Chapter 22: A Growing Leverage
Her hand rested gently on his shoulder, a brief, almost maternal gesture meant to comfort a junior clansman. Uchiha Hazuki had clearly expected Uchiha Takumi to be as coarse and difficult as the stereotypical shinobi from Lightning, which was why she had procrastinated on this errand. Finding him seemingly simple and earnest had been a relief. At such close proximity, he could catch a faint, floral scent from her.
After a few more platitudes, Hazuki took her leave. Takumi watched her retreating back, his eyes thoughtful. Uchiha Hazuki and her daughter, Izumi, shared a strong resemblance, right down to the identical beauty marks beneath their eyes. Hazuki, however, possessed the poised grace of mature womanhood.
He unsealed the scroll in his hand. It contained a D-rank Lightning Release genjutsu: 'Lightning Technique: Fiery Flash.' For someone who already possessed the Sharingan, it was largely redundant.
Genjutsu, at its core, was the art of injecting one's chakra into a target to interfere with their senses and induce hallucinations. It was broadly categorized into three types: visual, auditory, and tactile. Tsukuyomi was a prime example of a visual genjutsu, the Demonic Illusion: Echo Song an auditory one, and Izanami fell into the tactile category. The medium for casting only needed to align with one of these senses. Lightning Release could indeed serve as such a medium, as demonstrated by techniques like the 'Lightning Release: Lightning Illusion Lightning Pillar' used by Kumogakure's elite jonin, Wandering Sage.
"Wait," Takumi mused, a new idea forming. "Perhaps incorporating Lightning Release into genjutsu isn't a bad approach."
He recalled the future prowess of Shisui Uchiha, whose "Body Flicker Genjutsu" seamlessly blended the Sharingan's illusionary power with high-speed movement. It was a concept Takumi could experiment with. The Uchiha name was infamous; the first rule of engagement against them was "do not look directly into their eyes." Using an alternate medium to cast illusions could be a devastating surprise.
"It's time to pay Samui another visit," he decided, tucking the scroll into his bag and heading out. His current arsenal was lacking in offensive power. He had the Academy Three, the rudimentary 'Lightning Release: Lightning Finger,' and the body-conditioning 'Lightning Release: Iron Fortress.' They were supportive at best. The 'Iron Fortress' was for physical development, and the 'Lightning Finger' was a beginner's technique, likely originally intended for minor medical paralysis. He needed more.
The Sushi Shop - Secret Room
"...D, why is Omoi here? He's far too young for this!" Samui's voice was a tense whisper, her brow furrowed as she looked at her younger brother, a boy who couldn't be much older than Takumi himself. Espionage was a deadly profession. A single misstep could mean death for both of them.
"The Third Raikage is taking the Yotsuki Takumi situation with the utmost seriousness. We cannot afford any mistakes," D's rough voice filled the small chamber, his thick dreadlocks shifting with his movements. "The village expended significant resources to fabricate a clean identity for Omoi. He will be enrolling in the Ninja Academy next term as part of his cover."
He looked at the siblings before him. Inserting a new agent was a complex and risky undertaking. The fact that the village was doing it now signaled that Yotsuki Takumi's perceived value had increased yet again. D's gaze swept over the others in the room—a few other "staff" who were, in reality, fellow Kumo operatives. More were stationed outside on watch. Their public facade was a functioning restaurant; their true purpose was to gather intelligence on Konoha. He was the cell leader, the spider at the center of this web.
"Sister, this is for the village. I volunteered," Omoi said, his every word dripping with the indoctrinated dedication of a loyal Kumo shinobi. He shook his blond hair, so like his sister's, and the red tattoo on his left shoulder—the character for 'Hot'—was visible. "Besides, I want to be able to help you."
His sister was the picture of cool composure, a natural for spycraft. But lurking was perilous. If they could successfully bring back Yotsuki Takumi—a distant nephew of the Second Raikage—it would be a monumental achievement. Perhaps then, his sister wouldn't have to undertake such dangerous missions anymore.
Samui said nothing, releasing a soft, weary sigh. She was torn between being touched by her brother's devotion and horrified by his presence here. He was just a child.
"He's an Uchiha, and a blood relative of a former Raikage. You understand the strategic value," D pressed on, his tone earnest. "He sought you out last time. He will likely make contact again. Your priority is to secure his cooperation." Success here would mean accolades for everyone, a far safer path than other deep-cover operations that meant living on a knife's edge.
"Understood," Samui replied, her voice flat.
D concluded the briefing with a few more words of encouragement and detailed Omoi's upcoming Academy enrollment, before dismissing everyone back to their duties.
Samui returned to the main restaurant area, her mind troubled. She picked up a white cloth and began mechanically wiping a table, her movements distracted. Seeing her brother here, involved in this mess, filled her with a deep, restless anxiety. It wasn't that she disliked him; it was sheer, gut-wrenching worry.
"Do you still have the grilled squid sushi?"
Samui looked up automatically, ready to affirm they did, when she recognized Yotsuki Takumi standing there. The feeling of unease in her heart intensified. She glanced around, confirming no other customers were within earshot, and lowered her voice. "What do you want now?"
She had no illusions that Takumi was here to pledge his loyalty to Kumo. He was almost certainly back to extort more resources.
"More scrolls. Preferably something on kenjutsu," Takumi stated, holding out his hand as if it were the most natural request in the world.
"Do you think these resources grow on trees?" Samui retorted, her composure cracking for a moment. D had said to win him over, but this boy's audacity was infuriating. She had just given him two Lightning Release scrolls, and here he was, demanding more as if he were collecting a toll.
She was about to launch into a refusal when Takumi's eyes shifted to a point behind her. A slow, knowing smile spread across his lips. The words he had prepared seemed to evaporate, replaced by a new, opportunistic line.
"This must be your brother," Takumi said, his voice light and conversational.
Samui's emerald eyes widened in alarm. She spun around to see Omoi, dressed in a waiter's uniform, his sleeves rolled up, clearly overhearing their conversation.
Her heart sank like a stone.
This is bad.
(End of Chapter)
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