Chapter 4: Is This a Substitute Fight?

Uchiha Kiyoshi entered the training ground where Might Guy often stayed, moving between the trees. Before spotting anyone, he heard the sounds of impact and Might Guy's counting:

"4396! 4397!"

Hatake Sakumo commented, "Though they call it the '10,000 Bloody Kicks,' it's not really 10,000 kicks."

Uchiha Kiyoshi explained, "It's actually over several days."

He took a few steps forward, reaching an open area where an incredibly eye-catching figure in green was visible from any angle. Might Guy, with a red scarf around his neck, was repeatedly kicking a thick tree. His face was serious, and he executed precise and powerful movements with a robotic precision.

At first glance, some might feel sorry for Might Guy, fearing he'd injure his legs with such force. However, once you saw the deep indentations in the tree, sympathy shifted to the poor tree. It might have grown thick, but it was destined to be kicked ten thousand times by a strong, energetic boy within a few days, leaving it thoroughly misshapen.

"Guy!" Uchiha Kiyoshi called out to Might Guy, who was absorbed in his training.

Might Guy turned his head and spotted his old training partner, speaking with joy, "Kiyoshi, it's been a while. Are you here to train with me?"

Hatake Sakumo mused, "It seems this kid is looking for someone to train with."

Uchiha Kiyoshi shook his head, replying, "No, I'm here to ask you something. Have you sparred with Kakashi today?"

"Not yet. I couldn't beat him yesterday, and I'm still reviewing my mistakes from then," Might Guy replied curiously. "Why do you ask?"

Uchiha Kiyoshi put on a deliberately bright smile, mimicking Might Guy's usual style. "I want to challenge Kakashi too!"

Might Guy blinked, his eyes filled with excitement as he clenched his fists and exclaimed, "Kiyoshi, have you been inspired by me again?"

Uchiha Kiyoshi wondered why Might Guy mentioned "again." He soon realized that Might Guy thought he had been influenced to start training together a few years ago. While it wasn't incorrect, Kiyoshi Uchiha wasn't eager to admit it.

"That's right! The essence of youth is challenging those stronger than you," Kiyoshi Uchiha proclaimed loudly, imitating Might Guy's spirit and tone. Perhaps it was the absence of onlookers that allowed him to imitate Might Guy in such a way. If there were more people around, he'd probably want to flee to another planet after making those statements.

Hatake Sakumo muttered under his breath, "Are all kids these days so full of energy?"

With bright eyes, Might Guy offered Uchiha Kiyoshi a firm thumbs-up. "Kiyoshi, you are indeed the person I recognize. I didn't misjudge you. Challenging Kakashi is something I look forward to every day."

Uchiha Kiyoshi asked, "So, when can we go see him? I'm eager to try."

Might Guy contemplated the question seriously. "Kiyoshi, let's have a preliminary match first. Kakashi is stronger than me, and while we talk about bravery and challenge, we should also proceed step by step. If you're defeated by a much stronger opponent, you might lose your confidence. If you manage to defeat me, I'll introduce you to Kakashi."

Uchiha Kiyoshi was taken aback, as he hadn't anticipated this proposition. Things were taking an unexpected turn because Might Guy was incredibly earnest.

Quickly consulting with Hatake Sakumo through their shared consciousness, Kiyoshi Uchiha sought guidance. "What should I do, Uncle? I don't think I can beat him."

Hatake Sakumo reassured him, "If your overall strength is about the same as his, but you're not confident in Taijutsu sparring, it's not a problem. Trust my guidance. I'm a seasoned Jōnin, and I can help you win."

With Hatake Sakumo's assurance, Uchiha Kiyoshi felt more confident and assured Might Guy, "Alright, let's do it."

Might Guy nodded, assumed a fighting stance, and observed Uchiha Kiyoshi with a serious expression. "First, stabilize your footing. Don't rush to be on the offensive. When your raw strength isn't on par with your opponent's, it's most reasonable to adopt a defensive counterattack strategy. Just focus on defense, and follow my advice to exploit his weaknesses."

Following Hatake Sakumo's instructions, Uchiha Kiyoshi lowered his body and assumed a defensive posture.

Might Guy initiated an attack, launching a series of rapid punches and kicks in an attempt to strike first. Kiyoshi Uchiha defended himself by raising his arms, following the strategy not to initiate any attacks.

Might Guy's blows were powerful and forceful, and every punch and kick landed with a significant impact. Uchiha Kiyoshi endured the pain, feeling it deep into his bones.

After a few rounds, Might Guy realized Kiyoshi Uchiha's strategy. He feigned a punch, and as Kiyoshi prepared to raise his arm to block, Might Guy retracted his hand.

Uchiha Kiyoshi sensed that Might Guy was gearing up for the Leaf Great Whirlwind technique and instinctively attempted to step back.

"He's about to leap; don't back off! Move forward!" Hatake Sakumo suddenly shouted through their shared consciousness.

Uchiha Kiyoshi adjusted his stance, taking a step forward just before Might Guy leaped into the air.

"Pretend to strike him in the stomach first, and he'll surely back off. Afterward, you can target his lower body and use a wrestling move to bring him down."

Hatake Sakumo rapidly relayed instructions.

Might Guy didn't expect Uchiha Kiyoshi to advance instead of retreating. He had no choice but to abandon his Leaf Great Whirlwind attack mid-air.

Kiyoshi Uchiha feigned a punch aimed at Might Guy's stomach. When Might Guy backed away as expected, Uchiha swiftly moved in. He didn't extend his arm completely; instead, he retracted it quickly, avoiding a commitment to the attack.

He took several steps forward, positioning himself where Might Guy would retreat to, and then executed a sweeping leg kick aimed at Might Guy's lower limbs.

Might Guy had no option but to extend his legs to block the incoming kick.

"His center of gravity is unstable now; go in and intercept him!" Hatake Sakumo shouted, seizing the opportune moment.

Uchiha Kiyoshi didn't hesitate. He lunged forward, pinning his legs against Might Guy's to destabilize him further. Then, he used a wrestling technique to control Might Guy's upper body and brought him down.

A sequence of perfect moves made it relatively easy for Uchiha Kiyoshi to win. After all, it was Konoha's White Fang guiding a sparring match between two Chūnin kids. It was akin to a king providing strategy in a silver-level gaming session.

"Uncle, you're a bit hardcore, aren't you?" Uchiha Kiyoshi quipped.

"What do you mean by hardcore?" Hatake Sakumo replied.

Might Guy got up from the ground energetically. "Kiyoshi, when did you become so strong?"

Before Uchiha Kiyoshi could respond, Might Guy sprang to his feet with a flourish.

"Kiyoshi, this gives me even more motivation to train!"