"Summoning techniques don't matter much… but genjutsu? I need at least the basics. Getting beaten by someone weaker just because of an illusion—that'd be humiliating."
Natsume Yō had ninjutsu and taijutsu covered, but illusions were still a hole in his arsenal. His roadmap was clear: ninjutsu first, taijutsu second, genjutsu last. But last didn't mean optional—without it, he'd be wide open to illusion tricks.
What Yō didn't know was that trouble was already waiting for him nearby.
In a small grove ahead, Uchiha Yūsuke—the prodigy he once humiliated in front of half the village—was seething, ready to pounce. At his side stood a Uchiha clan chūnin, watching with contempt.
"Natsume Yō… today I'll show you what happens when you disgrace an Uchiha!" Yūsuke's eyes burned with rage. For a genius of the Uchiha, defeat at the hands of a mere civilian was unthinkable. And yet Yō had crushed him, shredding his pride. Ever since, Yūsuke's hatred had festered—toward Yō, and even toward Uchiha Shisui, who had once outshone him.
He'd searched endlessly for Yō, until finally extracting his whereabouts from a woman named Wada Chiba.
"So that's why you disappeared—hiding in the ANBU like a coward! But did you think you could escape me? An Uchiha never fails to punish those who dare humiliate us!"
As Yō walked closer, Yūsuke gave a subtle signal to the chūnin beside him.
"Relax, young master. He's just a fresh graduate genin. Taking him down is child's play. One genjutsu will be more than enough." The chūnin sneered, oozing arrogance.
"Long time no see, Natsume Yō."
The familiar voice snapped Yō out of his thoughts. He looked up to find Yūsuke glaring at him with killing intent, flanked by that smug Uchiha chūnin.
"What do you want, Yūsuke?" Yō's brows knitted, his tone sharp.
"You really don't know? Don't play dumb with me, bastard! Ichishin, break him!" Yūsuke's fists cracked audibly as his rage boiled over.
But Yō was genuinely confused. He had no idea what supposed grudge Yūsuke was clinging to.
"You'll be begging before long, kid." The chūnin swaggered forward, eyes full of disdain. "Beg now, and maybe I'll leave you breathing. Refuse, and I'll make you wish you were dead."
Yō sighed. "Why waste time with all this trash talk? If you want a fight, just fight. Stop whining like some spineless old auntie."
The insult cut deep. The Uchiha chūnin's face twisted with fury as he lunged at Yō.
Ding!Challenge detected! Host is under attack. Accept challenge? Rewards: Gold +50, EXP +30 upon victory!
Yō's lips curled into a grin. "Accept."
A fight with free rewards? No reason to say no.