Sakumo VS Might Duy

"What are you laughing at? It sounds awful."

"This man named Might Duy came looking for you."

The moment Sakumo entered, he heard the grating laughter and immediately began mocking it.

"Lord Kawafune, I'm a Chunin now."

Might Duy was genuinely grateful for Kawafune's righteous help.

"It was nothing. Come, have a seat."

Kawafune ignored his eldest brother's impotent rage. If he had the guts, he could come get beaten up.

When Ghost Mastiff saw its master, it let out an "Awoo!" and hurried over, seeking comfort and a hug.

But Sakumo raised a hand to stop it. A pregnant woman could not withstand being pounced on like that.

Ghost Mastiff rested its front paws on Sakumo's arm, looking so aggrieved that tears welled up in its canine eyes.

Nayuki's heart ached at the sight, and she stroked its head to comfort it.

The four sat down at the stone table. Sakumo was also curious why this odd-looking Chunin had come to see Kawafune.

Ghost Mastiff had already found a small corner to nurse its own wounds, mourning Konoha 36.

Kawafune poured tea for everyone, and Might Duy spoke first.

"Today, my wife found out she's pregnant. Now that I've been promoted to Chunin, I can take on higher-level missions."

"I can earn more money to support the family, so I had to come thank you in person to show my sincerity."

Kawafune thought to himself that Emperor Guy truly was Kakashi's lifelong rival. Even their mothers had discovered their pregnancies on the same day.

Sakumo still did not understand what Duy's promotion to Chunin had to do with Kawafune, but it was not a good time to ask.

He quietly drank his tea, while Nayuki drank milk, starting to replenish her nutrition from this very moment.

"Congratulations. I had originally wanted to ask about your Jonin qualification, but your mission completion rate and overall abilities still aren't enough."

"Still, once you've accumulated enough experience, I believe becoming a Jonin will be no problem for you."

"Your child will be proud of you then."

Duy was so moved by Kawafune's words that he nearly burst into tears. This was a benefactor sent by heaven.

"I will work hard. The fiery blood of youth will never compromise."

Tears filled Duy's eyes, and his gleaming teeth nearly blinded the Hatake family.

"This guy has Jonin-level strength?"

Sakumo signaled to Kawafune with his eyes. No matter how he looked at Duy, he did not seem like a powerful ninja.

Ignoring his brother's look, Kawafune came up with an idea. Since he wanted to know, Kawafune would let him test it himself.

"Duy, I heard you have a very powerful taijutsu technique."

"My brother has also studied taijutsu quite extensively. Would you be willing to give him some pointers?"

With a sly grin, Kawafune pushed Sakumo forward. Clearly, he was the one who wanted to see the Eight Gates Formation.

Sakumo had just been about to speak. There was no point in a Jonin bullying a Chunin.

"Of course."

"Please."

How could Duy possibly pass up the chance to challenge a strong opponent?

He rose and politely bowed to Sakumo. With a single burst of speed, he arrived in the center of the Training Hall.

A pit half a foot deep was left where he had stepped, finally piquing Sakumo's interest.

The clash between two training fanatics was about to begin.

"To show my respect for you, I'll remove my weights."

Duy grinned at Sakumo across from him.

He slowly removed the wrist weights. Though they were only half a person tall, when they fell to the ground, they crushed it several inches down.

Sakumo's expression sharpened. This Chunin possessed incredible strength.

Once all the weights were removed, Duy bounced in place, his entire body feeling light.

He placed one hand behind his back and assumed a stance.

Sakumo also drew his short sword from behind his back, his expression grave. He may truly have underestimated this Chunin.

Kawafune and Nayuki were cracking sunflower seeds nearby.

"Who do you think will win?"

Nayuki was not worried at all. Kawafune could not possibly mean any harm toward his brother.

"I don't know either, but it'll definitely be exciting."

As he spoke, Kawafune grabbed another handful of sunflower seeds, his gaze fixed on the two men in the arena without turning away.

Sakumo did not activate the Flying Thunder God. It consumed too much, and he could not sustain it many times.

Nor did he think Duy warranted the use of such a trump card.

White Chakra light burst from Sakumo's short sword, and he moved.

Duy narrowed his eyes. He raised his right hand and, by the narrowest margin, struck Sakumo's wrist before withdrawing and putting distance between them.

"Not bad speed. Let's see how you dodge next time."

Sakumo's probe had worked. In terms of speed, Duy was more than a notch below him.

"Gate of Life, open."

With Duy's loud shout, blood rushed into his face, turning it red, while green energy began to radiate from his body.

The third gate of the Eight Gates Formation, the final safe zone.

"Burn, youth!"

Duy charged at Sakumo and began his counterattack.

Afterimages had already appeared throughout the arena, streaks of green flashing into existence and vanishing again.

"It looks pretty powerful."

"Of course. At full power, this technique can unleash strength beyond Kage level."

The two spectators munching on seeds did not forget to discuss the battle.

Sakumo took every punch and kick head-on, but in terms of strength, he was ultimately no match for Duy.

Sent flying by a kick, Sakumo found Duy appearing behind him again, seemingly intending to chain together a smooth combo.

Sakumo saw through the plan. Before the bandages in Duy's hands could bind him, Sakumo's figure had already vanished.

He had still used the Flying Thunder God.

Duy was a little stunned. Sakumo had disappeared without any warning.

He was such a big person!

"You're strong. A good opponent."

"But this still isn't enough."

Sakumo's voice came from behind Duy. Within the Training Hall, the Flying Thunder God gave him far too great an advantage.

Before his words had even faded, Duy had no time to react before Sakumo kicked him flying. He had abandoned his sword.

Having been suppressed by Kawafune for too long, he needed an outlet.

He actually intended to beat Duy down with his fists and feet.

Duy crossed his arms and blocked the kick, his pupils still dilating as he failed to understand how someone could move so fast.

"Since that's the case, I won't hold back."

"The flames of youth shall never be extinguished. Gate of View, open."

Blood had congested in Duy's face until it turned dark, his expression growing savage, and his black pupils had vanished from sight.

Morning Peacock.

Duy's fists swung at high speed, friction with the air generating flames as they attacked Sakumo with extreme frequency and speed.

Sakumo was surrounded by flaming fists, and the pressure generated in the air even prevented him from freely using the Flying Thunder God.

He had to take several punches head-on before escaping Duy's attack range.

"So beautiful."

"Big brother got beaten up again."

The two heartless spectators looked thrilled. Morning Peacock was unbelievably cool.

"I lost."

Duy released the Gate of View and conceded. Sakumo had drawn his sword and rushed halfway forward before abruptly stopping.

He felt so frustrated he could spit blood. Had he taken that beating for nothing?

"You haven't lost yet."

"If this hadn't been a spar, I'd already be dead."

Duy was perceptive enough to see it. Sakumo had switched from his sword to his feet. Otherwise, Duy's head would already have been separated from his body.

Hearing that, Sakumo could only resentfully sheath his short sword, his face dark with irritation.

Where had this monster come from? He was only a Chunin.

He did not yet know that without Kawafune, Duy would have remained a Genin his entire life.

Had he not died while fighting the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, perhaps no one would ever have known how formidable Might Duy truly was.

Even after opening six gates, Duy's complexion remained normal. Clearly, his physical training had already allowed him to withstand the backlash of opening six gates.

Unlike Rock Lee, who had nearly crippled himself after opening the Gate of Limit.

After putting his weights back on, Duy returned to the stone table and sat down.

There was no trace of contempt left in Sakumo's eyes.

The two spectators also straightened up, acting like obedient children and refraining from adding fuel to Sakumo's anger.