Chapter 10: Satoshi's Bet with Akira

Chapter 10: Satoshi's Bet with Akira



[A/N] I Just saw we were on the top of the leaderboards and decided to give you all an extra chapter as a gift for your support. (Aren't I the best?) I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far. Hope you stay along for the ride.

A few weeks later, we were in the library. I was seated at a low table, reading through a worn book titled [The Yamanaka's Role in Shinobi Formations] while Akira worked on her calligraphy. The scratch of her brush was the only sound between us, a peaceful rhythm as I absorbed the text.

"The Yamanaka Clan specializes in supporting the unit through information gathering and control. With our unique sensory abilities, we are often positioned at the center or rear of formations, where we can detect chakra signatures at a range and communicate enemy locations.

"The Mind Transfer Jutsu, when used correctly, can turn the tide of battle by manipulating an opponent's movements or gathering critical intelligence from behind enemy lines. A skilled Yamanaka must know when to use these techniques to disrupt the enemy's strategy without exposing their own

"You have a Kekkei Genkai," she said out of nowhere, her voice casual, as though she were commenting on the weather.

My hand paused mid-turn of the page, and I looked up, blinking. The words didn't register at first, just hung there in the air between us.

"Huh?" I replied.

It wasn't the most eloquent response, but I was allowed to be confused.

"You have a Kekkei Genkai," she repeated, eyes still focused on the brush in her hand.

I stared at her, closing the book in front of me. "I heard you the first time. What I meant was- why do you think that?"

She glanced up, lazily running a hand through her silver hair, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Do you really need me to explain it, or are you playing dumb?"

I wasn't playing dumb. Well, not entirely. I just wasn't expecting her to piece together my abnormalities as a Kekkei Genkai, but I suppose it made some sense from her perspective. This world was full of unknown skills and abilities.

"Enhanced intellect, near-perfect memory retention, an abnormal affinity for Yin chakra- even for a Yamanaka. Your chakra control and volume are exceptional, not to mention your absurd stamina and faster-than-normal regenerative qualities."

She set the brush down and looked at me directly. "All of that points to a Kekkei Genkai. And not just any Kekkei Genkai. I'm talking about something akin to the abilities of the clan's founder."

Now, that last bit is something I didn't expect.

I didn't respond immediately, processing what she said. To be frank, being compared to the Yamanaka clan founder was something new. I was unaware the clan's founder was

hypothesized to have a Kekkei Genkai. That information probably was not as easily accessible as the first floor of the library.

"That being said," Akira added, "this stays a clan secret. For now."

I raised an eyebrow. "We're not reporting this to the Hokage?"

"Please." She scoffed, reaching for her cup of jasmine tea-tea I had prepared, of course. She was borderline addicted to it now, though she'd never admit it.

"Hiruzen doesn't need to know about every little thing that happens in our clan. This is categorized as a clan secret, and that's where it stays."

I nodded, absorbing Akira's words. Of course, keeping certain information from the Hokage made sense. Each clan had its secrets, its hidden strengths-cards they only played when absolutely necessary. I figured the Yamanaka were no different.

What I didn't expect was the undercurrent of finality in her tone, as though the decision was made long before this conversation. It was clear that my... talents had been discussed among the clan's elders. She didn't need to spell it out for me-I could piece together that they were keeping tabs on my development.

"I understand, Akira-sama."

"Good. Now, take off your kimono and come here."

I blinked, the request was so sudden it caught me off guard. "I—I didn't know you were into

"Don't play with me, boy. Hurry up." Her sharp glare cut off my teasing.

I untied the white kimono I'd been instructed never to leave the house without. Mom was meticulous about appearances-especially since I was the "next clan head"—and she insisted I always wear it with pride.

As I slipped out of my garbs, I approached Akira, who sat waiting with the brush in hand, her expression just shy of irritated.

"Turn around," she ordered, and I complied.

Cold strokes of ink traced a pattern down my back. At first, it was almost soothing, the brush tickling my skin, but then, after a few more strokes, the cold gave way to heat. A flash of discomfort spread across my spine, followed by a sharp, stabbing pain that made me wince.

"Done," Akira said curtly. "Now face me."

I turned, still feeling the lingering burn on my back. "What was that?"

Instead of answering, she dipped her brush into the ink again and began drawing directly over my heart.

I looked down, watching as the lines twisted into a spiral, each stroke deliberate and precise. Her brushwork was nothing short of perfection.

"Kai!" Akira's eyes cleared a minute later, and she blinked before fixing her gaze on me.

"You... surpassed my expectations again," she said, her voice tinged with something. Admiration? "Adequate job."

"Thank you, Akira-sama," I replied, already filing away what I'd learned for later use.

"With that, we'll conclude today's training. But I'm giving you some long-term homework."

I stopped myself from getting up, mildly intrigued. Akira had never assigned after-hours work before our training sessions were just that intense. I usually never had any energy to do much of anything when I got back home, so the mention of "homework" piqued my

curiosity.

"By the time the Academy starts, I want you to show me a self-made genjutsu."

I couldn't stop the grin that pulled at my lips. A self-made genjutsu? That was like giving me

the keys to a locked treasure chest and telling me to take my time. "Any specific

requirement?"

"No... None in particular."

That was all I needed to hear. I had a myriad of ideas stored in my mind, swirling around,

waiting for the right moment. I just needed to refine the mechanics. Now, I had the perfect excuse, and a knowledge of how genjutsu worked.

"What do I get if I present it early?" I asked, barely masking the eagerness in my voice.

Akira raised an eyebrow. "You're smart, boy. I'll give you that. But creating a jutsu is different

from learning one. You know how long it takes to create something original?"

I disregarded what she said. "Would you like to make a bet?"

A beat of silence hung between us. Then, her eyes narrowed, calculating. "What do you want, boy?"

Got her. "If I show you a new genjutsu in a month, you'll teach me fuinjutsu."

She stood up from her seat, organizing the scrolls on the table with deliberate slowness.

"Now you're pushing it."

"What would it take to make you teach me, then?" I pressed, now out of my seat, my tone more serious. Learning fuinjutsu was a crucial part of my long-term plan-especially for Sage Dome. If I had even a basic grasp of seals, I'd have a significant edge. I just needed a teacher.

Akira turned on her heel, scrutinizing me with sharp, assessing eyes. "If your genjutsu is revolutionary-something I've never seen before, something that changes the way we even think about illusions-then I'll teach you fuinjutsu."

My heart raced-not out of fear, but excitement. The challenge she posed was exactly what I

needed. "And if it's not?"

"If it's a useless genjutsu, you lose your chance. I won't waste my time teaching someone who

can't push their limits. Show me something revolutionary, and I'll teach you everything I

know about fuinjutsu. Deal?"

I smiled, a true smile this time.

"Deal."

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[PLEASE READ]

I already have the genjutsu created and the next chapter(s) written. But I want you to theory-

craft with me. Comment some cool jutsu ideas (of any kind) in the chat. Have fun, collaborate,

and let loose. There are no stupid ideas, so let your mind run wild.

PS: If your jutsu ends up in the story, I will credit you!