So Guy was moved.
Guy nodded.
"Starting today, you'll train alongside Rock Lee. Everyone has their own way of the ninja. Even if you can't follow it to the end, you'll still achieve something! Come on, let's burn with the flames of youth!!!"
Hearing Guy's words, Josuke could hardly contain his excitement and broke into a smile. Rock Lee was also glad that Josuke had earned their teacher's approval!
Guy then led everyone to the taijutsu training ground and gestured for Josuke to step forward.
"Josuke, spar with Rock Lee first so I can see what you're capable of."
Josuke nodded.
Guy turned to Rock Lee.
"Rock Lee, you still haven't mastered the second gate. This could be your chance to break through it. You can also take off the weights around your legs. Remember, burn with the flames of youth!!"
Rock Lee nodded, removed the bandages wrapped around his legs, and stepped onto the training ground.
Seeing that, Guy said, "Begin!"
The two started their first match.
Rock Lee let out a shout, and a faint glow appeared around him.
"First Gate: Open!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Rock Lee shot toward Josuke like a cannonball. Josuke hurriedly activated his Sharingan, finally able to make out Rock Lee's speed.
Josuke used the Body Flicker Technique to dodge Rock Lee's first attack.
Rock Lee followed with a backflip and launched a taijutsu move.
"Front Lotus!"
With his escape route blocked, Josuke had no choice but to defend with his hands.
Bang! Dust billowed around them, and Josuke grimaced in pain. That hit had packed a serious punch.
Josuke seized Rock Lee's leg and flung him backward, but Rock Lee used the momentum to break free and kicked at him again.
Josuke could only block with his left hand.
That kick left half of Josuke's arm numb. He was astonished. So this was the Eight Inner Gates? It was strong—strong enough to beat the crap out of a little nobody like him.
"Teacher Guy, can I use Ninjutsu?"
Guy nodded.
In this match, he was first looking at Josuke's talent, second at how he reacted in battle, and third, of course, evaluating Rock Lee. Josuke hadn't disappointed him. He really did have talent and had managed to hold his own against Rock Lee.
With Guy's permission, Josuke smiled faintly.
He put some distance between them and rapidly formed Hand Seals.
"Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Technique!"
Small and large fireballs shot toward Rock Lee. Rock Lee dodged while gauging the distance he needed to cover to close in. But Josuke played dirty: his Sharingan activated, and Rock Lee was instantly trapped in a Genjutsu.
This was a Genjutsu Josuke had learned from his Sharingan. He could only hold Rock Lee for a second or two, but that was enough. Josuke sped over and kicked him hard.
Rock Lee snapped out of the Genjutsu just then and blocked with both hands. The green glow around him grew brighter.
"Gate of Healing! Open!"
Rock Lee's strength surged, and he grabbed Josuke's foot and flung him away.
Holy crap! Josuke cursed inwardly. He'd still underestimated Rock Lee. He hit the ground hard and winced, but Rock Lee was already coming at him again. With no other choice, Josuke spun with all his strength and dodged the attack.
He then sent a Great Fireball at Rock Lee, forcing them apart once more.
After a moment's thought, Josuke used Water Release: Hiding in Mist. A brief fog formed around them, and Josuke hid within it.
Josuke then used the Clone Technique. A clone appeared, but by then he had almost no Chakra left.
Damn it.
Rock Lee's taijutsu really hurt. Josuke had spent nearly the whole fight taking a beating.
Josuke rested briefly, then heard footsteps running. He could stay hidden in the fog, but he had no idea when Rock Lee would take the bait.
Josuke exchanged a glance with his clone, and they understood each other without a word.
The clone struck first. Perhaps hearing the noise, Rock Lee immediately ran toward it.
Josuke lowered his stance and followed close behind.
Suddenly, Rock Lee came flying out of nowhere and kicked Josuke's clone. That was the opening Josuke had been waiting for.
Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!
A massive fireball slammed toward Josuke's clone.
Josuke had planned ahead as soon as he used the mist technique. He couldn't beat Rock Lee head-on, but he had Ninjutsu, so he hid in the mist.
He'd used the Clone Technique to throw Rock Lee off, then stayed behind to catch him by surprise. Hahaha! A perfect plan.
So when Rock Lee kicked Josuke's clone, the Great Fireball came right after.
Rock Lee couldn't dodge in time and had no choice but to take the fireball head-on. But then a figure appeared in front of him—it was Konoha's Blue Beast!
Emperor Gai dispersed Josuke's fireball with a single kick.
Seeing Emperor Gai appear, Josuke knew he'd won. His strength gave out, and he dropped to one knee.
Guy looked at Rock Lee.
"Rock Lee lost."
But he wasn't scolding him. His tone was encouraging.
"You've completely mastered the second gate, haven't you? Excellent!"
After saying that, Guy patted Rock Lee on the head. Rock Lee was practically in tears.
"Teacher Guy! I'll keep working hard!"
Rock Lee clenched his fist, and Guy smiled faintly.
The two of them came over to Josuke. He had a few scrapes on his face and knees, and his arms were covered in bruises.
Guy acknowledged Josuke's talent.
"Josuke, you did great. Come on, let's burn with the flames of youth!!!!"
Guy pulled Josuke to his feet, while Rock Lee bounced excitedly beside them.
"Josuke, you're my goal from now on!!!"
Rock Lee gave Josuke a thumbs-up and smiled confidently.
Josuke nodded too. With Rock Lee as his sparring partner, he'd only keep improving. Next up was learning Emperor Gai's Eight Inner Gates. Heh heh.
After exchanging a few words, Emperor Gai began explaining the Eight Inner Gates. (The description of the Eight Inner Gates has been omitted.)
By the time he finished, Josuke felt as if a light had dawned on him. The Eight Inner Gates really were incredible.
Guy also gave him a daily training regimen. He'd have to train his body every day, doing sets of push-ups, running, and so on.
Guy also taught him the first gate. Josuke nodded, and since it was getting late, he headed home.
When he got home, he ate a few bites and started training. He kept at it every day, and over time he sometimes even forgot to eat.
He lived like this for about a year, until Josuke and Sasuke turned seven...
Josuke had made some progress. He had completely mastered the first gate, and opening it greatly increased his speed and strength.
He was still a loser, though.
But he was definitely much stronger than his little brother, Sasuke. His little brother had become completely withdrawn. Aside from the few words he would say to Josuke, he treated everything anyone else said like crap.
Before you continue