The Ultimate Ninja Tool of the Shinobi World

"Forehead..."

"You finally stopped?" Might Guy exhaled, as if he had finally emerged from a brutal training regimen.

"That's right." Tian Yu nodded seriously. "Mr. Guy, didn't you say this assessment would last for 10 minutes under your control? The time is up."

"Pfft—!"

Might Guy almost coughed up a mouthful of blood.

The battle had just been intense beyond belief. Stop? Time? Who even remembered the time during that barrage of wind-fire tornadoes and blinding sword strikes?!

Tian Yu... how are you still this calm?!

"Cough, cough..."

Guy raised his fist to his lips and gave a dry cough to cover his embarrassment. Then, with a subtle nod, he regained composure.

"Yes, yes... the 10-minute trial period is over."

He looked at Tian Yu seriously, a trace of pride in his eyes.

"Tian Yu, to force me to activate the Eight Gates Formation to defend—your progress these past few months has been astonishing!"

As he spoke, a slight blush appeared on his cheeks.

Of course, he wouldn't mention that Tian Yu had nearly made him open past the Third Gate of Life—a point even Jonin hesitate to touch during sparring.

"Anyway... for this assessment—you've passed!"

"As promised, I've prepared a generous reward for you!"

---

Chapter 27: The Forbidden Reward

"Mr. Guy, what's the reward?" Tian Yu asked, curious.

Might Guy revealed a mysterious smile. Instead of answering directly, he posed a question.

"You saw the strength of the Eight Gates Formation just now, didn't you?"

"Yeah," Tian Yu nodded.

"The Eight Gates Formation—Hachimon Tonkō—is a forbidden taijutsu technique I practice."

"You've seen it. The power boost is monstrous. If I opened all Eight Gates, I'd gain strength rivaling even Lord Hokage!"

Might Guy's tone was firm, his expression solemn.

"But... every power has its price."

"The reason this technique is labeled a forbidden jutsu is because of its devastating side effects."

"Even with my reinforced body, if I open the final gate—The Gate of Death—I will die."

"Now, Tian Yu... do you understand what it means to use a forbidden jutsu?"

"Yes."

Tian Yu answered with unwavering resolve.

Might Guy's expression grew even more serious. "Using forbidden techniques comes with danger. Even knowing that... are you still willing to learn?"

"I'm willing to take the risk," Tian Yu said calmly.

Guy stared deeply into the boy's eyes, reading every emotion behind them.

Then—

"Wooooooo!! This is amazing!! Someone finally wants to learn my most precious secret technique!! Tian Yu, I knew you were a splendid youth!"

Might Guy burst into joyful tears, his nose running as he wept passionately.

Tian Yu: "…"

Someone's about to teach him the Eight Gates, and this is how he reacts?

Mr. Guy, are you always this dramatic?

Understanding Tian Yu's confusion, Guy wiped away tears and sighed.

"I've met many taijutsu practitioners... but once they learned the Eight Gates could lead to death, they all backed out."

"Not one stuck around to train with me until Lee came along."

Tian Yu nodded. He understood.

Most ninja his age were born during Konoha's peaceful era. They'd never known war. They couldn't understand the urgency—the need for power.

That's why only someone as persistent as Rock Lee had walked Guy's path.

"Tian Yu," Guy asked suddenly. "Are you not afraid of death?"

"I am," Tian Yu replied truthfully.

"Then why agree to learn the Eight Gates?" Guy asked in surprise.

Tian Yu paused for a moment before answering:

"Because... I think your jutsu is a half-finished technique."

"Half-finished?" Guy blinked.

Tian Yu nodded.

"Yes. The Eight Gates were developed—they weren't born naturally. If something can be created... it can be improved."

"I believe there's a way to reduce or even eliminate the damage caused by opening all Eight Gates. Maybe... even avoid death."

Guy froze.

Then... he laughed.

He laughed so hard, he shook. Tears spilled down his cheeks again.

"Hahahaha!! You're saying exactly what I used to dream about!"

"Tian Yu, if we were the same age—I'd call you my brother!"

Tian Yu, with a face full of black lines: "...Please don't."

Once Guy calmed down, his expression grew solemn again.

"Yes. I've thought the same. Maybe... if one's body is trained to a near-perfect level, the damage from the Gates can be minimized."

"The side effects are tied to the body's limitations. That's why, from the beginning, I had you strike sandbags, carry weights, run long distances."

"Endurance is the foundation of taijutsu."

Tian Yu nodded seriously.

"Alright. I'll begin teaching you the cultivation path of the Eight Gates!"

---

Several hours later...

Might Guy sat cross-legged, one finger raised, still lecturing with unmatched intensity.

"You've already met the physical requirements to begin training. For now, start by sensing the First Gate—Gate of Opening."

"If you feel any strain, stop immediately. Never force it."

Tian Yu nodded.

As they continued to exchange ideas, Guy noticed how sharp Tian Yu's questions were—spotting gaps even he hadn't considered.

Guy paused in thought.

This boy… he might truly reach beyond what I imagined…

---

By the time their training ended, it was already late evening.

Tian Yu's stomach rumbled with emptiness.

Konoha's training ground is far from home… let's eat outside today.

He made his way to the Hidden Leaf's famous noodle shop—Ichiraku Ramen.

"Uncle, one bowl of ramen please!"

"Yo, Tian Yu! You want the usual—pork tonkotsu with extra chashu?"

"Yes, Uncle Teuchi!"

Tian Yu's parents often traveled for business, and their ninja tool shop earned steady income. So food was never a problem.

He and his sister, Tenten, were regulars at Ichiraku when younger.

But ever since meeting Might Guy, who always treated them to yakiniku, he hadn't visited Ichiraku much.

As he waited, Tian Yu sat and idly glanced outside the shop.

Then he noticed a boy in an orange jumpsuit standing outside the door.

The kid didn't enter—just stared at the entrance.

Yo… isn't that Naruto?

The whisker marks on the boy's cheeks confirmed it instantly.

"Why are you just standing out there and not coming in?" Tian Yu asked, walking over.

Naruto was clearly startled. He hadn't expected anyone in the village to talk to him voluntarily.

Scratching his head with an embarrassed smile, Naruto said:

"I was gonna eat at Ichiraku... but the pocket money I saved up for half a month just disappeared. I swear I left it in my pocket..."

He looked genuinely downcast.

Tian Yu waved him over without hesitation.

"If it's gone, it's gone. Come eat with me. I'll treat you to ramen."