Soon, I realized that all wasn't about perseverance. My weak body wasn't the real reason why I couldn't use chakra yet. The method to use it was wrong. I didn't know the correct method to use it.
And due to the nature of my chakra and my body, I had a hard time applying it. To fix this problem, I used all the knowledge and memory I could muster, and soon, a solution came to my mind.
It was the method used in the anime. The one Rock Lee and Guy Sensei used.
The Eight Inner Gates.
By opening the gates, the user would be able to use tremendous power and chakra. And based on how Lee was able to use his chakra despite his Chakra Pathway System, this was likely the correct method.
Then came the problem. This technique was too dangerous to train without any supervision. I could die or even be disabled for the rest of my life. My only choice was to find Guy-Sensei and ask him to teach me.
Fortunately, as a 5-year-old boy, I was allowed to roam around the village. I would enter the Academy soon, which meant I could use the training ground in the Academy for my training.
But, since I had no experience as a Ninja, and I couldn't use Ninjutsu or Genjutsu, using a high-class training ground such as the one in the Academy was a bad idea. That was why, before enrolling, I was looking for a place where I could train alone.
And I knew where to find it.
"I am going to play!" I shouted as I ran out of the orphanage.
"Don't get hurt!"
"I won't"
That was a lie. I might get hurt if I started training with Guy-Sensei's method. I continued running through the road, making sure not to hit the passersby. The place I was heading toward was the training ground often shown in the anime.
I found it after asking the people for directions. They probably thought that I would just play around. I didn't correct them, of course.
"There!"
In front of me was a forest. Trees were everywhere. In the center, a clearing with three standing logs. The area was wide and clean, unlike the forest surrounding it. And in the middle of the clearing, I could see someone doing a handstand while supporting his whole body with only one finger.
The sight was amazing, even when compared to the other Ninjas. How he was able to do a handstand with just his thumbs made me gape in awe. I immediately understood who he was, though.
Guy-Sensei!
"U-Umm..."
Suddenly, I felt pretty nervous as I stepped out of the bush. He was one of the characters that inspired me to keep working hard despite the hardship I experienced in my past life.
"Huh? A kid? What are you doing here?" Guy looked at me while he was still in a handstand.
"I am Rock Lee! And I am here to ask you to train me. I want to get stronger!"
Saying so in a high spirit, I waited for the response. That should be enough to make Guy-Sensei agree. I knew from the anime that he was someone who got charmed by youthful energy.
Surely, by showing off my determination he would agree to teach me. But to hammer the nail into the coffin, I added something.
"I... am slow and not good at Ninjutsu or Genjutsu. I can't even use Chakra very well, but I want to be a great shinobi. Please, teach me your ways!"
"Oho?" Guy jumped up and landed on his feet, "You're interesting."
Guy looked down at me and smiled. His white teeth were blinding, but I endured the glare and stood up firmly.
"So, you want me to teach you the power of youth? Hmm, that is an interesting idea. Unfortunately, I can't take any apprenticeship right now. You should wait until you enter the Academy."
"That will be too late. Boys my age will get stronger earlier because their family taught them. I have no one to teach me so I have to find a master."
"You are not wrong, but..."
"Please! Even if it is a simple movement or basic exercise, anything will do. Or just teach me how to use chakra."
I was desperate, and I wanted him to accept. Even if Guy was an important character, his personality would be annoying at times. If he agreed to teach me, I could ask him to help me find the correct path.
And more importantly, I wanted to learn the Eight Gates. It was impossible to find a teacher for that technique in Konoha, one that mastered up to the eighth gate. Guy was the only person who could teach me.
"Hmm, how can I say no after hearing your words? Alright, I will help you. But you must train hard, and I won't go easy on you. Can you promise that?"
"I will work harder than anyone!"
"Great. Then, let's start our training! Call me Guy-sensei! Here, catch!"
Guy-sensei grabbed a green jumpsuit, which he got from his weapon pouch, and threw it toward me. I caught the piece of cloth, wondering what to do with it.
"Wear it. It will be hard to run around with those clothes. We will run around the village 10 times at the start. If you finish the task, I will teach you the power of youth. Hahahaha."
Looking at the green jumpsuit in my hands, I smiled wryly. Do I need to wear this? My smile became strained as I remembered the future that awaited me.
Well, the suit isn't that bad, I guess. I would only use it until academy... Or at least until I completed my first achievement.
"What are you waiting for? Go change your clothes!" Guy-sensei pointed his fingers at the forest.
I nodded weakly and went to change as my heart cried from shame and embarrassment.
Even Naruto wears this at some point. Bear with this, me!
And so, my training with Guy-sensei, who officially took me as his disciple, began earnestly since that day.