Shikigami Summoning in Konoha

Chapter 69: The Secret Technique of Konoha: The Modified Ultimate Version

Of course, Katsuragi was unaware that Kakashi's remarks were a deliberate attempt to assess his character and disrupt his combat performance the next day, showcasing a crafty side.

In the evening, Katsuragi first visited the Hyuga household to see Hinata and learned that Kurenai had already returned home. He then considered whether to complete Kurenai's test first, so that after passing Kakashi's test the next day, he could finish his mission.

After much deliberation, Katsuragi decided to visit Kurenai's residence. Despite knowing it was late and that it wasn't polite to disturb someone at this hour, the allure of an easily accessible SSR was too tempting to resist.

He knocked on Kurenai's door, and when she saw Katsuragi at her doorstep, she expressed surprise: "Katsuragi, what brings you here?"

"Just call me Katsuragi," he replied, scratching his head and then sheepishly adding, "I met with Kakashi-sensei this afternoon and thought since Kurenai-sensei left so early, I'd come to check on you."

As he spoke, Katsuragi handed over some fruit he had bought along the way, prompting Kurenai to shake her head slightly, amused: "You're such a child."

"Come in, have you eaten?"

Kurenai invited Katsuragi inside and asked him if he had dined yet.

"I have, Kurenai-sensei," Katsuragi responded, taking a moment to look around her neatly arranged and spotlessly clean room, which reflected her meticulous habits.

"Kurenai-sensei, actually, I came here to inquire about the test," Katsuragi said after finding a seat, feeling a bit awkward. Instead of beating around the bush, he chose to be straightforward. Although Kurenai was one of the few female ninja in Konoha, she wasn't blunt like Anko. Moreover, as a genjutsu specialist, she probably guessed that Katsuragi had a reason for visiting so late.

"Just because you brought gifts doesn't mean I'll go easy on you," Kurenai said with a smile, then added, "And I've heard from the Third that you already have the strength of a Jonin, which is hard to believe. You might be comparable to Kakashi-senpai back in the day."

There was a hint of barely detectable envy in her tone—most people aren't indifferent to geniuses. They either match them in talent or they feel envy or jealousy.

"Heh heh," Katsuragi chuckled, scratching his head while internally sighing: But this level of power still isn't enough. In a few more years, even Jonin-level strength will be nothing compared to what's required; I'd be nothing more than fodder.

"Are you suggesting that we proceed with the test now?" Kurenai asked, looking at Katsuragi.

"Would that be possible?" Katsuragi hadn't expected things to go so smoothly.

"Yes, there's an open space not far from here. Let's go," Kurenai said with a smile, but as she stood up, she quickly formed a hand seal where Katsuragi couldn't see.

"Okay," Katsuragi agreed, standing up. After walking a few steps, he felt something was off. He focused his senses and realized there was a chakra disturbance. Activating his demon power, his vision finally altered.

"Let's go," Kurenai said, pointing towards what seemed like her bedroom but appeared as the front door to Katsuragi, causing him some dismay. "Kurenai-sensei, it's almost night, and you're inviting me to your room. Isn't that inappropriate?"

Kurenai's face turned red when she realized Katsuragi had seen through her illusion. She glared at him, slightly annoyed, and scolded, "I thought you were a well-behaved boy. I guess the Third was right to warn Hinata to be careful around you."

"Eh?" Katsuragi was taken aback, unsure how the Third had maligned him. He quickly apologized, "Sorry, Sensei. But your genjutsu is really powerful."

"Hmph," Kurenai huffed, her face remaining stoic despite the compliment, but a slight smile flickered in her eyes. "Alright, since you noticed so quickly, I'll consider you as having passed the test."

"If I had known earlier, I wouldn't have held back. I was deceived by your innocent appearance."

Katsuragi scratched his head and quickly glanced around the yard. Realizing that he had completed the task, he breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Thank you, Kurenai-sensei. I won't disturb you any further."

"Oh, Kurenai-sensei, I still have to take Kakashi-sensei's test tomorrow, so I won't join your team just yet. I'll come over after the test is finished," Katsuragi explained briefly.

"You should really learn from Kakashi-senpai," Kurenai suggested after some thought. "I can teach you genjutsu and how to resist it, but given your level, it's hard to make significant improvements. If you want to enhance your abilities, Kakashi is more suitable."

"I understand, Kurenai-sensei," Katsuragi responded cheerfully, not taking it to heart. His current strength came from his shikigami; he planned to wait until his task was complete to see how his reward seal had upgraded before deciding how to improve further.

After leaving Kurenai's house, Katsuragi headed to the training ground early the next morning, well aware of the plot. Despite knowing Kakashi wouldn't arrive early, he ate breakfast anyway, assuming Kakashi was just making them wait.

Before 5 AM, with the sky still dark, Katsuragi arrived at the training ground just as the first light of dawn began to spread across the land at 300,000 kilometers per second.

Kakashi remained the man forever influenced by his friend Obito. Katsuragi knew he wouldn't come too early, but he didn't expect him to show up at noon. Moreover, when Kakashi did arrive, he didn't appear immediately but hid and observed them.

If not for his acute sensitivity to surveillance, Katsuragi might not have noticed.

After some thought, Katsuragi decided not to disrupt Kakashi's plans. He pretended to head to the restroom but quickly ducked behind a tree where Kakashi couldn't see him. He created a shadow clone and then approached where Kakashi was hiding.

Quietly taking out a wooden kunai he had prepared, he muttered, "Let's see if there's a chance to use the Konoha Secret Transmission Ultimate Technique Modified Version: The Kunai Millennium Kill."

End of Chapter 69