Chapter 17: UCHIHA OBITO'S CHALLENGE
______________________________________________
Yuhi Shinku didn't mind Yuuki Yuichi's earlier comments, but spoke earnestly, "Illusions allow you to manipulate chaos right in the middle of the battlefield."
"With them, you two will survive much easier than other ninjas."
Yuuki Yuichi looked at Yuhi Shinku in surprise, not expecting such cunning advice from someone who usually seemed so straightforward.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Yuhi Shinku continued, annoyed. "From now on, you two are illusion ninjas."
"Even if you're not, that's what you tell everyone else."
Yuhi Kurenai, a bit confused by her father's words, raised her hand. "If it's about surviving, wouldn't being a medical ninja be better?"
Yuhi Shinku sighed. His daughter was a bit naive.
"Medical ninjas are part of the logistics team and don't have much combat power," he explained. "If they're discovered or ambushed, it's basically over for them."
"But illusion ninjas are different. They're regular ninjas, but they specialize in illusions. You can hide safely and use your illusions to manipulate others from afar."
"If your illusion skills are strong enough, you can control a weaker enemy and make them fight on your behalf."
"This way, your survival rate is much higher than being a defenseless medical ninja."
He then gently patted Kurenai's head.
"Remember, surviving on the battlefield is the most important thing."
"I won't always be able to protect the two of you, but before that time comes, I'll teach you how to survive."
"This is how I've managed as a jounin."
"When you see danger, you stay far away from it. Understand?"
Kurenai nodded as if she understood, then looked over at Yuuki Yuichi, who was nodding vigorously.
"Uncle Shinku is right. Let others do the life-risking stuff. We just need to survive," Yuichi said.
Yuhi Shinku felt relieved. The boy was starting to grow up and shared his perspective.
"Alright, training starts tomorrow. You two go have fun now," Yuhi Shinku said, waving them off as he returned to his television. Kurenai chose to stay home, but Yuuki Yuichi bolted outside like a wild dog, eager to test his theory about his achievement system.
When he arrived at Training Ground No. 4 near the Ninja Academy, he found seven or eight others already gathered there.
"Yuichi!" Might Guy waved and shouted, smiling from ear to ear.
"Over here!"
Yuuki Yuichi glanced around before walking over casually, as if nothing special had happened.
This was a spot where they often played ninja games, and while some real ninjas trained there too, no one paid much mind to their games.
In fact, there were several other groups of children scattered around playing similar games.
"Kai, long time no see," Yuichi greeted Might Guy.
"It hasn't been long at all! We just parted two hours ago!" Guy said, exasperated by Yuichi's comment.
Ignoring Guy's complaint, Yuichi looked around and asked, "Where's Kakashi?"
"He went home with Uncle Sakumo," answered Uchiha Obito, who adjusted his goggles and stepped forward with a grin.
"Weren't you not here earlier?" Yuichi asked curiously, seeing Obito in such high spirits.
"Yeah, but I'm here now. I'm on my way to becoming Hokage, step by step!" Obito declared loudly, standing tall with determination.
Obito's voice drew attention from everyone nearby, including a few actual ninjas who smiled at his ambition.
Yuichi Yuichi, amused by Obito's outburst, quipped, "Hokage? More like Zhao Gao."
"What's a Zhao Gao? That's a weird name!" Obito retorted, fists clenched, filled with confidence. "I, Uchiha Obito, challenge you today!"
Yuichi Yuichi blinked. He'd come here to test his achievement reward, not get into a fight. "No thanks. You can't beat me."
"I don't like picking on the weak."
"Ha! You just don't want to face me!" Obito said, hands on his hips. "But it's understandable. After all, I'm an Uchiha!"
Seeing Obito's provocations, Nohara Rin worriedly tried to intervene. "Obito, this isn't a good idea…"
"You're asking for a beating," Yuichi said, finally snapping.
Forget the achievement experiment!
"Alright, let's do this!"
As soon as Yuichi agreed, everyone cleared space for the duel.
Uchiha Obito and Yuuki Yuichi faced off, completing the seal of opposition. As soon as they did, Obito charged forward without hesitation.
Yuichi also rushed in, not needing any elaborate strategies to handle this young Obito.
At this point in time, Obito knew neither ninjutsu nor taijutsu and couldn't even properly wield Uchiha's trademark shuriken. He was essentially no better than an ordinary civilian child, aside from having chakra and being able to read.
At a distance of about three meters, Yuichi suddenly slid forward, hooking his foot around Obito's back knee. With just a little force, Obito collapsed to the ground.
Obito groaned in pain as Yuichi stood over him. "I respect your courage to challenge me, but that's about all I can praise."
"Damn it!" Obito struggled to his feet, his exposed skin scraped and bruised.
"Enough with the talk! I wasn't ready yet! Once I unlock my Sharingan, you'll see!"
______________________________________________