Naruto: Hidden Hokage

"Genjutsu, simply put, is a technique that disrupts an enemy's five senses using chakra, creating illusions," Yūhi Mahiru began his lesson with a serious tone.

The five senses include sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.

In genjutsu, the most commonly targeted sense is vision.

The most iconic visual genjutsu involves the Sharingan.

In the ninja world, there's a well-known saying:

When fighting an Uchiha, never look into their Sharingan.

Because just one glance and… boom! Wait, no—that's how you get trapped in a genjutsu.

"If two genjutsu users battle, the outcome is determined by Yin Release, which represents mental strength," Mahiru explained, glancing at Yorin.

"Your mental energy is naturally stronger, making you well-suited for genjutsu."

"What about mine?" Kurenai interjected.

"Yours is also stronger than most of your peers," Mahiru replied after a pause, omitting the comparison.

If Kurenai's genjutsu potential was 6,000, Yorin's was at least 10,000.

That didn't mean Kurenai's potential wasn't impressive—before meeting Yorin, she was the most talented genjutsu user Mahiru had ever seen.

Excluding the Uchiha clan, of course. Their genjutsu skills are a given once they awaken their Sharingan.

"Enough talk—let's get hands-on," Mahiru clapped his hands.

"We'll start with the basic Genjutsu: Mist Servant Technique."

The Mist Servant Technique, classified as a D-Rank genjutsu, summons sinister black shadows to intimidate opponents.

The shadows move slowly and have no offensive capability. However, their unique trait is that they split into more shadows when attacked, functioning somewhat like a specialized shadow clone.

"Watch carefully and learn," Mahiru instructed, deliberately slowing down his hand seals.

Before long, a humanoid shadow emerged from behind the couch.

Its pitch-black form exuded an eerie presence, but Yorin and Kurenai, having been prepared, weren't fazed.

This genjutsu was more suited for ambushes.

"Your turn," Mahiru dispelled the genjutsu and watched them expectantly.

It had taken him an entire day to master this technique, but with their talent, perhaps Yorin and Kurenai could learn it in just half a day.

Mahiru blinked and froze in disbelief.

In front of Yorin, a humanoid shadow had already materialized.

The speed far exceeded his expectations.

"Damn it!" Kurenai gritted her teeth as she struggled to summon anything.

Her talent clearly wasn't on Yorin's level, but she quickly overcame her frustration.

After several attempts, she finally succeeded in conjuring a shadow.

However, her shadow wasn't humanoid—it resembled some kind of malformed creature.

"Red, your talent is extraordinary as always," Mahiru said warmly.

But Kurenai wasn't pleased.

In the face of such direct comparison, the gap between her and Yorin was painfully obvious.

"Uncle Mahiru, can you teach me the next genjutsu?" Yorin asked, his expression eager.

"You may have learned the Mist Servant Technique, but you've yet to master it," Mahiru replied sternly.

"Practice for two more days, and then I'll teach you something new. Don't rush."

"Uncle Mahiru, look at this."

Yorin clapped his hands, and another humanoid shadow instantly appeared.

"What?! How is this possible?" Mahiru exclaimed, his eyes widening.

Kurenai remained silent, her thoughts a whirlwind.

In such a short time, Yorin had not only learned the technique but completely mastered it.

The speed and effectiveness of the second casting far surpassed the first, pushing the Mist Servant Technique to its limit.

The reason for this lay in Yorin's unique advantage:

E-Rank Ninjutsu Perk: Mist Servant Technique

Trigger Condition: Successfully execute the jutsu.

Effect: Automatically elevates the technique to the proficient level.

Remark: Three E-Rank genjutsu perks can be synthesized into a D-Rank perk, Genjutsu Adept.

Upon acquiring the perk, Yorin's mind was instantly filled with countless repetitions of practice, as if he had honed the technique for years.

"Your talent is even greater than I imagined!" Mahiru declared, his excitement palpable.

The ninja world hadn't seen a true genjutsu prodigy in ages, with the Uchiha clan's Sharingan monopolizing all the recognition.

But now, Yorin gave Mahiru hope. If Yorin could rise to prominence, the Yūhi family might one day become the Yūhi Clan.

Yorin stayed silent, unsure how to respond.

Should he say, I'll bring glory to the Yūhi family with my talent?

"I'll teach you the second genjutsu now," Mahiru decided, taking a deep breath.

"Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique."

Yorin's eyes lit up.

This genjutsu was fairly well-known—both Orochimaru and Kakashi Hatake had used it in the original series.

Though still D-Rank, its power far surpassed the Mist Servant Technique.

The technique forced the target to confront their greatest fears, striking at their heart.

After Yorin successfully executed it, another perk materialized:

E-Rank Ninjutsu Perk: Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique

Trigger Condition: Successfully execute the jutsu.

Effect: Automatically elevates the technique to the proficient level.

Remark: Three E-Rank genjutsu perks can be synthesized into a D-Rank perk, Genjutsu Adept.

Yorin let out a deep breath.

After casting three genjutsu in a row, his chakra reserves were nearly depleted.

This highlighted why the Ninja Academy focused on teaching only the basic three techniques—chakra control was a critical early limitation.

But Yorin wasn't done yet. Eager to synthesize a new perk, he pressed Mahiru to teach him one more genjutsu.

Seeing Yorin's enthusiasm and recognizing his extraordinary talent, Mahiru agreed.

E-Rank Ninjutsu Perk: Genjutsu: Cherry Blossom Illusion

Trigger Condition: Successfully execute the jutsu.

Effect: Automatically elevates the technique to the proficient level.

Remark: Three E-Rank genjutsu perks can be synthesized into a D-Rank perk, Genjutsu Adept.

The Cherry Blossom Illusion was weaker than the Hell Viewing Technique, primarily serving to obscure the enemy's vision with swirling petals.

Exhausted, Yorin finally sat down to rest, his chakra reserves almost completely drained.

His rapid progress was due not only to his talent but also the relatively low difficulty of these D-Rank genjutsu.

Kurenai watched in stunned silence. After a moment, she chuckled quietly, seemingly accepting the absurdity of the situation.

"This guy… is a man among men, a genius among geniuses."

How am I supposed to beat him?

In that moment, she understood.

She was just an ordinary person.