Naruto: I, Uchiha, Just Want to Die

Chapter 128: Now This Is Real Genjutsu (Not Really)!

Standing still, Uchiha Ci let out a heavy sigh. His gaze fell on the pond before him.

After some contemplation, he roughly pieced together how he had fallen into a genjutsu.

Sharingan genjutsu isn't just cast through direct eye contact; it has another, more specialized method of execution.

Genjutsu: Bubble.

This unique technique can only be performed by Uchiha clan members who have mastered genjutsu.

In the original series, Uchiha Itachi used this technique to imbue genjutsu into objects, hypnotizing enemies.

Once the seals are formed, simply seeing the user's fingers would ensnare the victim.

Advanced practitioners, however, can project this genjutsu onto other entities, such as crows, clones, or even the surrounding environment.

Using this technique, Uchiha Shinichi caused the Sharingan reflection in the water to overlap visually with Uchiha Ci's, entrapping him in genjutsu the moment their gazes crossed.

However, understanding the principle was one thing; breaking free was another.

The saying "If you encounter an Uchiha one-on-one, run immediately" exists precisely because of the inescapable nature of such visual genjutsu.

Unlike non-dojutsu genjutsu, which can be disrupted by disturbing one's chakra flow, Sharingan-based genjutsu requires external interference to break.

For instance, during Uchiha Ci's previous encounter with the three Cloud Ninja, they maintained a two-man formation to counteract potential genjutsu from Uchiha Ci.

At this moment, if Uchiha Ci wanted to turn the tables, he needed outside help.

Fortunately, he had a partner.

Soon, his gaze fell on his abdomen.

"Tailed Beast Jinchūriki can cooperate with their Tailed Beast to become immune to genjutsu. I should count as a pseudo-Jinchūriki, right?"

His eyes darkened with determination. Without hesitation, he smacked his abdomen and shouted, "Stupid snake, wake up! It's mealtime!"

"Chirp~?"

Inside his body, the miniature Zero-Tails perked up, tilting its head in confusion. Wiggling its tail, it scratched its head, wondering: What's this idiot blabbering about? There's no food here.

Feeling the chakra disturbance in his abdomen, Uchiha Ci raised an eyebrow—this might work.

He coughed lightly and connected his chakra to guide his thoughts to the Zero-Tails.

"Zero, you're already a mature Tailed Beast now."

"You need to take initiative and help me unlock my second form. That'll give me more incentive to feed you."

"Understand?"

The holes in Zero-Tails' mask blinked as it looked up in disbelief at this shameless master.

Since inhabiting this guy's body, except for that one time in the cave, this idiot had never actively nurtured it. Instead, he drained it dry every time he needed something, completely disregarding its feelings!

Ptui! What a scumbag!

And now he had the audacity to ask for its chakra? And to "take initiative"?

Is this guy even human?!

Seeing the Zero-Tails' uncooperative demeanor, Uchiha Ci's forehead darkened with three black lines.

After a moment's hesitation, he begrudgingly raised a finger.

"If you help me out, I'll take you for a daily stroll through the wounded soldiers' camp!"

Hearing this condition, the four red hairs on Zero-Tails' head shot up like antennae.

"Chirp! Chirp?"

"Of course, I'm serious!"

The Zero-Tails rested its head on its "hand," deep in thought. Then, wagging its tail, it crossed its body into an "X" shape.

"Chirp!"

Uchiha Ci's eyes widened in disbelief as he shook his head vigorously. "No way! Ten extra rounds is too much, and that's clearly four! You illiterate snake!"

Infuriated by this, the Zero-Tails flailed its tail in frustration, letting out a cute yet pitiful cry: "Chirp!"

"Once a day, plus two extra rounds—take it or leave it! If Shinichi really dares to kill me, so be it!" Uchiha Ci stood firm, unwilling to compromise further.

After some back-and-forth bargaining, they finally reached an agreement.

In the chakra-linked space, time seemed to stand still as the negotiation dragged on, though only a second had passed in the real world.

But even in that brief second—

The situation shifted dramatically!

Outside, Uchiha Ci stood motionless by the pond, his vacant gaze making him look like a lamb to the slaughter.

But in the next moment, a violent surge of black chakra erupted from his body.

Winds rose and howled, growing stronger and fiercer. They lifted Uchiha Ci's black cloak, revealing his toned abdomen.

On it, a black ouroboros-like seal appeared and began to spin with a metallic creak.

Shinichi, maintaining the genjutsu, was visibly shocked.

Impossible!

His genjutsu had taken full effect, and the kid was alone with no external help. So where was this new power coming from?

If this continued, his genjutsu might even be broken!

Shinichi's brows furrowed. Gritting his teeth, he glared menacingly at Uchiha Ci.

"This must be an illusion fabricated in the genjutsu world!"

"That brat isn't this strong!"

Determined to save face, Shinichi leaped into action. Drawing a kunai, he sprinted across the water toward Uchiha Ci.

But as Shinichi attacked, a faint smile crept across Uchiha Ci's lips.

Through battle instinct, he sensed malicious intent rushing toward him.

And this was precisely what he had been waiting for.

Neither he nor the Zero-Tails actually knew how to break the genjutsu. The entire charade was to create the illusion of resistance, forcing Shinichi to act.

The moment Shinichi harbored malicious intent toward him, he fell into Uchiha Ci's trap!

Genjutsu vs. Deception!

Uchiha Ci dared to claim that his ploy was the true genjutsu—like the fleeting illusion of a flower in the mirror or the moon in water!

In the genjutsu world, Uchiha Ci closed his eyes, ignoring his distorted senses.

He kicked a rock into the air, bit it, and flipped backward, using his hands as feet and his mouth as his right hand. His legs became his left hand and torso, and the rock, his Kusanagi Sword.

Defying all physical laws, he ran on air and swung his "sword" at a passing cloud.

He hadn't yet located Shinichi's "heart," but this was enough for now.

In reality, as Uchiha Ci relied solely on instinct, his body mirrored his actions.

Drawing his Kusanagi Sword, he leaped into the air, spinning mid-flight to evade Shinichi's attack.

Planting his hands on the ground, he halted his momentum, then countered with a rapid dash.

Kicking the kunai from Shinichi's hand, he struck his jaw with a palm strike.

As Shinichi recoiled, Uchiha Ci delivered a powerful Scorpion Tail kick, launching him into the air.

Following up, Uchiha Ci leaped high and unleashed a spinning slash.

His blade tore through the air, but instead of striking with the edge, he used the flat side to send Shinichi crashing to the ground.

[Clang!]

[You heroically countered Uchiha Shinichi's underhanded assault, leaving him defeated and speechless.]

[Your counter was particularly effective, triggering a critical bonus.]

[You've obtained a random skill from Shinichi: Genjutsu: Sharingan (requires Sharingan; power increases with ocular strength; current level: B, Proficient).]

[Skill has triggered a critical boost. Current level: Genjutsu: Sharingan (B+, Master).]

[Your Heartsteel stack has increased.]