Another five days passed, and Might Gai was still struggling to find that elusive feeling.
During Wednesday's practice, Might Gai, Shisui, and Obito gathered to discuss their experiences with the breathing techniques.
"Gai, you can try imagining the feeling of eating ramen, a burst of heat..." Obito suggested, eager to share his successful approach with Might Gai.
"Gai, do not follow Obito's advice. Stick to what Teacher Makoto taught you. Although both are breathing methods, there might be significant differences," Shisui added.
If the two breathing methods were similar, Makoto would have had them at the same time. There was no need for separate guidance.
"Teacher Makoto mentioned that our current progress is considered normal. Stone Breathing is more challenging than the method you're practicing," Might Gai reassured them, maintaining a positive mindset. It had only been ten days, and he was determined.
When Might Gai was learning the clone technique in his second year, he struggled to create a clone that both mirrored him and could move. Yet, after nearly three years of effort, he didn't give up.
On the other hand, ten days were a mere blink of an eye.
Even if it took a thousand days to learn, as long as Makoto didn't tell him to stop, he'd persist. He believed unwavering effort would lead to success because he was a hardworking genius recognized by Makoto!
"Hehe, give it your all, Gai. I won't hold back just because your breathing method is more challenging during the practical exam in three days," Obito teased with a smile.
The summer special training was nearing its end. The training would conclude on Friday, with the final practical exam scheduled for Saturday.
Even an incompletely mastered breathing method could enhance strength. If he could just learn a little bit, Might Gai was confident he could outshine Obito with just raw power.
"Hahahaha, you should use all your strength in battle. This is youth!" Might Gai grinned, showing off his shining white teeth, embracing Obito's challenge.
Might Gai headed home after the afternoon practice. Dai, seeing his son covered in sweat, laughed heartily. "Gai, you've put in a lot of hard work today! Wait at home; I'll buy some meat to cook for you. It's essential for the body. Can't skip on the meat!"
"Just buy some affordable vegetables; our budget might not handle much," Might Gai suggested, aware of his family's financial situation.
"This isn't your concern, Gai. Focus on practicing seriously," Dai gave Might Gai a thumbs up, dismissing any financial worries. Afterward, he went out to buy groceries.
After a moment's contemplation, Gai decided to follow. If money was tight, he could intervene and persuade Dai to opt for cheaper vegetables.
Gai trailed Dai all the way to the vegetable market.
Upon arrival, Dai headed straight to the meat shop. "Boss, how much is meat per pound?" he inquired.
The butcher shop owner, glancing at Dai, replied, "One hundred Ryo per pound."
Dai, without specifying the quantity, commented on the freshness, "It's nearly night; your meat isn't as fresh anymore, and one hundred Ryo is too expensive."
The butcher shop owner, considering the situation, offered a discount, "Alright, ninety-seven Ryo per pound."
"That's only three Ryo cheaper. I'll check other stores," Dai pretended to leave.
"Fine, we can make it cheaper for you—ninety-three Ryo per pound," the butcher shop owner quickly suggested.
"Eighty Ryo per pound," Dai insisted.
"It's suddenly twenty Ryo cheaper. You're driving a hard bargain," the reluctant butcher shop owner remarked.
Dai turned around and began leaving again.
"Okay, okay, eighty Ryo per pound. It can't get any cheaper. Even at this price, I'll be losing money," the butcher shop owner finally agreed.
"Great, give me forty Ryo of meat," Dai declared, victorious.
"Only forty Ryo?" The butcher shop owner was astonished. Typically, ninjas bought several kilograms as they needed more food due to their regular intense physical activity.
"I've never seen a ninja so thrifty and skilled at bargaining," the butcher shop owner commented, bewildered.
"Thanks for the compliment!" Dai smiled and gave a thumbs up before heading home to cook for his son.
"A ten thousand year genin is a ten thousand year genin. You waste so much time buying meat for only forty Ryo." Two ninjas passing by said with disdain when they saw this scene.
Gai, witnessing the scene, began to grow infuriated. Three years ago, Dai had been similarly ridiculed on the streets. Gai attacked them and was defeated, but Kakashi intervened and saved him from a beating.
Now, encountering the situation again, Might Gai didn't know if he could defeat the two official ninjas. Still, he knew he had to take action.
How could Might Gai tolerate others scorning and insulting his father?
Might Gai followed the two mocking ninjas out of the vegetable market to a secluded street.
"Two sentences," Might Gai declared coldly to the two ninjas.
The tall and lanky ninja, puzzled, turned around to face Might Gai. "What are you talking about, boy? You and your father are both quite strange."
"This boy seems to be in the ninja school, and he looks like a loser," the fat ninja commented with a smirk.
"I've set a rule for myself. If someone insults my father, I must give them five punches. You just said two sentences; now it's four," Might Gai stated, holding up four fingers.
"Kid, get out of here while I'm in a good mood. Do you even have the strength to land punches?" the tall and thin ninja scoffed.
Might Gai chose to respond with violence, not words.