Genjutsus

Rayzen subtly tried to pry into how Chizuru was able to use Byakugan to assist in healing and Chizuru gave him what he wanted, thinking that it would provide some helpful insights. But she took care to not bring up her secret clan techniques, neither did Rayzen force her to.

He was done with cramming all the books he got access to from Chizuru in a few days as a result of exploiting Shadow Clone Jutsu. But the practical experience for healing needed to be accumulated over time.

While Rayzen was practicing healing on small animals and mostly fishes, each time he intentionally made the process challenging to have a solid grasp and to face unexpected setbacks, while healing, with ease.

Time didn't stand still while he was learning new things as the second year soon started. From the curriculum that he had seen earlier and from the books he read, he understood that this year will be more focused on Genjutsu and Survival techniques.

Genjutsus are rarely used due to their intangible effects and the additional obstacle of being very difficult to perform. It requires precise chakra control in order to manipulate the target's senses and advanced intelligence to make the illusion convincing.

Hence the academy students were taught only to release themselves from Genjutsu and had practical sessions related to it. But the material they had to study included optional topics like a detailed account on how to perform the D rank Genjutsus; Temporary Paralysis Jutsu and Demonic illusion: Hell Viewing Technique.

As this was optional and the difficulty of performing it ensured that only a few would spent their effort on these techniques.

Rayzen had a thorough grasp of the basics and these jutsus from when he learnt it last year. Furthermore, he also had three other C- rank genjutsus in his repertoire that he got from sneaking into the library's forbidden section.

Therefore the shadow clone in the class was bored out of his mind like always. And instead he thought about how to increase the battle prowess of his friends.

...

Asami was approaching close to Jonin level combat power and unlike most her powers never dulled her intelligence or personality. Sakumo hence wanted to groom Asami into a Jonin level nin. He started with assigning the role of leader to Asami in her team and let her take the reins of all missions below B rank.

But Sakumo still cared too much to let them handle it on their own, so he always hid himself at a distance and observed his team's performance with Asami taking the lead. In this way, if things turn critical, he would be able to interfere.

The changes in Asami's power and role not only changed the team dynamics but to an extent the attitude of Sozui. Even though a flirt, he has more of a cunning depth. He understood the moment Asami grew in power, flirting with her and undermining her would only have bad outcomes for him. So he toned down his attitude. Whereas Kozue was careful as always. His attitude never changed from before, he talks the right amount. Never more , never less.

Even though Asami was disgusted by Sozui's previous flirting nature, she nonetheless cared about both her teammates. And Sozui's present change was warmly welcomed by her.

With Asami as leader and a factor for motivation, Sakumo's training and their personal efforts, Sozui and Kozue raised their prowess as well. The both of them even got their Chunin ranks as a symbol of their effort that was displayed in the tests. Sozui had the battle prowess of mid Chunin level, while Kozue had that of low Chunin level but with his tactics he could reach upto high Chunin level.

The increase in their prowess and their well built co-operation, increased the combat power of their team by a lot. They are now capable of handling a few B rank battle missions without the intervention of Sakumo.

Seeing the progress of his team, Sakumo was satisfied and he felt that it was safe for them to do C rank missions alone without him watching over them in the shadows.

...

Asami and her team was halfway back from their mission. A C-rank mission to escort a merchant group from the Land of Rice Fields to the Tanzaku Quarters, that is a fair distance from the Hidden Leaf.

After they escorted the group to Tanzaku Quarters, Sozui proposed to the team, particularly Asami :

" Hey! Now that the mission is over. How about we enjoy ourselves here? "

Kozue didn't say anything as he looked at Asami for approval. While Asami didn't relent as she said:

" The mission is not over, Sozui! We need to report back to the village for it be over! "

Sozui also didn't relent as he said in a goofy tone :

" Come on 'leader', don't be a party pooper! The village is not the far from here. At our top speed, we can report back today itself after a few hours of partying! "

Asami felt conflicted. Their profession was one where their life is always on the line. So it is a must that ninjas relax and vent out their needs.

' Our team has lately been on back to back missions. And didn't have an opportunity to celebrate or party as a team. '

Sozui seeing her being conflicted tried to fan the flames by saying a bit sleazily:

" Come on, Asami! Even Sakumo sensei is not here! Its a rare opportunity for us to 'bond' as a 'team'. "

Asami after thinking for a while, looked at both her teammates with suspicious eyes. Seeing them not having any particular reaction, she just nodded to them and said seriously:

" What sort of 'fun' are we going to have here ? "

She didn't finish and said specifically to Sozui with a warning.

" Be careful with your words Sozui! You so much as say anything immoral, we will be leaving. "

Sozui laughed pretending to be embarassed, as he scratched the back of his head nervously. He said with a nervous smile :

" We will just hang out and see what this place has to offer and then eat at a good place and then we will leave here instantly. Is that okay? "

" Fine then. Let's see what's special here! "