Trying to figure out how to counter Genjutsu on your own is ultimately inefficient and extremely risky.
Shira needs a teacher who is truly proficient in this art, a professional who can precisely control the intensity of Genjutsu and bring him back to the right track when he loses control.
After making inquiries and weighing the options in the village, Shira set her sights on a Jonin I Fūgetsu.
I Fūgetsu was not a mainstream strongman in Sunagakure and was not well-known, but in the limited rumors, he was described as an expert who was extremely skilled in combining Wind Release and Genjutsu, and was especially adept at creating sensory interference and mental pressure.
He was a man of few words and spent most of his time in charge of intelligence interrogation and counter-espionage training in the village, rarely appearing on the front lines.
Through Granny Chiyo's indirect introduction, Shira met I Fūgetsu in a secluded training valley.
He looked to be around thirty years old, with an ordinary, even somewhat gentle, face. He wore a loose gray ninja uniform and had a calm demeanor. Only his eyes were exceptionally clear and deep, as if they could see right through people's hearts.
He concealed his aura extremely well; unless one consciously perceived it, he was almost indistinguishable from an ordinary person.
" Elder Chiyo introduced you, so you must be Shira." I Fūgetsu's voice was calm, revealing no emotion. "You want to learn how to counter Genjutsu?"
"Yes, Senior I Fūgetsu." Shira bowed respectfully and stated her purpose frankly, "I am unable to use Chakra to cast Ninjutsu and Genjutsu, but I have recently realized that my lack of ability to counter Genjutsu is my fatal weakness. I hope to undergo systematic resistance training under your guidance."
I Fūgetsu sized him up, her gaze lingering on his muscular physique and composed eyes for a moment. "I've heard of you; your Taijutsu are quite remarkable. But countering Genjutsu requires a completely different kind of talent, even more so than learning Genjutsu— it tests one's mental fortitude. The process will be extremely painful, and may even leave lasting psychological trauma. Are you sure you want to try?"
"I'm sure," Shira replied without hesitation, "I can endure any pain."
I Fūgetsu nodded slightly, seemingly satisfied with his determination. "Your reasons are quite valid. But I never offer free guidance to outsiders. What can you offer in return?"
Shira paused for a moment. He had indeed thought about the reward, but he was penniless and didn't even have a few coins in his pocket, so he thought he would discuss it with the other party in person.
"I... I only have this passable Taijutsu," Shira said shamelessly. "If you have any missions that require Taijutsu assistance, emmm, or if you need sparring partners, I'm willing to do my best."
A barely perceptible smile flashed in I Fūgetsu's eyes, "A sparring partner? Interesting. I happen to need a Taijutsu opponent who can keep up with my speed and put enough pressure on me. My Genjutsu training requires extremely high concentration and precise control, which is very physically demanding."
"If you can accompany me in high-intensity Taijutsu combat after my training to help me maintain my reflexes and close-combat abilities, then the matter of instructing you on Genjutsu resistance will be settled. How about it?"
This was an unexpected yet reasonable exchange.
"It's a deal!" Shira immediately agreed. This was exactly what he wanted, as he could learn something and hone his Taijutsu by sparring with Jonin- level opponents.
"Very good. Let's begin now." I Fūgetsu didn't waste any words, her eyes instantly turning serious. "Remember, I won't hold back during training. When you feel you can't take it anymore, you can call a stop, but every time you call a stop, it means your training for today ends here."
As soon as she finished speaking, I Fūgetsu's hand Hand Seals moved so fast they were almost invisible!
" Genjutsu: A Wild Dance of Wind and Flowers!"
Without warning, Shira felt the surrounding scenery suddenly blur!
The once dry sandy valley was instantly transformed into a strange scene of blooming flowers and petals flying everywhere. The rich fragrance of flowers filled the air, and the faint, melodious sound of a flute could be heard!
Sight, smell, and hearing are all interfered with simultaneously!
Shira felt a chill run down her spine and immediately held firm to her will, attempting to use the method taught by Chiyo to create internal interference by reversing her breathing.
"Too slow!" I Fūgetsu's icy voice seemed to resound directly in his mind, " The Genjutsu takes effect far faster than your reaction time! Feel it! Then tear it apart!"
The scene before him suddenly changed. The petals fluttering in the air instantly transformed into countless poisoned Kunai, shooting towards him from all directions with a piercing shriek. The sense of impending death felt incredibly real.
Shira's pupils contracted sharply, and his body instinctively tried to dodge, but his last shred of reason screamed frantically: This is fake, it's Genjutsu.
"Ugh!" he growled, biting his tongue hard.
The intense pain jolted him awake, Kunai before him blurred and flickered for a moment.
"Not enough!" I Fūgetsu's voice rang out again, bringing with it an invisible pressure.
The Kunai around him vanished instantly, replaced by the ground beneath his feet suddenly turning into churning, scorching lava. The terrifying heat seared his skin, and his body began to sink!
Tactile Genjutsu!
A sharp, burning pain shot through him, almost making Shira scream. He frantically circulated the Seven Heavens Breathing Method, his breathing becoming violent and chaotic in an attempt to use extreme physiological changes to dispel the hallucinations.
"Is this your secret technique? Interesting! But the rhythm is too chaotic, and it's full of flaws!"
I Fūgetsu offered a precise critique while simultaneously increasing her Genjutsu attack output.
The lava landscape shifted again. This time, he saw his parents being swallowed by the sandstorm and heard their desperate cries for help!
Emotional shock!
Even with Shira's resilient mind, he couldn't help but feel a jolt of shock at this moment! Just as his consciousness was about to be pulled into the abyss of despair—
" First Activation - On! Second Activation - On!"
Without hesitation, he activated his powers continuously, unleashing a torrent of energy and a state of extreme excitement that erupted from his body like a volcano.
boom!
The intense heat and steam erupted violently from his body. The strong sense of disharmony and loss of control brought about by the forced physiological state pushed to its limit finally shattered the false Genjutsu.
Click!
It was as if the sound of shattering glass echoed in my mind, and the lava, my parents, and cries for help vanished instantly.
He was back in the real Sand Valley, drenched in sweat, kneeling on one knee, breathing heavily, with a trace of blood from biting his tongue still hanging from the corner of his mouth.
I Fūgetsu stood there, a genuine look of surprise on her face.
"To think... he used such a self-destructive burst of power to forcibly break through my Genjutsu from within? Interesting." He observed the slowly dissipating, pale yellow glow of scorching steam surrounding Shira. "A unique Taijutsu; no wonder Elder Chiyo specifically recommended him."
He walked up to Shira: "That's enough for today. Your method is clumsy and harmful to your health, but it works. We'll continue at the same time tomorrow. Now, it's your turn."
After speaking, I Fūgetsu assumed a Taijutsu stance, her eyes turning serious. "Let me see just how powerful this body that can withstand my Genjutsu is. Attack with all your might!"
Shira took a deep breath, suppressing his mental and physical exhaustion, and his eyes blazed with fighting spirit. He stood up and assumed a fighting stance.
Yes! Please advise!
The next moment, the sound of intense Taijutsu clashes echoed through the sand valley.