The Man Who Almost Kicked His Way to the Finale Has Arrived

The Man Who Almost Kicked His Way to the Finale Has Arrived

Aoba had thought it would be difficult to find someone who had overexerted themselves through training. Even if someone was willing to serve as this guinea pig, it would take some time to completely exhaust their stamina.

However, reality did not make them wait long. Someone soon brought the guinea pig over.

And this guinea pig was none other than Might Guy, who regarded Kakashi as both his lifelong rival and his closest friend!

Aoba froze for a moment, clearly not expecting this outcome.

But then he thought about it. Was there anyone in all of Konoha who better fit the criteria of "overtraining" and "physical exhaustion" than Guy?

Moreover, judging from Guy's clothes, which were completely soaked through, the man must have undergone hellish special training before being brought here!

And one absolutely must not underestimate Guy at this point in time. Although Kakashi had graduated at the age of five and become a legend, Guy was not far behind. He had graduated from the Ninja Academy at the age of seven, finishing in three years—only one year later than Kakashi.

Although the fourteen-year-old Guy was currently only a Chunin, his strength had already earned the recognition of many people. Perhaps it would not be long before he rose to Jonin rank like Kakashi.

Aoba vaguely remembered that Guy had become a true Jonin at the age of sixteen. That was only four years later than Kakashi, an extremely impressive achievement among his peers!

And it was worth mentioning that among Konoha's future Twelve Elite, the first to skip ranks and become a Jonin would be Neji, at the age of fifteen...

Neji, you died so tragically!

"There's a mission that requires your cooperation. It might have some effect on your body, and we can't rule out negative effects, but the effects should most likely be positive. If you're unwilling, that's fine too. This isn't a mandatory mission," Minato said gently as he looked at Guy.

If it had been anyone else, they would certainly have had serious reservations at this point.

But Guy was different. The moment Minato finished speaking, he gave a thumbs-up, flashed his pearly white teeth, and said with a hearty laugh, "Leave this mission to me. I have complete confidence in my body!"

Minato helplessly rubbed his temples. He had known the result would be this.

Still, he was not too worried. After all, Jonin Mikawa would not let Aoba fool around. On top of that, Aoba had used it himself, and many times at that, so there most likely would not be any danger.

In that case... they might as well give it a try!

Thus, everyone moved to another room. It had already been arranged according to their requirements.

"Lord Hokage, what do I need to do? Am I supposed to smash this wooden tub?"

As soon as he entered, Guy began warming up with his blood running hot. He had always wanted to join the Anbu and help Kakashi, but Lord Hokage had repeatedly refused to allow it. This had left him deeply disappointed, making him feel as though a great deal of joy had vanished from his life.

"No. You need to take off your clothes and stay inside it. For at least half an hour."

Even Guy, who feared neither mountains of blades nor seas of fire, became awkward and stared wide-eyed when he heard that he had to take off his clothes. It was the first time he had ever acted so bashfully!

"Take, take off my clothes!?"

"That's right. Someone recently discovered a medicinal bath formula that can repair hidden injuries, increase cellular activity, replenish depleted stamina, and provide many other benefits. Although someone has already tested it, we still need more people of different physiques to conduct further tests. There might be side effects, so you still have the chance to refuse."

Minato seemed to have the same thoughts as Jonin Mikawa. He did not want to put too much pressure or trouble on Aoba, so he did not mention who had provided the formula. The test was entirely voluntary.

But Guy was not frightened. Instead, his eyes burned as he looked at the wooden tub.

Repair hidden injuries?

Increase cellular activity?

Replenish depleted stamina?

Wasn't this medicinal bath tailor-made for him!?

If it worked, wouldn't that mean he could spend several more hours training every day? Maybe even more!?

As befitted a training fanatic, his first thought was how he could devote even more time to hard cultivation.

And Guy was not unaware that his extreme training methods were damaging and exhausting his body. He simply had no other choice.

Because he had no talent whatsoever in any other area!

Only hard work and sweat would never deceive him!

So he could only walk this path to the bitter end, overdrawing his future in exchange for the present!

He did not want to spend his entire life as a Genin!

Then... thump!

Without caring that outsiders were present, Guy stripped off all his clothes at top speed and jumped into the wooden tub.

The water was around forty-five degrees Celsius. It was somewhat hot, but to him, it was even more comfortable!

"Do I just keep soaking like this?" Guy asked somewhat awkwardly, leaving only his head above the water.

At that moment, Minato looked at Aoba with a gentle smile. His meaning was clear: Aoba could do it himself and need not worry that anyone would retain the remaining medicinal powder to reverse-engineer it.

At this point, Aoba was also moved by the goodwill of the Fourth Hokage, and much of his concern faded.

He directly handed the medicine packet to Jonin Mikawa. "Just pour it all in."

Jonin Mikawa was even more straightforward. After taking it, he immediately poured all the black powder into the wooden tub in front of everyone, then tossed the remaining packaging residue into the nearby furnace used to heat the water without a second thought.

He did this not only to avoid suspicion, but also to express his attitude.

Aoba's gaze toward him became gentler, and even Minato looked at him appreciatively.

Next, the hot water turned completely black almost the instant the medicinal powder was added. Its color alone was terrifying.

At the same time, Guy seemed to feel the medicine taking effect. His expression changed, becoming extremely solemn.

"What do you feel right now?"

"It feels like being pricked by needles. But I can endure it," Guy answered honestly.

Minato nodded silently. He had already heard Aoba personally explain this "side effect" earlier, so he was not surprised.

And so, time slowly passed as they waited...

At first, Guy was somewhat uncomfortable. But as time passed, he not only grew accustomed to bathing in front of others, he also adapted to the pain brought by the medicinal bath. Gradually, he began to feel a warm current moving throughout his body. The areas where he had accumulated more serious hidden injuries grew scorching hot, as if they were on fire!

Maybe it really worked!

A flicker of excitement flashed through Guy's eyes.

After around thirty minutes, the black medicinal liquid in the wooden tub had begun turning transparent again. This meant that most of the medicinal effects had already been released, with the majority having completely seeped into Guy's body.

P.S. Thanks to our fellow reader Neighbor of Oslo for the thousand-yuan tip. I'll be getting a recommendation at two this afternoon. A first recommendation is really important, so I'm begging everyone for recommendation votes! Also, collections and investment data shouldn't be overlooked. Please take a moment to help out. As for tips, I'll quietly ask just once—what if someone really does tip? Hehe~