Ever since Qingyu had explained some Genjutsu theory to her during the last monthly exam, Yūhi Kurenai had realized his knowledge in the field was far broader than she'd imagined.
"Of course."
Qingyu closed his textbook.
Yūhi Kurenai dragged a chair over and sat beside him, then took out her notes. They were filled with questions she'd accumulated over the past few weeks.
Some were topics that hadn't been covered in class; others were concepts her father, Yūhi Shinku, had mentioned without explaining in detail.
After all, as a Jonin, Yūhi Shinku was usually very busy.
Qingyu went through the questions one by one, answering each of them.
Tsunade was only an average instructor in Genjutsu and couldn't teach anything too advanced.
Fortunately, Qingyu had the Sharingan, giving him a natural advantage in perceiving the flow of chakra. Many techniques that required repeated study to understand were obvious to him at a glance.
And with the Senju Clan's centuries—or even millennia—of accumulated knowledge, self-study was more than enough for him to answer Kurenai's questions at her current level.
"If someone closes their eyes to avoid a visual Genjutsu, is there a way to force it into their mind the instant they open them? In theory, there should be, but chakra can never be injected as fast as they can close their eyes..."
"What if you keep channeling it through a Genjutsu medium while they're closing their eyes? For example, some kind of catalyst that can bypass sight..."
The two went back and forth, and before they knew it, the entire break had passed.
Kurenai's eyes grew brighter and brighter.
Although her father, Yūhi Shinku, was one of Konoha's top Genjutsu ninja, he came from a civilian background. All his achievements had come from figuring things out on his own.
But behind some of the questions Qingyu answered offhandedly, Kurenai could glimpse the outline of the Senju Clan's complete system of inherited knowledge.
For example, the insights into Genjutsu left behind by powerful practitioners from Senju Toka and Hashirama Senju's generation were still passed down within the Senju Clan.
To someone eager to learn like Kurenai, Qingyu was a walking encyclopedia—a genuine treasure trove.
"Qingyu, you're really amazing."
When the bell rang, Kurenai put away her notes and said it earnestly.
"I'm only standing on the shoulders of giants."
Qingyu replied calmly.
He wasn't wrong.
If Kurenai's name had been Senju Kurenai or Uchiha Kurenai, she would undoubtedly have become a formidable Genjutsu ninja in the original story.
Neither the Senju Clan nor the Uchiha Clan could be matched by the mere Yūhi Clan.
Watching Kurenai and Qingyu chatting so happily made Sarutobi Asuma feel a little jealous.
Damn it.
When he got home today, he'd definitely ask the old man for a tutor.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had found one for him before, but Asuma had thought it was too much trouble and turned the offer down.
Back then, he'd figured that as the Hokage's son, there was no way he'd fall behind at school. Why go to all that trouble?
Now he regretted it.
Especially when he saw Kurenai looking at Qingyu with such focus. Sitting at his desk, he gripped his pen so tightly it was about to snap.
No.
Sarutobi Asuma swore to himself.
Next monthly exam, he'd show them what a Hokage's son could do.
He'd work hard in secret, then amaze everyone!
Especially Kurenai.
At the thought, Asuma's fighting spirit suddenly blazed. He immediately pulled a book from his desk and started studying like a true Ninja Academy grind.
"Why'd you suddenly get so fired up?"
Obito glanced at Sarutobi Asuma in surprise.
For some reason, the mood seemed to have gotten a lot more intense all at once, though he had no idea what everyone was getting fired up about.
The day's lessons ended, and the dismissal bell rang right on time.
Students gathered their things in little groups, and the noise in the classroom gradually grew louder.
Kakashi packed up his textbooks and ninja tools, then walked over to Qingyu's desk.
"Qingyu, want to practice swordsmanship together today?"
Qingyu was stuffing his notes into his bag. At that, he looked up.
"Sure."
"Why not come to my house?"
Kakashi said.
"My house is pretty big, and there's a training ground in the backyard. It's quieter than the Third Training Ground."
Qingyu's hands paused for a moment.
The Hatake Clan's home?
"Wouldn't that disturb Sakumo-sama?"
"No."
Kakashi shook his head.
"My father's taking a break in the village right now. He said he'd be happy if I brought a friend home."
Qingyu's heart stirred.
That was exactly what he'd been hoping for.
If he could meet Hatake Sakumo himself, perhaps he could learn something about him.
The man was known as the White Fang of the Leaf, and even the Sannin held him in high regard.
"Okay."
Qingyu agreed.
Kakashi then turned to Rin Nohara beside him.
"Rin, do you want to come too?"
Rin Nohara was startled by the invitation, then smiled.
"Sure. I haven't been to Kakashi's house in ages."
"I'm coming too!"
Obito's voice practically exploded the moment Rin finished speaking.
He'd had absolutely no interest in watching Qingyu and Kakashi practice swordsmanship.
What was there to see in two annoying, talented brats swinging swords at each other?
Only watching two women fight was any fun!
That was what Obito had thought at first.
But now that Rin was going, he had to go too.
Wherever Rin went, he went.
"Suit yourself."
Kakashi glanced at Obito, his tone indifferent. He clearly didn't care whether he came or not.
Kakashi's attitude made Obito grit his teeth, but for Rin's sake, he held back.
Endure the bitterest hardship, and you'll win the Rin of your dreams!
He swore to himself that once he awakened his Sharingan, he'd teach Kakashi a harsh lesson and make the white-haired brat think twice before talking to him in such an indifferent tone.
Just then, Yūhi Kurenai returned from delivering something to the teacher's office. She pushed open the classroom door, then trailed off mid-sentence.
"Qingyu..."
Most of the classroom was already empty.
Qingyu was standing beside his desk, turned slightly toward Rin Nohara as he said something to her.
They'd gathered their things and were standing together, apparently planning to go to Kakashi's house.
And they were still talking about their studies.
Kurenai could see Rin smiling and nodding now and then. The two seemed to be getting along very well.
Kurenai's steps faltered at the doorway.
What was this?
She'd been here first.
She'd been the one to approach Qingyu about Genjutsu first today.
And now Rin Nohara was going along too.
It didn't even look as if this was the first time they'd gone somewhere together.
Kurenai tightened her grip on her bag strap, an awkward, indescribable feeling welling up inside her.
"Kurenai, you're back!"
Sarutobi Asuma, who'd been waiting nearby, immediately went over to her with what he thought was his most natural smile.
"Want to walk home together today?"
"No."
Kurenai shook her head, sounding a little down.
"I have to get home early today."
After saying that, she glanced toward Qingyu, then turned and walked out of the classroom alone.
Sarutobi Asuma's hand remained suspended in midair.
Rejected again.
He lowered his hand and silently shoved it into his pocket.
Before you continue