"What? You've heard of me, man?" Might Guy asked, still grinning widely.
Rock Lee shook his head, wide-eyed and embarrassed. "…No, I didn't!"
Might Guy suddenly collapsed to the ground with exaggerated theatricality. "Then what just happened here?!"
Rock Lee laughed heartily, his voice ringing with youthful energy. "Although I don't know the venerable name of Teacher Guy, I could feel it from your training just now—the burning fire of youth! That intense spirit! That dedication!"
Might Guy's eyes sparkled with delight. "Wow! You really get it, man! You understand the essence of youth!"
His grin widened, and he turned toward Rock Lee. "How about you, young man? Do you want to train with me?"
Lee's mouth fell open in surprise. "C-can I do it too?"
"Of course! I know your spirit, Lee! You've got the fire in your heart!" Might Guy gave a thumbs-up, his teeth flashing brilliantly under the fading sun.
Naruto, standing to the side and observing this fiery duo, felt slightly overwhelmed. Might Guy's energy was almost overwhelming in its intensity. Yet when he heard the master praising Rock Lee, Naruto couldn't help but interject.
"Ah… a-another question…" he stammered. "What about me? What about my training?!"
Might Guy laughed heartily, the sound echoing through the training ground. "You are Naruto, aren't you? I've seen your effort, your perseverance, and your burning dedication. Of course, I admire you too!"
Naruto's face lit up with pride, a rare smile breaking through his exhaustion. "R-really?! Ah ha, ah ha… Thank you!"
Might Guy, never one to slow down, jumped slightly into the air, continuing to walk on his hands—but now only using a single finger!
"Keep up with me, Lee! Naruto! Follow my pace!" he shouted.
Naruto and Rock Lee stared in horror. "H-he's really doing it on one finger?!" Naruto gasped.
"This guy… is he even human?!" Lee exclaimed.
They looked at each other, determination sparking in their eyes. "We can't lose to him! Not like this!"
"Let's go, Lee!" Naruto said, gritting his teeth.
The two of them, fueled by sheer willpower, pushed themselves onto their hands and began chasing Might Guy across Konoha Village. Three clouds of dust immediately rose behind them, billowing into the evening air.
Pedestrians coughed and frowned as the three passed, unable to believe what they were witnessing. "What… what crazy people…" one muttered.
Under Might Guy's relentless guidance, Naruto and Rock Lee completed the thirty-round goal with barely a moment's rest. Naruto, driven by a secret determination, added a few more steps on his hands, fulfilling his personal challenge and proving his endurance to himself.
When he finally stopped, he collapsed into a heap of exhaustion, body trembling, sweat-soaked and mud-streaked. Rock Lee, equally spent, lay sprawled with legs wide, gasping for air.
A notification popped up in Naruto's mind:
[Congratulations to the Host for completing today's Taijutsu special training. Stamina +5. Current stamina: 90 points!]
Naruto's face lit up with joy. Ninety points of stamina! This was an unprecedented achievement for him!
Might Guy laughed heartily, a deep, joyful sound that filled the evening air. "As expected from the men I know! True determination! True youth!"
He gestured toward the two exhausted boys. "If you still have energy, would you like to learn a move from me? I'm not bragging, but my Taijutsu—the Azure Beast Might Guy's Taijutsu—is unbeatable in the Ninja World!"
Naruto and Rock Lee's eyes immediately sparkled with excitement.
"You… you're going to teach us Taijutsu?" Naruto asked, barely able to believe his ears.
"Really?!" Lee exclaimed, bouncing slightly on his hands despite fatigue.
Even though both boys had reached their physical limits, the opportunity to learn directly from Might Guy energized them beyond exhaustion. Personalized tutoring from such a master was something neither of them had ever experienced. Unlike Konohamaru, who had received consistent guidance from a young age, Naruto and Lee had trained mostly on their own. This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
"Hahaha, of course it's true! But my Taijutsu is not easy to learn!" Might Guy warned with a gleam in his eye. "Watch closely! This move is called…"
"Leaf Whirlwind!"
In an instant, Might Guy struck a dynamic pose. His body blurred as he moved, so fast that Naruto and Lee could barely track him. The spinning of his legs became a furious whirlwind, an attack so swift that its true form was nearly impossible to perceive.
With a thunderous kick, Might Guy slammed into a massive tree. Bark exploded outward, sawdust filled the air, and the tree swayed dangerously, almost falling entirely.
"Very, very strong!" Naruto and Rock Lee muttered in awe, speechless at the power and precision of the technique.
Might Guy laughed heartily. "That was only a third of my strength! Imagine what the full force could do! Now, do you want to learn it?"
"Yes!" both boys shouted simultaneously, hearts pounding with excitement.
"Very well! Then let's begin!" Might Guy declared. Despite the long, grueling afternoon and the approaching twilight, Naruto and Rock Lee pushed aside their fatigue. Teeth clenched, courage summoned, and almost crippled bodies dragged forward—they accepted Might Guy's challenge and special training.
At first glance, Leaf Whirlwind appeared deceptively simple. Yet in reality, this was the same move Rock Lee had once used against Team 7 to showcase his skills and even challenge the likes of Uchiha Sasuke. If Naruto and Lee could master it, it would become a formidable addition to their arsenal.
Might Guy patiently explained the subtleties of the technique. Naruto and Rock Lee immediately attempted the moves, adjusting their balance and timing. Naruto's previously accumulated foundation proved invaluable—his understanding of body mechanics and stamina allowed him to grasp the technique quickly.
[Knowledge Absorption] activated, enhancing his comprehension and mastery of the move. Combined with his current 90-point stamina, Naruto became a force few could rival, even among freshly graduated Genin and some Jonin. Within half an hour, he had effectively unlocked the secrets of the technique, though not yet mastering its full power.
Rock Lee lagged slightly, physically drained from the day's relentless training. Yet his unyielding spirit shone through. Despite repeated failures, he continued to push himself, practicing tirelessly, refusing to give up.
By this time, the moon had risen, casting a gentle glow over Konoha Village. The bustling streets gradually quieted, leaving only Naruto and Rock Lee focused entirely on their training. Might Guy nodded approvingly.
"Excellent, Lee, Naruto! Truly remarkable!" he said warmly. "Even if you haven't fully mastered it, you understand the essence. From here on, it's up to you. Keep training, push yourself, and never forget… youth must burn!"
Naruto and Rock Lee exchanged determined glances, fists clenched in mutual resolve. "Thank you, Teacher Guy!" they shouted together.
"Hahaha! Remember my words… Burn with youth!" Might Guy called as he departed, laughing under the moonlight.
Naruto turned to Rock Lee, breathing heavily. "Lee… will you keep training?"
Lee's eyes glimmered with unshakable determination. "Mm! Naruto, my comprehension may not match yours, but I can always trust my effort! I will train harder than ever!"
Naruto felt a twinge of embarrassment but nodded. Without the power of his Knowledge Absorption, he might not have surpassed Lee yet. He also wanted to continue accompanying Lee in his training, but a reminder flashed in his mind:
[Dinner time. Healthy meals are essential for the Host's development. Please eat on time!]
With a tired wave of his hand, Naruto muttered, "I'll have to go home for dinner first."
Lee's bright smile remained unfazed. "We'll meet again tomorrow afternoon, same place and same time! Agreed?"
Naruto nodded, watching Lee's retreating figure. Despite the fierce competition and exhaustion, there was no envy in Lee's gaze—only determination, admiration, and an unbreakable spirit.
---