"Incredible, Ran! Combining genjutsu and swordsmanship… if someone faced you one-on-one, even a Chunin would suffer greatly on their first encounter!" Aoba Yamashiro adjusted his glasses and declared with admiration.
"Obito, what does it feel like to be caught in a genjutsu?" Kurenai asked curiously.
"Ah… it feels like I've encountered something… wonderful!" Uchiha Obito scratched his head, a hint of embarrassment coloring his words.
Could this be an improved version of the Naraku-sight Technique? Kurenai thought to herself.
The Naraku-sight Technique allows its target to witness scenes from deep within their heart that they refuse or fear to face. This can force the user to confront unsettling or terrifying images, delivering a psychological shock. Typically, it's a mental tactic designed to influence opponents' behavior by attacking their mind.
However, its effectiveness is usually limited to inexperienced ninja children; seasoned shinobi are rarely affected.
"But Ran's modified version lets the target see the beautiful things in their heart, causing instant distraction. When combined with swordsmanship, it's subtle enough that the opponent might be cut down before they even realize it!" Everyone present analyzed the move silently in their minds.
"By the way, is Guy on a mission? I wanted to invite him to our barbecue, but when I went to his house, no one was there!" Ran asked Kakashi, and all eyes turned toward him, awaiting his answer.
Kakashi felt their gaze and frowned slightly. "Why are you all looking at me? Why should I know where Guy is?" His voice carried a trace of impatience. Somehow, everyone assumed Kakashi and Guy were very close friends.
It wasn't surprising. Guy came to find Kakashi for morning training, they ate lunch together, and sometimes, when everyone went out in the evening, Guy could be seen chasing after him.
Every time Kakashi thought about it, he felt their stares were a little… strange.
Still, everyone waited expectantly. After a moment, Kakashi finally sighed. "Fine, I do know. He and Uncle Dai went off for special training. Those two hot-blooded idiots are probably in some remote corner, pushing themselves until they collapse."
Hearing this, everyone felt a wave of admiration. They imagined Guy and Uncle Dai struggling under heavy training, sweat pouring down their faces. Yet after a moment, a collective shiver ran through them.
Even Ran's mind conjured a vivid scene: a remote mountain village, sunlight streaming through the leaves, forming dappled patterns on the ground. The air smelled of fresh grass, a gentle breeze brushing past… Suddenly, two men in green bodysuits appeared. After finishing training, they embraced and wept bitterly.
Terrifying… absolutely terrifying! Everyone shook their heads, as if trying to dispel the thought.
"No worries, next time I'll invite Guy to witness my moves! I heard he's preparing a new technique to defeat Kakashi—I'm curious. What secret taijutsu could a body-style ninja like Guy possibly have?" Ran asked.
"I heard it's called the Eight Gates Formation. The Third Hokage said Uncle Dai knew it; he probably taught it to Guy," Asuma Sarutobi said, moving closer to Kurenai.
Indeed, it seemed Guy considered Kakashi his lifelong rival. Opening the Eight Gates to the Gate of Death, he could defeat Hiruzen Sarutobi in a single punch! Ran thought, Kakashi, you're lucky to have a friend like that…
Seeing Asuma approach again, Kurenai quietly stepped back and said to Ran, "I suppose I need to study my own special technique as well. Guy has the Eight Gates, Kakashi is researching Earth and Lightning Release, and you have genjutsu and swordsmanship. I need to develop a powerful genjutsu too!"
"Girl… are you serious about stepping back like that? You're about to break a simp's heart!" Ran thought, noticing Asuma's dejected expression, like a dog whose beloved bone had been stolen.
"Everyone, I really enjoyed today's dinner. Thank you all for celebrating my graduation," Ran said warmly.
"We're happy too, Ran. It's been a long time since we all got together! Thank you for the invitation," Rin said with a bright smile.
"Yeah! Let's organize another get-together next time! It's so fun having so many friends together!" Kurenai added, her joy apparent. Seeing the three girls around Ran… and Asuma and Obito watching from afar, the scene felt unusually harmonious.
As night fell, the streets of Konoha glowed warmly, like vibrant ribbons winding through every corner. People strolled along, laughter floating in the air, breaking the night's silence.
After bidding farewell, Ran and Kurenai set off together toward Kurenai's home to meet her father, Yuhi Shinku, Ran's future Jonin mentor. Their figures intertwined in the night, Kurenai's eyes shining with joy.
Meanwhile, Asuma felt like a helpless dog, staring after them, loneliness swelling in his chest. He knew the laughter and excitement belonged to them; he could only remain behind, howling in solitude.
Sighing quietly, Asuma continued along the street. The night breeze brushed his face, carrying a slight chill that seemed to comfort his loneliness. Staring at the night sky, his thoughts drifted: What if one day Kurenai suddenly said to me, 'Asuma, Ran is tired…'
Fear for the future surged in his heart. He didn't want to be a bystander; he wanted to be the protagonist.