Chapter 10: Selecting Ninjutsu, Setting Up an Illusion Domain
Note:
Genjutsu targets the mind by manipulating the chakra flow in the victim's brain, creating illusions that affect the five senses.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Uchiha Tonan's fully awakened three-tomoe Sharingan. On the surface, he appeared sympathetic, but inside, he was overjoyed. In his eyes, Tonan was a heaven-sent tool.
Tonan slowly stood up and said, "Hokage-sama, please don't worry about me."
He took a deep breath, forced a smile, and continued, "I've already pulled myself together. I'll honor my parents' final wishes and protect the village. The war is still ongoing, and I'm sure you have much to deal with. If there's anything I can do, please don't hesitate to instruct me."
Hiruzen smiled and nodded. "I'm relieved to hear that. When I got the news, I was worried the blow might be too much for you. But you truly are the future of the Will of Fire."
After speaking, he gently patted Tonan's head to comfort him.
Tonan looked up at Hiruzen, his expression tearful as if barely holding back deep sorrow. "Hokage-sama…"
"Take a few days to rest," Hiruzen said warmly. "Don't push yourself too hard. Come to the Hokage Residence any time if you need anything."
Tonan nodded and turned to leave. To complete the performance, he looked back every few steps, which greatly pleased Hiruzen.
Once Tonan was gone, Hiruzen returned to his seat, exhaled a mouthful of smoke, narrowed his eyes, and muttered, "What a promising seedling. More suitable to inherit the Will of Fire than even Minato… If only he hadn't been born an Uchiha."
He paused, then thought aloud, "We've suffered several losses on the front lines. Should I rotate the troops?"
Currently, the forces facing the Hidden Mist were mostly made up of Uchiha clan members, led by their newly appointed patriarch, Uchiha Fugaku. Given the Uchiha's talent for Fire Style and Genjutsu, they were best suited to combat Kirigakure.
After considering it, Hiruzen decided against rotating them out.
"We'll wait and see for now. Judging by the current pace, these sporadic battles are likely the enemy's last desperate strikes. The war should end soon."
Just then, the door opened and Shimura Danzo entered, wearing his usual cold expression.
"Hiruzen, I heard a genius has emerged in the Uchiha clan. He's already awakened the three-tomoe Sharingan."
Hiruzen raised his brows, exhaled smoke slowly, and said, "Danzo, don't do anything rash."
Danzo replied flatly, "The Root has taken heavy losses and needs new blood. When Uchiha Tonan graduates, hand him over to me."
Hiruzen shook his head. "That child's personality is not suitable for Root."
Danzo snorted. "Are you questioning my methods of control? Don't forget—he's still an Uchiha. We should either eliminate him now or keep him tightly restrained."
Hiruzen's voice hardened. "Danzo, I have my own plans. You can recruit from other ninja clans."
Danzo was surprised. He hadn't expected Hiruzen to refuse him over a single Uchiha genius.
With a dissatisfied tone, he asked, "What illusion has that brat cast on you to make you protect him like this? Don't forget his bloodline."
Hiruzen slammed the table. "Watch your tone. I'm the Hokage!"
Danzo knew Hiruzen well and could hear the conviction in his voice. He wasn't about to start a fight over one boy. He turned and left, but not without a parting shot.
"You'll regret this."
A genius was only potential, not a guaranteed powerhouse. Danzo had no shortage of talent in Root. A Sharingan wasn't worth the trouble.
Meanwhile, Tonan returned to the Uchiha clan. Before he could settle in, he was summoned to the Ancestral Hall. As expected, the elders had already learned of his three-tomoe Sharingan awakening.
In the world of ninja, spies were everywhere. Plus, Tonan hadn't bothered to deactivate his Sharingan after leaving the Hokage Residence. He wanted others to know — it would help him gain recognition.
At the Ancestral Hall, the Great Elder sat seiza behind a low table. He gestured for Tonan to sit as well.
Tonan obeyed, and the Great Elder unrolled a scroll filled with various ninjutsu.
"Tonan, you've given us a pleasant surprise. Awakening the three-tomoe Sharingan at six is an incredible feat. According to clan tradition, you're entitled to choose three ninjutsu. Go ahead and pick."
"If you want more later, you'll need to become a genin, chunin, or jonin—or earn merit in service to the clan."
Tonan nodded and studied the scroll. Most jutsu were Fire and Lightning Style, with several Genjutsu as well. He already possessed all the skills and knowledge inherited from his parents and Uchiha Teno, so learning new jutsu wasn't a problem.
This was no longer the weak version of himself from when he first came to this world.
After browsing, he pointed to three selections. The Great Elder reviewed them and commented, "Lightning Style: Lightning Needle, Genjutsu: Hell Viewing Technique, and Genjutsu: Demonic Illusion – Mirror Heaven and Earth Change?"
"So, you have lightning affinity. But two genjutsu? Isn't one enough, considering the Sharingan already grants you powerful illusions?"
Still, he added, "It's your choice. Are you sure?"
Tonan nodded firmly.
The Great Elder rose, retrieved three scrolls from the back room, and handed them over.
"Your parents died honorably in battle. I understand your grief. If you ever need help, don't hesitate to ask. The clan is your family—we won't treat you unfairly."
"Thank you, Great Elder," Tonan bowed deeply and took his leave.
As he watched Tonan go, the Great Elder sighed. That respectful bow had felt formal—distant. It was clear this boy didn't feel connected to the clan.
Back at his home, Tonan opened the scrolls for Hell Viewing Technique and Mirror Heaven and Earth Change.
The Hell Viewing Technique was a basic genjutsu known by most jonin with genjutsu training. It forced targets to experience their deepest fears—a powerful mental attack.
Tonan valued it for its psychological edge.
Mirror Heaven and Earth Change was different. If the user's chakra and genjutsu skill surpassed the enemy's, it could reflect their genjutsu back at them. It paired perfectly with his Sharingan.
It also allowed the user to share vision with the target—a feature Tonan planned to use on his ninja beast, the white pigeon. It would significantly upgrade its surveillance capabilities.
"Once I receive the death compensation, I should raise more white pigeons as ninja beasts."
With these two genjutsu, Tonan began constructing his own illusion domain, based on what he had learned at the Ninja Academy. Most students simply modified existing genjutsu, which made them predictable and easy to dispel.
To create a unique illusion domain, vast chakra reserves were required.
For others, this might be a problem. But Tonan had inherited the chakra of both his parents and his "brother."
A powerful illusion should blend seamlessly with its surroundings. First, build the scenario in the mind—then target the opponent's senses to force them to accept it as reality.
With that in mind, Tonan began shaping his illusion domain based on his own room.