As the natural energy became more concentrated, the crimson glow of Tagitsuhime began to spread. As the light intensified, a lazy voice slowly echoed:
"Kazuyama boy, why are you calling me?"
"Huh? What is this thing? What a big turtle."
Tagitsuhime gradually revealed her form, but the moment she appeared, her attention was immediately drawn to the enormous turtle before her.
The Coiling Serpent Technique was complete, and she had successfully attached herself to Kazuyama. He had already exited the Transparent Escape Technique state, as there was no longer a need to maintain it.
"Hey, Tagitsuhime, I need your help."
"See this? It's a giant Island Turtle."
With her sensitivity to natural energy, Tagitsuhime took a moment to observe her surroundings. Just as Kazuyama had said, it was not just an island—it was a massive turtle, slowly moving through the ocean.
At the same time, she was utterly shocked to realize they were in the middle of the sea.
"My goodness, Kazuyama boy, where did you find this giant turtle?"
"And how did you even get to the middle of the ocean?"
Kazuyama didn't bother explaining. He simply laughed.
"Okay, stop laughing! If you don't want to tell me, that's fine."
"Just get to the point—why did you call me here?"
She knew he had a reason for summoning her; she was just curious about what it was.
"Tagitsuhime, this Island Turtle was bred by Kumogakure in the Land of Lightning. It took a lot of effort to track it down."
"This turtle only obeys the orders of Kumo. I need you to use Genjutsu to erase its memories of Kumo and set me as its master."
This had been Kazuyama's plan from the very start. Genjutsu was incredibly useful, but unfortunately, while he had the affinity for it, he didn't actually know any techniques himself.
And even if he did, targeting such a colossal creature seemed nearly impossible. Controlling a turtle of this size? That was something only an Uchiha with their Genjutsu could pull off.
"Control this giant turtle?"
"That won't be easy. He's enormous, and who knows how long he's been alive?"
"You have to understand—older creatures have stronger wills. I can try, but there's no guarantee of success."
Tagitsuhime frowned slightly. While the Genjutsu techniques of Ryūchi Cave were powerful, the sheer size of the target made this a daunting challenge.
"Hahaha, Tagitsuhime, don't worry. No matter how big he is, he's still just a turtle."
"Turtles are slow-witted creatures. I believe you can do it!"
Kazuyama had absolute confidence in Ryūchi Cave's Genjutsu.
"Alright, then enter the Transparent Escape Technique."
"While I perform the Genjutsu, you help me gather energy. I don't know where you get your confidence from,"
"But keep in mind, this is the ocean, not land—the natural energy here is much thinner."
That statement immediately confused Kazuyama.
Is natural energy really affected by the environment?
"Natural energy is born from the natural world. While a large amount of natural energy can be generated over the sea, the fishy smell of seawater hinders its flow. The same applies to sea creatures, so the energy here isn't as abundant as on land. On land, whether in mountains or rivers, natural energy gathers much more easily."
"That's why I need your help to ensure there's enough natural energy to sustain the Genjutsu."
Kazuyama nodded upon hearing this, then sat cross-legged again, re-entering the Transparent Escape Technique.
"Sage Art... Snake Shadow Imprinting Technique..."
A long crimson snake spiraled up violently before lunging forward, sinking its fangs into the turtle's thick neck. Though the turtle's skin was as tough as rock, it was no match for the energy-formed serpent.
"Condense!"
As Tagitsuhime cast her Genjutsu, Kazuyama clasped his hands together, closing his eyes as he gathered natural energy as fast as possible, making full use of the Transparent Escape Technique.
The giant turtle, now caught in the illusion, let out a low growl. The movement of its massive body came to an abrupt halt.
Inside its mind, Tagitsuhime stood surrounded by countless coiling serpents.
"Hmph, little turtle, forget everything you once knew and embrace the fantasy of the snake shadows."
Slowly folding her hands together, she summoned an endless swarm of long snakes, all slithering toward the turtle.
Minutes turned into hours.
As the Genjutsu persisted, Kazuyama poured his full effort into gathering natural energy, concentrating harder than ever.
Night fell, and as the last rays of sunlight vanished beyond the horizon, the Genjutsu—after several grueling hours—was finally complete.
"Phew... I'm exhausted."
"No wonder this turtle has lived so long—controlling him was utterly draining."
Tagitsuhime showed a rare hint of fatigue as Kazuyama's form reappeared on the Island Turtle.
"Who's to say it wasn't exhausting? It's been hours... I wasn't sure it would even work."
"So? Tagitsuhime? How did it go?"
Despite his exhaustion, Kazuyama was quick to ask—this was crucial for his plans.
But his worries were unnecessary. Tagitsuhime gave a confident smile, her voice smooth and pleased.
"Of course it worked. After all, I, Tagitsuhime, personally handled it."
"I used Genjutsu to imprint your image in this turtle's mind using snake shadows."
"At the same time, I erased all of its previous memories."
"In other words, this turtle has completely forgotten Kumo. From now on, you're the only person it recognizes."
Perfect! Absolutely perfect!
Kazuyama laughed with excitement—Island Turtle was his! Only his!
Just as he was basking in joy, a familiar system prompt suddenly rang out.
[Ding! It has been detected that, during the Kumogakure war, the host infiltrated enemy lines and stole the special strategic asset: Genbu! This is highly inappropriate! While others risked their lives on the battlefield, you seized Kumogakure's prized Island Turtle! As a special reward, your Summoning Technique: Rashōmon has been enhanced to Triple Rashōmon! Note: Can be upgraded once more.]
Double happiness! What do you mean, double happiness?!
"Kazuyama boy, all we did was hypnotize an Island Turtle. Why are you acting so ecstatic?"
Tagitsuhime looked at him, nearly laughing himself to madness, and couldn't help but feel a little speechless.
She had no idea just how much this meant to him.
"Huh? There's a little girl here?"
"Kid Kazuyama, you went and kidnapped someone?"
Kazuyama stifled his laughter—only now did he remember there was still another surprise waiting for him.
...
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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