"Good afternoon, Third-sama."
Upon reaching the training ground, Mutsuki and Duy greeted Sarutobi Hiruzen, who was admiring the scenery.
Sarutobi Hiruzen turned around, smiling upon seeing the two. "Duy, I vaguely remember you as the most diligent practitioner of the Eight Inner Gates back then. It seems your efforts have borne fruit."
As Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke, he stroked the small beard on his chin, his expression kind, resembling that of an ordinary elder pleased with the success of his juniors' hard work.
"Third-sama, I didn't expect you to still remember me," Duy remarked, surprised that Sarutobi Hiruzen retained memories from that time. He had thought Sarutobi Hiruzen only remembered him as the Eternal Genin.
"Haha, though I wasn't yet the Hokage back then, I was already striving and learning from Tobirama-sensei. How could I forget someone as unique as you, Duy," Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled.
His words weren't entirely for building rapport; he genuinely remembered Duy, considering his distinctive appearance and behavior compared to ordinary people.
"Hahaha, thanks for the support!" Duy raised his thumbs up, laughing heartily, revealing his two rows of pearly white teeth.
Mutsuki couldn't help but marvel at the advantages of high status. Sarutobi Hiruzen's position destined him to easily garner favor. Apart from transmigrators like him, few within Konoha Village could resist the proactive approach of the Hokage.
"I've long heard of the power of the Eight Inner Gates from Tobirama-sensei, but unfortunately, I've never had the chance to witness it firsthand. I wonder if today, Duy, you can fulfill this regret for me."
As a habitual gesture to increase favorability, Sarutobi Hiruzen began discussing business.
"Since it's Hokage-sama's regret, there's certainly no reason to refuse. Gate of Joy, open!"
Duy clenched both fists, erupting with Chakra throughout his body, roaring as he directly opened the sixth gate, enveloping his entire body in green energy.
The Eight Inner Gates were originally meant to be opened one by one; you had to open the preceding gate to unlock the next one. However, if one mastered the control of the Eight Inner Gates to a certain extent, they could skip ahead and directly open the gates further down the line. Currently, Duy's limit was skipping the first five gates and directly opening the sixth gate.
Huff, huff!!
The tremendous Chakra instantly burst forth from Duy, stirring up the wind, bending the green grass around, and tousling Sarutobi Hiruzen's black and gray hair.
"Is this the sixth gate of the Eight Inner Gates?" Sensing the imposing aura emanating from Duy, Sarutobi Hiruzen displayed an intrigued expression.
Although there weren't any special eyes capable of directly seeing which gate Duy had opened, based on the descriptions of the Eight Inner Gates, he could discern that Duy was currently in the state of the sixth gate.
The first five gates of the Eight Inner Gates don't cause any significant external changes to the body when activated. Starting from the sixth gate, each gate exhibits distinctive alterations. At the sixth gate, the body is filled with green energy, the seventh gate emits blue vapor, and upon opening the Gate of Death, crimson red vapor appears.
"Come at me, don't hold back," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, breaking the silence.
The best way to test one's strength is through combat.
Although it was just a Shadow Clone, Sarutobi Hiruzen endowed it with a considerable amount of Chakra, around thirty percent of his total reserves.
A flash of excitement crossed Duy's eyes. Since mastering the Eight Inner Gates, he had only sparred with Mutsuki. He hadn't expected to face the Third Hokage so soon.
Granting Sarutobi Hiruzen's wish, Duy unleashed the full power of the sixth gate without holding back, launching an attack on Sarutobi Hiruzen.
With a swift motion, Duy disappeared from his original position, delivering a swift kick towards Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression remained calm, showing no hint of panic. Just as Duy's leg was about to strike him, Sarutobi Hiruzen's figure disappeared, causing Duy's attack to miss.
"Your speed is indeed impressive, surpassing many Jonin," Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had used the Body Flicker Jutsu to evade, nodded inwardly as he dodged.
Despite his failed strike, Duy didn't lose heart. After all, he was facing the Third Hokage. He quickly locked onto Sarutobi Hiruzen's position and continued to charge towards him.
This time, Duy used his fists. With powerful punches, he could generate shockwaves in the air, rushing towards Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!" Sarutobi Hiruzen swiftly formed hand seals and expelled a large amount of earth, creating a sturdy rock wall.
Boom!!
Duy's fist slammed fiercely against the solid rock wall, causing it to tremble and crack slightly.
Mutsuki watched the scene without surprise. The strength of Ninjutsu depends on the user. If it were Kakashi's Earth-Style Wall from when he was eight years old, Duy, at the sixth gate, could have shattered it with a single punch. However, this was Sarutobi Hiruzen's Earth-Style Wall. The fact that it showed cracks meant Sarutobi Hiruzen wasn't taking it seriously.
"Not bad strength," Sarutobi Hiruzen continued to evaluate Duy's performance.
Then Sarutobi Hiruzen took the initiative, using the Body Flicker Jutsu to swiftly position himself above the earthen wall, then rapidly forming hand seals to unleash a gust of wind.
Faced with such a formidable opponent as the Third Hokage, Duy dared not slack off. Seeing Sarutobi Hiruzen preparing to attack, he immediately dodged.
Subsequently, Sarutobi Hiruzen demonstrated various advanced Ninjutsu of different attributes, turning the battlefield between them into chaos, almost as if showcasing his skills.
After battling for close to seven minutes, Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke up, "Let's call it here."
Then, with a smile, Sarutobi Hiruzen stroked his beard and said, "The Eight Inner Gates are indeed powerful. Just the sixth gate alone is enough to defeat many Jonin."
Sarutobi Hiruzen knew the true power of the Eight Inner Gates lay in the seventh and eighth gates. However, the cost of opening these gates was immense. Opening the seventh gate would inevitably result in injury, reaching a level where even a slight touch would cause pain. Opening the eighth gate meant there was only one path: death.
However, based on Duy's strength at the sixth gate, he could roughly estimate Duy's power at the eighth gate.
"If the eighth gate were to be opened, perhaps there would be a temporary strength equal to mine," Sarutobi Hiruzen thought to himself.
Of course, not as a Shadow Clone, but in his prime.
Sarutobi Hiruzen finally understood the sentiment behind Senju Tobirama's desire to establish an Eight Inner Gates squad.
If successful, Konoha would gain a significant deterrent in wartime. They could directly execute enemy leaders without needing many forces—just a couple of Eight Inner Gates Ninja and a few Jonin would suffice.
At this moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen also entertained the idea of cultivating Eight Inner Gates Ninja. However, with the ongoing war, the timing seemed inappropriate. During wartime, every action needed to be cautious.
"Duy, your original achievements weren't sufficient for a promotion to Chunin. However, because you are the first person from Konoha to successfully master the Eight Inner Gates, fulfilling Tobirama-sensei's wish, I am promoting you to Chunin." Sarutobi spoke with a serious expression.
"Thank you, Third-sama!" Duy tightly clenched his right fist, feeling extremely excited.
He was very grateful to Mutsuki for being willing to create this opportunity for him. He was also thankful to Sarutobi Hiruzen for promoting him specially.
But Duy felt that he owed the most gratitude to himself—the self who didn't waver in the face of others' gossip, the self who diligently practiced Taijutsu for a decade, the self who believed that hard work would eventually pay off.
"You deserve it all," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a smile.
It could only be said that fortune and misfortune go hand in hand. If it weren't for his continuous practice of the Eight Inner Gates, Duy wouldn't have become the universally looked down upon perennial Genin. But without practicing the Eight Inner Gates, Duy might not have become as strong a ninja, nor would he have been promoted to Chunin as he is now.
"Duy, go to the Hokage Building to receive your Chunin uniform and promotion form," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, finishing the hand seals to dispel the Shadow Clone, allowing the memories to return to his original self.
The difference between Konoha Genin and Chunin lies in their attire. Genin only wear a forehead protector, while Chunin are given a green Ninja vest.
"Congratulations, Duy Senpai," Mutsuki said, smiling brightly to celebrate.
"It's all thanks to your help, Mutsuki!" Duy expressed his gratitude, giving Mutsuki a thumbs up.
At this moment, Duy really wanted to take the uniform and Chunin promotion form back to show to Might Guy, letting him know the good news.
So, the two of them quickly made their way to the Hokage Building.
Sarutobi Hiruzen acted swiftly. Upon arriving at the Hokage Building, they didn't have to wait long before receiving the Chunin set, including the vest and promotion form.
The Chunin standard vest was sealed in plastic. After some thought, Duy tore it open and directly put on the green vest. This way, as soon as he returned, Guy would notice.
However, when Duy was about to leave with the vest and form, Mutsuki stopped him.
"Duy Senpai, if I may ask, since today is Guy's birthday, what gift have you prepared for him?" Mutsuki interrupted, curious.
Duy somehow pulled out a green bodysuit identical to the one he was wearing, laughing as he raised his thumb. "Of course, it's a practical and useful bodysuit!"
Mutsuki understood why Guy would gift bodysuits on Shisui's birthday.
"Duy Senpai, I have a suggestion. How about we write down some insights on Taijutsu training together and give them to Guy? This way, even when he's on a mission, he can practice according to the experiences written there," Mutsuki proposed with a smile, adjusting his glasses.
The gap between Mastery level and Perfect level is significant, and Mutsuki worried Guy might lack a bit to reach the Perfect level skill. So, he came up with the idea of collaborating to create a gift for Guy.
"That's very thoughtful of you, Mutsuki. Let's do as you suggest," Duy nodded emphatically. This idea was indeed better than just giving a bodysuit.
...
Nighttime, at Guy's house.
At this moment, most of Mutsuki's disciples had already gathered: Obito, Rin, Shisui, and Kakashi were all at Guy's house.
"Hey, where's Yumi-sensei? Why hasn't he arrived yet? It's already past seven," Obito glanced at the time, scratching his head in confusion.
"Yumi-sensei must have his reasons for not coming," Shisui said, showing a pensive expression.
Kakashi glanced at Shisui. Shisui was the only one among them he didn't know well, but he remembered that Shisui and Guy used to run together. They were probably friends from the Academy.
"Could he also have encountered a lost old lady?" Obito speculated, projecting his own experiences onto others.
"I don't think so. Even if he encountered five old ladies, Yumi-sensei could use Shadow Clones to help and then return himself," Rin believed Mutsuki wouldn't be late for such a reason.
"Perhaps he went to do something with my dad," Guy recalled something Duy had mentioned yesterday and said.
Duy also didn't show up. He felt that the two of them should be together, but he didn't know what that very impressive and youthful thing they were doing was.
"I'm back!"
Duy's energetic voice echoed in everyone's ears.
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