"We will definitely redouble our efforts in the future to strive for your recognition as soon as possible!"
"Yeah." Might Guy nodded approvingly.
"Tenten, Lee, the two of you should continue to follow the previous training plan to build up your physical endurance."
The moment Guy finished speaking, Rock Lee's eyes lit up with determination. Without hesitation, he declared, "Yes! Guy-sensei! I'll run around Konoha three times immediately!"
Seeing Lee's enthusiasm, Tenten wasn't about to be left behind. "Guy-sensei, I'll do the same!" she said, running off right after Lee.
Meanwhile, Tianyu remained behind as Guy turned to him with a more serious expression.
"Tianyu, your training needs to be adjusted. Basic endurance training alone isn't enough for you anymore."
"What kind of adjustment?" Tianyu asked curiously.
"Weights."
Might Guy's face was solemn as he explained, "I remember your family runs a ninja tool shop, right? Start weight training immediately. Begin with 30 pounds, and every time you adjust and adapt, increase by 10 pounds."
Tianyu nodded, having considered weighted training before. But hearing Guy suggest it before he even asked only confirmed Guy's expertise in taijutsu.
"Understood, Guy-sensei."
"Good. Now, let me teach you the fundamentals of taijutsu," Guy said, moving to the center of the training ground and motioning for Tianyu to follow.
"Konoha Whirlwind is the foundation of my taijutsu. The key to mastering it is using the waist as the central axis, channeling the strength of the entire body while focusing chakra into the legs. Increasing power and speed through chakra control is vital. You must also…"
---
Time passed quickly. Before they knew it, more than half a year had gone by since Tianyu and his friends entered the Ninja Academy.
After the New Year, both Tianyu and Tenten turned seven. Their winter vacation was nearly over, and school was about to resume.
Over this time, Tianyu, Tenten, and Lee had made incredible progress. Among them, Tianyu's growth was the most astonishing.
The weights on his legs had increased from 30 pounds to 100 pounds—a weight nearly equivalent to that of a fully grown adult woman. For a seven-year-old, it was almost unimaginable.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
A series of explosions echoed from a nearby training ground. Rock Lee, mid-training, halted and turned toward the source of the commotion.
"How strong has Tianyu become?" Lee muttered, eyes filled with curiosity. He turned to Tenten, who was casually swinging her legs while sitting atop a wooden training post.
"Take a guess," Tenten teased with a sly smile. "Other than Guy-sensei, I don't think anyone really knows how strong my brother is now."
---
Meanwhile, in the adjacent training ground, Tianyu was undergoing personal training with Might Guy.
"Tianyu, are you ready?" Guy asked, his voice steady and serious.
"Ready," Tianyu replied, determination burning in his eyes.
"Then let's begin!"
"Yes, Guy-sensei!"
A gentle spring breeze rustled Tianyu's long black hair as he narrowed his gaze, locking onto a wooden training post twenty meters ahead. Without hesitation, he launched himself forward like an arrow.
The transition from stillness to motion was seamless, his movements fluid and precise. In mere moments, Tianyu's muscles tensed, veins bulging across his forehead as his heartbeat accelerated.
His feet pounded the ground with crushing force, cracking the earth beneath each step. Then, with a powerful leap, he twisted his waist and swung his leg like a whip.
"Konoha Whirlwind!"
Boom!!
The training post shattered on impact. Wood fragments exploded in all directions, and deep cracks spread across the remains of the post. The sheer force of the attack suggested that if this blow landed on a person, it would cause internal organ displacement or even death.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Might Guy's applause filled the air, his expression full of pride.
"Tianyu, that was incredible! I initially thought it would take you at least two years to grasp Konoha Whirlwind, but in just half a year, you've already mastered its essence! You've exceeded my expectations!"
Guy didn't hold back in his praise. He was deeply impressed by Tianyu's rapid growth.
"It's all thanks to your guidance, Guy-sensei," Tianyu responded with a grateful smile.
Then, a spark of excitement appeared in his eyes. "Guy-sensei, does this mean I can start training for Konoha Great Whirlwind now?"
Konoha Whirlwind and Konoha Great Whirlwind differed in more than just their names. The latter demanded greater physical conditioning and muscle strength. It was a lethal B-rank taijutsu, comparable to Tsunade's monstrous strength!
Guy, however, shook his head. "Not yet, Tianyu. Youth requires patience."
His expression turned serious as he elaborated, "Konoha Great Whirlwind requires a body strong enough to handle a load of at least 200 pounds. Based on my research on various shinobi's physical growth, a seven-year-old's limit is around 150 pounds. Exceeding that could cause irreversible damage to your bones."
Guy placed a firm hand on Tianyu's shoulder. "Remember, never rush your physical training. Prioritizing power over your body's natural development could hinder your potential in the long run."
For once, there was no eccentricity in Guy's tone—only the wisdom of a master taijutsu practitioner.
Tianyu absorbed his words, nodding seriously. "I understand, Guy-sensei."
He clenched his fists, feeling the burning anticipation within him. He would keep training, keep pushing forward. The path of taijutsu was one of perseverance, and he was determined to master it step by step.