"Using fingers to cast an illusion technique? That impressive?"

"Yes, very impressive."

If you don't know Itachi's background, you'd definitely fall for a one-hit kill on first sight.

Ichihime was very certain about this.

Much like her mother Ruri's tactile genjutsu, both do not rely on the Sharingan to launch an illusion technique, surprising opponents where they least expect it, and eliminating enemies.

What's even more terrifying is that the opponent still has to focus on Itachi's movements. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Already avoiding a battle with the Sharingan is immensely difficult, so paying attention to Itachi's hands and feet to discern actions becomes the key to breaking the situation.

Thus, this is a trap designed by Itachi.

Even knowing it's a trap, it's unavoidable, unless one uses equally powerful illusion-breaking techniques to counter it.

Using such a method to cover the deficiencies of the Sharingan's illusion techniques indeed means the opponent is not just skilled in the Sharingan.

Ichihime carefully watched Itachi's every move.

His seemingly flawless stature, honed by thousands of refinements, suggested his taijutsu far exceeded that of his peers.

The dexterity of his fingers as he feigned sealing, proving his ninja techniques were also highly proficient.

It's safe to say he is a ninja with no flaws in ninja techniques, taijutsu, or illusion techniques.

After watching the match, Ichihime stood up from her seat.

"Lady Ichihime?"

"After watching such a spectacular battle, the upcoming make-believe matches have lost their charm, let's go."

"Yes."

The two witches and several Land of Demons Jonin around them also left together.

◎

Walking along the internal corridor leading to the lounge, Itachi could feel surprisingly good.

For the village officials who allowed him to participate in the Chunin Exams, he was filled with gratitude.

Grateful they could provide such a stage for him.

Thus, the ninja from other countries who witnessed his power might also grow to respect Konoha's strength.

Genin represent the village's future, and at the age of ten, to instantly defeat strong genin participating in the Chunin Exams is undoubtedly a proud achievement.

Those who doubted his solo participation in the Chunin Exams would also change their opinion of his strength.

And after this, he would enter the Anbu, becoming a bridge between the village and his clan… Itachi felt the weight of responsibility on him.

Thus, he needed to become even stronger.

He couldn't rest, nor could he slack off.

Itachi planned to return to the Uchiha's private training ground and continue honing his skills.

"Congratulations, Uchiha Itachi."

This abrupt voice entered his ears, causing Itachi to be slightly startled.

It was then he noticed a girl about his age leaning against the wall, observing him with a curious gaze.

Beside her were two young women dressed in witch's attire, and the few male ninjas beside them exuded a strong sense of pressure.

Jonin.

The male ninjas accompanying this girl were all terrifyingly strong Jonin.

Their headbands were different from those of the Five Great Nations.

On the headbands were etched a floral pattern.

Shion Flower.

Ninjas from the Land of Demons?

Together with the accompanying witch… Itachi realized the girl's identity.

Mahiru Ichihime.

The adopted daughter of the Mire Witch from the Land of Demons, a princess studying at Konoha, of noble status.

Given the scale of this Joint Chunin Exam, it made sense for her, as the Land of Demons' princess, to come and watch the match.

"Does Her Highness have any matters with me?"

The Land of Demons is an extremely special country.

Especially with various legends about monsters and witches, Itachi had learned a bit from textbooks.

Especially as the Land of Demons had not been quiet in recent years internationally, particularly in the medical sector, they were thriving and seemed poised to surpass Konoha.

A substantial part of Konoha's current medical market is occupied by medical companies from the Land of Demons, and many of the Uchiha's imported medicines are provided by this company.

"I'm just interested in the Uchiha clan's genius."

"Is that so? If there's nothing else, please allow me to excuse myself."

Having said this, Itachi lifted his foot to leave.

"You look exhausted, are you sure you're okay?"

Ichihime asked.

However, Itachi did not hear any genuine concern in Ichihime's words, instead, it felt more malicious.

It was like she had found some sort of novel toy.

But Ichihime mentioning he was tired was something Itachi didn't agree with.

Handling opponents of that level shouldn't make him feel fatigued.

More so, just a fight involving the lift of a finger, how exhausting could it be?

"You should get more rest. If you suddenly die of illness, it would be quite troublesome for me…"

Die of illness?

What a bizarre princess. Itachi judged.

Besides, more rest? How could that be possible?

He hadn't yet become the world's strongest ninja, the relationship between his clan and the village needed resolving, he was about to join the Anbu for secret missions, he still needed to build prestige to become Hokage, and later on, fight for world peace throughout his life…

He had no extra time to rest.

To carry all of this burden alone was the path Uchiha Itachi chose to walk.

He was confident he could accomplish all of these.

At present, he couldn't rest.

Watching Itachi leave, the witch next to Ichihime couldn't help but ask:

"Lady Ichihime, do you have a particular interest in Uchiha Itachi?"

"Ha, that really is amusing. I just think that on the path to dominance, without a sufficiently resilient sharpening stone, I'd lose a lot of fun. After all, illusion is my least proficient art."

Ichihime chuckled.

◎

"Itachi?"

Someone calling me?

Itachi turned his head, puzzled, as he reached the lounge entrance, suddenly noticing his father, Fugaku, approaching him from another corridor.

"What's wrong? You seemed distant. I called you several times, but there was no response. I watched your fight earlier, it was brilliant, worthy of being my son. With this, there's no issue with you joining the Anbu."

Fugaku laughed as he said this.

"Yes."

Itachi nodded.

But he still couldn't shake off the eerie feeling he had experienced before.

His father, Fugaku, said he had called him several times before he responded, which seemed a little unreasonable.

It wouldn't make sense for him to be so careless, even when distracted, he believed that if someone called his name, he would have reacted swiftly.

The only possibility Itachi considered was this.

An illusion… he must have been caught in someone's illusion, causing misleading reactions to everything around him.

It couldn't have been at the arena.

Before reaching the lounge, the only person he encountered was that princess from the Land of Demons and her entourage.

The entourage didn't make any suspicious moves, and the princess herself had no questionable behavior, just normal conversation.

Itachi furrowed his brow deeply, if so, then how was he caught in the illusion?

"Could it be… the sound...?"