Eight Gates…
A kinjutsu that releases the body's limitations, allowing power to erupt in an overdrawn burst within a short period of time.
Who invented it is no longer verifiable.
In the records of the Sarutobi clan, it was once documented that during the Warring States Period, there were shinobi who had used this technique, erupting with chakra dozens of times greater than their usual level.
The user of the Eight Gates Technique would have blood-red steam erupting from their body…
"Gate of Opening, Gate of Rest, Gate of Life, Gate of Pain…"
Might Duy opened four gates in one breath.
And the Gate of Pain was also the last safe zone of the Eight Gates Technique.
If one continued opening gates beyond it, the body would suffer damage after the technique ended.
The flow of chakra grew increasingly violent.
Kakashi had long since discarded the burden of being a so-called little prodigy, staring at Duy in dumbfounded shock.
That unimpressive, bearded comedic performer from just moments ago—how had he suddenly transformed into a ferocious beast?
In Kakashi's heart, a thought naturally arose: Father was right not to let me graduate early…
A real shinobi—each and every one of them is stronger than me. How could I be any kind of genius? I'm just a child amusing myself at the academy…
I really want to go back to the Ninja Academy. Even though most of my classmates aren't very strong, at least they're normal people…
Graduate?
Kakashi had already made up his mind—before he possessed even a single true killing move, he absolutely would not graduate…
Minato looked at Duy with the same astonishment.
In his mind, thoughts similar to Kakashi's welled up…
Although he did have a bit of talent, from now on, he absolutely could not underestimate anyone! He had to work even harder…
Duy's talent, in a certain sense, had already produced results for the village from the very beginning—instilling a sense of caution in two of Konoha's geniuses.
"Third Hokage-sama, this technique is the only result of more than twenty years of my training…"
"Please give me a little more time. I'm about to grasp the method for opening the Gate of Death…"
"Hokage-sama, I am willing to burn my youth for the village at any time!"
Duy said these words with ringing conviction.
Guy looked up at his father, his eyes filled with pure admiration.
His father was actually this amazing?
Hiruzen nodded.
The Gate of Death—Might Duy…
That might be combat power comparable to, or even surpassing, Sakumo!
"I hope you will never have the chance to open the Gate of Death, Duy…"
"But as Hokage, if the village ever has need of you, I will personally assign you the mission!"
Hiruzen recalled Duy's posture and extended a thumbs-up toward him.
"Your youth has added a foundation of light to Konoha!"
Watching the Third Hokage make this gesture—one that acknowledged his youth—
It felt as if there were fire burning in his heart…
"Hokage-sama, thank you so, so much for your support!!"
Duy raised his thumb toward Hiruzen as well: "Might Duy is always waiting for your call!"
This scene left the ANBU and the guard force members—who had sensed the chakra of the Eight Gates Technique and rushed over—completely dumbfounded.
Was this really still that Might Duy, Konoha's "Cat-Finding King," the comedic performer, the perennial genin?
With Might Duy's chakra after opening the Gate of Pain, it wasn't that it was unbelievably shocking…
But at the very least, it had absolutely nothing to do with genin level, and even among ordinary special jōnin, not many could reach this degree.
The arriving Uchiha Fugaku felt a sour ache in his teeth.
With the way he was dressed, did that mean the Third Hokage had gotten up to train at the crack of dawn?
This was that intense?
"Here already?"
Hiruzen glanced over and gave a slight nod toward the Police Force and the patrol force.
"This time, your rapid response speed was very good. Keep it up."
"Hizashi, why is it still your shift today?"
Hiruzen spoke again.
"When it's time to rest, you should rest. Don't let yourself get overly exhausted."
When he trained in the early morning, he could always see Hizashi patrolling in the village as well. That off-white squad captain's coat paired with his long black hair made him easy to recognize even with a mask on.
He was basically on duty twenty-four hours a day.
A warmth rose in Hizashi's heart.
"Third Hokage-sama, I'm not tired!"
For him, being able to stroll freely through the village was already a blessing he would never have dared to imagine before.
Not to mention, he was even wearing this squad captain's uniform.
As for Fugaku, bitterness rose in his heart.
Leaving aside Hizashi as a special case…
Because Hiruzen had assigned Minato the task of inspecting security.
Fugaku had crossed paths with Minato a few times, and to his surprise, he discovered that this chūnin—who previously had no particular reputation—was actually displaying astonishing talent.
His speed was something even many Uchiha Sharingan could not keep up with…
Now, had even a mere comedic performer been unearthed by the Third Hokage to reveal such talent?
What was this—turning stone into gold?
The Hokage faction's power was growing ever stronger, making the currently stagnant Uchiha feel almost despairing…
At this moment, Fugaku deeply understood the words of Elder Clan Head Isshin.
Endure—only endure!
Pray that the ancestors would bless them with the emergence of another young clan head like Izuna, or a great clan head like Madara.
Otherwise, for the Uchiha to stand on equal footing with the Senju line, the chances were slim…
"Ah…"
Fugaku shook his head.
His feelings toward Hiruzen were complicated.
On one hand, there was the semi-hostile education he had received since childhood…
On the other hand, when he saw the smiling faces of the Uchiha who had joined the patrol force, he could not help but feel genuine gratitude toward the Hokage.
'Forget it—let Elder Clan Head Isshin worry about these things.'
Fugaku complained inwardly: 'It's all Elder Clan Head Isshin's fault, always emphasizing endurance. That's why I kept spending time with Mikoto, and now, out of nowhere, I'm getting ready to become a father!'
'What should we name the child?'
While Fugaku appeared to be standing guard on the surface, his thoughts wandering far away—
Hiruzen was making adjustments to Duy's position.
"Sakumo, what do you think about letting Duy go to ANBU?"
"You mean, meeting the enemy and immediately opening the Eight Gates Technique, using Konoha's taijutsu style to beat the target to death to complete the assassination?"
Sakumo's mouth twitched as he complained.
"That's not entirely impossible…"
Hiruzen chuckled.
In reality, although the ANBU of each nation nominally required masks and concealed identities, after so many years of constant friction, the core combat forces of each hidden village were already well known to one another…
The moment someone made a move, it was obvious who it was.
If one truly wanted to leave no trace, then there could be no survivors.
"How about letting Duy serve as a physical training instructor? For now, consider it an auxiliary post."
"Given his situation, it wouldn't be appropriate to waste his energy on low-level missions. He should focus on a position where his talents can be fully utilized—and he should also be given time to be with his son."
Hiruzen said so.
"That would be very suitable," Sakumo nodded. "Physical conditioning is a crucial component of ANBU. If it's Duy, I believe he can provide tremendous help."
"You are now a special jōnin," Hiruzen said as he patted Duy on the shoulder.
"I will be keeping an eye on you, Duy."
Duy only felt his mind go a little blank.
When he displayed the Eight Gates Technique, he had no other intentions.
He simply felt that, in front of a Hokage who devoted himself wholeheartedly to the village, still hiding one's strength or clinging to talk of self-restraint… made him feel ashamed.
"Third Hokage-sama, this… can I really do it?"
Duy said in a flustered manner. "I really…"
He wanted to say that he was truly stupid.
Many shinobi were unwilling to team up with him, and it was not that they had a problem… but that he indeed had shortcomings as a shinobi.
"If you can't do it well, then work hard to do it. Your path of youth should carry this kind of resolve, shouldn't it?" Hiruzen said sternly.
Duy fell silent for a brief moment, took a deep breath, and said: "Hokage-sama, I will give it everything I have!"
By then, Sakumo had already walked over to his side.
"Come on. From now on, we're colleagues. I'll be relying on you."
"Sakumo-sama, please take care of me!"
Hizashi watched this scene, a faint smile appearing on his face.
The Hokage-sama seemed to have once again cast his light upon a lost shinobi…
...
A few days later.
Hizashi, after a long absence, returned to the Hyūga clan compound.
He needed to speak with Hyūga Tenzō, that is, his clan head father.
ANBU needed more Byakugan users…
And coincidentally, Tenzō also intended to speak with Hizashi.
Because he had received a letter from a distant relative—the Kirigakure Kaguya clan!
The contents within were highly unusual…
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