Chapter 62: The Eight Scents of Fire
After testing Iruka's current strength and giving him a "taste" of his new technique, Tonbo tossed him a scroll. It contained his latest research: a sound-based Genjutsu designed to make the victim experience the most extreme flavors imaginable.
One technique, eight variations:
Since it was now a complete set, the name " Psycho Mind Transmission: Disgust" no longer fit. Tonbo gave the new technique a fresh name:
"The Eight Scents of Fire"
"The... Eight... Scents... of Fire..."
Iruka took the scroll and opened it eagerly.
"The Eight Scents of Fire: A classic Genjutsu inheriting the Will of Fire. A great technique designed to make naughty disciples and those who don't listen in class focus on their studies. Created by Konoha's greatest Genjutsu master, Tonbo Tobitake, and now passed down to his disciple, Iruka, in hopes that he will carry it forward."
Iruka glanced at his teacher. Sensei, you really know how to flatter yourself.
Despite the thought, his eyes lit up as he read the specific execution methods and the eight variations.
The technique specifically targeted the gustatory organs of ninjas; it was ineffective against summoning beasts or monsters. Its advantage was clear: this Genjutsu targeted the enemy's physical body rather than just their spirit.
It caused the central nervous system—specifically the chorda tympani and glossopharyngeal nerves—to fall under the illusion, producing specific tastes that the body then fed back to the brain.
Compared to the " Psycho Mind Transmission: Disgust" method, the sound-based "Eight Scents of Fire" bypassed the process of using the eyes to create a mental hallucination that then fed back to the body. Instead, the ninja who hears the sound has their physical body directly hallucinate the taste, which then signals the brain.
It was much harder to break.
"Sensei, you're a Psycho! To create a Genjutsu like this... aren't you just using this for your own twisted amusement?"
Although Iruka was happy to learn such a powerful (if twisted) technique, he wasn't thrilled about having had it used on him. Before, it was visual; now it was auditory, making it even harder to defend against.
"Nonsense! Is your teacher that kind of person?" Tonbo refused to admit it. "Look at the description: 'A Genjutsu inheriting the Will of Fire.' This is a great technique meant to help future generations succeed. How could you think otherwise? Is that right?"
Iruka's eyes flickered. "Sensei, to verify if I can learn it, why don't you stand there and let me try it on you? Don't defend yourself, let's see if your Genjutsu actually works."
"You brat, you just want revenge on your teacher! Get lost!"
Tonbo sent him flying with a playful kick.
"Fine, fine..." Iruka dusted off his pants and ran off.
Tonbo shook his head and headed home.
Tosei Tobitake was overjoyed that his son had become a full Jonin. He had two drinks that night and ended up passed out at the dining table. Ayame was equally happy for him.
Late that night, after finishing his daily Genjutsu research, Tonbo began to reflect on his promotion to Jonin and the position of Division Head. After thinking it over, there seemed to be no downsides. His working hours were more flexible, and he didn't have to worry about the whims of superiors.
Well, Inoichi Yamanaka was still his boss, but at this rank, he didn't need to walk on eggshells anymore. Moreover, he now had a say in various village affairs. Being a Jonin meant his subordinates would trust him more—a respect earned through capability. Of course, it also meant more responsibility.
"Sleep, sleep. I can handle this position."
The next day.
The Intelligence Analysis Division.
In front of numerous colleagues, Tonbo Tobitake officially took over the position of Division Head from Inoichi Yamanaka. The veteran members couldn't help but sigh with emotion. The genius captain from back then was now their superior. In a way, they had watched him grow up.
Shimon, in particular, had witnessed Tonbo's growth: his marriage, his promotion to Jonin, and now his rise to Division Head. The colleague he used to drink and joke with was now his boss.
Dokuraku was the same, lamenting how talent dictates one's fate. Before his "Demon Sergeant" persona could even fully intimidate the new recruits, Tonbo was already a Jonin and his superior.
"It seems my teaching ability is quite strong, having produced a Jonin so quickly," Dokuraku shifted his gaze to the new recruits in the division.
The newcomers were currently bowing respectfully to their new Division Head, completely unaware that Captain Dokuraku—the "Demon Sergeant"—had already set his sights on them.
Tonbo's first order of business was: business as usual.
The workflow of the Analysis Division was already very mature and didn't need changing. Only he, as the new head, needed to adapt. Aside from the "tough nuts" among captured ninjas, he only needed to organize and report on the intelligence collected by his subordinates. The work was relatively relaxed.
Of course, being a Division Head wasn't about doing nothing. He was now part of the upper management of a department and had much to learn. He needed to learn from Inoichi about coordinating with other departments and reporting to the Hokage.
While Tonbo was diligently applying his "salaryman spirit" to his new job, an official document arrived from Hiruzen Sarutobi.
The Hidden Cloud Village will arrive in Konoha in three days to negotiate an alliance.
Looking at the file, Tonbo froze.
"Is the famous major event from the original story about to happen?"
The moment he saw the Cloud was coming to form an alliance, he immediately thought of the death of Hizashi Hyuga. The orders he received were to instruct his subordinates not to get into conflicts with the Cloud representatives.
It made sense. He was the Head of Analysis, not the Military Police. He just had to do his duty. He wouldn't even run into the Cloud people.
As for saving anyone... he was powerless. In terms of sensory abilities, the Hyuga clan—with their Byakugan—were no worse than him, just different. For the Cloud to kidnap someone under their noses meant the spies used a specific method to bypass the Byakugan, or the Hyuga weren't allowed to keep their eyes active at all times within the compound.
In short, the political strings were too tangled. Even with a good brain, he couldn't unravel it all. Not unless he went around reading everyone's minds. Besides, when it came to politics, he knew he was no match for the Third. With a single mention of the "Will of Fire," Hiruzen could make the younger generation work themselves to the bone.
And him? His best ideas were using things like the "Eight Scents of Fire" or tempting people with high-level jutsu. That was nowhere near as effective as the Third's "Will of Fire."
So, he chose not to worry about it. He was just a "stinky salaryman." Doing the job he was paid for was enough. He only made a few hundred thousand a month—why risk his life?
For now, he just needed to stay steady and keep getting stronger. He once again felt lucky that he hadn't reincarnated into the Uchiha or Hyuga clans. That lifestyle of having a "Golden Finger" but no freedom seemed incredibly empty.
A false freedom.
"I bet the other high-level officials are running around like headless chickens. The Analysis Division really is the most relaxed department."
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