Chapter 63: The Chūnin Exam is Coming

(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)

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Kurenai's face was flushed with embarrassment as she glanced at the water stain on the bed.

She wasn't usually one to sleep so soundly. Last night had been unexpectedly comfortable.

Colt stood up, inadvertently revealing his muscular physique and causing Kurenai's crimson eyes to widen. He certainly was very well developed considering his age.

"I arranged for you to stay in the guest room last night. I'm not sure how you ended up here," he stated matter-of-factly.

Hearing this, Kurenai was surprised. But being a ninja, she was still skeptical.

She went to check the other room and found long strands of hair on the messy bed.

Since Colt had short hair, it was obvious whose they were.

Kurenai realized she had mistakenly blamed Colt.

Just then when she returned to the room, there was a knock at the door followed by Ino's voice.

"Colt, are you still sleeping?"

Kurenai's face paled. If Colt's girlfriend found her here, things would get troublesome.

"I'm sorry, Colt. I misunderstood the situation. I'll treat you to dinner another time to make up for it," Kurenai apologized sincerely before hurrying out through the back, leaving no time for anyone to react.

Colt was speechless. Why was she acting so suspiciously? It's not like anything had actually happened between them.

Though he had to admit, Kurenai was quite beautiful. Looking at his numb hands, Colt felt it was somewhat worth it.

He went to open the door and spend some time with Ino.

With the Land of Waves mission complete, Team 7 had returned to doing low-level missions.

Since Kosuke's departure, Colt had fully rejoined the team.

In principle, he was supposed to participate in missions together with the others. However, such tedious low-level tasks were barely a challenge for Naruto, let alone Colt. So, after promising to teach both Sasuke and Naruto new jutsus, Colt managed to delegate his work to them.

"Sasuke, here are the hand seals and the instructions for Chidori. Look them over and let me know if you have any questions," Colt instructed.

"Naruto, this is the Rasengan, an A-rank jutsu like Chidori. Go buy some water balloons to practice with first," he added.

On the training ground, Colt taught Sasuke and Naruto two powerful techniques.

Seeing the might of the Rasengan, Naruto was bursting with enthusiasm.

"Let's goooo!"

Excitement flashed in Sasuke's eyes as well.

"I see you're using my jutsu to curry favors... and avoid team missions," Kakashi's voice came from behind Colt.

Colt's expression remained unchanged. "You would have had to teach Sasuke eventually. I'm just saving you the trouble."

Kakashi had always shown some preference for the last Uchiha.

With Sasuke possessing the Sharingan, Kakashi felt compelled to look after him, if only for Obito's sake.

Their fighting styles were also very similar, making Sasuke an ideal disciple for Kakashi.

Kakashi scratched his head, unable to refute Colt's words.

"What about the missions? I am your Jōnin sensei, after all. I can't just look the other way…"

"Tell me what you want," Colt replied bluntly.

Kakashi's visible eye curved into a smile.

"I want to learn [Chidori Stream]."

"And the D-rank missions after that?" Colt asked.

"You don't have to come," Kakashi answered.

"Deal," Colt agreed.

And just like that, a questionable arrangement was made.

Free from tedious low-level tasks, Colt was completely liberated.

He spent his days either with Hinata or Ino. When both were busy, he would train with Might Guy to improve his physical skills.

Colt placed great importance on his physique.

First, because of the [Healer's Benevolence System], his physical attributes could be continuously improved. Second, when facing the Ōtsutsuki clan in the future, ninjutsu would play a limited role. Only taijutsu could deal true damage.

Might Guy was thrilled to have another ninja in Konoha who focused on taijutsu.

One day while training, Colt punched a boulder, creating a small crater on its surface.

While the impact seemed average, the force traveled through the rock, completely destroying a huge chunk from the back.

Guy's eyes lit up with excitement.

"What do you call that technique? Such incredible power!"

Colt closed his fist and smiled.

"I haven't named it yet. Let's call it [Internal Destruction]."

(E/N: Lol original was: Geshan Fighting Bull: Cattle across the mountain)

Guy nodded, though he didn't quite understand the name.

Colt had developed this technique specifically to counter Orochimaru, whose modified body was as slippery as a snake. Ordinary ninjutsu or taijutsu would have little effect on him, but this internal destruction technique could be quite effective.

Guy was deeply moved and finally made up his mind.

"Colt, would you like to learn the Eight Gates?"

Colt fell silent. He had seen the Eight Gates technique recorded in the [Sealed Book] but chose not to study it.

It was indeed a powerful technique, but opening the Eighth Gate would be too difficult for him.

The Eight Gates unlock the body's potential, allowing different levels of power for each user.

But with his Sage Body and the attributes gained from the [Healer's Benevolence System], Colt's physical capabilities far surpassed Guy and Lee's. The difficulty of opening each gate would increase exponentially for him.

Now that Guy offered again, Colt hesitated.

"We can try, but it might be difficult with my physique."

Guy flashed his signature grin. "If anyone can do it, it's you!"

Over the next week, Colt trained with Guy to open the Eight Gates. As expected, it took a full week just to open the First Gate. However, the power boost was incredible – Guy needed to open the Fourth Gate just to match Colt's strength with the First Gate open.

Guy was amazed by such a terrifying increase.

On this particular day, Guy was guiding Colt through the Second Gate exercise when a hawk's cry pierced the air.

Guy immediately looked up, his expression turning serious.

"That's the signal for all Jōnin to gather at the Hokage's office. I'll see you later, Colt."

With that, Guy rushed towards the Hokage building. All across Konoha, other Jōnin raised their heads and dropped what they were doing without hesitation.