Learning the Eight Inner Gates

Silence!

The classroom, which had been buzzing with chatter just moments ago, was now deathly silent. It was so quiet that even the slightest sound of someone breathing could be heard clearly!

Everyone stared wide-eyed at Xiao Yun, utterly unable to believe that he had made such a choice.

"So be it. Whether ninjutsu or taijutsu, as long as one trains well, one can become a powerful expert of their generation. Let Xiao Yun train under Guy for now. As for his ninjutsu training, I will make a decision after discussing it with the Daimyo. I have said my piece. Who is in favor? Who is opposed?"

After Hiruzen Sarutobi finished speaking, the corners of his mouth rose slightly, revealing an inscrutable smile.

The Third Hokage had made this statement largely because he did not want Xiao Yun to become embroiled in Konoha's pointless internal factional struggles. Of course, such a genius could not train only in taijutsu either. That would truly be a waste of talent.

As long as the matter reached the Daimyo, he could use the Daimyo's name to convene a special Konoha meeting. Then they could vote on Xiao Yun's final affiliation. Given his influence with the Daimyo, bringing Xiao Yun under his command would be no problem. At that point, no faction would have anything to say.

"I object!"

Danzo was the first to jump out, glaring darkly at the Third Hokage.

Having dealt with Hiruzen Sarutobi for so many years, whenever that guy so much as twitched his ass, Danzo knew whether he was about to fart—or shit himself.

"Say something, Hyuga Hiashi. You know how important the Divine Son's affiliation is without me having to tell you."

Danzo was getting anxious. If this went to a special meeting with the Daimyo, he definitely could not compete with Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Hyuga Hiashi gave the Hokage a meaningful look, then glanced at Danzo. After a moment of silence, he said, "I think Lord Hokage's proposal is feasible. After all, the Eight Inner Gates are indeed quite powerful. As for ninjutsu, we can send someone to teach Xiao Yun later. However, I have a small request."

"Please, speak freely."

Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately took over before Danzo could speak. As long as he secured the Hyuga Clan's support, Danzo would have no choice but to give up.

"Xiao Yun must marry into the Hyuga Clan. But Xiao Yun, do not worry. Our Hyuga Clan will definitely give you the finest girls. Just tell me which one catches your eye. Even married women with children are acceptable."

Hyuga Hiashi spoke slowly. In order to produce a child with the Divine Son's talent, he had truly cast aside all dignity.

Xiao Yun was stunned, then instantly overwhelmed with joy. The women of the Hyuga Clan were his to choose from? Even married ones were fine? Was there really such a good deal?

Damn it!

I like married women! If I ran into some sultry young wife who was unwilling, then used a little force... that feeling... heh heh!

However, Xiao Yun no longer dared show even the slightest lecherous expression, because he kept feeling cold gusts blowing against his back, and the chill was growing stronger.

"A true man born in troubled times should not indulge in the comforts of romance. I appreciate Lord Hyuga's kindness. Before I become an unrivaled powerhouse, beauty and I are irreconcilable enemies."

Xiao Yun "righteously" refused Hyuga Hiashi.

"Excellent!"

Clap clap clap! A wave of thunderous applause erupted, and everyone looked at Xiao Yun with incomparable admiration.

They had never expected the Divine Son to possess not only talent unrivaled throughout the ages, but also such resolute will. Konoha was about to rise to power once more.

What they did not know was that Xiao Yun's heart was already bleeding. Especially when he looked at the beautiful women of the Hyuga Clan, he nearly wanted to kneel and shout, "Father-in-law, please accept this son-in-law's bow!"

Tsunade also could not help letting out a sigh of relief. At least you have some conscience, brat. If you had dared agree to Hyuga Hiashi's offer, I would have revealed that I was carrying your child.

"Good! Xiao Yun, I was not wrong about you. We can put this matter aside for now. Once you have achieved something in your training, we can discuss it again!"

Hyuga Hiashi nodded in satisfaction. A forced melon was never sweet. Once Xiao Yun became stronger in the future, it would not be too late to bring it up again. After all, he had confidence in the women of the Hyuga Clan.

"Yes, once Xiao Yun grows stronger, I will personally arrange a match between him and the Hyuga Clan."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile.

"Arrange my ass, old man! Have you even asked Xiao Yun what kind of woman he likes?"

Tsunade roared.

Everyone was dumbfounded. What was Tsunade doing now?

"Wait, Xiao Yun. I must remind you that the Eight Inner Gates are not easy to learn. Many Elite Jonin have studied them for years without grasping their essence. You should think carefully."

Seeing that those two had reached an agreement, Danzo could only turn back to Xiao Yun.

"Of course I understand. But all things are inferior; only taijutsu stands supreme! Every ninjutsu is merely the manifestation of power released from within the body. Only taijutsu returns to simplicity and does not bother with all that flashy nonsense. I have made my decision. I will learn the Eight Inner Gates—more precisely, the Chaos Heaven Gate."

Xiao Yun spoke decisively.

"Good! Since Xiao Yun has said so, then it is settled!"

"Guy, from today onward, the Divine Son is in your care. If anything happens to him, bring me your head."

Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand, signaling Guy to take Xiao Yun away.

"Yes, sir."

Inside Xiao Yun's residence.

"Xiao Yun, remember this. From today onward, train properly. If I catch you slacking off, I'll beat you to death."

"Yes!"

"Although you are now Konoha's Holy Son, the promotion requirements have not changed. If you fail to fulfill our previous agreement, I'll still beat you to death."

"Yes!"

Tsunade stood with her hands on her hips, pointing at Xiao Yun. She looked exactly like a shrew.

"Yes! I will definitely train diligently and live up to Lady Tsunade's expectations."

A wise man did not fight when the odds were against him. Xiao Yun immediately bowed respectfully, but inwardly he thought, Just you wait. Once I become powerful, I'll marry a hundred women and show you.

Pfft.

Tsunade was amused by Xiao Yun's appearance. How could a woman as experienced as her fail to see that he did not mean a word of it?

Walking slowly over to Xiao Yun, Tsunade abandoned her previous domineering manner and said gently, "Xiao Yun, do you think I have been too harsh on you?"

Xiao Yun frowned and stared at Tsunade in disbelief. What was this about?

Why had she suddenly become so gentle?

Something was suspicious!

"No, no, no. Lady Tsunade is doing this for my own good! I will definitely train diligently and live up to Lady Tsunade's expectations, as well as Senior Senju Hashirama's expectations."

Xiao Yun said with a solemn expression.

"All right! Stop making declarations."

Tsunade could not help smiling. Her beauty was enough to topple kingdoms, leaving Xiao Yun staring blankly.

"By the way, you must not tell anyone that my grandfather once possessed you, understand? Also, if the elders of the Hyuga Clan send beautiful women to seduce you, what will you do?"

Tsunade asked seriously.

"I will sternly reject them, keep myself pure, and guard my virtue like jade."

Xiao Yun immediately replied.

"Hmph."

Tsunade sneered and continued, "Stop pretending! Do you think I do not know what men are thinking? I am warning you: if you dare cheat behind my back, I will castrate you."

"B-but... what if I can't hold it in? Holding it in too long can cause problems."

Xiao Yun said almost instinctively.

"This is for you. If you cannot hold it in, deal with it yourself."

With that, Tsunade handed Xiao Yun a book.

"What is this?"

Xiao Yun opened the cover in confusion.

Holy shit!

It was filled with Tsunade's sexy photo portraits, each one more revealing and seductive than the last!

Wait... what did this mean?

She was giving him a book so he could take care of it himself?

Did he have to trouble his right hand?

"What? Is that still not enough?"

Tsunade asked with a stern face.

"It is enough! Thank you, Lady Tsunade, for the gift. I will surely use it three times a day to repay your kindness."

Xiao Yun looked at Tsunade speechlessly.

Was this something a human being would do?

"All right, it is getting late. Guy is still waiting for you. I have packed your things. Go on!"

"Xiao Yun, this is where we will train and rest."

Guy led Xiao Yun deep into a forest and pointed at two thatched huts in the clearing ahead.

Damn it!

I was Konoha's Holy Son, yet this place was way too simple, wasn't it?

"Xiao Yun, look at this place. Clear mountains, beautiful waters, bubbling springs, and the scent of youth everywhere. This is a perfect training ground I carefully selected for you. Are you satisfied?"

Might Guy said with a smile.

"Satisfied! Very satisfied!"

Xiao Yun's face twitched.

"As long as you are satisfied! Get a good night's rest. Starting tomorrow, you will begin training in the first layer of the Chaos Heaven Gate, the Eight Inner Gates."

"Before that, you must prepare yourself. Training in the Eight Inner Gates is extremely arduous. Even though you are Konoha's Divine Son, as your teacher, I will not show the slightest mercy."

Might Guy said seriously.

"By the way, Teacher Guy, there are three grass huts here. Who is the other one for?"

Xiao Yun looked at Might Guy in confusion.

"Might Guy, look what I caught today!"

At that moment, a boy with the same bowl-cut hairstyle came running excitedly from the distance.

Xiao Yun recognized him at a glance—Rock Lee!