Chapter 31: This Is Youth

"Naruto," Shinho Aburame slowed his pace and asked, "Do you remember what I just told you?"

"I remember!" Naruto Uzumaki looked at the green-clad eccentric man, not only without any disdain but even with a subtle sense of recognition.

"Go ahead, Naruto," Shinho patted his shoulder. "Good luck."

"Uncle Guy!" Naruto jogged forward, shouting loudly.

Might Guy, who was running, halted his arms. He leapt into the air, executing a 360-degree Thomas Flair before landing, striking a peculiar pose while looking at Naruto.

Under the sunlight, his teeth sparkled brilliantly.

"That's so cool!" Naruto sincerely applauded from the bottom of his heart.

This reaction, in turn, left Might Guy a bit flustered; it was the first time he'd encountered such a response. Usually, when people saw him, they'd tactically lean back and think, What kind of lunatic is this?

Of course, Might Guy didn't mind.

"Who are you?" Might Guy scratched his head. "How do you know me?"

"I'm Naruto Uzumaki," Naruto suddenly felt a bit nervous and uneasy as he said.

Although Shinho had said that Might Guy wouldn't care about his identity, he was still somewhat worried.

"That name sounds familiar," Might Guy rubbed his chin, tilted his head in thought for a moment, then gave up. "What do you need from me?"

"Uncle Guy, I want to learn taijutsu," Naruto paused, then declared loudly, "I bet on my youth, I will definitely learn it!"

Hearing the word "youth," it was as if some mechanism inside Might Guy had been activated.

His body began to tremble, fists clenched tightly.

Did I say something wrong?

Naruto widened his eyes.

Then, in a spectacular fashion, tears burst forth.

"I'm so moved! Hic!" Might Guy cried, tears streaming down his face. "I'm fired up! Is this the power of youth?!"

Naruto was stunned.

It was the first time he had met a ninja stranger than himself.

"You want to learn taijutsu? No problem! Run with me!"

Might Guy resumed his handstand running, shouting loudly, "Woohoo!"

He rounded the corner at high speed, disappearing from sight.

"Shinho, see you tomorrow!"

Naruto hurried to catch up with Might Guy.

Shinho smiled.

Watching him run under the setting sun, he couldn't help but think of the youth he'd lost in his previous life.

Not bad at all.

[Achievement Unlocked: Might Guy's 'Even More Fired Up Than Boruto'; Reward: Flower Boar Gu.]

[Flower Boar Gu: A Rank One consumable Gu insect that temporarily grants immense strength to the Gu Master.]

Even More Fired Up Than Boruto?

Shinho hadn't watched "Boruto: Naruto Next Generations."

He'd heard that it had some intense moments later on, but he wasn't sure just how intense.

Still, the reward wasn't bad.

The only pity was that it was a one-time-use Gu.

But at critical moments, it might have unexpected effects.

He was already quite satisfied to gain an achievement.

Shinho turned and walked back toward Konoha Village.

He needed to go to Tsunade's place to practice medical ninjutsu.

After he left, a figure appeared where he had previously stood—it was Kakashi Hatake wearing an Anbu mask.

"He actually found Guy?"

His tone showed rare emotion.

Kakashi pondered.

No one understood Might Guy better than he did.

They had been close friends and lifelong rivals for countless years, knowing each other inside out.

Others might not realize it, but he was well aware of Might Guy's terrifying prowess in taijutsu.

Especially the Eight Gates Released Formation.

Even he might not be able to face it head on.

Did Shinho do this intentionally, or was it a coincidence?

Kakashi thought for a moment; he'd leave it to Hiruzen Sarutobi to decide.

From a personal standpoint, he was happy to see Naruto learning taijutsu from Might Guy.

Although his close friend seemed unreliable, in reality, he was very dependable.

Kakashi's figure flickered as he headed toward the Hokage's office.

Moments later, he landed and knocked on the door.

"Come on in."

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked up.

"Lord Hokage," Kakashi got straight to the point. "Just now, Naruto asked Guy to teach him taijutsu, and Guy has agreed."

"Guy, huh?"

Hiruzen took a puff of his pipe, the image of Might Duy appearing in his mind.

He was Might Guy's father.

Back then, because taijutsu was undervalued, he remained a Genin his entire life.

During the Third Ninja World War, the famous Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist launched a surprise attack.

Might Duy sacrificed his life to kick them into oblivion, with only three of the seven narrowly escaping.

Might Guy inherited his will, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to taijutsu.

Of course, more importantly, his Will of Fire was beyond question.

"Let him learn, then," Hiruzen said with a smile.

"Understood."

Kakashi turned and left.

Hiruzen took out his crystal ball, formed hand seals, and performed the Telescope Technique.

Moments later, the scene of Might Guy and Naruto Uzumaki appeared.

The two of them were running along the outskirts of Konoha, attracting countless gazes.

But they paid the stares no attention.

"Naruto!"

Might Guy shook his bowl-cut head. "Do you still have enough stamina?"

"Yes!"

Naruto didn't know where his energy came from and shouted loudly.

"Not bad, very spirited!"

Might Guy showed a satisfied smile.

This little kid who had appeared out of nowhere quite matched his expectations.

"Naruto, I'm going to speed up!"

Might Guy waved his hand. "Don't fall behind!"

Hiruzen turned off the crystal ball.

His expression was somewhat subtle.

Although they unexpectedly got along well, after some time, the changes in Naruto might make even his parents not recognize him.

Speaking of Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki, he sighed deeply.

________________________________________

At the Senju Clan's old residence.

Shinho extended his hand to turn the doorknob but found it locked.

He then took out a key and opened the door.

"Gone gambling again?"

Shinho walked into the living room and saw a note on the table.

He shook his head.

"I, Huang, am irreconcilably opposed to gambling and drugs."

Shinho went to the kitchen and brought out his old companion—the carp.

Half an hour later, the door opened again.

"Shinho, come here quickly."

Shizune said with a cheerful smile, "Big Sis bought you something tasty."

"I'm not a child," Shinho glanced at her, his tone calm.

"You're only six years old; if you're not a child, then, what are you?"

Shizune wasn't angry; instead, she found his act of pretending to be an adult quite adorable.

She walked over and handed him a skewer of tri-colored dango.

Tri-colored dango is a typical snack in Konoha, as depicted in the original series.

Fans include Itachi Uchiha, Anko Mitarashi, and others.

Shinho hadn't tried it before; he casually took it and took a bite.

A rich sweetness exploded in his mouth.

No wonder Anko eventually became chubby.

"Still think you're not a child?"

Shizune laughed, reaching out to ruffle Shinho's hair.

You're patting my head again?

Shinho handed the tri-colored dango back to her and said, "It's too sweet; I don't want it."

He was a fan of salty and spicy flavors, the kind who would even put chili in tofu pudding.