Naruto: Rise of Otogakure

[Warring State Period - Land of Rice, Oto no Kuni]

The patriarch of the Kinzoku clan, Kenji, raised his eyes. He had not expected his nephew, Okura Kinzoku, to come with two secondary family branch youths. They had just finished a long meeting about their next strategic move, and the answer of the council was not the most pleasing. After a long period of contract with the Land of Rice, they were now back as mere mercenaries. 

Fortunately, they had built many connections during the years at the court, and the [Iron Union], one of their main supplier of raw materials, had accepted to contract them for a 3-years-period for escorting and business spying missions.

The older one, the girl, was familiar. The clan was relatively small, with only a few hundred shinobi. Those from the secondary family branch did not even amount to one hundred. As the patriarch, it was only natural to have seen her once or twice.

The other, however, was much younger. Seven? Maybe six? Seeing their familiar silver hair and freckles, there was no doubt about it. They were Kinzoku in flesh and blood.

"Greetings, patriarch!", Okura said while bowing

The other two, standing besides him, followed the procedure, and bowed, in silence though

"To what do I owe this visit, Okura? You should know that your father and I just finished a long meeting", Kenji spoke

Okura did not flinch, however, a character which Kenji deeply appreciated. Although Okura did not look like it, he would surely become a jonin one day, if he did not die, that is. His bloodline was strong, and he was talented too. Sometimes, he reminded him of his own sons. If it were not for the Kaonashi clan, maybe the clan would have more than just one elite jonin in their rank.

Meanwhile, Sakura was bowing in utmost respect. Even though she was a talented kunoichi specializing in kenjutsu, she only seldomly saw the patriarch. He was a figure of legends, one who had saved the clan from the brink of extinction, one who had led the clan through numerous victories. Although the situation had become tense, with the Daimyo taking an irrational decision to cut ties with them, the clan had never been so powerful.

As for Genji, he was analysing the data in front of him. One of the perk of the system allowed him to observe the levels of those around him. From this, he could infer many truths, some which would be of help during skirmishes later on, when he would be of age to enter the battlefield.

[Kenji Kinzoku - Level 80 Shinobi

Relationship: Neutral]

'It seems like the patriarch is a true elite jonin', Genji analysed

From his numerous observations and comparing it with their 'reputation', he had managed to get a better sense of what the system ranking system was, and translate it in naruto terms. This would be especially useful, since he was not the only player in this narutoverse.

Academy-level shinobi would have skills and attributes in the E-rank, and levels ranging from 1 to 9.

Genin-level shinobi would have skills and attributes in the D-rank, and levels ranging from 10 to 24.

Chunin-level shinobi would have skills and attributes in the C-rank, and levels ranging from 25 to 50.

Jonin-level shinobi would have skills and attributes in the B-rank, and levels ranging from 50 to 75.

Elite jonin level shinobi would have skills and attributes in the A-rank, and levels ranging from 75 to 99.

As for Kage, it seemed natural for them to have S-rank skills and attributes, as well as levels surpassing level 100.

This also meant that through observations, Genji could gauge the strength of his targets, a sensor-like ability that was unique to system owneres. However, the reality was far more complex, as levels were not the only indicator of strength. Though his sister was more powerful attribute-wise, his genjutsu abilities had rendered her completely helpless. Of course, it served as a valuable lesson as there were almost no genjutsu specialists in the clan and it was the first time she had fallen into one in combat situation.

Okura explained: "Sir, this is Sakura and Genji Kinzoku, from the secondary family branch. As per the protocol, any unusual growth is to be reported to you. It turns out that Genji, at age 6, has mastered a D-rank genjutsu"

The patriarch nodded. After he took over the clan, he had implemented several policies to boost the strength of its members. Shinobi with strong shinobi would be taught taijutsu and kenjutsu at an early age, whereas those with unusually strong reserves would focus on ninjutsu. As for those capable of using the bloodline release, they would be personally taught by elite members of the clan, enabling to establish specialized units of combat.

"Genjutsu, huh?", the patriarch smiled, "It is quite unusual. Tell me, child. How did you come accross such a jutsu and why did you decide to learn it?"

Genji expected to be intimidated, but there was none of the anxiety he expected. His mind was as calm as always.

'Strange...I will have to investigate that...'

Knowing that the patriarch expected a quick answer, Genji calmly answered: "I actually tried to learn other jutsu, but I am the strongest with illusions, it seems. I only had to look at the scroll and practice with wild animals to learn it successfully"

The patriarch nodded, not expecting much from a child anyway: "Good. There are not many people who use genjutsu in the clan, however, it is not to be underestimated. It can confuse enemies, and in a battlefield, this can make a massive difference. Show it to me"

Genji titled his head in confusion. Did he want him to experience it first-hand?

Seemed like a true test.

'Is he doubting my sister's words? I guess there is no shorter path to make sure I have talent in this area. Though I could reveal my bloodline release and earn status that way, it would also make me the target of the main family line and spies. Genjutsu, on the other hand, would allow me to train seperately from the others and create my own 'branch' within the clan', Genji thought as he smirked

Sonic Hell Labyrinth [D]

With 55 points of proficiency in the jutsu, and a perk increasing its effects by 50%, it had been good enough to put a genin like his sister in a state of primal fear. 

The patriarch widened his eyes for a moment, before a notification appeared in the logs.

[Attempt to invade target's spiritual space in progress...]

[You have successfully affected an A-rank powerhouse]

[Proficiency in Sonic Hell Labyrinth has increased by 4 points]

[Genjutsu resisted]

After a few moments, the patriarch revealed a terrifying smile. Genji did not break the eye contact, earning himself a praise in japanese: "Subarashi", the patriarch said, "From now on, you will assist your sister in missions along with her team. With this level of proficiency, I have no doubts you will be able to carry the duty of shinobi as a genjutsu specialist. Sakura, was it?"

"Yes, sir!", she shouted, evidently more anxious than Genji himself

"You have one month to train your brother so that he is ready on the field. Dismissed."

Okura and the siblings returned to their homes. 

After a moment, the patriarch's brother and Okura's father, Nakamoro, asked the patriarch: "How good was the kid?"

The patriarch looked at him and asked instead: "What do you think?"

Nakamoro paused and sighed: "My son has high standards, although he is just a chunin at the moment. I believe he brought him here for a reason. Still, was it enough to accelerate his training so much? He is just six!"

The patriarch revealed a rare smile in these tumultuous times: "They say the genjutsu reveals the nature of a shinobi's soul. And this kid...He has one terrifying soul. With a bit of training, he will become a pillar of the clan in the future"