I, Konoha's Sage of Life

"Hm?"

Might Duy, a master of taijutsu—though he humbly considered himself just a Genin—sensed a shift in Kyoichi's aura. The sensation was strikingly similar to the Eight Gates Release Formation!

Could Kyoichi also know the Eight Gates?

Curiosity piqued, Duy's gaze lingered on Kyoichi.

No…

It's different. This isn't the Eight Gates.

"Kanda-sensei, what technique is this?"

Duy's voice carried genuine surprise.

The Eight Gates was something he had spent over two decades researching, piecing together from ancient texts and trial-and-error training. Yet Kyoichi, only fifteen years old, seemed to have created something strikingly similar.

"This is a technique I've developed called the Seven Heavens Breathing Method," Kyoichi explained openly.

He had intentionally displayed the technique, hoping to catch Duy's attention.

"Seven Heavens Breathing Method?"

Duy was stunned.

So, it wasn't the Eight Gates.

Unlike the Eight Gates, which revolved around the concept of unlocking the body's eight chakra gates, this method appeared to center around something else entirely—breathing.

Despite Duy's single-minded dedication to the Eight Gates, his understanding of taijutsu was profound. Just from the name, he grasped the method's core principle.

Still, how it worked remained a mystery to him.

"Lightning Release chakra can stimulate cellular activity, and similarly, taking in large amounts of oxygen can achieve the same effect," Kyoichi explained.

This was the essence of the Seven Heavens Breathing Method.

Compared to the cellular stimulation caused by Lightning Release, the Breathing Method was cruder but resulted in even greater increases in speed and strength. However, it came at a steeper cost.

"This… it seems to have much fewer side effects than my technique."

While Duy lacked formal education, his years of experience with the Eight Gates gave him an intimate understanding of the human body. He immediately recognized the Breathing Method's advantage—it placed less strain on the user's body.

"You created this yourself?"

"Kanda-sensei, to be honest, I've spent over twenty years developing a taijutsu technique called the Eight Gates Release Formation!"

Duy then briefly explained the principles of the Eight Gates.

As he spoke, his admiration for Kyoichi grew.

The body's eight gates were protective mechanisms that limited chakra flow to prevent self-harm. Unlocking these gates unleashed immense power but came with devastating side effects, including muscle tearing and bodily collapse.

While the Seven Heavens Breathing Method didn't reach the same explosive limits as the Eight Gates, it was far more practical for widespread use. It demanded less of the body and only carried the cost of accelerated cellular division—a minor price compared to the Eight Gates' risks.

This made it a potentially life-saving technique on the battlefield.

Moreover, it only activated the body's cells without interfering with chakra flow, another advantage over the Eight Gates.

"Kanda-sensei, my Eight Gates technique is based on the body's chakra gates. That's why it's called Eight Gates. What about your Seven Heavens Breathing Method?"

"I envision it having seven levels of activation. Right now, I've only developed the third level," Kyoichi replied.

Might Guy, who had been listening, was utterly lost.

Although he had started training in the Eight Gates, he didn't understand the deeper mechanics of taijutsu or the human body. Unable to follow the conversation, he decided to practice his taijutsu moves on his own.

"The third level…"

Duy's curiosity was growing.

Stimulating cellular activity was a novel concept—one he had never considered.

"So far, the method involves inhaling an increased amount of oxygen. Right now, I can intake four times the normal amount. But for future development, it'll require more than that," Kyoichi continued.

"Wait! This is all your own creation. I can't just listen for free. Let's trade—I'll teach you the Eight Gates, and you share the Seven Heavens Breathing Method with me. But… no, there's no need to worry. With your character, I know you'll use the Eight Gates wisely."

Duy had initially wanted to emphasize the importance of responsibility, much like he did with his son.

However, after a moment's thought, he realized there was no need.

Kyoichi's character was evident—he would undoubtedly use the technique for protection rather than destruction.

"Thank you, Duy-senpai. To be honest, I'm very interested in the Eight Gates, though I understand it's a forbidden technique that should only be used sparingly."

"As expected of Kanda-sensei! You didn't even need me to say it," Duy laughed heartily before whispering the details of the Eight Gates to Kyoichi.

In return, Kyoichi taught him the Seven Heavens Breathing Method.

However, the Breathing Method's development beyond the third level was incomplete. Unless Kyoichi's system could miraculously create the remaining levels, he would have to rely on his own research to advance it.

Between the two techniques, the Eight Gates was undoubtedly the more refined and powerful one.

Yet Duy didn't feel shortchanged.

The Breathing Method opened his eyes to an entirely new approach. While it wasn't practical to combine it with the Eight Gates, it had incredible potential for widespread application.

"Kanda-sensei, if the first level of activation could be simplified, wouldn't it make an excellent foundational taijutsu for most ninja?"

"I've had that thought. It's still under research," Kyoichi admitted.

"I may be a mere Genin, but I'd be happy to help if I can."

"That would be fantastic!" Kyoichi replied, feeling both excited and a bit embarrassed.

He had intended to trade for the Eight Gates but found that Duy's selflessness and vision far exceeded his own.

The fact that Duy regarded him so highly also left Kyoichi reflecting on his own character.

After their exchange, Kyoichi couldn't help but sigh.

Keeping someone like Duy relegated to the rank of Genin felt like such a waste.

Konoha wasn't lacking talent—it was crippled by the shortsightedness of the Third Hokage and Danzō.

Compared to Senju Tobirama, their ability to identify and nurture potential was severely lacking.

That day, Kyoichi and Duy spent hours discussing and testing their techniques.

The Eight Gates and the Seven Heavens Breathing Method were fundamentally different systems, but both were powerful forbidden arts.

By the end of their session, Duy had already mastered the first level of the Breathing Method.

"I think I have an idea, but… I can't quite put it into words," Duy admitted, his face reddening with frustration.

Duy's training was rooted in sheer repetition rather than theory. While he could explain the Eight Gates, he struggled to articulate his understanding of the Breathing Method.

"Duy-senpai, there's no need to rush. If necessary, we can release the first level to the public. Its universal application would be enough. As for the Eight Gates, I think it could benefit from its own specialized techniques."

"Specialized techniques? Why?"

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