Talent

Renjiro took a deep breath, channelling his chakra with a focused intensity. With a swift series of hand signs, he replicated the pattern Aiko had demonstrated for her genjutsu.

The air shimmered with subtle chakra as Renjiro seamlessly wove the genjutsu, drawing from the mental blueprint etched in his memory when he was under the influence of the genjutsu.

'How is he doing it so effortlessly? I guess this is what talent looks like. Must be nice. I struggled for a whole month to perform it.'

Aiko couldn't hide her surprise. Her eyes widened as she witnessed Renjiro casting the intricate genjutsu on his very first attempt.

The proficiency with which he executed the hand signs and manipulated the chakra indicated a level of mastery that surpassed her expectations for a beginner.

The genjutsu unfolded gradually, manifesting the same serene landscape that Aiko had previously conjured. The dappling sunlight and the rustling leaves materialized around them, creating an ethereal environment.

It was as though Renjiro had effortlessly cast the genjutsu with an innate understanding of its intricacies.

'It looks similar to Aiko's, but if I were to compare the two, I'd say mine is in 360p quality while hers would be in 4k. That's a huge difference. It still needs work, but this should be good enough for my first try.'

The success of his casting surprised even him, but he remained composed, determined to explore the depths of the genjutsu he had just created.

Aiko, recovering from her initial shock, watched Renjiro with a mix of admiration and realization. "You... You did it, but how?" she stammered, unable to conceal her amazement.

Aiko was not affected by the genjutsu because she had spent hours testing herself with various genjutsu and she now built up a resistance against it. Instead, she now became a spectator in Renjiro's display.

"I don't even know. I was not even sure it would work at all." Renjiro was also at a loss for words.

Talent, much like a hidden spring, often flows effortlessly without the carrier fully understanding its source. People with innate abilities might excel in certain areas without grasping the intricacies of their talent. The flow is so natural that they don't consciously perceive the mechanisms that make them proficient.

Renjiro's journey into genjutsu bore a resemblance to this phenomenon. His proficiency with his Sharingan seemed almost instinctual, a talent ingrained in his very being. The hand signs, the manipulation of chakra, and the creation of the genjutsu felt like second nature to him.

As he effortlessly replicated the complex genjutsu, Renjiro found himself in a realm where talent and mastery converged.

Yet, much like the talented artist who might struggle to articulate their creative process, Renjiro didn't have a comprehensive understanding of why genjutsu came naturally to him.

The metaphorical spring of talent within him flowed, and the waters of genjutsu carved intricate patterns. It was as if the Sharingan, an ancient gift passed down through generations, whispered forgotten secrets to Renjiro's subconscious.

"That's your first attempt, Renjiro. It usually takes much longer for someone to grasp the nuances of genjutsu."

"I guess I've been underestimating my Sharingan. It feels like I've been exposed to genjutsu for much longer than I thought."

'Since it only manipulates the perception of nearby objects, it really isn't harmful to the target. It only puts them into a trance-like state. This can still be used in fights and the targets would be in a trance and not even know how they died.'

'But wait, can I change this scene?'

Renjiro wondered as an Idea popped into his mind.

In a matter of seconds, the serene scene was replaced by a dark and twisted one. The sky turned blood red, the ground became ashen and an ominous wind blew, a stark contrast to what was initially there.

"What is happening?" Aiko inquired.

'Is he changing the jutsu, but how?'

"This environment is too peaceful for distracting my enemies with."

"But the purpose of the jutsu is to lull their senses, if you do this and scare them wouldn't that make it counter-productive?"

"Aiko, you are severely underestimating the power of fear. Besides distracting the target, you can also use this to put them in a trance-like condition, so this would just be the cherry on top."

"Whatever you say. Still, to alter a genjutsu on your first try. It's as if your Sharingan has an inherent connection to Genjutsu."

'Aah, that's right. She came from a civilian background, so she hasn't been exposed to Uchiha's using Genjutsu. I'm not quite sure how this pans out with the others, but I am sure there must be others who are more talented than me in the clan.'

Renjiro quickly dispelled the genjutsu. And they found themselves back in the realm of reality. Aiko had initially hesitated to assist him in his pursuit of genjutsu, but witnessing his swift mastery was a revelation.

Renjiro, wearing a faint but confident smile, approached Aiko. "Thanks, Aiko. Your help made a significant difference. I've got a lot to explore with genjutsu, and I can't wait to see where this path leads."

Aiko couldn't help but feel a sense of pride, "I'm glad I could help, Renjiro. You are my teammate, so if you improve, that also helps me. But please don't be reckless next time."

Renjiro's expression turned thoughtful. "I understand the risks, Aiko. Besides, every technique carries risks. It's about how you wield them."

As they prepared to part ways, Aiko couldn't shake the feeling that Renjiro had embarked on a transformative journey. "Good luck, Renjiro. I hope your exploration into genjutsu brings you everything you're looking for."

With a parting nod, Renjiro headed towards the library. Renjiro entered the library, his strides purposeful, and his eyes narrowed with newfound determination.

The encounter with genjutsu had stirred something within him, a hunger for understanding that fueled his steps through the library's hallowed halls.

As he approached the section dedicated to genjutsu, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. He decided to pick various genjutsu techniques available in the clan Library.

'Since I am good at this stuff, it's best if I double down in it and maximize this opportunity.'

After hours of intense study, Renjiro chose a trio of genjutsu techniques that interested him.

The first, Demonic Illusions: Binding of the Moon, a Uchiha clan speciality, distorted the victim's perception of time, subjecting them to an intense illusion within a fleeting moment. Renjiro saw its potential to disorient and incapacitate adversaries with its manipulation of time.

The second, of his selections, Magen: Kyōka Suigetsu (Demonic Illusion: Mirror Flower, Water Moon), exploited the reflective capabilities of his Sharingan, allowing him to craft vivid illusions of dazzling flowers and serene water moons. This technique, adorned with beauty, concealed the danger within, serving as a potent tool for distraction and confusion.

The third, Kokuangyo no Jutsu (Bringer-of-Darkness Technique), plunged the target into absolute darkness, rendering them blind. Renjiro recognized the strategic value of disorienting opponents by shrouding them in darkness, leaving them vulnerable to unseen threats.

In the quiet hall of the library, Renjiro marvelled at the potential held within these scrolls. Each technique embodied his quest for mastery over genjutsu.

'This should be enough for now. It should keep me busy for a while before the next mission. After mastering the three Genjutsu techniques, I should try integrating them into my fighting style. Maybe I could even try to create my own Genjutsu technique.'

Leaving the library, the echoes of ancient knowledge resonating with every step, Renjiro looked forward to the journey ahead, eager to etch his name in the annals of Uchiha greatness through the captivating dance of illusions.

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