Konoha's Genius is a bit Ordinary?

"Hmm? You can teach me?" Ino asked in surprise. A technique like this was likely a high-level one.

"Of course. I planned to teach it to you once I mastered it. As for permission, I'll let Lady Tsunade know, it won't be an issue," Natsuro replied.

Hearing this, Ino didn't argue further. She was genuinely intrigued by the technique. It seemed similar to her family's secret arts, but there were undoubtedly differences.

Natsuro began explaining the Spirit Transformation Jutsu: its hand signs, chakra flow, and most importantly its underlying principles.

However, the hardest part of the technique wasn't the hand signs or chakra control. The biggest challenge was sensing one's soul and being able to separate it from the body for free movement.

Natsuro also shared the weaknesses of the Spirit Transformation Jutsu, which were similar to the Yamanaka clan's secret techniques.

"But, Natsuro, when you used the Spirit Transformation Jutsu earlier, why could your body still move?" Ino frowned.

If that was possible, the technique, while superior to the Yamanaka clan's, would lose much of its advantage.

"In my case, it's because my soul is unique so I can divide it into two parts. One remains in my body, and the other is free to use the Spirit Transformation Jutsu," Natsuro explained openly.

"Is that so?" Ino's expression turned to one of amazement. This was the first time she had learned about this unique aspect of Natsuro .

"Yes, but this is a bit of a secret, so keep it to yourself," Natsuro said with a smile.

"Don't worry, I'll keep it a secret," Ino replied, feeling a twinge of happiness. Natsuro had shared such a significant secret without hesitation.

Natsuro nodded. In truth, exposing this secret wouldn't have much impact on him.

"All in all, this technique shouldn't be too difficult for you to learn," Natsuro added.

Ino sighed silently. How could it not be difficult? It had taken her a long time to master her family's secret arts, and those were simpler than the Spirit Transformation Jutsu.

Still, having grown up practicing Yamanaka techniques, she had an advantage over others. Sensing her soul wouldn't be an issue, but freely controlling it would be much harder.

"I'll teach you step by step so don't worry," Natsuro said, noticing Ino's discouraged expression and giving her cheek a playful pinch.

Unlike with others, Natsuro was willing to dedicate more time to helping Ino. She just rarely sought his assistance.

"I'll manage it myself. When I do, don't be surprised!" Ino said confidently, determined not to become a burden to Natsuro.

"It wouldn't take long if I helped you," Natsuro countered.

"If I run into a problem I can't solve, I'll ask for your help," Ino said earnestly.

Natsuro looked at her for a long time, recognizing her determination. In the end, he nodded reluctantly.

"All right."

The next day, Natsuro went to inform Lady Tsunade that he had learned the Spirit Transformation Jutsu and intended to teach it to Ino.

"You… learned the Spirit Transformation Jutsu?" Tsunade froze, and even Shizune stopped what she was doing.

"Yes," Natsuro replied, nodding. Seeing Tsunade and Shizune's complex expressions, he understood the significance of the technique to them.

The Spirit Transformation Jutsu was closely tied to Tsunade's late lover and Shizune's uncle, Dan Katō. It was also one of the reasons for Tsunade's hemophobia.

Dan's importance to Tsunade was undeniable, and seeing Natsuro master the same technique likely brought back old memories.

"I see," Tsunade said, her tone softening. After a moment, she asked, "You haven't been in the Forbidden Jutsu Room for long. How did you master an S-rank technique so quickly?"

"It was supposed to take much longer, but I discovered I have a natural talent in this area," Natsuro explained, recalling his experience with the technique.

The hardest part, sensing his soul, wasn't an issue for him. During his meditative breakthroughs, he had already seen his soul. Most of his time was spent learning how to control it.

As for the hand signs? They were merely a means to sever the soul's attachment to the body, and hand seals had never posed a challenge for him.

"Why do I feel like you have a knack for every kind of jutsu?" Tsunade said, half in jest, amazed by Natsuro's growing repertoire of skills.

"Hehe, but my talent with the Spirit Transformation Jutsu was a coincidence," Natsuro replied modestly.

"Fine, if you say so. As for teaching it to Ino, if she can learn it, she's welcome to it. No jutsu is meant to gather dust in a scroll," Tsunade said with a wave of her hand.

"Thank you," Natsuro said sincerely.

"However, remember that not everyone has your talent. Introducing them to overly advanced jutsu can do more harm than good," Tsunade said seriously.

"Take your Flying Thunder God Technique, for example. Anyone who gets their hands on it would be tempted to study it. But without the right aptitude, no amount of effort will let them master it. In the end, they'd just waste their time and potential, achieving nothing."

"I understand. But the Spirit Transformation Jutsu should be particularly suited to the Yamanaka clan, which is why I chose to teach it to Ino," Natsuro replied.

"That's true," Tsunade said, nodding after recalling the Yamanaka techniques. "As long as you know what you're doing."

"If there's nothing else, Lady Tsunade, I'll take my leave," Natsuro said, feeling that if he didn't leave soon, Tsunade might rope him into something.

Unfortunately, he was already too late.

"Who said there's nothing else?" Tsunade called out. "You pushed for an S-rank jutsu for Ino, so at least help the village solve a problem in return!"

"Haha, of course! Contributing to the village is my duty," Natsuro said with a smile.

"I don't believe you for a second," Tsunade muttered, rolling her eyes. She stood and rifled through the files in a cabinet.

"What kind of mission is it? Looks like it's been sitting there for a while," Natsuro asked curiously.

"It has. It's a mess left by the Third Hokage. Originally, I assigned it to Yuhi Kurenai, but now that you've learned the Spirit Transformation Jutsu, you're a better fit," Tsunade said, pulling out a dusty scroll and tossing it to Natsuro.

Natsuro's curiosity grew. What kind of problem had lingered since the Third Hokage's time?

As he opened the scroll, a familiar name caught his attention.

"Kurama… Yakumo?"

"Yes, the Kurama clan," Tsunade said, assuming Natsuro's interest lay in the name. "They were once a renowned family in Konoha, known for their genjutsu. Unfortunately, their bloodline limit wasn't passed down consistently, and the clan gradually declined."

Unbeknownst to Tsunade, Natsuro's curiosity stemmed from his memory of the name. If it seemed familiar, it must mean Yakumo Kurama appeared in the original story.

"The Kurama clan's bloodline…" Natsuro mused, recalling its unique nature. It allowed them to manipulate the five senses and even make genjutsu manifest as reality.

For example, if someone fell into Yakumo's genjutsu and imagined being burned by non-existent flames, they would suffer real burns, even though the flames weren't real.

What made the bloodline even more terrifying was that the stronger the victim's senses, the more effective the genjutsu. Not even the Byakugan could see through it; in fact, its enhanced vision would make escape harder.

As Natsuro contemplated these details, he skimmed through the mission report.

Yakumo Kurama was the only person in recent years to inherit the clan's bloodline. Naturally, the clan placed high expectations on her.

Yakumo worked hard to meet those expectations, but her frail body couldn't handle extensive training. Her parents decided not to send her to the Ninja Academy, instead hiring Yuhi Kurenai as her personal tutor.

After meeting the girl, Yuhi Kurenai, concerned about Yakumo's frail health, advised her to abandon her dream of becoming a ninja and live a normal life instead.

Yakumo's parents, worried that her relentless efforts might further deteriorate her health, agreed with Yuhi's suggestion and encouraged her to give up on becoming a ninja.

However, no one anticipated the tragedy that would follow. Yakumo's parents suddenly perished in a blazing fire, with Yakumo herself being the sole survivor.

According to the Kurama clan members, they saw a monstrous figure wearing clothes identical to Yakumo's in the inferno.

When Yakumo regained consciousness, her brain, likely as a self-defense mechanism, had completely erased the memory of the event.

Instead, she mistakenly believed that the Third Hokage had ordered the assassination of her parents and intended to assassinate her as well.

Eventually, Yuhi uncovered the truth and, upon delving into Yakumo's psyche, discovered the monster within her. She realized that this terrifying creature had been born from Yakumo's own inner turmoil.

Fearing that Yakumo would be unable to accept the truth, Yuhi chose not to reveal it to her. Instead, she opted to seal Yakumo's abilities completely. However, the seal could only suppress the monster amd couldn't destroy it.

This decision led Yakumo to harbor deep resentment toward Yuhi as well.

The report concluded by stating that the seal wasn't foolproof. Over time, its effectiveness would weaken, and eventually, the monster would break free, possibly driven even madder by its prolonged imprisonment.

"So, you want me to use the Spirit Transformation Jutsu to enter her psyche and kill the monster?" Natsuro asked, quickly understanding the mission's objective.

"Exactly. You should be able to accomplish this now," Tsunade affirmed.

"But I don't think simply killing the monster will solve the problem. It's a temporary fix at best. She's old enough now to face the truth," Natsuro countered.

Tsunade fell silent. She neither agreed nor disagreed.

Natsuro read through the details of the Kurama clan's bloodline again and again, as though deep in thought. Finally, he spoke.

"I'll take on this mission, but I'll need Yuhi and the cooperation of the Kurama clan. To truly eliminate the monster, we must address the root of Yakumo's trauma," Natsuro said firmly.

"Alright. I'll issue a Hokage directive for you. With this, Yuhi and the Kurama clan will cooperate," Tsunade agreed after some consideration.

Stretching, Natsuro's eyes glimmered with a hint of intrigue. If even the Byakugan which was renowned for its clarity couldn't see through the Kurama clan's genjutsu, the less perceptive Sharingan would surely be incapable as well.

Perhaps Sasuke's Sharingan could find a path to evolve further through Yakumo's genjutsu.

Even if not, it wouldn't be a loss and Natsuro already had the Spirit Transformation Jutsu as a fallback.

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Currently on Chapter 233 - The Trial of Danzo Shimura Begins