Gekkō Hoshiyomi wasn't someone who could throw himself into tireless training all day long. Even with a system that allowed him to steadily grow stronger through swordsmanship training alone, he couldn't bring himself to grind 24/7.
That was why he had so much respect for Might Duy's unwavering determination. When Duy looked at him with eyes full of hope, Hoshiyomi responded without hesitation.
Not only did he offer encouragement Duy had likely never received before, but he also pulled out a set of weighted training gear from his storage scroll—gear he had once used himself.
Duy was taken aback. Though his gaze was fixed on the gear, he still waved his hands frantically, declining:
"This is way too valuable! We only just met today—how could I accept something like this?"
"Take it," Hoshiyomi said. "It's something I've already outgrown. Leaving it with me would just be a waste. Better to let it shine again in your hands."
Seeing how firm Hoshiyomi was, Duy was moved to tears. He took the weights with both hands and bowed at a perfect ninety-degree angle.
"Thank you so much. If there's ever anything I can do for you, please let me. I'll burn all of my youth for you, Hoshiyomi-kun!"
That line made Hoshiyomi break into a cold sweat. Something about it felt… a bit too enthusiastic. But still, he clapped Duy on the shoulder and said seriously:
"Keep pushing forward. I'm looking forward to seeing you graduate. Oh—and remember, train smart. Don't push yourself to the point of injury. Once you damage your body, it's hard to recover. Don't joke around with your own health."
Duy, eyes brimming with gratitude, took his leave. After he was gone, Tsunade turned to Hoshiyomi and asked softly,
"Why are you being so kind to that guy Duy? Do you really think he can become a ninja? I heard from Yako that he doesn't have any talent for ninjutsu at all."
Hoshiyomi looked at her with calm conviction and replied,
"In this world, there are two kinds of people I respect most: those who hold fast to their dreams, and those who work so hard that it's almost reckless.
Might Duy… is both."
Tsunade murmured those words under her breath, repeating them twice. She didn't say anything else, but when she looked at Hoshiyomi again, her eyes seemed to glimmer just a little.
After the meal, everyone went their separate ways. Tsunade returned to the Senju compound.
Instead of heading straight to training, she went to find her grandmother, Mito, who was quietly resting with her eyes closed.
"Grandma," Tsunade asked softly, "do you think someone with no talent for ninjutsu, but who works really, really hard… can still become a powerful ninja?"
That question immediately piqued Mito's interest. She thought for a moment, then said:
"It's not impossible, though extremely rare. Back in the Warring States era, there was a secret technique passed around—a forbidden art that involved unlocking eight chakra limiters within the body to unleash bursts of incredible power.
It's called the Eight Gates Technique. The training is brutal. Only those with bodies many times stronger than average, and willpower like iron, can survive opening even a few gates.
Legend has it that opening the Eighth Gate grants power surpassing even a tailed beast—but the user's life will burn away entirely as the cost.
No one knows for sure if anyone has ever opened all eight gates… but the technique is real. It's recorded in Konoha's archives, and your great-uncle Tobirama even tried to master it once.
As talented as he was, he only managed to open up to the Fourth Gate before the strain on his body forced him to stop. He personally labeled it a forbidden technique, and the scroll is still in his study today.
Why do you ask?"
Tsunade's eyes lit up, but she tried to sound casual.
"Oh, it's nothing. Hoshiyomi just mentioned it earlier during lunch and I thought it was interesting. Time to train now, see you later Grandma!"
And just like that, she dashed off. Mito could only shake her head at her granddaughter's poor lying skills.
After Tsunade had left, Mito spoke aloud to the seemingly empty room:
"Bring me Might Duy's file. And keep an eye on Tsunade. Help her if necessary."
That same evening, after a long day of training, Duy returned home and was preparing dinner when he discovered a scroll tucked in the back of his cupboard.
The words "Eight Gates Technique" were scrawled across its cover.
Curious, Duy unrolled it. As he read the terrifying descriptions within, his eyes grew wide—shining as though a door to a brand-new world had just opened before him…
—
The Sixth Training Field had become the go-to meeting spot for Team Torifu. After everyone had arrived, Hoshiyomi yawned and lazily asked:
"So, where are we off to for bandit-hunting today, Sensei?"
Even Shinku Yūhi had grown tired of it. After three straight months of hunting bandits, even Hoshiyomi—who had gained plenty of combat experience—was starting to feel worn down.
After all, he wasn't some bloodthirsty killer. Taking too many lives weighed on him.
Not to mention, his swordsmanship system's XP gain was painfully slow these days. After all those months, his progress had only inched forward a few points.
To his surprise, Torifu wasn't sending them after bandits today. Munching on a strip of jerky, he said around his chewing:
"No bandits this time. We've got something a little more interesting. Go home, pack up—bring everything you'll need, especially ninja gear. This one's a long-distance mission.
We're heading out to the Land of Rice Fields. Round trip, it'll take at least a month, and they don't have ninja support out there. If you forget anything, you won't find replacements.
Hoshiyomi, be sure to say goodbye to your mom, too. It's a long trip, don't make her worry. We'll meet at the village gate at 3 p.m. sharp. You're dismissed."
The three young ninja looked at each other, excitement gleaming in their eyes.
No more bandits. That alone made any mission worthwhile. But what exactly was this new assignment?
With curiosity burning in their hearts, they quickly split up to prepare.
Hoshiyomi made several trips back and forth, packing tools, food, and clothing. Once satisfied, he headed to the Konoha Hospital to say farewell to his mother.
After their goodbye, he vaulted onto the rooftops and sprinted through the village, making his way straight to the gate.
Once the four of them had gathered and submitted their departure paperwork, Team Torifu officially set off.
Destination: The Land of Rice Fields.
—
Author's Note:
There's no official explanation for who invented the Eight Gates Technique. But based on Madara's dialogue during his fight with Might Guy, it's clear he knew about it in advance—so I think it's unlikely Tobirama or Duy created it. That's why I set it up this way