Naruto entry.

Chapter 36 Asuma's Challenge

"Kakashi graduated early."

Sarutobi Asuma said.

Kakashi's father is White Fang, so it's normal for Kakashi to graduate early as his son.

"Hong, if I want to graduate early, I can too."

Sarutobi Asuma turned to Kurenai Yuhi and said.

The old man hired someone from the clan to teach him.

Although I didn't get along well with the old man, I learned a lot from the elders in the clan.

His uncle and aunt in the Anbu were also good to him; both of them were elite Jonin.

"So, how's your illusion magic?"

Yuhi blushed and turned to Sarutobi Asuma, asking curiously.

"Uh... I'm better at Fire Release."

Sarutobi Asuma scratched his head.

Like the Uchiha clan, the Sarutobi clan is skilled in Fire Release ninjutsu.

Furthermore, the Sarutobi clan possesses a secret fire-style ninjutsu called "Fire Release: Great Flame Technique," which has been passed down through generations.

Furthermore, it possesses the inheritance of summoned beasts, allowing one to form a contract with apes.

"I see."

Upon hearing this, Kurenai Yuhi was immediately disappointed.

That makes sense, though, since she had never seen Sarutobi Asuma use illusion magic.

It's just about ensuring that the illusion skill grades are within the passing range in class.

"Kiyoshi's illusion magic is very good. If he wants to graduate early, he might be able to. I just don't know how well he has mastered the Three Bodies Technique."

As Kurenai spoke, the topic suddenly shifted to Kiyoshi.

Sarutobi Asuma frowned. Why was it this guy again?

"He's from the Uchiha clan, so of course he's good at genjutsu. Kurenai, if you want to learn fire-style ninjutsu, you can come to me. I have quite a few insights."

Sarutobi Asuma patted his chest, his tone bold and confident.

Most students at the Ninja Academy only know E-rank ninjutsu.

Under his uncle's tutelage, Sarutobi Asuma learned D-rank Fire Release ninjutsu!

They usually just keep a low profile at the ninja academy.

"Never mind, I'm more interested in illusions."

Yuhi Hong shook her head.

She continued chatting with Sarutobi Asuma for a few more minutes, and seeing Kakashi walk away and the crowd disperse, she said goodbye to Sarutobi Asuma and ran to Kiyoshi's side.

"Kiyoshi-kun, don't forget your tutoring today, I've already paid for it."

The evening sun shines red as it faces Kiyoshi.

She felt that Kiyoshi had become much colder towards her after he bought a samurai sword.

"Don't worry, I'm not the kind of person who breaks promises."

Kiyoshi shook his head.

As the saying goes, "a slow and steady wins the race," meaning that once the red jujubes have grown large enough, they will produce even more rice.

Upon hearing Kiyoshi's answer, Kurenai nodded in satisfaction and smiled.

"No...it's just illusion magic, Kurenai, I can teach you that too."

Seeing Kurenai Yuhi run to Kiyoshi's side, Asuma Sarutobi immediately retorted, not to be outdone.

"Really? Didn't you say it wouldn't work?"

Kurenai looked over with a suspicious expression.

Seeing Kurenai Yuhi's suspicious gaze, Asuma Sarutobi patted his chest confidently and said:

"Without the Sharingan, my genjutsu might not be able to defeat you."

Sarutobi Asuma looked at Kiyoshi and continued:

"Uchiha Kiyoshi, how about we have a genjutsu contest next month, and let Kurenai see whose genjutsu is stronger?"

Sarutobi Asuma observed Kiyoshi's reaction.

He also kept a watchful eye.

That means Kiyoshi doesn't need the Sharingan.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have done something as foolish as challenging the Sharingan's genjutsu.

If Kiyoshi uses the Sharingan, then it's as if he wins.

Because to others, Kiyoshi was just a lucky kid who relied on his bloodline limit.

"Asuma, is it because Kiyoshi is from the Land of Lightning that you have a problem with him?"

Kurenai Yuhi frowned slightly.

Every time Kiyoshi is mentioned, Sarutobi Asuma will belittle him in various ways.

Sarutobi Asuma is the legitimate son of the Hokage, a true heir, but that doesn't justify his xenophobia and disdain for foreigners.

No matter what, Kiyoshi is a member of the Uchiha clan and is a fellow villager.

"Oh, no, I didn't mean to look down on foreigners."

Sarutobi Asuma quickly waved his hand.

But he couldn't bring himself to say the real reason.

Should we just say that he feels uncomfortable because his childhood friend, Hong, keeps talking to him?

"Asuma seems to be someone who enjoys challenges and has high aspirations. I'm open to a sparring match in illusion magic."

Qingsi suddenly said.

Sarutobi Asuma is still somewhat of a hoodlum and a delinquent.

He also had a strained relationship with Hiruzen Sarutobi and his son, and later left Konoha to join the Daimyo, earning the title of one of the "Twelve Guardian Ninja".

It's perfectly normal for people to be jealous of each other because of Kurenai Yuhi these days.

Even three-person teams often consist of two men and one woman, because the higher-ups considered that the men are in their adolescence and eager to prove themselves in front of the women, which is conducive to mutual competition and growth.

These are the words that Hiruzen Sarutobi personally said to Kakashi.

Of course, this is certainly not the whole reason, but it does play a part in it.

"Okay, you said it!"

Sarutobi Asuma was delighted that Kiyoshi had agreed so readily.

He then hurriedly said goodbye to Kurenai and ran towards the Sarutobi clan.

Kiyoshi guessed that Sarutobi Asuma wanted to undergo a month of special training.

After all, the Sarutobi clan is not short of resources.

It's nothing, Kiyoshi is confident he can defeat Sarutobi Asuma.

The Sharingan doesn't only work when activated.

When it is closed, the influence of this special chakra will radiate throughout the body, enhancing physical qualities.

His ability to "control" chakra is stronger than Sarutobi Asuma's.

This is why Kiyoshi was able to guide Kurenai Yuhi; it's because illusions invade the brain nerves of the target, requiring extremely subtle control.

He has a lot of experience in this area.

This alone is enough to determine the winner.

Not to mention, he also possesses the genjutsu "Lightning Release: Blazing Flash" assigned to him by the Uchiha clan.

That was the genjutsu that Uchiha Hazuki took him to get some time ago.

"Kiyoshi-kun, Asuma is just that kind of person. He means no harm, so don't take it to heart."

Kurenai Yuhi shook her head helplessly.

Once this prince has made a decision, he won't easily change it.

"It's okay."

Kiyoshi shook his head.

Sarutobi Asuma has good Wind Release and Fire Release talents, so he might drop those attributes.

It's worth taking some time to see if you can get the entry.

"Let's go to my house for tutoring."

Kiyoshi looked up at Kurenai and said something before turning and leaving.

Since Nohara Rin taught Kiyoshi the skills of climbing trees and treading water, as well as her insights into the Three-Body Technique, there was nothing more for her to teach.

That's all the practical stuff the ninja academy has about using chakra.

The rest of the training consisted of theoretical knowledge and shuriken throwing, so there was no need to gather together for practice every day after school.

"it is good."

Kurenai nodded and followed Kiyoshi's steps.

……

As dusk settled, the afterglow cast a warm orange hue onto the roof tiles.

The branches of the old trees in the courtyard trembled gently in the wind, turning deep red in the sunset.

Kurenai Yuhi prepared to bid farewell to Kiyoshi, ending her day's training.