It was also uncertain if he would gain anything, and whether Samui would even give him anything was another question.
This was done to... open a door.
That's right, just to open a door.
Kiyoshi was very aware that his current identity and strength were insufficient to directly obtain high-value items from the Hidden Cloud.
Rather than doing that, it was better to humble himself and ask for a trivial, insignificant benefit.
Using a D-rank ninjutsu as leverage would not make Samui feel threatened or arouse her suspicion.
This was to test Samui's bottom line.
Kiyoshi stood there, with the dim light behind him casting his shadow long.
"See you next time, Miss Samui."
Kiyoshi put the scroll away in his ninja pouch and left, taking care that no one saw it.
The matter was not over yet.
This time it was D-rank, but next time the sincerity would have to be greater.
To bring about emotional... fluctuation in his Sharingan.
***
Before leaving, Kiyoshi also got a takeout order of sushi from the shop.
Halfway back home, someone suddenly bumped into Kiyoshi.
The sushi he was carrying *patta*-ed and dropped onto the ground.
"Sorry, sorry."
The girl with curly hair and a slightly baby face quickly apologized.
"I... I'll pay for your sushi."
Kurenai Yūhi looked at the scattered rice balls and ingredients on the ground and apologized to the person she bumped into.
When she looked up and clearly saw who she had bumped into, she found it was a classmate.
"You... you're Kiyoshi? I'm truly sorry."
"It's okay, Kurenai."
Kiyoshi shook his head.
The sushi was just a cover he used.
He had to have a legitimate reason for going to the sushi shop. Would it not be suspicious if he went in and left without doing anything?
Last time, he stayed inside for quite a while, this time, it was only a few minutes.
Buying a serving of sushi helped him avoid attracting attention.
"No, I must pay for an identical serving of sushi for you."
Kurenai Yūhi insisted, saying she had to take Kiyoshi to pay for a replacement.
"It's getting late now. They've closed."
"Did you buy it at the sushi shop on the back-left street?"
"Yes."
"No wonder. They always close in the evening."
Kurenai Yūhi bowed her head, unsure what to do.
Before, at the Ninja Academy, she had been thinking that since Kiyoshi had the Sharingan, she subtly wanted to discuss Genjutsu with him.
Now, she had ruined the sushi Kiyoshi bought. Wasn't she just offending him?
"You can pay me back with something else," Kiyoshi offered.
Kurenai Yūhi's eyes lit up, and she immediately agreed to Kiyoshi's suggestion.
Ten minutes later.
The two arrived at another restaurant.
She skillfully ordered a large number of dishes, then handed the menu to Kiyoshi.
Kiyoshi opened it and saw that it was full of various types of fish.
The most common dishes were different ways of preparing octopus.
Kiyoshi randomly ordered one dish and placed the menu on the side of the table.
Before long, the dishes they ordered filled the table.
The dish with the largest portion was Wasabi Octopus.
The official data book records Kurenai Yūhi's preferences: her favorite foods are shochu, vodka, and wasabi octopus.
Her least favorite food is cake.
"Kiyoshi, when an Uchiha awakens their Sharingan, their Genjutsu ability increases, right?" Kurenai Yūhi asked after tasting a bite of the Wasabi Octopus.
"There will be a bonus, but the specifics still depend on individual attainment," Kiyoshi said, looking at Kurenai Yūhi.
The Sharingan definitely provided a bonus, but within a limited scope.
If the user was already skilled in Genjutsu, then their Sharingan Genjutsu would be stronger.
For example, Kakashi and Kurenai Yūhi during the Rin no Sho period.
Kurenai Yūhi's "Genjutsu" stat was 10, while Kakashi's "Genjutsu" stat, even with the three-tomoe Sharingan, was 8.
When Kakashi used the Sharingan, his copying ability was far stronger than his Genjutsu ability.
"Then... Kiyoshi, do you have time to exchange notes on Genjutsu with me?"
Kurenai Yūhi's red eyes looked at Kiyoshi.
According to what Kiyoshi said, her theory was entirely correct.
If she worked hard enough, she could catch up to the Uchiha with the Sharingan and prove her father's Genjutsu strength!
"Yes, but it will have to be later. I have a sparring match with Obito tomorrow, and after school, I need to manage my chakra to learn ninjutsu."
Kiyoshi glanced over Kurenai Yūhi's appearance a few times.
Very cute.
That was Kiyoshi's assessment.
However, he preferred the future Kurenai Yūhi, who possessed the charm of a mature woman.
Savoring "beautiful things" like that would also have a unique flavor.
Kiyoshi could feel a warm current swirling in his left eye.
Of course, it was too early now.
Exchanging Genjutsu knowledge with the current Kurenai Yūhi was also good.
Most Uchiha clan Genjutsu revolved around the Sharingan, and they used other methods less frequently.
The Yūhi clan could still become ninjas specializing in Genjutsu despite the fame of Uchiha's Genjutsu.
They must have some tricks up their sleeve.
"That's great!"
Kurenai Yūhi's eyes closed tightly, curving into a crescent shape.
She felt relieved that Kiyoshi was an approachable good person.
She even thought that perhaps everyone from the Land of Lightning was this easy to talk to.
She was completely unaware of why Kiyoshi had agreed to her request.
***
Deep inside the sushi shop's secret room.
"Lord Samatodo." Samui said respectfully.
"Did Kiyoshi Yotsuki come?" Samatodo asked.
"...He asked for a D-rank scroll."
Samui hesitantly recounted to Samatodo the details of Kiyoshi receiving the [Lightning Release: Iron Armor] scroll, but she did not give the full original account. Instead, she deliberately downplayed the situation, saying Kiyoshi was simply dissatisfied with the scroll he was given.
She omitted the part where Kiyoshi said it was because of her comments.
Her calm nature ensured that her face showed no change, as if she were speaking of a trivial matter.
"Excellent. You will be responsible for continuing communication with Kiyoshi Yotsuki. You must bring him over to the Hidden Cloud."
Samatodo nodded with satisfaction, focusing his attention on Kiyoshi's request for a scroll.
It was best that Kiyoshi Yotsuki had demands.
Furthermore, ninjas usually confirm their combat style when they first embark on the ninja path.
Once Kiyoshi got used to using Lightning Release ninjutsu, he would have to come back to them for more.
The Uchiha's Lightning Release ninjutsu was good, but it couldn't compare to the Hidden Cloud Village, which was famous for its specialization in Lightning Release ninjutsu.
The Uchiha were most proficient in Fire Release, their clan crest was a fan of flames.
The meaning was "the one who commands the flames."
"The Uchiha's Bloodline will definitely strengthen the village's foundation."
Samatodo picked up a piece of sushi from the table in the secret room and swallowed it.
Once he achieved this merit, would he still need to be a spy everywhere? Do these hard jobs?
If it weren't for wanting to advance further in the village and build a good reputation here before returning, he wouldn't risk his life lurking in the Hidden Leaf. One slip-up and he would be abandoned.
"Yes, and Lord Samatodo... I..."
After a moment, Samui bit her lip, feeling it was better to be clear about the whole matter.
***
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