Because her specialty lay in genjutsu, Kurenai Yuhi understood these techniques far better than Maito Gai or Genma Shiranami.
The more she learned, the clearer it became—just how formidable the jonin's recently deployed genjutsu had been!
Employing a subtle, unique fragrance akin to olfactory-based illusions, subtly luring them into an illusion before they even realized it.
And all within a single breath, manipulating all five senses simultaneously—smell, sight, touch, taste, and hearing.
Yet the victims remained completely unaware they were under a genjutsu.
This alone already exceeded what even standard A-rank genjutsu could accomplish!
Then there was that unnatural chill—the killing intent like staring down an actual giant serpent.
It clearly affected something beyond the five senses—a primitive danger instinct embedded deep in human genetics.
Plus, the final and most important point!
Mass casting!
Synchronizing sensory experiences across three individuals while allowing seamless communication without any perceptual discrepancies.
This was at the very least a complex, layered genjutsu built upon an A-rank core!
The control required and its overall impact...likely rivaled S-rank genjutsu!
Their own squad leader actually employed a compound genjutsu of such difficulty and power against three rookie genin?
When thinking this way, it suddenly seemed even more egregious!
"I feel like you're thinking something rather impolite."
Kei Yamanaka noticed Kurenai's gaze—the kind usually reserved for scum. His eyes narrowed slightly as he leaned closer, locking his gaze like polished rubies directly onto hers.
"N-No! How could that be!"
Kurenai averted her eyes, immediately denying her private grievances against their team leader.
Seeing that the three kids had completely forgotten about his late arrival that morning thanks to his sudden attack and clever words, Kei mused internally—kids really were easy to trick.
Turning toward the training ground's exit, he called back to the others.
"Since you've all passed the test, to mark the formation of our team, I'll treat you to some skewers for lunch. Follow along."
"Decided! I'll do a handstand the whole way to Barbecue Q using just two fingers! If I can't do it, I'll kick my legs two thousand times!"
Maito Gai enthusiastically responded as always.
"Kei-sensei just said skewers, not grilled meat. So the destination should be Sammiya."
Genma Shiranami drawled in correction, a senbon dangling from his mouth with drooping eyelids.
"Oh? Is that the one partnered by the Ino–Shika–Cho clans? I heard it's very expensive! Just a serving of venison runs five hundred ryo!"
Kurenai's eyes lit up slightly. She quietly resolved to let go of decorum and go all out.
Otherwise, she'd never live down the fright from earlier.
"They held up mentally quite well."
Hearing the laughter behind him from the three younglings, Kei's lips curled into a slight smile.
Their talents were unquestionable.
The most gifted among them, Maito Gai, possessed [Youthful Passion (Blue)], [Limitless Recovery (Blue)], and [Thick-Browed Kappa (White)]—three skill listings.
Youthful Passion gave him discipline and unwavering willpower few others could match.
Limitless Recovery enables him to recover more quickly after reaching his physical limits, while also reducing the risk of developing hidden injuries.
The white-tier skill listing "Thick-Browed Kappa" reduces charm and chakra stability, but boosts concentration and the effectiveness of taijutsu training.
These three skill effects stack.
Combined, their effect alone is enough to leave over ninety-nine percent of Konoha's ninja in the dust.
Kurenai Yuhi's talent is second only to that of Maito Gai, and she boasts two skill listings: [Mental Fortitude (Blue)] and [Hallucination Induction (Green)].
The former increases mental strength and maximum capacity, while the latter boosts the potency of genjutsu-induced hallucinations.
With proper development, it should help prevent infamous scenarios like "Itachi's Genjutsu Domination" from ever occurring again.
As for Genma Shiranami, he has only one skill listing: [Proximity to Virtue (Blue)].
This effect greatly improves learning speed and raises personal limits when under guidance and supervision.
Although he has fewer skill listings, his potential isn't necessarily weaker than Kurenai's innate talents.
In terms of mindset and natural gifts, none of the three are lacking.
Kei Yamanaka was certain that even if he merely put in a little effort into teaching, as long as none of them fell by the wayside like others had originally done,
Their future accomplishments would outshine those of the original narrative!
Still, staring at the ten-year-old Maito Gai, eleven-year-old Kurenai Yuhi, and twelve-year-old Genma Shiranami,
He couldn't help but sigh.
Back when he watched the anime, what he saw were moments of passion and camaraderie.
But now, after struggling through this brutal, blood-soaked ninja world rife with conflict for over a decade,
All he could see now was cruelty.
Eleven- or twelve-year-olds—
In his previous life, they wouldn't even have finished primary school yet.
Yet here in Konoha, children at this age were already facing battles and killings head-on.
"This place really isn't somewhere I could ever grow fond of."
Kei muttered inwardly.
Having lived two lives, he'd long moved past the stage of feeling indignant about the world.
Yet whenever faced with things he found unacceptable in everyday life,
He still couldn't help but ask himself—should he do something about it?
As Mencius once said: When poor, cultivate oneself alone; when prosperous, benefit all under heaven.
Before, his abilities had been limited, so he could only go along with the shinobi world's rules, never daring to cross any lines.
Now that he had a system under his control...
"Three... three thousand?! Is this a restaurant or a highway robbery?"
Maito Gai gasped loudly. While balancing on one hand in a handstand, he propelled himself forward with leaps, using his free hand to try and count how much it would all cost.
"Forget it, don't bother calculating. Earlier, I heard someone say that if you avoid ordering anything too expensive, it's roughly around three thousand ryo per person, which is about triple what Barbecue Q charges."
"Three… three thousand? Are they running a robbery joint or a restaurant?"
Maito Gai had never been born into a wealthy family.
Upon hearing the figure of 3,000 ryo per person, he nearly lost his balance in shock, almost face-planting on the floor.
Kurenai Yuhi glanced cautiously at Kei Yamanaka, who hadn't spoken a word to the trio since they arrived.
Seeing his solemn expression, she assumed he had impulsively decided to treat his subordinates to a nice meal without realizing how much Sammiya actually charged.
Now hearing Genma's words, she herself was now just as shocked by the cost.
The kind little girl finally chose to temporarily forgive Kei Yamanaka for scaring the pants off her earlier.
Trying to break the awkwardness, she spoke up.
"...Teacher Kei, I actually think ramen is really delicious too."
"Huh? Ha~ Hahahaha~!"
Kei was taken aback for a moment before suddenly understanding what Kurenai meant and couldn't help but burst into laughter.
He raised a hand and gently ruffled the girl's hair as she leaned in.
Seeing her flushed cheeks, scrunched-up nose, and shy look as she tried to smooth down her hair, he had made his decision.
He truly needed to take action!
Not for that vague, empty concept known as the Will of Fire.
And not for that utterly impossible pipe dream of peace across the ninja world.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** on the weekend!