"Wait… you'd really teach me that?" Ino asked, clearly surprised. "That technique doesn't sound low-level."
"Of course," Fujimoto Tōma replied casually. "I learned it with the intention of passing it on to you. As for permission, I'll report it to Lady Tsunade afterward."
Hearing that, Ino didn't argue further. The technique intrigued her deeply. It felt similar to the Yamanaka clan's secret arts, yet fundamentally different in a way she couldn't quite pin down.
Tōma patiently explained the hand seals, chakra flow, and, most importantly, the underlying principle of the Spirit Projection Technique. The hardest part wasn't chakra control or seals. It was sensing one's own soul and separating it from the body without losing control.
He also openly explained the shared weaknesses between this technique and Yamanaka clan techniques.
"But if you used Spirit Projection," Ino frowned, "why could your body still move?"
"For me, it's special," Tōma said honestly. "My soul can split into two. One stays in my body, the other operates independently."
Ino froze. "That's… the first time I've heard that."
"It's a secret," Tōma added with a smile. "So keep it that way."
"I will," Ino said seriously, feeling oddly happy that he'd trusted her with something like this.
Tōma nodded. Truthfully, even if this secret leaked, it wouldn't change much for him.
"Overall, this technique should suit you," he said.
Ino sighed. "You make it sound easy… I haven't even fully mastered my clan techniques yet."
Still, she knew she had an advantage. Growing up with Yamanaka techniques meant sensing the soul wasn't difficult for her. Controlling it freely, though, would take time.
"I'll teach you," Tōma said, gently pinching her cheek when he noticed her frustration.
"I can handle it myself," Ino said firmly. "I don't want to slow you down. Just wait. I'll master it."
Tōma studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Alright."
The next day, Tōma went straight to the Hokage's office and reported that he'd mastered the Spirit Projection Technique and intended to teach it to Ino.
"You… learned it?" Tsunade froze. Even Shizune went still.
"Yes," Tōma replied calmly.
Tsunade's expression softened despite herself. That technique carried memories she couldn't easily forget.
"You haven't been in the forbidden archives long," she said quietly. "And you already mastered an S-rank jutsu?"
"It helped that I had some natural compatibility," Tōma answered. He didn't mention that he'd already perceived his soul long ago.
Tsunade clicked her tongue. "You really do have talent for everything."
"This one was coincidence," he said lightly.
"Hmph. Fine. If Ino can learn it, you can teach her," Tsunade waved a hand. "Jutsu aren't meant to rot on shelves."
"Thank you."
She then grew serious. "But remember, not everyone has your talent. Some techniques only waste time if learned by the wrong person."
"I know," Tōma replied. "But this one suits the Yamanaka clan."
Tsunade nodded. "Fair enough."
Just as Tōma tried to leave, Tsunade stopped him.
"Who said you're done? If you helped someone gain an S-rank jutsu, you can help the village too."
She dug through a cabinet and tossed him an old scroll.
"This was left unresolved by the previous Hokage," she said. "Originally assigned to Kurenai. But now that you know Spirit Projection, you're a better fit."
Tōma unrolled it.
"…Kurama Yakumo?"
"Yes. The Kurama clan," Tsunade explained. "Once a respected genjutsu family. Their bloodline nearly vanished."
But Tōma already knew the name.
Yakumo Kurama. A rare inheritor of the Kurama clan's terrifying kekkei genkai. Genjutsu so powerful it could override all five senses and even manifest illusions as physical reality.
The report detailed everything. Yakumo's frail body. Her parents' death in a mysterious fire. The monster born from her own heart. Kurenai's decision to seal it rather than destroy it.
A seal that was slowly weakening.
"So you want me to enter her mind and eliminate it?" Tōma asked.
"Yes," Tsunade confirmed.
"That won't solve everything," Tōma said after a moment. "The root of the problem is her trauma. She deserves the truth."
Tsunade stayed silent.
"I'll take the mission," Tōma continued. "But I'll need Kurenai and the Kurama clan's cooperation."
Tsunade exhaled and nodded. "I'll issue a formal order."
As Tōma left, his eyes gleamed faintly.
If even the Byakugan couldn't see through the Kurama clan's genjutsu, then the Sharingan wouldn't fare much better.
Perhaps… this might become an opportunity for Sasuke.