The Ninth Chapter: Becoming a Disciple of Konoha's Blue Beast

So Guy was moved.

Guy nodded.

"From today on, you will study with Rock Lee. Everyone has their own ninja way. Even if you can't follow it to the end, you will at least achieve something! Come on, let's burn our youth together!!!"

Hearing Guy's words, Josuke couldn't hide his excitement and smiled. Rock Lee was also happy that Josuke had received his teacher's approval!

Afterward, Guy brought everyone to the Taijutsu training ground. He gestured and said, "Josuke, you and Rock Lee will spar first so I can see your foundation."

Josuke nodded.

Guy then said to Rock Lee on the side.

"Rock Lee, your mastery of the second gate isn't perfect yet. This might be the opportunity for you to break through the second gate. You can also take off the weights on your legs. Remember, burn your youth!!"

Rock Lee nodded, removed the bandages tied to his legs, and stepped onto the field.

Seeing this, Guy said, "Begin."

The two then began their first match.

Rock Lee let out a great shout, and a faint light appeared around his body.

"First gate, open!"

With that, Rock Lee shot towards Josuke like a cannonball. Josuke quickly activated his Sharingan and was only then able to discern Rock Lee's speed.

Josuke used Body Flicker Technique, dodging Rock Lee's first attack.

Rock Lee then performed a backflip and used his Taijutsu.

"Front Lotus!"

With his escape route blocked, Josuke could only block with his hands.

"Bang!" Smoke and dust rose around them. Josuke cried out in pain. That force was no joke.

Josuke then seized the opportunity, grabbed Rock Lee's leg, and tried to throw him backward. Unexpectedly, Rock Lee used the force to break free and delivered a flying kick towards Josuke.

Josuke could only block with his left hand.

After this kick, Josuke felt half of his arm go numb. He was shocked. Is this the Eight Inner Gates? It's so strong. It can easily beat a weakling like me.

"Teacher Guy, can I use Ninjutsu?"

Guy nodded.

His primary goal for this match was Josuke's talent, followed by his battlefield adaptability, and thirdly, to assess Rock Lee. Josuke certainly didn't disappoint Guy; his talent was indeed great, managing to go back and forth with Rock Lee.

Hearing Guy's authorization, Josuke smiled slightly.

He increased his distance and quickly formed hand seals.

"Fire Style, Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"

With that, fireballs of various sizes attacked Rock Lee. Rock Lee moved evasively, observing the distance for his charge. Unexpectedly, Josuke played dirty. He activated his Sharingan, and Rock Lee was instantly pulled into an illusionary world.

This was an illusion that Josuke had comprehended from his Sharingan. Although he could only control it for one or two seconds now, it was enough. Josuke accelerated, appeared beside Rock Lee, and delivered a flying kick.

At this moment, Rock Lee also snapped out of the illusion and blocked with both hands. The green light around him intensified.

"Second gate, open!"

With that, Rock Lee's strength instantly surpassed his previous level. He grabbed Josuke's leg and flung him away.

Damn it, Josuke cursed inwardly. He had underestimated his opponent again. He landed heavily on the ground, groaning in pain. However, Rock Lee's attack came again. Helpless, Josuke forcefully twisted his body, dodging the attack.

He then sent a Fire Style: Great Fireball towards Rock Lee, and the two once again created distance between them.

Josuke pondered for a moment, then used Water Style: Mist Clone. A temporary mist formed around them, and Josuke hid within this water mist.

Josuke then used a Clone Technique. His clone appeared, but at this point, Josuke's Chakra was almost depleted.

Seriously...

Rock Lee's Taijutsu is really painful. I've been on the defensive for most of this fight.

Josuke rested briefly and then heard the sound of running. He could still hide in this mist, but he wasn't sure when Rock Lee would fall into his trap.

Thus, Josuke exchanged a look with his clone. They understood each other.

The clone attacked first. Perhaps hearing the sound, Rock Lee's footsteps immediately moved towards the clone.

Seeing this, Josuke lowered his stance and followed closely behind.

Suddenly, a surprise attack came. Rock Lee delivered a flying kick towards Josuke's clone. Josuke was waiting for this exact moment.

Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!

A massive fireball hurtled towards Josuke's clone.

Turns out, when using the Mist Technique, Josuke had already calculated the aftermath. Although he couldn't defeat Rock Lee head-on, he knew ninjutsu. So, he hid behind the mist.

He used the Clone Technique, making the clones confuse Rock Lee while he played the role of the sneaky one from behind. Hahaha, a perfect plan.

So, as Rock Lee's flying kick aimed for Josuke's clone, the Great Fireball also struck.

Rock Lee couldn't dodge at this moment and could only take the fireball head-on. However, a figure appeared before him – Konoha's Blue Beast!

Emperor Gai dispersed Josuke's fireball with just one kick.

Seeing Emperor Gai appear, Josuke knew he had won. He then knelt on the ground, exhausted.

Gai looked at Rock Lee.

"Lee, you lost."

But he didn't scold him. Instead, his tone was encouraging.

"The Second Gate, you've likely mastered it completely. Well done!"

After speaking, Gai patted Rock Lee's head, bringing tears to Lee's eyes.

"Teacher Gai! I'll keep working hard!"

Rock Lee clenched his fists, and Gai smiled faintly.

The two walked over to Josuke. Josuke had a few scratches on his face, his knees were also injured, and his arms were bruised.

Gai acknowledged Josuke's talent.

"Josuke, you're amazing. Come on, let's burn our youth together!!!!"

Gai pulled Josuke up, and Rock Lee was eager to join in.

"Josuke, you're my goal from now on!!!"

Rock Lee gave Josuke a thumbs-up and smiled confidently.

Josuke nodded in return. Having Rock Lee as a sparring partner would only help him improve. Now, it was time to learn Emperor Gai's Eight Inner Gates. Hmph 😠

After a few brief words, Emperor Gai began to explain the Eight Inner Gates (omitting the detailed explanation here).

After the explanation, Josuke felt a sense of sudden enlightenment. It was truly worthy of the Eight Inner Gates.

Gai also assigned him daily training tasks, requiring him to exercise his body every day with sets of push-ups and running.

He was also taught the first gate of the Eight Inner Gates. Josuke nodded. Seeing that it was getting late, he headed home.

Upon returning home, he ate a quick meal and began his training. He repeated this day after day, to the point where Josuke sometimes even forgot to eat.

This continued for about a year, bringing Josuke and Sasuke to the age of seven...

Josuke had achieved some success. He had completely mastered the first gate of the Eight Inner Gates, and after opening it, his speed and strength had greatly increased.

Although he was still a bit clumsy, he was definitely much stronger than his little brother, Sasuke. His little brother had become completely withdrawn, only speaking a few words to him while ignoring everyone else.