Rasengan Exchanged for the Eight Gates

The sky grew darker as dusk set in. The setting sun, which had already reached its furthest point west, stubbornly lingered, reluctant to disappear completely. On the opposite side, a warm and bright moon hung serenely in the sky.

The fading moon, eager to spread its moonlight, met the gradually dimming sun on this transitional evening.

Nightfall deepened.

Shun recovering with the help of his Sage Body, lay in bed, contemplating his next move.

Anko's cheerful voice occasionally echoed from downstairs, and the aroma of food wafted through the air, bringing a sense of relaxation to his heart.

*TAP* *TAP* *TAP*

The sound of footsteps on the stairs grew louder, and Shun quickly shut his eyes, pretending to be asleep.

Moments later, the door opened, and a young girl with curly black hair and bright ruby eyes stepped into the room.

"Shun...? Dinner is ready..."

Kurenai wasn't surprised when the other didn't respond. Wearing an apron, she walked to the bedside and looked at him sleeping peacefully with a helpless expression.

"Sure enough, he's asleep again."

Kurenai squatted beside the bed, resting her cheek on her left hand while gazing at the sleeping Shun.

Normally, his cold expression would cause a stir among the girls, but now, as he lay there unguarded with stray bangs partially covering his face, he seemed even more... handsome.

"So handsome..."

Kurenai murmured, remembering the times they spent together and the kindness he showed only to her.

In the silence of the room, she tried to calm her racing heart, lightly tracing his face with her fingers. When her fingertips brushed his thin lips, she withdrew them instinctively, as if shocked.

"Seriously, what am I doing... I'm acting like an idiot."

Feeling her cheeks flush, Kurenai patted her face with force to chase away her embarrassment and tried to maintain her composure as she gently shook Shun.

"Shun, it's dinner time! If you don't come down, all the red bean soup will be eaten!"

With that, she turned and hurried out without waiting for Shun to wake up.

Hearing the hurried footsteps going downstairs, Shun opened his eyes, revealing a hidden smile.

"I didn't expect pretending to sleep would turn out so well."

❀❀❀

The three of them later dined as usual. Shun behaved normally, while Kurenai acted as if she were possessed by Hinata, blushing every time their eyes met.

This led Shun to secretly tease Kurenai several times under the table, and her lack of resistance only encouraged him further.

Throughout the meal, Anko was blissfully unaware, focused solely on eating, polishing off three bowls of red bean soup in a row.

"By the way, Shun and I might not be able to come next week."

After dinner, Kurenai announced the news suddenly.

"The monthly evaluation at the Ninja Academy is in a week. My father will be home to train me in ninjutsu during that time."

"Wow, time flies so fast."

Anko, who had been lounging comfortably on the sofa, suddenly sat up, clearly panicking.

"It's over. I haven't been practicing the Three Basic Techniques properly lately. It would be so embarrassing to let Orochimaru-sensei down."

At that moment, Anko looked like a troublemaker before an exam.

The Ninja Academy taught foundational theories, shuriken techniques, assassination, and various wartime skills.

However, the true test of a student's talent—and what made children from prominent clans shine—was the practical monthly evaluation.

Kakashi's reputation as a 'genius' stemmed from his consistent victories over his peers since entering the academy, remaining undefeated in every assessment.

It may sound harsh, but in this world, even young ninja students wielded considerable combat power.

During the Second Ninja World War a few years ago, students of the Ninja Academy were fully capable of taking enemy lives. Even Guy, if handed a knife, could take down seven in an urban brawl and reign as the "Dragon King" of special forces.

"In that case, everyone should train hard this week, and then we can go out and celebrate once the evaluation is over at the end of the month."

Shun set the tone for the upcoming week while tidying up the table.

❀❀❀

The Next day.

After school, Anko and Kurenai went about their respective training routines.

Shun continued training in physical arts with Guy at their usual spot. As the two rested, exhausted by the riverbank, Shun casually broached a topic.

"Guy, it seems the end-of-month evaluation is coming up. Have you decided who you'll challenge?"

"Of course, it's Kakashi!"

Guy's voice rang with spirited determination across the riverbank.

"Youth never stops! This time, I'll definitely succeed in challenging Kakashi!"

"In other words, you haven't succeeded before?"

"Uh..." Guy looked a bit embarrassed.

"Kakashi never agreed to fight, and I haven't beaten anyone impressive enough to catch up to him."

"I see."

Shun nodded thoughtfully.

"Indeed, in the early stages of ninja battles, taijutsu has its disadvantages. Shuriken throwing and ninjutsu encounters often decide the outcome."

"Kakashi is skilled in the Three Basic Techniques and knows various ninjutsu. It will be difficult to beat him. In other words, with only taijutsu, it's hard to compete with Kakashi in the early stages."

Guy frowned at the reality Shun pointed out.

He was a taijutsu genius, but when it came to ninjutsu, he wasn't as proficient as Uchiha Obito. A ninja who couldn't use ninjutsu was often ridiculed at the Ninja Academy.

"However, if you master a ninjutsu that doesn't require hand seals, it could make up for most of your weaknesses."

Shun extended his right hand, and a light blue Rasengan appeared in his palm before Guy.

"Rasengan, a ninjutsu that can be used without hand seals. Not only will it not hinder your physical abilities, but it will greatly enhance your offensive power."

"As your friend, to help you beat Kakashi's youthful spirit, I've decided to share with you this ninjutsu I worked hard to learn!"

"Shun, you... created your own ninjutsu!"

Guy stared at him in disbelief.

"Are you really going to teach it to me?"

"Of course! We're friends chasing after our youth together!"

Hearing Shun's sincere and bold response, Guy burst into tears, shouting about youthful passion, and immediately ran 10,000 meters with a rock on his back.

Shun's mouth curled into a smile.

At this point, the Third Ninja World War hadn't occurred, and Namikaze Minato hadn't even discovered Rasengan. Naturally, it was Shun's invention!

For someone set on exploring thousands of worlds, Rasengan wasn't of great significance. It was a strategic tool for negotiating benefits.

Guy might not understand the Rasengan's importance, but Duy, the "Eternal Genin," did.

With their personalities, after Shun's generous offer, there was only one thing Duy could offer in return—the Eight Gates technique he had honed for over 20 years.

A taijutsu master with two decades of Eight Gates experience, training him personally.