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[The Beginning of Inheritance]
"You mean… you're going to teach me how to train?"
Ye Dou raised his eyes at Might Guy, clearly not expecting this.
As mentioned before, in this dangerous world, every village and clan fiercely guards its secret techniques. Ninjutsu, taijutsu, and even forbidden arts are rarely passed down to outsiders.
However, the relationship between master and student is one of the few exceptions to this rule.
In the world of shinobi, the bond between teacher and disciple often rivals that of family. Naruto Uzumaki and Jiraiya, Might Guy and Rock Lee, Asuma Sarutobi and Shikamaru Nara—none of them were blood-related, yet their connections were as strong as any familial tie.
When a shinobi chooses a student, they aren't just teaching them techniques—they are passing down their will, their way of the ninja.
"Why? If you're offering this because you pity me, don't bother. I don't need anyone's sympathy!"
Ye Dou was one of the strongest taijutsu users of his generation—perhaps even the strongest.
To say he wasn't tempted by the idea of learning from Might Guy would be a lie.
A great master produces great students—this has been true throughout history.
The Second Hokage trained the Third Hokage.
The Third Hokage trained Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade—the future Legendary Sannin.
Jiraiya went on to mentor the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze.
And Minato's student? None other than Kakashi Hatake.
These renowned shinobi didn't just pass down powerful jutsu—they shared their vast experience, preventing their students from repeating the same mistakes.
For a fighter like Ye Dou, who relied primarily on taijutsu, receiving direct instruction from Konoha's most famous taijutsu master was an invaluable opportunity.
Yet, his pride wouldn't let him accept it so easily.
He had spent his whole life fighting alone, and he firmly believed that even without Might Guy's guidance, he could still reach the top of the shinobi world.
Might Guy, however, wasn't expecting any of this internal struggle.
Looking at Ye Dou, who stood with his usual defiant expression, he simply smiled and said,
"Your past isn't the only reason I made this decision. The truth is, I understand you better than you think. Don't doubt it—because I was just like you."
Ye Dou opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Might Guy cut him off.
With a determined look, Guy extended his right hand toward him.
"Effort never betrays you!"
Ye Dou's worn-out yukata and scar-covered body made him look like nothing more than a stray, unruly child to most.
But to Might Guy, they were proof of something else: resolve and potential.
"Your birth only defines your present," he continued. "Your effort and willpower are what determine your future."
"That burning spirit, that refusal to accept defeat—that is the first step on the path of youth!"
"Kid, let me teach you what it means to be an outstanding shinobi!"
Might Guy's voice grew louder with each word.
His conviction surged, his enthusiasm overflowing. The veins in his arm bulged as he clenched his fist with determination.
Even though Ye Dou's personality was completely different from his own, Guy could see it—the same fire, the same hunger to grow stronger.
The only thing missing was a guide.
Just as his father, Might Duy, had guided him, Guy would now do the same for this boy standing before him.
One day, this green sprout would grow into a mighty leaf, protecting Konoha with the strength of youth.
And then, that leaf would pass its will down to the next generation, ensuring that the flames of youth never died out.
"Father, my youth has finally led me here!"
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Perched on a branch above them, a mongoose peeked down at the scene, shuddering at Might Guy's overwhelming enthusiasm.
"Ye Dou… does this guy have a screw loose?"
Ye Dou remained silent for a moment. Finally, as if convinced, he asked,
"What exactly can you teach me?"
Hearing this, Might Guy—Konoha's strongest taijutsu user—beamed with excitement.
"So, that means you accept?!"
Instead of Ye Dou, Guy was the one who looked elated, as if he were the student who had just received a great opportunity.
"Ah, sorry! I just got too excited!" He coughed to regain his composure. "Before we start training, let's introduce ourselves properly. My name is Might Guy! Konoha's taijutsu master! My hobbies include—"
"Wait… hobbies?" Ye Dou frowned.
"Yes! My hobbies include playing baseball and—"
"Baseball?" Ye Dou interrupted, raising an eyebrow.
Konoha has baseball?
Somewhat suspiciously, he glanced at Might Guy before continuing.
"You can call me Ye Dou."
"Ye Dou? A fine name! And what else?"
"That's it."
"That's it? No hobbies?"
"I don't have time for things like that."
"..."
Might Guy fell silent. It seemed that inspiring the youth of this young man would take longer than expected.
But if it was difficult, then that just meant it was worth doing—because that was youth!
"Hobbies aren't important! We'll work on that together!"
With another enthusiastic thumbs-up, he continued,
"Alright, back to the main topic! Since you're already used to weighted training, ordinary taijutsu drills won't be much of a challenge for you anymore."
"But before we move forward, I need to test you first. Weighted training is no joke—so, Ye Dou, punch me!"
Ye Dou blinked. "You… want me to punch you? Where?"
"Anywhere! This is a test! And don't hold back—hit me with full force!"
Might Guy confidently raised his right hand and gave a thumbs-up.
"You know, even Kakashi, that so-called genius, has lost to me 50 times!"
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