Chapter 12: CHAPTER 12
Tenten blurted out, "It's because my brother is at home, and he forges his own ninja tools!"
Kazuki nodded and explained:
"Yes, I usually enjoy crafting specialized ninja tools and testing them in battle. It helps refine my techniques."
After listening to their explanation, Might Guy's expression eased, though a flicker of surprise remained on his face.
He had never considered that blacksmithing could also enhance a ninja's physical capabilities.
"Kazuki, it seems you have a unique talent in the path of the ninja!"
Might Guy flashed his signature grin and gave Kazuki a thumbs-up, his eyes brimming with admiration.
"I believe you have the potential to become an exceptional shinobi! Maybe, just maybe, you'll surpass even Kakashi and become the youngest Jōnin in Konoha! Hahahaha!"
Of course, while Might Guy praised Kazuki, he didn't forget to encourage Tenten and Rock Lee.
"You two must keep up with Kazuki's progress! Never feel disheartened—hard work and perseverance will make you formidable shinobi!"
"Yes, Guy-sensei!"
Tenten and Lee responded in unison, their determination unwavering.
They would never let their current strength define them. Instead, Kazuki's progress became a source of motivation, driving them to train even harder.
"This is the power of youth!"
Might Guy struck his signature pose, hands on his hips, his laughter ringing through the training grounds.
"Now then, let's see how much you've all improved!"
Kazuki, eager to test his skills, felt a surge of anticipation.
After months of rigorous training, he was curious to see how well he could fare in combat.
Facing off against a legendary Taijutsu master like Might Guy—even if only against his shadow clones—was a rare and valuable opportunity.
"Are you all ready? Who wants to go first?" Might Guy asked with a hearty laugh.
"I'll go first!"
Rock Lee stepped forward, punching the air in rapid succession, his enthusiasm palpable.
"Excellent! Show me your resolve, Lee!"
"Guy-sensei, I won't hold back!"
With that, Rock Lee lunged forward, charging at the shadow clone with explosive speed.
"Haah!"
He threw a powerful punch, but the clone effortlessly sidestepped.
Even while evading, Might Guy observed Lee's movements carefully.
"Good strength, but your accuracy needs work," he noted.
"Again, Lee! Push yourself further!"
"You dodged? Then take this!"
Far from discouraged, Rock Lee's determination only intensified.
He spun mid-air, unleashing a lightning-fast kick.
"Guy-sensei, let me test my limits!"
Bang! Bang! Bang!
A relentless barrage of punches followed, raining down like a storm.
Yet, to Might Guy's trained eye, Lee's attacks were still unpolished—impressive, but not enough.
He smiled. The fire of youth burned brightly in all of them.
All of Rock Lee's attacks were effortlessly dodged by Might Guy.
"Huhuhu~~~"
After a dozen strikes,
Rock Lee was out of breath.
He wiped the sweat from his cheek, his breath heavy with exhaustion, and said with admiration,
"Hoo~ Guy-sensei, you're truly too strong!"
He had attacked Might Guy relentlessly,
but he hadn't even grazed the hem of his sensei's green jumpsuit.
Let alone land a direct hit—he hadn't even managed to dispel his shadow clone.
"Lee, I've grasped your current level in combat. Your training for today ends here~"
Might Guy's shadow clone spoke lightly, his tone as casual as if he had just taken a stroll.
The next instant,
where he had stood was only an afterimage.
What?!
Such incredible speed!
Rock Lee froze for a moment, his mind struggling to catch up.
And in the very second he regained his senses,
Might Guy's real body had already appeared behind him. His legs bent slightly, then—
Boom!
A dull impact echoed,
the earth trembled violently,
and a shockwave rippled outward in sync with the force of the ground strike.
Rock Lee, who had been closest, was instantly sent flying by the sheer pressure alone!
The battle was over!
From Might Guy's attack to Rock Lee being blasted away by the aftershock,
the entire exchange had lasted less than three seconds!
And Guy had held back—his strike was directed at the ground.
Had that fist been aimed at Rock Lee himself, it would have been a direct knockout… or worse.
Is this the pinnacle of taijutsu?
Is this the strength of Konoha's Elite Jōnin?!
So overwhelming!
Not just Rock Lee—
even Tenten, watching from the sidelines, was left speechless.
With a "bang," Might Guy dispelled his shadow clone and strode over to where Rock Lee had fallen. He extended a hand, pulling his student up while offering words of encouragement:
"Lee, your taijutsu talent is exceptional, and the results of your training are showing!"
"After all, none of you are Genin yet. Given that, your performance today was already commendable!"
"Keep pushing forward!"
"Hard work can surpass all talent!"
After a brief moment of frustration, Rock Lee quickly regained his resolve.
"Yes! Guy-sensei! I will redouble my efforts in training!"
"Mm."
Might Guy nodded,
his heart swelling with pride.
He had truly seen the potential in this child—
Not only his natural perseverance but also his unwavering spirit.
It was exactly because of this that he was always willing to personally guide this group of aspiring shinobi.
"Who's next?" Might Guy asked.
"Me, me, me!"
Before Kazuki could respond,
Tenten had already rushed forward, eager to begin her match against another of Might Guy's shadow clones.
Unlike Rock Lee, whose combat relied purely on close-range taijutsu,
Tenten specialized in long-range ninja tools and projectile weapons.
Kunai, shuriken, senbon—
she hurled them with pinpoint accuracy, as if she had an unlimited supply.
Rock Lee, watching from the sidelines, was momentarily stunned,
his eyes gleaming with admiration.
So this was how the prodigies of Konoha's great clans fought?
The sheer amount of weapons at her disposal…
It was almost extravagant!
However,
despite her impressive display,
Tenten's battle strategy remained too predictable.
A long-range assault alone wasn't enough—
while she could keep pace with Might Guy for a while,
it was only a matter of time before she was overpowered…