Obtaining the Eight Gates

Next, Shun did not rush to get to know the future notable figures in class; instead, he quietly pursued training to understand the foundational knowledge and practices of the ninja world.

The class gradually became accustomed to having someone even cooler and more distant than Kakashi among them.

However, everyone knew that Shun's cold demeanor was directed at everyone else. When he was with Anko and Kurenai, the three of them would chat and laugh together, appearing quite close.

Many people in the class even noticed how frequently the trio shopped and ate together and how well they got along.

Over time, rumors began circulating in the Ninja Academy. Most people believed that Shun and Kurenai were likely dating, leaving Anko out of the running.

The reason for this was obvious...

Most people viewed Anko as a "cool (wild) and sharp (fierce)" girl.

She had a bit of a tomboyish temperament and often intimidated boys.

Though both girls were equally attractive, Anko was seen as the "least desired girl to date" by the boys due to her brash personality.

One day after class.

This time, Shun didn't linger with the two girls but sought a secluded, quiet place to practice basic skills like water walking and tree climbing.

Thanks to his Sage Body, his chakra reserves were approaching Chunin-level. However, the accompanying drawbacks required constant training to refine his chakra control.

After completing his daily basic training, Shun pulled out a balloon and began the third stage of Rasengan practice.

This was perhaps the greatest advantage for a time traveler. Anyone who had read the original story knew the three-step training process for Rasengan.

The first stage was rotation. As the name suggests, the user had to focus chakra into their palm and rotate it regularly, but the internal spin was chaotic.

The second stage was about power. This stage used a rubber ball, and the user had to use rotating chakra in their palm to expand it. This stage was several levels harder than the first, comparable to learning a B-level ninjutsu and progressing to A-level ninjutsu.

Shun had reached the third stage of training, which involved compressing the rotating power to its maximum and maintaining it.

As he carefully controlled his chakra for the third stage of Rasengan training, he seemed to be waiting for someone. Finally, after his fifth balloon burst, a green figure full of youthful spirit appeared before him.

"One thousand one, one thousand two..."

He had the iconic bowl-cut hairstyle, thick eyebrows, a green jumpsuit, and was jumping frog-style with a rock on his back.

The intense energy of youth radiating from him was unlike anything normal people would do for exercise...

There was no doubt—this was the man who nearly surpassed all odds!

The powerful individual who didn't rely on bloodlines but strived to reach the top!

—Might Guy!

Though Shun had spent the past few days hanging out with the girls, he often kept an eye on Guy, Kakashi, and others from a distance.

It seemed his efforts had paid off!

At this time, Guy and his father were not well-recognized in Konoha.

Might Duy was often mocked as the "Eternal Genin," and Guy was ridiculed and ostracized by peers for his lack of talent in ninjutsu, barely making it into the Ninja Academy after retaking the entrance exam.

Not until the Third Ninja World War, when Duy opened the Eight Gates and defeated the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, did people realize just how strong these two taijutsu specialists were.

Because of this, Shun now had the opportunity and possibility to learn the Eight Gates technique passed down by Duy.

With this in mind, Shun put down his balloon nonchalantly and watched Guy train with great interest as if they had just met by coincidence.

Time passed, and only after Guy completed his set did Shun step forward.

"Guy, I didn't expect to see you here. I have to admit, you're truly dedicated."

Shun handed a water bottle to Guy with a gentle smile that was harmless to both humans and animals, simultaneously offering genuine praise.

"I've always heard in class that Guy was weak, but seeing you today, I think you're a strong taijutsu ninja."

"Really?!"

It was the first time in Guy's life that someone recognized and praised him. The thick-browed boy forgot about the water and stood up hastily.

"Of course, your physical training is impressive. Even a genius like Kakashi probably doesn't have that kind of physical strength."

Shun nodded firmly, looking genuinely intrigued.

"I've always wanted to train my physical skills. If possible, may I practice with you?"

"Ohhhh!!! My blood is boiling!"

Guy, now invited by Shun, was immediately filled with fighting spirit.

"This is youth, Shun! As partners on this journey, let's ignite our youth together!"

❀❀❀

A week later

Shun staggered back home and collapsed skillfully in the entryway.

Moments later, two young girls inside the room helped him up without surprise, and Anko couldn't help but complain:

"So, you sparred with Guy again today?"

"No, I trained with Uncle Duy today... Cough..."

Shun coughed, feeling the strain in his lungs.

He had underestimated the intense training regimen of the passionate father-and-son duo. He only encouraged them, trained with them, and treated them to ramen a few times.

As a result, the two insisted on pushing him to the limit every day, sharing all their experiences and techniques. Duy even treated him as his personal disciple.

Shun seriously doubted that without his Sage Body, he would be bedridden for two days straight.