or stronger foes?
These questions made Uchiha Yi seriously consider training in taijutsu.
"Alright."
After a brief pause, Pain agreed. Although he wasn't interested in the personalities, attitudes, or goals of Akatsuki members, it was better to know something about them than nothing.
This was an opportunity.
"Thank you, Pain-sensei. I look forward to learning from you."
Uchiha Yi responded respectfully.
"You can attack at any time," Pain replied coldly, though the word "sensei" stirred something within him.
But his world was already a hell. He had embraced the darkness and no longer believed in light.
The moment Pain finished speaking, Uchiha Yi launched his attack without hesitation.
"Your attack intent is way too obvious!"
As Uchiha Yi moved, Pain couldn't help but frown.
He'd thought Uchiha Yi was downplaying his taijutsu skills out of modesty.
But now, seeing it in action, he realized Uchiha Yi hadn't been exaggerating—his taijutsu was terrible!
If Uchiha Yi's true level in taijutsu was as bad as it appeared, Pain felt even academy students who hadn't graduated yet could beat him in close combat.
For a moment, Pain didn't know how to assess the man before him.
An extraordinary talent in ninjutsu? But his taijutsu was abysmal!
How could a clan known for its prodigies produce someone with such a stark contrast in abilities?
Pain effortlessly countered Uchiha Yi's clumsy attacks, thinking it over.
Deciding to test him further, Pain upped his intensity to see if he could push Uchiha Yi to reveal any "hidden" skills.
As Uchiha Yi attacked again, Pain subtly shifted his stance, dodging the punch by a hair's breadth.
At the same time, Pain countered. His foot, already positioned, swung up toward Uchiha Yi's abdomen.
Without using his Sharingan, Uchiha Yi had no chance of seeing Pain's move.
Just as Pain's knee strike was about to connect, Uchiha Yi's instincts kicked in, and he partially transformed his body, barely avoiding the blow.
That was close! I almost got hurt.
Uchiha Yi had chosen to use his real body for this taijutsu training, not a shadow clone. Shadow clones only passed on training experience, not physical endurance.
"If this is really the extent of your taijutsu…"
"Honestly, I'd have to say it's terrible."
Although Uchiha Yi had evaded the strike, his poor taijutsu skills were still apparent.
Pain didn't hold back his criticism, his tone carrying a hint of confusion.
"Well… I know. That's why I need your guidance, Pain-sensei."
Uchiha Yi replied with a sheepish smile, unbothered by Pain's harsh evaluation.
After all, he'd come from a peaceful world with no experience in life-or-death combat. It was only natural that his taijutsu was lacking.
Pain's puzzlement was something Uchiha Yi had no way of explaining.
After a brief exchange, Pain's taijutsu guidance continued.
Remarkably, Pain, usually silent, became somewhat talkative during the training, correcting Uchiha Yi's taijutsu mistakes with verbal instructions and physical demonstrations.
Uchiha Yi found the training highly beneficial.
This subtle change might have gone unnoticed by Pain himself, but Konan, watching from afar, felt a mix of emotions, as if a crack had formed deep within her heart.
"Aho."
As their session ended, Pain suddenly called out to Uchiha Yi.
"Huh? Is something wrong, Pain-sensei?"
Uchiha Yi looked at him curiously.
"What are your thoughts on the Uchiha clan's massacre?"
Pain asked, unexpectedly bringing up a topic that could be a sensitive wound for Uchiha Yi.
"What else?"
"Revenge, of course."
Uchiha Yi replied calmly. Despite discussing a matter of vengeance, his expression remained composed, showing no visible anger or hatred.
"Revenge… as expected."
"And after that?"
Pain pressed on.
He had nearly completed his revenge for Yahiko's death, with only Danzo left to deal with.
Yet he felt no relief; instead, he was filled with new confusion about the path forward.
It was the dream of world peace, a goal he'd dedicated himself to for Yahiko's sake, and his lingering hatred for Danzo that kept him going.
Otherwise, his turbulent life would have broken him long ago.
Seeing Uchiha Yi—a young man consumed by hatred, much like he once was—he felt a sense of shared suffering.
Perhaps that was why he found himself asking these questions.
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