One week had passed since then, and Sasuke had fully recovered, his body healed and his resolve hardened. He had been discharged from the hospital the previous day, his thoughts already focused on the power he needed to attain.
The Konoha training grounds vibrated with the raw, unbridled energy of physical exertion. The morning sun, a brilliant orb in the clear sky, cast long, stretching shadows across the dusty clearing, illuminating the beads of sweat that glistened on Rock Lee's youthful face.
He performed a series of rapid, powerful kicks against a sturdy wooden training post, his movements a blur of green-clad limbs. Might Guy, his thick, bushy eyebrows arched in a perpetual state of enthusiastic encouragement, stood nearby, shouting words of motivation that echoed through the surrounding trees.
Sasuke, his dark eyes fixed on their intense training, stood a short distance away, his expression a mask of focused concentration. He had sought them out, drawn by their legendary dedication to taijutsu and their mastery of physical prowess.
"Lee! One thousand kicks!" Guy roared, his voice filled with fervent energy. "Youth is power! Show me your burning spirit!"
Lee, his green jumpsuit soaked with sweat, his breath coming in ragged gasps, gritted his teeth, his movements becoming even more rapid and precise. "Yes, Guy-sensei!" he yelled, his voice strained but determined.
Sasuke approached, his footsteps silent on the packed earth, interrupting their rhythmic training. "Might Guy sensei, Rock Lee," he said, his voice respectful, his gaze unwavering.
Guy's broad, sun-tanned face broke into a wide, beaming grin. "Sasuke! My youthful Junior, how are you feeling now!" he exclaimed, his voice booming with enthusiasm.
"And What brings you to our training grounds?"
"I am perfectly fine now and i wants to learn the Eight Inner Gates," Sasuke said, his voice direct, his gaze fixed on Guy's intense eyes.
Guy's grin faded, replaced by a serious expression. "The Eight Inner Gates?" he asked, his voice low and cautious. "That is a dangerous path, Sasuke."
Lee, his breathing heavy, stopped his training, his dark eyes filled with concern. "It requires immense physical and mental strength,as I tell you before" he said, his voice earnest. "Are you sure you are ready?"
"I am," Sasuke replied, his voice firm, his resolve unwavering. "I need that power."
Guy nodded slowly, his expression grave. "The Eight Inner Gates are a forbidden technique," he explained, his voice laced with warning. "They unlock the body's hidden potential, but at a terrible cost."
Guy thought for a moment then decided to teach him as he has already train with Lee for a month and probably still doing physical training.
"The first gate, the Gate of Opening, is opened by releasing the brain's limits on the muscles," Guy continued, demonstrating with a slow, deliberate movement. "You must focus your chakra, channeling it through specific pathways, and then… release."
He explained the process in detail, focusing on the specific chakra flow and muscle control required. Both Guy and Lee emphasized the pain and the danger, and told Sasuke he must be ready to pay the price.
_____
- One Week Later -
The Hokage's office, usually a place of calm efficiency, buzzed with an unusual level of activity. Tsunade sat behind her desk, her expression serious and focused as she addressed Team 7. Ino was already present, standing slightly to the side, her expression attentive.
"You have been assigned an A-rank mission," Tsunade announced, her voice firm and authoritative.
"Escorting a film crew to the Land of Snow."
"Land of Snow?" Naruto exclaimed, his blue eyes wide with excitement.
"The crew's manager requested this mission," Tsunade explained, her emerald eyes fixed on them.
"Their lead actress, Fujikaze Yukie, reluctantly agreed to go. She may cause problems."
Sakura's green eyes widened, sparkling with excitement. "Fujikaze Yukie? The actress?" she asked, her voice filled with awe and admiration.
Ino's green eyes mirrored Sakura's excitement. "She's amazing!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with admiration.
Naruto grinned, his blue eyes shining. "I've seen all her movies!" he declared.
Sasuke's dark eyes narrowed slightly. 'huh, she agreed without Naruto convincing her,' he thought, his brow furrowed. 'Well, That simplifies things. But if she tries to run, we'll handle it.'
"I requested to join this mission," Ino said, her green eyes sparkling. "I believe my skills will be invaluable."
Sakura glared at Ino, her green eyes flashing with annoyance. "And why would you do that?" She asked, her voice laced with sarcasm.
"I was here to ask Tsunade-sama about more practice for becoming strong," Ino explained, her gaze shifting to Tsunade. "As you know, my chakra control is still lacking, especially for medical ninjutsu. Tsunade-sama thought this mission would be a good experience for me."
"Kakashi is unavailable," Tsunade continued, ignoring the tension between Sakura and Ino. "Neji Hyuga will join you as well."
_____
(Afternoon)
Team 7, along with Ino, gathered at their usual meeting spot, a small clearing near the village outskirts.
"Land of Snow, huh?" Naruto said, his blue eyes filled with curiosity. "I wonder what it's like."
Sakura rolled her eyes, her green eyes fixed on Sasuke. "As long as we don't freeze to death," she muttered.
Ino adjusted her headband, her green eyes fixed on Sasuke. "We must be prepared for anything."
Sasuke, his dark eyes focused, packed essential supplies, his movements efficient and precise. He thought about his training, and how he would continue it during the mission. 'I will continue my training while we are on this mission,'he thought.
____
The gates of Konoha stood tall and imposing, illuminated by the bright shining Sun. Team 7, along with Ino, stood waiting, their expressions a mix of anticipation and apprehension.
Neji arrived, his pale eyes scanning the group. "Hey everyone," he said, his voice calm and friendly. "Ready to go?"
"Hey, Who should lead this mission?" Naruto asked, his blue eyes filled with confusion. "Both Sasuke and Neji are chunin."
"Neji should lead," Sasuke said, his voice firm and decisive. "His skills will be more useful for this mission."
Neji nodded, his pale eyes fixed on the group. "Very well. I will take command."
The film crew arrived, a motley group of technicians, actors, and support staff. Fujikaze Yukie stood at the front, her expression distant and uncooperative.
"Let's get this over with," she said, her voice flat, her blue eyes devoid of emotion.
Sakura, Ino, and Naruto's eyes widened, sparkling with excitement.
"Fujikaze Yukie!" Sakura exclaimed, her voice filled with awe. "Can we get your autograph?"
Ino and Naruto nodded eagerly, their expressions mirroring Sakura's.
Sasuke glanced at Yukie, his dark eyes briefly assessing her. 'She's… beautiful,' he thought, his expression neutral.
Neji stepped forward, his pale eyes fixed on Yukie. "We will ensure your safety," he said, his voice firm and professional. "But you must cooperate."
The team departed, heading towards the Land of Snow, the journey beginning under the cover of night. Sasuke, his dark eyes fixed on Yukie, thought, 'She's even more distant than I remember. I'll keep an eye on her.' He also thought about Neji, 'His byakugan might be useful, I will observe how he fights.'