"Psychic Shadows of the Hidden Leaf

Konoha Akamichi Yakiniku Restaurant

"Haha, Minato really is Lord Jiraiya's disciple. He's influenced the entire battlefield situation!"

Yamanako, the head of Konoha's intelligence division, was treating his subordinates to a meal at the Akamichi Yakiniku restaurant in celebration of their hard work during the war.

Kaitan eagerly devoured a plate of grilled wings, savoring the rare treat. Since deciding to chase after Iris, he had given up on eating out, but this feast brought a much-needed reprieve.

Hearing Yamanako's words, Kaitan chuckled and added, "Yes, Minato-senpai and Orochimaru-sama are truly incredible!"

"I heard a rumor," Shenu said, leaning forward, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "They say Lord Third Hokage is planning to retire after the war."

Smack!

Dunko swatted Shenu on the back of the head. "Don't talk about things you don't understand. It's not decided who will take over yet."

Despite his scolding tone, Dunko couldn't help but glance toward Yamanako, as though hoping for a hint.

Yamanako smiled, brushing off the implied question. "Haha, there's no need for speculation just yet. The decision hasn't been made."

Kaitan set his plate down, confidence clear in his voice. "It's bound to be either Orochimaru-sama or Namikaze Minato-senpai. They're the most obvious choices."

His statement caught Yamanako's attention. He was impressed by Kaitan's keen insight. The two candidates indeed had the strongest cases. Orochimaru, a direct disciple of the Third Hokage, was a war hero who had led Konoha to victory at Platycodon Mountain. Meanwhile, Minato had solidified his fame with his triumph at Kannabi Bridge. Both were exceptionally skilled Jōnin with considerable influence.

Yamanako's approval was evident as he said, "Sharp observation, Kaitan. You're showing promise as a member of the analysis class."

The others nodded in agreement, and the group raised their cups in a toast. "To Konoha and its future Hokage!"

The mood shifted as Yamanako continued, "With the war over, our troops will return home soon. Let's prepare ourselves to honor the fallen."

"Yes, sir!"

---

Training Ground No. 98

"Ahhh!" Shenu's scream echoed across the training ground, startling a few birds from nearby trees.

"Can you at least try to handle Genjutsu better?" Kaitan sighed, releasing the Narakumi no Jutsu he had cast on Shenu. "You're supposed to be a sensory ninja. You should have some talent in this area!"

Shenu glared at him, still trembling. "Your Genjutsu is ridiculously overpowered! I figured out how to break it, but somehow, I got caught again!"

"That's because I improved it." Kaitan smirked, enjoying Shenu's frustration. "I incorporated insights from mind-reading techniques. The Genjutsu implants subconscious thoughts into the target's mind, creating a feedback loop. As long as the target believes they're trapped, they'll keep re-triggering the Genjutsu themselves."

Shenu stared, wide-eyed. "Wait... does that mean someone could stay stuck in your Genjutsu forever without realizing it?"

Kaitan shrugged nonchalantly. "If they can't recognize the illusion, then yes. But a strong will or sharp perception can disrupt the subconscious seed."

"Teach me how to break it!" Shenu demanded, his competitive streak flaring up.

Kaitan raised an eyebrow. "Fine. The key is overcoming your fear. Fear feeds the illusion, making it stronger. Once you remain calm, use your sensory skills to target the implanted thought and disrupt it with your Chakra."

Determined, Shenu nodded. "Let's try again."

Kaitan smirked and formed the hand seal. Shenu instantly found himself back on the battlefield, dodging hidden shuriken. This time, he remained focused, searching for the source of the illusion within his own mind.

After a few tense moments, Shenu disrupted the Chakra thread, shattering the illusion. He blinked, realizing he was back in the training ground.

"I did it!" Shenu shouted triumphantly.

"Well done," Kaitan admitted grudgingly. "But I'll improve it further next time."

"You're too much," Shenu muttered, but he couldn't hide the pride in his accomplishment.

As they rested, Shenu asked, "Do you think you could take on Kakashi or Baiyun Zanzhan now?"

Kaitan shook his head, amused. "They're both Jōnin, Shenu. I'm not there yet."

Shenu grumbled, "It's crazy how they're the same age as us but so far ahead. Kakashi was a Jōnin at twelve, and Baiyun Zanzhan became a Special Jōnin before we even graduated."

Kaitan chuckled, then turned serious. "It's not about comparing ourselves to them. Everyone contributes to Konoha in their own way. Combat strength is important, but it's not everything. What matters is how we serve the village."

Shenu paused, taking in his words. "You're right. We all have a role to play."

---

Hiruzen Sarutobi's Office

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, had been watching Kaitan and Shenu through his crystal ball. Hearing Kaitan's words, he smiled.

"'Winter, breathless,

But the mountains and rivers are frozen for thousands of miles.

Wind, speechless,

But it blew down all kinds of purple and red.'

This child truly embodies the Will of Fire. Even at his age, he understands its essence."

The Third Hokage leaned back, a sense of hope rising in his chest. Konoha's future was in good hands.

--------------------–––--––-----------------------------

Visit our Patreon for more:

patreon.com/Samurai492