[Achievement Unlocked: Genjutsu Immunity!][Template Character: Kizaru – Unlock Progress: 20%. Skill Acquired: Observation Haki (Kenbunshoku Haki).]
Before, his immunity to Genjutsu was only theoretical. Now, after experiencing the Konoha ninja's probe, Yagyu confirmed he possessed a powerful resistance to it.
This new achievement further unlocked the Kizaru template and granted him Kizaru's Observation Haki.
A mysterious and profound sensation filled Yagyu's mind. The entire Konoha Village suddenly appeared within his perception.
This was Kizaru's Observation Haki; it effortlessly covered the entire village.
Don't assume Kizaru wasn't skilled in Haki just because he relied on his fruit. No one could become a Marine Admiral with obvious weaknesses.
While the Glint-Glint Fruit gave him incredible speed and long-range firepower, Kizaru also displayed formidable close-quarters combat skills against Rayleigh, "Black Arm" Zephyr, and Whitebeard.
Without exceptional Taijutsu and Haki mastery, clashing swords with a Taijutsu powerhouse like Rayleigh would have been suicide.
"Such powerful Observation Haki... Found you!"
Yagyu sensed the situation in Konoha and a mocking smile appeared on his face.
Not far from Yagyu, on the roof of the glasses shop, a man with crimson eyes stared intently at Yagyu's back.
"Was it effective?"
The red-eyed man muttered to himself, unsure of the outcome.
Just then, Yagyu's body suddenly transformed into light particles and vanished instantly.
The red-eyed man's expression changed. Just as he was about to move, a rhythmic voice rang out from behind him.
"Mm~ You have some confidence. Your Genjutsu attack was quite effective!"
The red-eyed man moved instantly, reappearing several meters away, staring at Yagyu warily.
Yagyu chuckled lightly.
"Did Konoha send you to test me? Your Genjutsu skills aren't bad!"
The red-eyed man replied with a straight face,
"I don't know what you're talking about. I am under orders to protect you from the shadows."
Yagyu pursed his lips.
"Is that why you chose to probe me quietly with Genjutsu? Because without evidence, you can deny it at will. How shameless... Konoha Village!"
The red-eyed man said sternly,
"You'd best stop slandering me. Otherwise, Konoha won't let you off easily."
Yagyu put on a panicked face.
"No way? Not only does Konoha shamelessly deny testing me, but you also want to turn around and attack me? Ooh, how terrifying~"
The red-eyed man's heart sank. Yagyu's exaggerated words and actions were undoubtedly conveying a message:
You... can't scare me!
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
A group of Konoha ANBU appeared on the roof, and Terumi Mei leaped up to join them as well.
Yagyu's expression turned serious.
"What? Is Konoha planning to make a move on me right here? Mei-chan, turn around."
Terumi Mei was startled, but trusting Yagyu, she obediently turned her head away.
The red-eyed man and the ANBU beside him were confused. Just as they were about to speak, Yagyu said:
"I won't bully you! How about this? I'll spot you both hands and both feet. One strike decides the winner!"
As soon as his voice fell, brilliant golden light erupted from Yagyu's body. It was as if a second sun had appeared in Konoha.
In that moment, countless villagers looked up toward the source of the light, only to immediately bow their heads again in pain.
"Light Style: Blinding Dog Eyes!"
Hokage's Office.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, hurriedly closed his eyes and sighed softly. The probe had failed.
Moreover, Yagyu's ability was indeed as troublesome as the White Fang had reported. If this vision-impairing ability appeared on the battlefield, its deterrent force might be even greater than a Tailed Beast.
"Wait! This... might not be unsolvable. Sunglasses?"
A thought struck the Third Hokage. Perhaps wearing sunglasses could provide immunity to this intense light.
Hiruzen waved his hand to summon an ANBU ninja, ordering him to test the effectiveness of sunglasses.
Then, he picked up his pipe and waited quietly for the Mist ninja to come knocking.
Although he was the one who ordered the probe, the Third Hokage wasn't flustered.
The current Konoha could be described as having a strong army and sturdy horses. Even opening another front against the Hidden Mist wouldn't kill them.
If the Mist were to start a war with them, the most likely outcome would be mutual destruction, which was why he and the Third Mizukage had reached this tacit understanding.
...
Yagyu's Infinite Light left the red-eyed man and his team doubting their life choices. Genji, realizing the golden light was Yagyu making a move, arrived shortly after.
After hearing Yagyu's explanation, Genji said aggressively,
"Konoha must give us an explanation for this."
Yagyu asked,
"Are you going to see the Third Hokage?"
Genji nodded.
"You two are coming with me!"
Yagyu and Terumi Mei followed Genji to meet the Third Hokage. Hiruzen, puffing on his pipe, received them warmly.
The Third Hokage smiled and said,
"This incident was a misunderstanding. besides, Yagyu wasn't harmed. I say, let's just let it go!"
Genji huffed in dissatisfaction and began arguing back and forth with the Third Hokage.
The mentality of these two older men was truly impressive; they argued until even Yagyu grew impatient, yet their fighting spirit remained high.
Yagyu huffed and interrupted,
"Third Hokage! If I tried to assassinate you but failed, could we just 'let it go' too?"
Hiruzen's expression froze. He spoke slowly,
"It's different! Genjutsu has no lethal force; it's a completely different matter from assassination."
Yagyu drawled lazily,
"Cut the crap. Just tell us how much money you're paying!"
The Third Hokage choked on his smoke. He turned to stare at Genji, implying: Control your junior!
Genji silently picked up his teacup, giving the Third Hokage a look that said: He's right, you know!
The Third Hokage slapped the table.
"Alright! To express our apologies, Konoha is willing to offer three million ryo as compensation. Buy something to calm your nerves. How does that sound?"
Three million ryo wasn't much—about one-tenth of Asuma's bounty on the black market later on.
But this was wartime, and Konoha's finances were tight.
Trying to use this excuse to bleed Konoha dry was impossible.
So, after some thought, Yagyu accepted the proposal.
The Third Hokage continued,
"To foster understanding between Konoha and the Hidden Mist, I have decided to hold a tournament. Let the three geniuses from the Mist spar with the geniuses of our Konoha."
Since the covert probe ended in failure, the Third Hokage found an excuse to probe them openly instead.