The morning sun bathed the training grounds in a warm, golden glow as Naruko and Yuto arrived for their very first day of training under Guy-sensei. The air was crisp, filled with the chirping of birds and the faint rustle of leaves swaying in the breeze. Despite being only five and six years old respectively, both of them were brimming with excitement, their faces practically glowing with anticipation.
"Guy-sensei!" Naruko called out eagerly, her eyes sparkling. "What are we doing today? Something cool?"
Guy turned to face them, his trademark dazzling smile flashing in the sunlight. "Ah! My youthful students!" he exclaimed, striking a dramatic pose with a thumbs-up. "Today, we shall not only test your strength but also your patience and focus! For these are the pillars that support the burning fire of youth!"
Naruko blinked at him, her mouth slightly open in confusion. "So… no cool ninja moves yet?" she muttered, tilting her head.
Guy laughed heartily, his voice booming across the field. "Every cool move, Naruko, is built upon the foundation of discipline and training! Now, to begin—let start with something easy! A run through the village!"
Yuto's eyes widened slightly. "Wait, through the whole village?" he asked, a hint of disbelief in his tone as he registered that this was considered easy for them by Guy's standard.
"Indeed!" Guy shouted enthusiastically. "A true shinobi must know every corner of their home! Now, follow me!"
Before they could respond, Guy bolted ahead at blinding speed, leaving only a dust trail behind. Yuto and Naruko looked at each other, sighed, and then started running after him.
An hour later, both of them were drenched in sweat, panting heavily as they tried to keep up.
"This… this guy's insane…" Naruko wheezed, clutching her stomach. 'How does he have so much energy?! He's not even breathing hard!'
'My legs feel like jelly…' Yuto thought, trying to maintain his pace.
After what felt like an eternity, Guy finally stopped and turned around with a grin. "Splendid! You both have completed your first youthful challenge! Now, a fifteen-minute break before the next one!"
Naruko collapsed onto the grass. "Fifteen minutes? I need fifteen hours," she muttered.
Yuto chuckled weakly. "You'll survive, Naruko. Barely."
After the short break, Guy led them to a nearby lake. "Next, we shall test your coordination and adaptability through swimming! A shinobi must be ready to move in any environment!"
Both Yuto and Naruko brightened up immediately. "Swimming? That sounds fun!" Naruko cheered as she ran toward the water.
The two of them jumped in and began swimming laps, laughing as they splashed each other. For once, the training didn't feel like torture—it actually felt like fun.
However, the peace didn't last long.
"Hmhmhm!" Guy hummed dramatically, pulling out two thick ropes and a pair of large tires bigger than their bodies. "Now that you've shown to me that you can swim properly, let's take it up a notch! Tie these to your backs and swim 20 rounds!"
Naruko's jaw dropped. "20 rounds?! With those things?!"
Yuto nodded. "Alright, let's do it…"
By the time they reached the final round, both of them could barely move. Their arms felt like lead, their breathing ragged.
"I… can't… feel my body," Naruko gasped as she flopped face-first onto the grass after crawling out of the lake.
Yuto collapsed beside her. "I… think I'm dead."
Guy's laughter echoed across the field. "Hahaha! That was magnificent! This is merely the tip of the glorious iceberg of your youth!"
As the kids lay sprawled on the ground, Guy unsealed a scroll, and with a puff of smoke, a feast appeared—plates piled high with meat, vegetables, and rice.
"Whoa!" Naruko's eyes sparkled like stars. "All this is for us?!"
"Indeed!" Guy said proudly. "A youthful body must be nourished with strength-giving food! From now on, you shall both have dinner with me every day to ensure your growth remains strong and steady!"
Yuto's stomach growled audibly. "I'm not arguing with that," he said before grabbing a plate.
Both of them started devouring the food instantly, their mouths full as they coughed and reached for water simultaneously.
Guy laughed heartily. "Eat slowly, my youthful pupils! There is plenty for all!"
As Yuto chewed, he looked up curiously. "Guy-sensei, how do you even buy so much meat every day? Meat is pretty expensive…"
Guy's expression turned proud as he placed a fist on his chest. "Ah, my dear Yuto! I do not buy them! I hunt them myself in the training ground called Forest of Death!"
Both kids froze mid-bite.
"The… Forest of Death?" Naruko echoed curiously.
Guy nodded confidently. "Indeed! I often train there blindfolded to sharpen my instincts against the ferocious beasts that dwell within. It helps me prepare to one day surpass my eternal rival—Kakashi!"
Naruko leaned forward. "Wait, who's Kakashi? Is he strong? Is he cooler than you?"
Guy's eyes gleamed with fire. "Kakashi is my greatest rival! A genius who walks the path of coolness, while I blaze forward on the path of youth! One day, I shall defeat him and prove that hard work surpasses talent!"
Yuto chuckled quietly to himself.
Naruko grinned. "I wanna meet this Kakashi guy! Maybe I can challenge him too!"
Guy's laughter boomed again. "Hahaha! That's the spirit, Naruko! The flames of youth burn brightly within you!"
The three of them continued to talk, laugh, and eat together. Guy answered every one of their questions patiently, from stories about his missions to funny incidents with Kakashi.
Their laughter echoed across the quiet training grounds, marking the start of what would become one of the most important bonds in their lives.