Chapter 122: Kekkei Genkai Syndrome—Kurama Yakumo

After hearing Shinku's words, Mirai raised an eyebrow. "Understood."

"It's said that their kekkei genkai can manipulate the five senses, and any injuries suffered in the genjutsu manifest in reality."

When Mirai responded, Shinku nodded approvingly. "Correct. Seems like you're well-informed."

Hachidai scratched his head, puzzled. "That sounds amazing! How come I've never heard of such a kekkei genkai before?"

Noticing Hachidai's confusion, Shinku explained patiently.

"The Kurama clan was once a noble shinobi family that rivaled even the Uchiha during the founding of Konohagakure."

"During the First and Second Shinobi Wars, they provided many powerful ninja to Konoha. However, their kekkei genkai is notoriously difficult to awaken, which led to the clan's decline over the years."

"By now, the Kurama clan's former prestige has completely faded into obscurity."

Hachidai nodded thoughtfully. Since Konoha's founding, countless clans had vanished into the annals of history. Even the once-mighty Senju Clan had dwindled to a single survivor—Tsunade.

Thinking of this, Hachidai stole a glance at Mirai.

If not for Mirai's efforts to restore their honor, the Uchiha clan surely wouldn't have regained its former glory.

Mirai turned back to Shinku, cutting to the point.

"Shinku-sensei, did you call me here because of the Kurama clan?"

Shinku nodded. "Yes. I'm close friends with Kurama Murakumo, the clan leader. We often study genjutsu together. Recently, he told me that his daughter's health has been deteriorating. She gets winded just from walking a short distance."

Hearing Shinku's description, Mirai immediately thought of someone from the original timeline. Kurama Yakumo, the Kurama clan's prodigy and sole wielder of their kekkei genkai, was once the clan's greatest hope.

Unfortunately, strong kekkei genkai often drain their users' life force. The more talented the shinobi, the more they suffer from what could be termed kekkei genkai syndrome.

Figures like Kimimaro and Uchiha Itachi were prime examples, tormented by their own bodies.

Yakumo's worsening condition was likely a result of this syndrome.

"Mirai?" Shinku's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. Mirai smiled confidently. "Shinku-sensei, you've come to the right person."

"Let's go. Take me to see her."

Shinku's face lit up with surprise and relief. He had approached Mirai with little hope, but Mirai's confident response gave him a glimmer of hope.

"Wonderful!" Shinku stood up quickly. "Let's head out immediately."

...

At the Kurama Clan's Residence

The sprawling Kurama estate seemed forlorn despite its grandeur. Kurama Murakumo greeted them with evident anticipation as Shinku and Mirai arrived.

"Murakumo-sama, it's a pleasure to meet you," Mirai greeted politely.

Murakumo, caught off guard by Mirai's courteous demeanor, smiled warmly.

"It's an honor, Captain Mirai."

He turned and gently urged the girl behind him to step forward.

"Yakumo, greet Shinku-sama and Captain Mirai."

The timid girl peeked out from behind her father, bowing slightly.

"Good day, Shinku-sama. Good day, Captain Mirai."

Shinku laughed heartily. "No need to be so formal. We're all friends here."

Turning to Mirai, he gestured toward Yakumo. "Why don't you examine her first?"

Shinku couldn't help feeling proud. With a disciple like Mirai, he felt more reassured than if he handled the matter himself.

Mirai nodded with a small smile. "Yakumo, come here. Let me check your condition."

As Yakumo approached, Mirai observed her closely. Her delicate features and pale complexion gave her an air of frailty that evoked both admiration and pity. Despite her youth, her natural beauty was already apparent.

Mirai gently held her wrist, carefully assessing her physical state. Besides a slightly low body temperature, nothing immediately seemed amiss.

After a moment, he looked up at Murakumo. "Clan Leader Murakumo, I believe Yakumo is suffering from kekkei genkai syndrome."

"Kekkei genkai syndrome?" Murakumo repeated, confused.

Mirai wasn't surprised by the unfamiliarity. Few knew about this condition, and even fewer had studied it extensively.

"The syndrome occurs when someone with immense natural talent awakens their kekkei genkai too early or pushes it too far, causing irreversible damage to their body. The stronger the kekkei genkai, the greater the toll on the user. Without intervention, the condition worsens with continued use—eventually leading to death."

Murakumo and Shinku were visibly shaken, their expressions stunned.

"You mean developing one's kekkei genkai can cause an illness like this?" Shinku murmured in disbelief.

Murakumo grew more anxious. "Captain Mirai, you said the condition worsens with use. Is there a way to stop it?"

Mirai replied evenly, "Generally, the simplest solution is to stop using the kekkei genkai entirely. By giving up on being a shinobi and avoiding further strain, the condition stabilizes."

Hearing this, Murakumo's face fell. The Kurama clan had pinned all its hopes on Yakumo, only to learn their prized kekkei genkai was killing her.

Yakumo, too, seemed crestfallen. She understood the sacrifices her parents and clan had made for her. Becoming a great shinobi and reviving her clan's glory was her greatest wish, but now even that seemed out of reach.

Shinku placed a comforting hand on Murakumo's shoulder.

"Murakumo, no matter what, Yakumo's health is the priority. The clan's future shouldn't rest solely on her shoulders."

Murakumo forced a bitter smile and nodded. "You're right. The Kurama clan's revival isn't worth my daughter's life. We'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe."

He turned to Mirai, bowing slightly. "Thank you, Captain Mirai. Without your diagnosis, we might have pushed her too far."

Mirai raised an eyebrow. "Hold on. I never said she had to give up being a shinobi."

Everyone stared at him in confusion.

"I came here because I have a way to help," Mirai continued. "If I can't treat her, then my trip would've been pointless."

A flicker of hope reignited in their eyes as they hung on his next words.

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