Chapter 13: Sasuke Goes to School"Genjutsu: Crimson Illusion."
This was one of the techniques recorded in the scroll Chika had found within the Uchiha Clan Compound, categorized as a high-level genjutsu with considerable difficulty.
Originally, Chika had wanted to learn more direct combat techniques—powerful ninjutsu like the Great Fireball Technique, something flashy and overwhelming.
But for some reason, when she came across the genjutsu scroll, she felt an unusual pull toward it.
That interest turned into rapid progress.
With the assistance of the Sharingan, her training in genjutsu advanced at an astonishing rate. Even before Sasuke Uchiha had fully mastered the Great Fireball Technique, Chika had already grasped the essence of this illusion technique.
Now—
As she infused the genjutsu with her Sharingan's power, the surrounding operatives, despite being elite members of Root, were instantly caught.
Pulled into her illusion.
"What's happening? Is this a genjutsu?!"
"You're bleeding—what happened to you?!"
"Stay calm… it's just an illusion—wait… it hurts?!"
Their voices trembled.
They saw each other covered in wounds, blood pouring endlessly, the sensation of pain sharp and undeniable.
Crimson clouds filled the sky.
A blood-red horizon stretched endlessly.
In their perception, it was as though they had been torn away from Konohagakure and thrown into another world entirely.
Time dragged on.
The pain intensified.
Their fear deepened.
If it was an illusion…
Why did it feel so real?
The moment that doubt appeared—
Their mental defenses collapsed.
In reality, the Root operatives stood frozen, eyes vacant, bodies stiff.
Completely trapped.
Chika moved among them casually, a faint tune on her lips. A kunai gleamed in her hand as she struck with precision, one after another.
Silent.
Efficient.
Genjutsu—
Truly terrifying.
In the world of Naruto, illusions were never to be underestimated. When used properly, they could bypass strength, speed, and even numbers.
Among all genjutsu, Chika recognized two techniques as standing at the absolute peak.
One—
The forbidden, world-encompassing illusion: Infinite Tsukuyomi.
A technique capable of trapping the entire world in an eternal dream, where reality and illusion became indistinguishable, and the victim would never realize they were bound.
The other—
The ultimate genjutsu belonging to Shisui Uchiha.
Kotoamatsukami.
Unlike ordinary genjutsu, it didn't merely deceive the senses—it directly altered the target's will without them ever realizing it.
A true manipulation of consciousness.
Currently, those eyes…
One was in the possession of Itachi Uchiha.
The other—
In the hands of Danzo Shimura.
"…Danzo."
Chika's gaze turned cold.
"One day, I'll settle this with you."
Danzo was an obstacle she couldn't avoid.
As long as she existed as another surviving Uchiha, Root would never ignore her.
And beyond that—
If she wanted to reach greater heights, to evolve her Sharingan further, she would eventually need the eyes of a close relative.
That meant—
Shisui's eyes.
She had to obtain them.
Chika looked down at the fallen Root operatives.
Logically, someone from a peaceful modern world shouldn't be so calm while taking lives.
But she felt no hesitation.
This body—
An Uchiha shinobi.
It had already known bloodshed long before she arrived.
Soon, the area fell silent.
All enemies eliminated.
Fortunately, the Uchiha compound remained mostly abandoned after the Uchiha Clan Massacre, so no one had witnessed the encounter.
After confirming the scene, Chika clicked her tongue and rubbed her head.
"Even so… if I faced Danzo right now, my chances wouldn't be high."
Muttering to herself, she turned and walked back into her residence.
Meanwhile—
At the Ninja Academy—
Sasuke arrived.
Because of the massacre, he had been absent for nearly six months.
The moment he appeared, the attending chūnin instructor froze.
Was this… really Sasuke?
In just half a year, the quiet, reserved boy had changed.
There was pressure now.
A presence.
Something sharp, like a blade hidden beneath calm water.
"Teacher?"
"Ah—yes. Sorry. Sasuke, come with me."
Snapping back to reality, the instructor cleared his throat and led him inside.
Most children entered the Academy at age six and graduated after several years to become genin.
Talented students could graduate early.
Given Sasuke's current level, early graduation was entirely possible.
But—
Chika had deliberately held him back.
One prodigy attracting attention was enough.
Two would be dangerous.
The classroom door slid open.
Sasuke stepped inside.
Silence fell.
The boys tensed immediately, as if facing a rival.
The girls—
Blushed.
Whispers spread rapidly.
"He's gotten even more handsome…"
"It's only been six months…"
"I'm going to talk to him!"
Meanwhile, the boys bristled with competitive pride.
"Hmph, he's not that impressive!"
"Yeah, just a bit better looking!"
"Girls are overreacting…"
Sasuke ignored all of it.
None of it mattered.
He only wanted one thing—
To finish the day quickly.
And go home.
"Sasuke, sit over there."
"Understood."
He walked to his seat calmly, ignoring the stares around him.
Some students wanted to speak.
But the pressure he gave off stopped them.
Even the instructor hesitated, said only a few words, and quickly left.
The classroom fell into an awkward silence.
Then—
A blond boy suddenly stood up and walked straight toward Sasuke.
Sasuke glanced sideways.
He recognized him.
Naruto Uzumaki.
"It's you… hello."
Sasuke extended his hand.
The entire class froze.
No one approached Naruto.
No one spoke to him willingly.
Naruto himself was stunned.
Then—
A bright grin spread across his face.
He grabbed Sasuke's hand firmly.
"Hello! I'm Naruto Uzumaki—"
"The man who's going to become Hokage!"