Chapter 45: Undo the Genjutsu? Sorry, I Don’t Know How

It was like a chain reaction—Sakumo Hatake's laughter set off the other Jonin, and soon the entire room was laughing. Even Uchiha Kaze, who had been in a terrible mood, couldn't keep his stoic expression.

The hearty laughter lightened the tense atmosphere in the Hokage's office.

However, this lively atmosphere didn't sit well with the Third Hokage.

Once this incident gets out, not only would Shimura Hideitsu be the laughingstock, but the entire Shimura clan would be dragged into it as well.

Pfft.

Even Minato and Mikoto couldn't help but laugh.

Only Takuya and the Third Hokage didn't join in. Takuya had expected this reaction, while the Third Hokage, though he wanted to laugh, held back out of propriety.

Ahem!

To avoid bursting out in laughter, the Third Hokage cleared his throat. "Takuya, go ahead and release the genjutsu. Regardless of the situation, he is still your senior. You've already proven that you have the strength to fight and defeat a Jonin."

"Tsunade was right about you."

"Sorry, I can't undo it," Takuya said, shrugging his shoulders and spreading his hands. "I only know how to cast genjutsu, not how to release them."

"..."

The Third Hokage hadn't expected this. He had extended an olive branch, but Takuya wasn't having it. Instead, he simply said, I can't, I don't know how.

This kid's doing it on purpose, isn't he?

Just because I doubted him? Because I wanted to test him?

"Help him out of the genjutsu," the Third Hokage ordered, his facial muscles twitching as he watched Shimura Hideitsu dance more and more energetically.

As soon as he spoke, an ANBU operative appeared in the Hokage's office and attempted to release the genjutsu on Shimura Hideitsu.

"Huh?"

The usual method didn't work!

What's going on?

The ANBU operative was puzzled and instinctively looked to the Third Hokage for guidance.

Now the Third Hokage had a headache.

The Jonin in the room stopped laughing, realizing the gravity of the situation. If the ANBU couldn't release the genjutsu, it meant that if Takuya ever used this on them and they got caught, they wouldn't be able to break free like they could with other genjutsu.

If they couldn't break free, it meant that while they were trapped in the genjutsu, Takuya could launch a deadly attack.

This... this kid's genjutsu is something else.

The Jonin's gazes toward Takuya shifted, filled with a mix of awe and caution.

"Don't look at me. I really don't know how," Takuya said nonchalantly. "This genjutsu is called 'Sakura Fall.' Anyone caught in it will start dancing uncontrollably. Beyond that, I'm not too sure since I just developed it recently."

Let them think what they want—I really don't know how to release it. So what?

Go ahead, try to bite me. If you question me, you're going to suffer!

If I don't leave you lying in the hospital for half a month, I'm not Yagami Takuya.

"Takuya, are you serious?" The Third Hokage's expression turned serious.

Takuya answered calmly, "Hokage-sama, everything I've said is the truth."

This is a mess.

The Third Hokage was beginning to regret not stopping Shimura Hideitsu earlier. If he had, things wouldn't have escalated like this.

But Takuya was adamant that the genjutsu was newly developed and couldn't be released.

Even if it was a lie, the Third Hokage had no way to force him to undo it.

"How long does the genjutsu last?"

"The stronger the person's mental strength, the shorter the genjutsu's duration and the harder it is to control them," Takuya said, making things up on the spot.

Believe it or don't—Sakura Fall is a guaranteed hit.

Even if Madara Uchiha were here, he'd get caught.

The difference is that someone like Madara could easily break free.

Even if Sakura Fall's weaknesses were exposed, Takuya wasn't worried.

The power of his special ability grew with his strength.

Right now, the Third Kazekage could break free from Sakura Fall. But when Takuya gains the Mangekyō Sharingan, or even the Eternal Mangekyō, it wouldn't be so easy, even with double the time.

Need help?

I don't care—break free if you want, but your mind will take a severe hit.

This kind of genjutsu would be a nightmare for any ninja who wasn't a powerful Uchiha or a shinobi with extraordinary mental strength.

"Ah!"

Just as the Third Hokage was about to have Shimura Hideitsu taken away, the man suddenly screamed, blood spurting from his mouth as he collapsed, convulsing violently.

Shimura Hideitsu's extreme reaction shocked everyone.

All eyes turned to Takuya, who calmly explained, "Sakura Fall causes significant mental trauma. Given his Jonin-level strength, he should be able to recover in ten days or so with some rest in the hospital."

"You little..."

The ANBU operative, who had rushed to check Shimura Hideitsu's condition, was about to accuse Takuya of being too harsh, even towards a fellow Konoha ninja.

But before he could finish, the three tomoe in Takuya's eyes began to spin.

"Enough!" the Third Hokage shouted angrily. "Shimura Hideitsu brought this on himself by questioning Takuya. The genjutsu was used to prove Takuya's abilities, not as an attack on a comrade. This matter is settled. Get him to the hospital."

Mental trauma isn't so easily treated.

Anyone could guess that the days ahead for Shimura Hideitsu would be far from pleasant.

"Yes, sir." The ANBU quickly complied, carrying Shimura Hideitsu away.

The other Jonin looked at Takuya with a newfound wariness, fearing that he might turn his genjutsu on them next.

Dancing was one thing—embarrassing, sure.

But the real problem was the mental trauma, which wouldn't be easy to heal.

"Takuya, you've done well. I'll make sure your contributions to the village are recognized. You've worked hard, so go and rest," the Third Hokage said.

"Yes, Hokage-sama," Minato and Mikoto quickly bowed, but Takuya turned and left without a word.

Bow to you?

Forget it.

You tested me and now expect me to show respect?

"Takuya?" Minato and Mikoto were stunned, glancing at the Third Hokage, whose face darkened, before hurrying after Takuya.

The Hokage's office fell into an uneasy silence. You could hear a pin drop.

No one dared to breathe too loudly. It was clear to everyone that the earlier test and doubts had left Takuya bitter towards the Third Hokage.

Sigh...

The Third Hokage sighed, his mouth twitching slightly. "The child has clearly misunderstood me. It can't be helped. He's still young—he'll understand my intentions in time. Let's continue the meeting."

His explanation earned the respect of many Jonin present.

The Hokage is truly compassionate, even towards a disrespectful child, always willing to forgive and protect them.

"Takuya, you shouldn't have acted that way. No matter what, the Hokage is still the Hokage," Minato said as they left. He was still angry about Shimura Hideitsu's challenge and the Third Hokage's silence, but he was concerned about Takuya's blatant disrespect hurting his reputation.

"He allowed, even hinted for others to question me, and I should be grateful?" Takuya snapped. "Screw that."

He cursed openly, making no effort to hide his anger, and then dragged Mikoto along without looking back.

"Wait up..." Minato sighed, hurrying after them.

He's already cursed him out. What can you do?

It is what it is—at worst, he'll get a reprimand.

Still, the Hokage wasn't exactly fair here.

We risked everything to get that intel back, only to be questioned like this. Who wouldn't be pissed?

No wonder Takuya lost his temper.

Could the Third Hokage hear Takuya's cursing?

Of course, but the Third Hokage, now committed to his image as a benevolent leader, had no choice but to endure it.

Otherwise, he'd contradict his own public persona.

After all that, Takuya wasn't even in the mood for a soak in the hot springs.

After saying goodbye to Mikoto and Minato, he headed straight home.

An hour later, just as he was finishing a meal after a bath, Takuya was alerted by Snowy that someone was approaching.

He looked up, his face expressionless, toward the window.

The visitor, realizing they'd been noticed, sighed and opened the window, stepping inside.

"Kid, you were too rash. No matter what, you shouldn't have cursed out the Hokage."

*******

P.S.: If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 106 at patreon.com/Emik01."

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