After leaving the research institute, Yagyū Souma didn't plan on looking for Yūhi Kurenai right away.
It was already getting late.
If Asuma happened to be "discussing something unhealthy" with Kurenai and he ran into them at the wrong moment, it would be awkward for everyone involved. Better to come back tomorrow.
Before nightfall, however, he decided to visit Elder Baishi's temporary residence.
The place lay outside the village.
A single lake separated it from the former Uchiha district—
the ruins of the clan resting on the far shore, while Baishi's dwelling stood quietly on the opposite side.
Though technically the outskirts, the scenery was genuinely beautiful. Back then, the Third Hokage had chosen this area with care. Now, ever since the Uchiha massacre, almost no one has come here anymore.
After all, an entire clan was wiped out, leaving behind only Sasuke—just hearing about it was unsettling.
Baishi wasn't afraid.
He had chosen this place deliberately.
When Yagyū Souma arrived, he saw Baishi sitting by the lakeside, tapping a wooden fish while softly chanting sutras. Compared to when he was at the temple, he now looked even more like a true monk.
Souma waited quietly.
Only when dusk settled and the sun dipped below the horizon did the old monk put away the wooden fish and rise, palms pressed together.
"Greetings, Abbot."
"Elder Baishi, I'm only an abbot in name—please don't be so formal," Souma said quickly.
"With the help you've given Fire Temple, this courtesy is only proper," Baishi replied with a smile. He gestured to a small cushion nearby.
Souma sat first. Only then did Baishi take his seat.
"Elder Baishi, I came today to discuss something," Yagyū Souma said directly. "I'd like permission to pass on the Sage Chakra method I currently use to my team captain."
Baishi pondered briefly. "This captain of yours—what is his background and strength?"
"He was formerly an ANBU captain. After Kakashi-sensei stepped aside, he became my squad's jōnin commander. His strength and character are both reliable," Souma explained. "It's just that he doesn't conduct much original research, so he may not bring tangible benefits back to the temple."
"That's of no concern," Baishi shook his head. "You are our abbot. If you trust him—and given that he was once an ANBU captain—then he is trustworthy enough."
What Baishi truly cared about wasn't profit, but security.
An ANBU captain and a jōnin—those credentials were more than sufficient.
Souma finally relaxed.
As expected, their previous agreement hadn't been empty words. Fire Temple's stance had clearly softened—there was no need for lengthy consultations or rigid procedures anymore.
After settling his personal matter, Souma asked, "I heard you chose this place intentionally?"
"Yes," Baishi replied calmly. "The killing intent here is heavy. Since I can still recite sutras, I thought I might help offer a bit of repose for the dead. Whether it truly works… who can say?"
He laughed lightly, stroking his beard.
"There truly is an underworld," Souma said. "Rituals like this should have some effect."
"I hope so. The Uchiha clan was once a towering name in the ninja world," Baishi sighed. "Who could have imagined that time would erase it so thoroughly, leaving only ruins?"
He gestured toward the far shore. "I've even considered building a temple here someday, expanding toward the other side."
"The scenery is excellent," Souma agreed. "And the natural energy here is only slightly thinner than in the Forest of Death."
Baishi chuckled. "Whether construction is even possible depends on the opinions of those above."
Souma understood immediately.
Fire Temple had long remained neutral. Now that it was openly leaning toward Konoha, the daimyo's court would surely react. The Third Hokage and Chiriku were probably already busy handling the aftermath.
It wasn't something Souma needed to worry about.
They spoke until moonlight shimmered across the lake, silver ripples dancing on the surface.
Beautiful.
Unfortunately…
the opposite shore felt closer to the underworld itself.
Souma gazed at the dark ruins in the distance, sighed softly, and took his leave. The old monk might be willing to stay here, but Souma wanted no part of it.
And who knew—if Sasuke returned someday, there could be trouble. He gave Baishi a brief warning, though the elder monk didn't take it to heart.
…
The next day, Yagyū Souma wandered through the village streets.
He was looking for those two.
After searching for a while, he finally spotted them chatting and laughing at the entrance of the Hokage Building, seemingly waiting for others.
Going on a mission?
"Asuma-senpai, Kurenai-senpai—you two seem to be getting along well," Souma called from afar.
"Cough—cough! You're mistaken," Asuma said hurriedly. "I was just asking Kurenai about genjutsu."
Souma smiled faintly. "I assume you're not together because of my suggestion, right?"
"We're just exchanging ninjutsu insights," Kurenai replied, her gaze drifting away.
This kid really has no manners, she thought.
"My mistake, then," Souma said lightly. "Asuma-senpai, you don't mind if I speak with Kurenai-senpai alone for a bit?"
Asuma glanced at Kurenai. "Perfect timing. I was going to check on Ino anyway—she's been reading nonstop at the Hokage Building."
"Alright. I need to take Shino and the others on a mission today, so I'm not free either," Kurenai nodded.
They parted ways.
Souma and Kurenai walked to the side of the Hokage Building, where foot traffic was sparse.
"Kurenai-senpai, I've heard you're Konoha's foremost genjutsu expert," Yagyū Souma said. "I have a ninjutsu-related problem I'd like your advice on. You may name any conditions for the exchange."
She thought briefly, then shook her head. "Explain the problem first. I'm not sure I'll even have an answer."
"I've been researching a technique to defend against genjutsu," Souma said. "My initial idea is to form a protective layer using mental force and spiritual energy."
As he spoke, he demonstrated.
Kurenai probed with her senses—and frowned.
"Your technique… it blocks perception too?"
Standing so close, she couldn't sense any chakra at all.
"It naturally isolates the aura," Souma replied. "At this point, it's more of a byproduct from my experiments."
"I see. So you want me to test it with genjutsu?"
"Yes."
"Alright. Let's start with a basic one."
She formed seals.
A brief stagnation washed over Souma's senses.
Then—
the village collapsed into chaos, buildings and stone surging like waves.
Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique.
His chakra stirred, and the vision shattered.
"I was affected," Souma said. "But I knew I was under genjutsu. There was a clear delay."
"Then the defense is working," Kurenai nodded.
"But only barely," Souma replied. "At best, it's an alarm."
…
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