Kazuki, you continue to surprise me!
Just how powerful is your technique?
He thought to himself.
The next second, Might Guy was already facing the incoming wind blade—
Clashing with it using only his body!
"Bang!"
The white wind blade struck Might Guy's chakra-infused calf.
It shattered instantly, dissipating into the air.
However, the force halted Might Guy's attack, making him take a step back.
He lifted his head again, his sharp eyes locking onto Kazuki.
His expression carried countless emotions—astonishment, admiration—
As if he were staring at a young prodigy.
"That wind blade… It had the strength of a C-rank Ninjutsu!"
"Guy-sensei! Catch this!"
Kazuki didn't let up.
With a swift motion, his long sword slashed through the air.
Using the wind blade as a diversion, he lunged forward, engaging Might Guy's shadow clone.
In midair, Kazuki's white attire blended into the rushing wind,
While Might Guy's green jumpsuit swirled like an emerald whirlwind.
White and green—wind and cyclone.
One attacked, the other defended.
In the blink of an eye, they exchanged hundreds of blows!
"When did my brother get so strong?!"
"He really is the best! When he grows up, he might even become Hokage!"
Tenten's eyes sparkled like she was gazing at the stars.
"How is Kazuki keeping up with Guy-sensei?!
"Is this the difference between us?"
"I need to train harder—no, twice as hard! No, three times as hard!"
Lee's heart burned with determination.
Their thoughts were quickly drowned out by the intensity of the battle.
The clash was relentless, exhilarating, and impossible to look away from.
Time trickled by.
After nearly half an hour of non-stop combat—
"Bang!"
Might Guy's shadow clone dispersed into a puff of white smoke.
The real Might Guy straightened up, walking toward Kazuki.
He clapped a firm hand on Kazuki's shoulder, his gaze full of admiration.
"Alright, that's enough for today."
"The shadow clone's chakra is depleted. Kazuki, your talent and strength are beyond my expectations."
"To be this strong at your age… It's incredible!"
Despite the praise, Kazuki simply smiled and responded:
"Guy-sensei, your strength is truly eye-opening."
"Even your shadow clone was overwhelming!"
Might Guy nodded, grinning proudly.
"Taijutsu, when honed to its peak, is just as formidable as any ninjutsu!"
Then, as if recalling something, his expression changed.
"That sword of yours..."
During the battle, the long sword had effortlessly released powerful wind blades.
If he hadn't reacted instantly with his trained reflexes, he might have been in real danger.
Was Kazuki's prowess solely due to his own skill?
Or did this blade play a major role?
"Kazuki, did you forge this sword yourself?"
Kazuki nodded.
"Yes, Guy-sensei."
Might Guy crossed his arms, deep in thought.
"This weapon isn't ordinary—it can generate ninjutsu-level attacks instantly. That's remarkable!"
Tenten and Lee approached, gazing at the sword with admiration.
They had seen its power firsthand.
What an incredible weapon!
Kazuki explained with a smile: "Senior, this is a long sword I forged based on the refining techniques of the Kusanagi Sword, similar to the one Orochimaru wields. However, its power is still far from the real Kusanagi, which is said to be unbreakable and capable of extending its blade at will. My version is merely a foundational replica."
"Kusanagi Sword? No wonder it looked familiar."
Might Guy's eyes widened in recognition.
He recalled the information he had come across before.
In Konoha's historical records, Kazuki wasn't the first to craft formidable ninja weapons.
During the Warring States period, long before the founding of Konoha, a clan within the Land of Fire specialized in forging legendary blades—the Kusanagi Clan.
They were both revered and feared, known not only for their unparalleled craftsmanship but also for their extreme obsession with perfecting their blades.
Among their most famed creations were eleven peerless swords, each possessing extraordinary abilities.
These weapons, all bearing the name "Kusanagi," gained legendary status, revered as artifacts across the shinobi world.
At that moment, Kazuki turned to Might Guy and asked earnestly:
"Mr. Guy, can you teach me the techniques you just used—Leaf Whirlwind and Strong Whirlwind? I truly want to learn them."
His gaze was firm, unwavering, as he continued:
"Even though I wield a sword akin to the Kusanagi, capable of unleashing power comparable to high-level ninjutsu, I believe that—
My own physical strength is just as crucial in battle.
I seek to master both myself and my weapon."
Might Guy was momentarily taken aback, murmuring to himself:
"A balance between the self and the weapon?"
Most people, upon obtaining a blade of Kusanagi's caliber, would become overconfident, assuming their strength had skyrocketed.
But that's a dangerous misconception.
Relying solely on a weapon without true skill leads to complacency.
The true strength of a weapon is only fully realized in the hands of a powerful warrior.
"Alright! I'll teach you those two moves!"
A wide grin spread across Might Guy's face as he nodded enthusiastically.
"These are taijutsu techniques I personally refined. From today onward, I'll train you in them!"
Kazuki blinked in surprise before quickly bowing in gratitude.
"Thank you, Sensei Guy!"
"Sensei?" Might Guy raised an eyebrow playfully.
He wasn't merely offering occasional guidance as a senior shinobi—
He had genuinely acknowledged Kazuki as a disciple, intending to pass down his most treasured techniques.
"Uh… I mean, Teacher Guy!"
Kazuki swiftly corrected himself.
"Good! Hahaha! I've gained a student with both talent and dedication—Kakashi will be so jealous!" Might Guy declared with his signature enthusiasm, striking a dramatic pose.
Nearby, Tenten and Rock Lee watched the scene unfold, their expressions filled with admiration.
For a mere academy student to gain the mentorship of an elite jōnin like Might Guy was nothing short of extraordinary.
"Don't be discouraged, you two!"
Might Guy clapped Tenten and Lee on the shoulders.
"Once your fundamentals are solid, and you reach Kazuki's level, I'll pass these techniques on to you as well!"
"W-What?!"
Tenten and Lee's eyes widened in shock.
Did that mean that as long as they worked hard, they too could become Might Guy's direct students?
Excitement surged within them as they hastily bowed in gratitude.
"Thank you so much, Teacher Guy!"