The Forest of Death.
Two figures clashed at high speed, their movements so fast that their appearances blurred into a flurry of motion.
Kitazawa halted, a hint of surprise flashing across his face. He had left school today with one goal: to meet Might Guy.
Bringing Hyuga Hinata along was simply part of his plan to begin her special training.
Kitazawa didn't approach. Instead, he stood still, quietly observing the one-on-one battle between men. He recognized both fighters.
Might Guy, in his trademark green spandex, fought with a style that looked bizarre yet powerful.
Facing him was Hatake Kakashi, with white hair, and a black mask covering his face except for his right eye—an image that stood out no matter where you looked.
Kitazawa focused intently on Might Guy. Soon, he saw him unleash the Konoha Great Whirlwind.
Since he had nothing else to do, Kitazawa began noting down the movement patterns. However, just memorizing the forms wasn't enough. The essence of Taijutsu lay in mastering how to exert force.
Without a Sharingan, the only way to grasp the true depth of the technique was by learning it directly from someone who knew.
Bang!
The two combatants broke apart after a fierce exchange.
"That's enough for today," Kakashi said with a calm expression, pausing to glance in Kitazawa's direction. "He's here, probably with a reason."
"We'll continue next time, then," Might Guy replied, slightly reluctant.
"Guy. Kakashi." Kitazawa stepped forward and greeted them.
Kakashi glanced at Hinata, who was hiding behind Kitazawa, and asked, "Why do you have time to visit us now?"
"I just got out of class and had nothing planned," Kitazawa replied, then added, "This is my student, Hyuga Hinata."
"I've always been curious about the Hyuga clan's Gentle Fist," Might Guy said, his eyes lighting up with interest.
"She's just a child," Kakashi reminded while Might Guy scratched his head awkwardly.
Though the Hyuga clan had a decent reputation, they weren't exactly easygoing—much like the Uchiha clan. The Uchihas were cold due to pride, while the Hyugas were constrained by rigid rules.
"Guy, I came to ask a favor," Kitazawa said bluntly.
"I'll leave you two to it, then. I need to return to the Anbu." Without waiting for a reply, Kakashi vanished in a flicker.
Kitazawa smirked slightly. He had a hunch Kakashi left in such a hurry to avoid being roped into another of Might Guy's relentless challenges.
In the original timeline, Guy viewed Kakashi as his lifelong rival and tried to compete with him in everything, every single day. It must have driven Kakashi mad.
The curse of being too persistent.
"Can you teach me the Konoha Great Whirlwind?" Kitazawa asked directly.
"Of course!" Might Guy gave a thumbs-up with a brilliant smile. "The fire of youth should burn through Taijutsu and sweat!"
In the original story, he even taught Kakashi the forbidden Eight Gates technique. Compared to that, the Konoha Great Tornado was child's play.
"Thank you." Suddenly, an idea struck Kitazawa. "Do you know Rock Lee?"
He had always admired characters like Rock Lee—driven, relentless, and full of heart.
Might Guy was strong but eccentric. Hence, he had few real connections. Rock Lee, however, was someone who could truly bond with him.
In the original work, they became master and student, like soulmates—but that wouldn't happen for another six years.
Kitazawa could accelerate that fate.
"I don't know him," Might Guy said after thinking.
Not surprising. Rock Lee was only in the second grade.
"He's a student in Class A, second grade," Kitazawa explained. "You should meet him when you have time."
"Why?"
"I think he embodies the spirit of youth," Kitazawa smiled. "He's perfect for your style of Taijutsu."
"Really?!" Might Guy's eyes widened with excitement.
In the ninja world, teacher-student bonds were sacred. Every ninja dreamed of finding a worthy successor to pass on their techniques.
Might Guy was no different.
However, due to the harsh requirements of the Eight Gates technique, he had struggled to find a student who could even attempt it.
"You'll know when you see him," Kitazawa said confidently. "He won't disappoint you."
"Amazing!" Guy trembled, tears streaming down his face. "This must be the power of youth!"
Kitazawa thought, This guy… truly one of a kind.
Hyuga Hinata, meanwhile, was completely dumbfounded. What is going on? What a strange adult…
"Excellent!" Might Guy wiped his tears and declared, "Let the youth training begin!"
He turned to Hinata. "You're here too, so join us!"
Kitazawa smiled and nodded. "Let's go, Hinata."
"O-Okay!" Hinata snapped out of her daze and nodded quickly.
"Watch closely!" Might Guy stopped in front of a large tree and shouted, "Konoha Great Whirlwind!"
He launched a low spinning kick that struck the tree trunk. Then, using the momentum, he twisted his body into an upper kick.
Boom!
The tree trembled, leaves fluttered down, and a deep dent formed on the bark.
"What terrifying power." Kitazawa couldn't help but admire it.
But then again, Might Guy's dedication was second to none. In the original, he practically trained every moment he wasn't eating or sleeping.
"You try it," Guy said, stepping aside.
Kitazawa walked up and mimicked the move. A low kick flowed into a high one—Konoha Great Whirlwind.
"Amazing!" Hinata blurted out in awe after seeing him succeed on his first try.
"Have you learned it before?" Guy asked, impressed by the flawless execution.
"No," Kitazawa replied honestly.
He hadn't practiced the Great Tornado before—but he had mastered the basic Konoha Tornado.
"Kitazawa, become my Taijutsu student!" Guy said earnestly, his expression serious.
"I don't have the time for such intense training," Kitazawa coughed lightly and politely declined. "Besides, we're technically classmates. Becoming your student would mess up the relationship."
Training in the Eight Gates was brutal, requiring lifelong dedication and pain. With the system in hand, Kitazawa preferred a more efficient, less self-tormenting path.
By noon.
After two hours of relentless practice, Kitazawa had successfully mastered the Konoha Great Tornado.
[Current task: Master a C-rank Ninjutsu faster than Uchiha Sasuke.
Task reward: Shuriken Manipulation Technique.
Task complete. Reward granted.]
The Shuriken Manipulation Technique was both a ninjutsu and a throwing art. It allowed the user to control shuriken mid-air using nearly invisible threads, making attacks unpredictable.
"Guy, thanks for today. Dinner's on me," Kitazawa said, wiping sweat from his forehead. "What do you want to eat?"
"Ichiraku Ramen," Might Guy replied without hesitation.
"Hinata, what about you?" Kitazawa looked over.
Her fair face was flushed from exertion, and her once smooth hair was now damp and messy.
"I-I'm fine," Hinata said softly, catching her breath.
"Then let's go to Ichiraku Ramen," Kitazawa said, already thinking about the next phase of training.