Seiji's sudden move disrupted Akane's focus. Before she could react, the pink-clone kunai passed through her.
But there was no sensation at all, as if stabbing through empty air.
Seiji's figure distorted and disappeared from sight.
"When did you cast a genjutsu?"
A cold chill followed the warmth around Akane's neck. Her kunai rested at her throat.
She had lost in one exchange—and didn't even know why.
How could Seiji, right under her nose, be more than a mere illusion? And he had ended up behind her.
"You lost."
Seiji lowered the kunai.
"You've unlocked the entry: [Pride of Genjutsu (White)]."
[Entry: Pride of Genjutsu (White)]
[Requirement: Defeat Akane Yūhi during your time at Ninja Academy to prove the Uchiha's genjutsu supremacy.]
[Progress: Completed]
[Effect: Genjutsu ability increases by 5%.]
[Note: Can continue advancing later.]
"Is this even possible?"
Seiji paused. Apparently, defeating people could randomly yield entries.
Why didn't anything drop from Obito? Maybe his stats were too low—or purely random?
Seiji stroked his chin, pondering.
Akane turned, her crystal eyes wide in shock. She had lost so quickly.
She felt ashamed before her father and the Yūhi name.
"I… I lost."
Biting her lip, she whispered, "When did I fall for your genjutsu?"
Seiji gestured to his eyes.
His left pupil, normally black, now shimmered scarlet, with a single tomoe slowly rotating.
Akane's face flushed crimson.
She had made a rookie mistake: never meet the gaze of a Uchiha using the Sharingan!
"But… your eyes weren't red just now," Akane protested.
Had she seen the slightest red? She wouldn't have looked directly.
"Do you think it's your reaction speed, or that my eye opened and closed too fast?"
Seiji countered calmly.
The Sharingan has no startup or cooldown—usable anytime.
Genjutsu from the Sharingan is transmitted visually. Any knowledgeable ninja knows to avoid direct eye contact with Uchiha using genjutsu.
"The moment I saw you, I activated my Sharingan and hypnotized you. You were casting genjutsu at thin air while I walked calmly behind you."
Akane gasped. First time she understood this principle. She had underestimated him.
Henceforth, avoid Sharingan gaze at all costs!
"Akane, you're here."
From the bushes, Asuma Sarutobi appeared, out of breath.
Ah, so Akane was only sparring genjutsu with Seiji.
Relieved, Asuma had always secretly hoped Akane would be his future wife—possessiveness flaring.
"Seiji Uchiha activated his Sharingan. Competing against him in genjutsu is a terrible idea."
Asuma shook his head, trying to warn Akane: don't engage too deeply with a Uchiha. Politics could get messy.
"…."
Akane clenched her fists. Was she only allowed to practice genjutsu if not a Uchiha?
Asuma's words hurt.
"What do you mean, Asuma?" Her tone chilled.
She revered her father, Akane Shinku Yūhi. Asuma was essentially denying her father's lifetime dedication to genjutsu.
"Akane Yūhi's genjutsu is incredible. Few in class match her—Kakashi himself is weaker. I admire your courage to challenge authority. Your ninja way promises great achievements."
Seiji praised her, subtly reprimanding Asuma while boosting Akane's confidence.
Akane would later accomplish 14 S-rank missions, 138 A-rank missions, though early encounters with Itachi and Kisame marred her reputation. Still, she managed to withstand several genjutsu attacks.
Orochimaru was instantly defeated by Itachi.
Truly, mastery is domain-specific.
Later, Akane had children and retired from frontline ninja work, leaving genjutsu research behind.
"Seiji…"
She was surprised. This man from the Land of Lightning spoke so thoughtfully.
"Yes, Akane. Believe in yourself. Improve your abilities."
Seiji's final words, though unsaid aloud, encouraged her to grow—and perhaps unlock more entries in the future.
(End of Chapter)