Naruto: The Scourge

Searching memories, or reading thoughts, is a choice typically avoided during peacetime. However, in times of war, it becomes an everyday occurrence. In such times, for ninjas aiming to gather all possible intelligence, reading a target's thoughts is the most effective method. But there are not many who are skilled in this technique, and the Yamanaka clan in Konohagakure is considered one of the best.

Generally, ninjas would first use torture methods for interrogation, and if that failed, they would use genjutsu to force the target to disclose information willingly. If even hypnosis through genjutsu cannot break the target's will, the only option left is to directly invade the target's mind and read their thoughts and memories. The third method, however, can cause mental trauma, and in severe cases, lead to memory loss or make the subject a simpleton, so it is rarely used. But during wartime, no one would uphold humanitarian principles; even the smallest piece of intelligence can have significant implications, so ninjas would spare no effort to obtain it.

Ye Zi was just a child without chakra. Even if Sarutobi considered it from Konohagakure's perspective, he wouldn't make it the first choice of action.

However, if genjutsu hypnosis was ineffective against Ye Zi, then it was worth considering whether Ye Zi might be a spy from another village. After all, one requirement for spies is absolute willpower, making it normal that genjutsu hypnosis wouldn't work on them. Some exceptionally skilled spies could even speak false information while under hypnosis.

Ninjas are known for their swift execution. Within three minutes of making the decision, two Anbu operatives appeared in Ye Zi's room using the Body Flicker Technique. At that moment, Ye Zi was busy trying to shove food into his mouth, completely unaware of the two silent, unexpected guests behind him.

"Ye Zi?"

The Anbu on the left, wearing a gray fox mask, spoke Ye Zi's name with a slight struggle.

Ye Zi was startled at the sound, turning around to see two oddly dressed figures.

They wore tight black clothing, with a sword strapped to their backs, and their faces were obscured by masks that hid their identities completely.

"Who are you…?"

Ye Zi was about to ask who they were when the first speaker interrupted him coldly, saying, "Come with us."

The strange attire and the cold, impolite tone made Ye Zi tense up. Without hesitation, he grabbed a ceramic bowl and immediately ran toward the window. When he was brought to this room, he had already familiarized himself with the surroundings and planned two escape routes in advance.

The Anbu did not expect Ye Zi to react so wildly. They were momentarily taken aback, and before they could respond, Yèzǐ had already placed his hand on the window sill, preparing to jump out.

Triggered by the Anbu's appearance and their harsh tone, Yèzǐ's instincts were set off, prompting his escape. But he hadn't accounted for the Anbu's skill.

As soon as his hand touched the window sill, one of the Anbu reappeared behind Ye Zi and struck him on the back of the head. The blow knocked Ye Zi unconscious without causing harm, showing the operative's precise control over his strength. Ye Zi was still just a child, his body fragile.

A sharp pain in the back of his neck and darkness overtaking his consciousness made Ye Zi feel a cold shiver. When he was eating earlier, he had felt a sense of security, thinking that this place was safe enough to understand the world. But being knocked out shattered that fragile sense of safety, and his perception of Konohagakure turned negative. His first and second impressions were already poor, making it difficult to change them in the future.

If this world had "what ifs," thinking back to today's decision might still make him regret it…

Ye Zi opened his eyes and immediately felt the discomfort of being bound. Looking down, he saw that he was tied to a chair. He didn't panic or curse. Ever since he met Orochimaru and Tsunade, he realized that he was at the mercy of others, a pitiful creature who could be crushed in an instant.

He knew that panicking was pointless, so he started observing his surroundings. The large room was dark, and the only light source was two white candles on the armrests of the chair. The faint glow was insufficient to illuminate the walls, only letting him see the floor about two meters away; everything else was engulfed in darkness.

Pulling his gaze away from the surroundings, Ye Zi struggled a bit, but his bound hands didn't move at all.

"I'm really stupid…"

Ye Zi thought to himself. But when he had encountered Orochimaru, he had no choice. Now, it seemed like it was just a matter of whether he died sooner or later.

Ye Zi's past experiences had made him inherently wary of strangers and think of the worst possible outcomes for any situation. It wasn't just being prepared for the worst, but having seen too much darkness…

At this moment, he imagined several grim scenarios, all ending in death, albeit with different processes.

But…

Ye Zi did not want to die. His eyes shifted slightly, his expression calm, but his thoughts churned.

An unfamiliar room, hands and feet bound tightly, an environment lacking light—too many unfavorable conditions.

"Don't worry, I won't hurt you."

Suddenly, a voice that seemed somewhat gentle spoke from the darkness. Footsteps followed, and a figure emerged, walking slowly to stand a meter in front of Yèzǐ.

Ye Zi's heart skipped a beat, but his expression remained calm. He lifted his head slightly, quietly observing the newcomer. His gaze passed over the familiar attire and landed on the face.

Thin lips pressed into a straight line, a strong nose, and sharp, sword-like brows above eyes full of energy—this was a man who exuded both vitality and charm.

Is this the child…?

Yamanaka Haruka did not mind Ye Zi's scrutiny. Following the prearranged procedure, he planned to use words to lower the target's guard first and then employ genjutsu to extract all details, avoiding the use of the clan's secret techniques.

"Do you think I would believe such a childish lie?"

Ye Zi scoffed at the man's words.

Yamanaka Haruka was momentarily stunned. He looked at Yèzǐ with slight surprise, carefully studying the boy's eyes and seeing only indifference, fear of death, and an unmasked sense of wariness… This child…

He traced his finger over the forehead protector tied around his head, smiled self-deprecatingly, and said faintly, "Whether you believe it or not doesn't matter; the facts will speak for themselves."

After speaking, he locked eyes with Ye Zi's unusually mature gaze and quickly formed hand seals.

Genjutsu: Dream State.

Ye Zi watched in surprise as Yamanaka Haruka's hand signs changed several times. He realized that the sequence was clear as a painting in his mind, and before he could be surprised at how good his memory and eyesight had become, Yamanaka Haruka's eyes suddenly turned into swirling vortices and expanded, engulfing everything, including Ye Zi himself.

Endless darkness swallowed everything, but in an instant, light returned.

Ye Ziopened his eyes and saw Yè Ruì sitting by the bed. A dazed look crossed his eyes.

"Brother, what's wrong?" Yè Ruì's thin, pale face showed concern, and her large eyes held a questioning look.

"It's nothing…"

Ye Zi slowly shook his head. The sunlight filtered through the window, warming him. He reached out and held Yè Ruì's small hand, feeling its coldness—so real, so tangible. This wasn't a dream, it couldn't be…

"Brother, why are you crying?"

"Huh?"

Ye Zi touched his cheek, feeling a dampness. Turning to the blue sky outside the window, he chuckled, "Sand got in my eyes."

...

Looking at Ye Zi's vacant eyes, Yamanaka Haruka lowered his hands and softly asked, "Where are you from?"

"…"

Ye Zi did not respond, standing still like a puppet.

Yamanaka Haruka frowned. The genjutsu had undoubtedly succeeded. After a pause, he asked again, "What's your name?"

Still no response…

Yamanaka Haruka's frown deepened. He asked several questions, lowering his standards each time, but still received no response.

"Could he be a spy…"

Yamanaka Haruka muttered to himself. When he first saw Ye Zi, he hadn't believed it. The wariness in Ye Zi's eyes was too strong; it wasn't the behavior of a spy. But after seeing Ye Zi's reaction to the genjutsu, he began to doubt his initial assumption.

Half an hour passed without obtaining any information.

"It's hopeless."

Yamanaka Haruka sighed softly.

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