Her hand gently rested on Seiji's shoulder, as if offering comfort to a junior.
She had expected Uchiha Seiji to be as rough as someone from the Land of Lightning, which was why this task had been delayed for so long.
But seeing him today, he gave off a kind, honest impression.
From up close, Seiji even carried a subtle fragrance.
Uchiha Yozuki offered a few comforting words before leaving swiftly.
Seiji watched her retreating figure, his eyes flickering.
Uchiha Yozuki and Uchiha Izumi—mother and daughter—shared similar features.
Both had a tear-shaped beauty mark under their eyes.
Yozuki looked like a mature version of Izumi.
Opening the scroll in his hands, Seiji saw it was a Genjutsu-type Lightning Release, named Lightning Release: Raging Flash.
For Seiji, who already possessed the Sharingan, it was somewhat underwhelming.
Genjutsu, at its core, involves infiltrating an opponent's body with chakra, interfering with their five senses, and inducing illusions.
They are generally divided into Visual, Auditory, and Tactile types.
For example: Tsukuyomi (Visual), Demonic Illusion Sound Lock (Auditory), and Izanami (Tactile).
To execute Genjutsu, one only needs to follow these three mediums.
Lightning Release can also act as a medium for Genjutsu.
Lightning Release: Lightning Phantom Pillar is one such example, created by the all-around elite Jonin of the Cloud Village, Hii.
It transforms the entire body into electric light, deceiving the opponent into thinking it's just a vision-obscuring technique—making the illusion easier to land.
"No, maybe I can integrate Lightning Release into Genjutsu."
Seiji suddenly realized.
The future famous Shunshin Shisui had created Phantom Shunshin Technique by integrating Sharingan Genjutsu into Shunshin techniques.
Seiji could attempt the same approach.
The Uchiha name was far too prominent.
Ninja worldwide had a consensus on dealing with the Uchiha: never make eye contact with the Sharingan.
Using alternative methods to release Genjutsu could catch opponents off guard.
"I should go find Samui."
Seiji tucked the scroll into his bag and continued walking.
He currently lacked offensive options.
At the moment, he had Transformation Technique, Lightning Release: Lightning Finger, and Lightning Release: Iron Body.
All were only supportive.
"Lightning Release: Iron Body" mainly trained the body to grow rapidly.
"Lightning Release: Lightning Finger" was barely usable even at entry-level.
Even with improved proficiency, its power wouldn't be significant.
Originally, this technique seemed intended for medical purposes, delivering weak electrical currents to paralyze.
…
Sushi Restaurant
"…Samui, why is Atsui here too? How old is he?"
Inside the sushi restaurant's back room, Samui frowned at her younger brother, who was about the same age as Seiji.
Being a spy was dangerous.
One wrong move, and they could all die here.
"The Third Raikage values Yotsuki Seiji highly, so we can't mess this up. The village invested heavily to resolve Atsui's identity. Next, he'll attend the Ninja Academy for undercover training."
The rough voice of Samodo rang out, fingers tangled in thick dreadlocks.
He scanned the siblings before him.
Sending someone as a spy required immense effort.
Now, the village had sent yet another.
It seemed Seiji's value had risen even further.
Besides Samui and the new Atsui, there were several others dressed as servers—spies from the Cloud Village.
Outside, more comrades guarded the area, unseen.
They maintained the restaurant's daily operations on the surface, but secretly gathered intelligence on Konoha.
Samodo was their superior, overseeing them.
"Sister, this is for the village. I volunteered myself."
Atsui spoke, constantly mentioning service to the Cloud Village.
Shaking his golden hair like Samui, he looked like a child, but a red tattoo of the kanji "Heat" marked his left shoulder.
"Besides, I also want to do something for you."
His sister was calm and collected—a perfect trait for a spy.
Yet, undercover work was extremely dangerous.
Rumor had it that Yotsuki Seiji was a distant nephew of the Second Raikage—bringing him back was a huge accomplishment.
That would relieve his sister from such dangerous missions in the future.
Samui didn't speak, letting out a soft sigh.
She felt both touched and saddened.
Her younger brother was so young, yet already placed in such a position?
"He's an Uchiha, and a distant nephew of the previous Raikage. You should understand his value."
Samodo paused, speaking earnestly:
"Last time, Seiji came looking for you. He'll probably contact you again. Make sure to win him over."
Handling this well would be everyone's merit.
No need to risk life behind enemy lines, sleepless nights every day.
"Yes."
Samui nodded.
Samodo gave a few more encouraging words and briefed Atsui about enrollment procedures.
Then everyone returned to work.
Samui returned to the sushi counter, absent-mindedly wiping tables with a white cloth.
After seeing her younger brother, unease began to grow in her chest.
Not dislike—but concern.
"Do you still have squid sushi left?"
Samui looked up instinctively.
Just as she was about to answer, she froze—it was Yotsuki Seiji.
Her unease intensified.
She forced it down, glancing around—few customers were present.
"What do you want?"
Samui didn't think Seiji would easily agree to return to the Cloud Village. Probably just here to freeload again.
"Some more scrolls. Sword techniques this time."
Seiji held out his hand.
"Do you think these things grow like weeds?"
Samui couldn't help but feel her composure slipping.
Samodo had said to win Seiji over—but Seiji's attitude was truly cheeky.
She had just given him two Lightning Release scrolls recently, and now he wanted more.
Most scrolls available for purchase were weak techniques, many outright scams.
Genuine scrolls mostly required clan inheritance or a teacher's approval.
"I know that already."
Seiji said calmly, ready with his prepared excuse.
Suddenly, he noticed a man behind Samui.
Same hair color, same eye color, same red tattoo on the left shoulder.
His prepared excuse… quietly changed.
Seems his luck was quite good today.
"This must be your younger brother, Samui."
A faint smile curved Seiji's lips.
Samui's emerald eyes widened instantly.
Turning around, her younger brother—dressed as a waiter, tattoo exposed—looked like a small child yet carried the same dangerous mark.
Samui's brows knitted tightly.
This is bad.
(End of Chapter)