"Kakashi graduated early, huh," Asuma said.
Since Kakashi's father was the White Fang, it was normal for his son, Kakashi, to graduate early.
"Kurenai, if I wanted to graduate early, I could too." Asuma turned to Kurenai.
The old man had arranged for people from the clan to teach him.
Although his relationship with the old man wasn't great, he had learned many things from the clan elders.
His uncle and aunt in the Anbu were also kind to him, both being Elite Jōnin.
"Then how is your Genjutsu?" Kurenai turned her face towards Asuma Sarutobi and asked curiously.
"Uh... I'm better at Fire Release, I guess." Asuma Sarutobi scratched his head.
Both the Sarutobi clan and the Uchiha clan were proficient in Fire Release Ninjutsu.
The Sarutobi clan also had a secret Fire Release technique, [Fire Release: Great Flame Technique], passed down through generations.
Furthermore, they had a Summoning Beast inheritance, allowing them to form contracts with monkeys.
"I see." Upon hearing this, Kurenai looked quite disappointed.
But it made sense, she had never seen Asuma Sarutobi use Genjutsu.
He only made sure his Genjutsu grades were within the passing range in class.
"Kiyoshi's Genjutsu is very good. If he wanted to graduate early, maybe he could, too. I just don't know how well he's mastered the Three-Body Technique." Kurenai's topic suddenly shifted to Kiyoshi.
Asuma frowned. Why was it this guy again?
"He's from the Uchiha clan, of course his Genjutsu is good. Kurenai, if you want to learn Fire Release Ninjutsu, you can find me. I have some good insights." Asuma patted his chest, speaking with pride.
Most students at the Ninja Academy only knew Rank E Ninjutsu.
Under the guidance of his uncle, Asuma Sarutobi had learned Rank D Fire Release Ninjutsu!
He usually kept a low profile at the Ninja Academy.
"Never mind, I'm more interested in Genjutsu." Kurenai shook her head.
She continued chatting with Asuma for a few moments. Seeing Kakashi walk away and the crowd disperse, she bid farewell to Asuma and jogged over to Kiyoshi.
"Kiyoshi-kun, don't forget today's tutoring. I've already paid," Kurenai told Kiyoshi.
She felt like Kiyoshi had become much colder towards her ever since he bought a samurai sword.
"Don't worry, I am not someone who breaks promises," Kiyoshi shook his head.
It was about the long game. When Kurenai grew up, she would yield even more Traits.
Hearing Kiyoshi's answer, Kurenai nodded contentedly, displaying a smile.
"Genjutsu... isn't that big of a deal. Kurenai, I can teach you too!" Asuma, having watched Kurenai run to Kiyoshi, immediately spoke up, unwilling to be outdone.
"Really? Didn't you say you couldn't?" Kurenai looked over with suspicion.
Seeing Kurenai Yūhi's doubtful gaze, Asuma patted his chest and said confidently:
"Without using the Sharingan, my Genjutsu might not be inferior to his."
Asuma looked at Kiyoshi and continued:
"Kiyoshi Uchiha, do you dare to challenge me to a Genjutsu spar next month? Let Kurenai see whose Genjutsu is stronger."
Asuma Sarutobi observed Kiyoshi's reaction.
He had a trick up his sleeve.
That was the condition that Kiyoshi couldn't use the Sharingan.
Otherwise, he wouldn't be foolish enough to challenge a Sharingan user to a Genjutsu contest.
If Kiyoshi used the Sharingan, it would be seen as a victory for Asuma.
Because to others, Kiyoshi was just a lucky brat relying on his Bloodline.
"Asuma, is it because Kiyoshi-kun is from the Land of Lightning that you have an issue with him?" Kurenai frowned slightly.
Every time Kiyoshi-kun was mentioned, Asuma would disparage him.
Asuma was the true son of the Hokage, the legitimate Crown Prince, but he shouldn't be so xenophobic and look down on foreigners.
No matter what, Kiyoshi-kun had Uchiha blood and was a comrade of everyone in the village.
"Ah, no, I didn't mean to look down on foreigners." Asuma quickly waved his hands.
But he couldn't speak the real reason.
Could he really say that he felt uncomfortable because his childhood friend, Kurenai, kept talking to Kiyoshi?
"Asuma-kun must be someone who enjoys a challenge and strives for self-improvement. I can accept the Genjutsu spar." Kiyoshi suddenly spoke.
The current Asuma was still somewhat rogue, a delinquent youth.
His relationship with his father, Hiruzen, was strained, and he would later leave the Hidden Leaf to serve the Daimyō, earning the title of one of the "Twelve Guardian Ninja."
It was completely normal for him to be competing for Kurenai Yūhi now.
In fact, the frequent configuration of three-person squads as two boys and one girl was partly because the higher-ups considered that males in adolescence were eager to prove themselves in front of females, which fostered mutual competition and growth.
Hiruzen himself had said this to Kakashi.
Of course, this wasn't the entire reason, but it was certainly a contributing factor.
"Good, you said it!" Asuma Sarutobi hadn't expected Kiyoshi to agree so readily and was secretly delighted.
He then hurriedly said goodbye to Kurenai and ran towards the Sarutobi clan compound.
Kiyoshi estimated that Asuma was planning an intense one-month training session.
After all, the Sarutobi clan was not short on resources.
That was fine. Kiyoshi was confident he could beat Asuma.
The Sharingan didn't only have effects when activated.
Even when dormant, the influence of the special chakra would radiate throughout the body, improving physical capabilities.
His "Control" over chakra would be stronger than Asuma Sarutobi's.
This was also why Kiyoshi could guide Kurenai, it was because Genjutsu invades the recipient's brain nerves and requires extremely subtle control.
He had considerable experience in this area.
This point alone was enough to determine the winner.
Not to mention the Uchiha clan's allocated Genjutsu, [Lightning Release: Flashbang].
That was the Genjutsu that Mikoto Uchiha had taken him to retrieve a while ago.
"Kiyoshi-kun, Asuma is just like that. He means no harm, don't mind him," Kurenai shook her head helplessly.
The Crown Prince rarely changed his mind once he decided something.
"It's alright," Kiyoshi shook his head.
Asuma Sarutobi's talent in Wind Release and Fire Release was good. He might acquire those Traits.
It wasn't a loss to take some time to see if he could acquire a Trait.
"Let's go, let's go to my house for tutoring," Kiyoshi said to Kurenai, turning to leave.
Since Rin had taught Kiyoshi the secrets of tree climbing, water walking, and the Three-Body Technique, there was nothing left for her to teach.
That was the extent of the practical chakra application taught at the Ninja Academy.
The rest was either theoretical knowledge or shuriken throwing, so they no longer needed to gather daily after school for training.
"Okay." Kurenai nodded, following Kiyoshi's steps.
***
The sky was dimly lit. The sunset cast a layer of warm orange light on the roof tiles.
The branches of the old tree in the courtyard trembled lightly in the breeze, reflecting the deep red of the setting sun.
Kurenai was preparing to bid Kiyoshi farewell, concluding the day's training.
***
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