Kushina didn't fully understand the significance of Tsukuyomi and Kotoamatsukami, but she did understand her boyfriend.
If even Yamanaka Shinno thought a technique was valuable, then it had to be exceptionally powerful.
That said, she wasn't as interested in Tsukuyomi and Kotoamatsukami as she was in the genjutsu Shinno had just used.
A genjutsu that could make someone experience six years inside an illusion in just six days? That was terrifying just to think about.
"Shinno, what was that genjutsu you just used called?"
"...Uh, 'Drink This Bowl of Soup'?"
Shinno made up a name on the spot.
This kind of illusion—one that required a detailed environment and the creation of multiple characters—wasn't practical for fast-paced combat.
Besides, the people generated by the genjutsu couldn't possibly be as intelligent as real individuals.
For adults with a fully developed understanding of the world, an illusion was still just an illusion.
As for completely erasing a person's original memories and replacing them with ones created by the genjutsu...
The idea crossed Shinno's mind for a brief moment before he dismissed it outright.
Forget the sheer effort it would take to fabricate over a decade's worth of memories—massive memory erasure would also cause irreversible damage to the target's brain and psyche.
At that point, wouldn't it just be easier to eliminate them outright?
But...
"What if the genjutsu progressed based on the target's own memories and desires? That would be... a non-restricted version of Tsukuyomi, wouldn't it?"
Shinno's eyes gleamed with excitement.
Who knew more about manipulating people's memories and inner desires than him?
A non-restricted Tsukuyomi...
Yeah. He definitely had to test this on someone.
"Ughhh~" Kushina sighed, covering her face with one hand. "Shinno, next time you create a new jutsu, let me name it, okay?"
This naming sense... It was so typical of her boyfriend.
"Sure."
Shinno chuckled, ruffling Kushina's hair before standing up and heading to the study. He quickly jotted down his thoughts about the genjutsu while the inspiration was still fresh.
When he looked up, he saw Kushina sitting cross-legged on the floor, chakra surging around her. She had already started training again.
With a small smile, he turned his attention back to the scroll in front of him, continuing to refine and expand upon his concepts for Tsukuyomi and Kotoamatsukami.
It wasn't long before he heard a knock at the door.
Might Guy, Kurenai Yuhi, and Genma Shiranui stood outside, looking somewhat embarrassed.
Technically, Shinno was now the Deputy Commander of the Anbu Training Division.
But, perhaps for political reasons, the Third Hokage hadn't assigned a new jonin instructor to their team. Instead, they were still under his supervision.
With a sigh, Shinno created a shadow clone and had it take the three of them for training.
Just as he was about to return to his genjutsu research, another Anbu operative arrived with a message:
The Third Hokage wanted Tsunade to visit the Konoha Hospital.
Shinno glanced at Tsunade, who was still deep in her genjutsu-induced treatment.
In the end, he left behind a shadow clone to continue researching genjutsu and stood up, following the Anbu toward the hospital.
"Dammit! I swear I'm turning into Konoha's hardest-working employee!"
Grumbling under his breath, Shinno used the Body Flicker Technique to move swiftly across the rooftops.
He had already started thinking about who he could trick into helping with Root.
Danzo had left behind a ridiculously massive organization, and given the recent tensions in the ninja world, intelligence reports from all over were flooding into the intel division.
There were daily missions that needed to be assigned.
The combat division frequently brought in prisoners for interrogation, and the intel unit was constantly submitting reports.
Meanwhile, the research and training divisions were a constant headache, always requesting additional funds, experimental materials, and equipment.
At first, when Shinno saw Danzo constantly visiting the Hokage's office, he had assumed the workload wasn't too bad.
It wasn't until he took over that he realized just how much of a nightmare running Root actually was.
If it weren't for the fact that he had access to Danzo's memories, allowing him to replicate his management style, there was no way he could keep up with everything on his own.
"So... who can I rope into this mess?"
He pondered for a while, mentally sorting through potential candidates.
Shinno had already informed Inoichi, Shikaku, and Choza that he had eliminated Danzo and taken control of Root.
Inoichi and Choza had at least acted surprised.
Shikaku, on the other hand, didn't even pretend to be shocked.
That lazy bastard had immediately refused to get involved, telling Shinno to recruit whoever he wanted.
He had clearly expected this outcome from the start.
The Nara clan had plenty of smart people, but the younger generation lacked experience, and the older ones were all too lazy to take on extra responsibilities.
If he asked them directly, they definitely wouldn't agree.
The Yamanaka clan had fewer geniuses than the Nara, but anyone capable enough to help would probably be reluctant to join Root.
As for the Akimichi...
Well, their clan members were adorable, but expecting them to take on high-level strategic planning? Yeah, no.
That left the original Root members.
"Maybe I should screen a few of them and adjust their memories?"
Lost in thought, Shinno followed the Anbu operative into Konoha Hospital.
The moment he stepped onto the second floor, he saw a large group of Uchiha standing in the hallway, their clan elders at the front.
Further down the corridor, standing beside two Anbu operatives, was the Third Hokage—Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Tsunade isn't with you?" Hiruzen asked, frowning slightly.
Shinno shrugged. "She was impressed by Kakashi's progress with mental therapy and decided to experience it for herself."
He deliberately kept his words vague.
Tsunade's hemophobia was strictly classified within Konoha's upper ranks.
And with so many people gathered here, one careless slip-up could spread the news across the entire village by tomorrow.
Several of the Uchiha clan members immediately stepped forward, their faces filled with anger, clearly ready to demand why Shinno hadn't woken Tsunade.
However, before any of them could speak, the elder leading them raised a hand, stopping them in their tracks.
His sharp gaze swept across the clan members behind him, silently warning them to hold their tongues.
Ordinary ninjas might not recognize Shinno's true identity.
But as an Uchiha elder, he was constantly monitoring the power shifts within the village.
Of course, he recognized the new Deputy Commander of Root.
Questioning him—in front of the Hokage, no less?
Did these fools have a death wish?
Hiruzen, having understood Shinno's subtle hint, smoothly took over the conversation.
"Shinno may be young, but he's far more skilled than Tsunade in treating mental trauma. Uchiha Mikoto's injuries aren't severe—he'll be more than capable of handling it."
"Then we'll be in your care, Lord Shinno," the Uchiha elder said, bowing slightly—a show of respect rather than submission.
"The honor is mine, Lord Hoshima," Shinno replied with equal courtesy.
This man, Uchiha Hoshima, was one of the few veteran-era Uchihas still alive.
He was pro-Konoha and had long encouraged younger Uchiha to participate in village affairs beyond the police force.
In other words, he was one of the rare, rational Uchiha leaders.
Shinno had only met him a handful of times, but Root had detailed records on him.
Just then, the hospital room door opened, and a medical-nin stepped out.
"Shinno, come take a look at the patient's condition. She still seems to be under a genjutsu."
"Understood."
Shinno nodded to Hiruzen and Hoshima before stepping into the hospital room.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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