After gruelingly completing 20 handstand laps around Konoha, Might Guy and Rock Lee seemed to have all their strength drained away, collapsing to the ground and panting heavily.
At this moment, the moonlight of the deep night shone like silver gauze on every corner of the Training Ground, and the surroundings were so quiet that only their heavy breathing could be heard.
After a while, Might Guy was the first to recover. He raised his head slightly, and large beads of sweat slid down his cheeks, dripping onto the ground and splashing up a small patch of dust.
Looking at the equally exhausted Rock Lee beside him, his eyes revealed a hint of relief and affection.
At this moment, Rock Lee's hair was soaked with sweat and clung tightly to his scalp, his chest heaving violently, but his eyes remained resolute.
It was a kind of dedication and yearning for the path of the ninja.
Might Guy spoke slowly, his voice a little hoarse, but full of strength and encouragement.
" Rock Lee, you did very well today. Your hard work and perseverance are evident to your teacher."
When Rock Lee heard his teacher's praise, a glint of excitement flashed in his eyes, like a star shining in the darkness.
A blush crept onto her tired face, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly.
"Thank you, teacher! I will continue to work hard."
Suddenly, Might Guy gently patted Rock Lee on the shoulder, a hint of seriousness in his eyes.
" Rock Lee, I have to go out of the village on a mission tomorrow. This mission is very dangerous, so you can't come with me."
Upon hearing this, the excitement in Rock Lee's eyes vanished instantly, replaced by deep disappointment and anxiety.
"Teacher, why? I'm not afraid of danger, I can help you complete the task."
His voice trembled slightly, and his hands unconsciously clenched into fists.
But Might Guy shook his head firmly and sighed.
" Rock Lee, you're still too young."
"Although you are very courageous and not afraid of hardship or fatigue, it was really wrong of me to take you on a mission that lasted for three long years."
"You should have a normal learning environment to learn more knowledge and catch up on what you've missed!"
"Moreover, this mission is beyond your current capabilities."
Upon hearing Might Guy's explanation, Rock Lee lowered his head and remained silent for a while.
His eyes revealed disappointment and frustration.
He knew the teacher meant well, but he still couldn't suppress his disappointment.
After a while, Rock Lee raised his head and faced Might Guy, his eyes revealing a firmness and determination.
"Teacher, I understand. I will train hard at the Ninja Academy and I will definitely not let you down."
Might Guy felt both gratified and a little reluctant to see Rock Lee so sensible.
Rock Lee is a promising child. As long as he perseveres, he will surely become an excellent ninja in the future.
Even surpassing him.
" Rock Lee, don't be discouraged. Train hard at the Ninja Academy, and when you become stronger, you'll have many more opportunities to go on missions with your teachers."
Rock Lee nodded vigorously.
"Yes, teacher! I will definitely work hard and won't let you down."
Might Guy smiled with satisfaction, revealing his signature big white teeth, and patted Rock Lee on the shoulder again.
"Alright, Rock Lee, you must be tired from training today. Go back and get some rest."
Don't be late for school!
"Yes!" Rock Lee stood up, bowed to Might Guy, his eyes revealing respect and gratitude.
"Goodbye, teacher. Be careful when you're on your mission."
After saying that, he turned and walked towards his home.
Rock Lee's figure appeared somewhat lonely in the moonlight, but his steps were firm.
He knew he still had a long way to go, and he needed to work even harder in his cultivation so that he could realize his dream.
Might Guy watched Rock Lee's departing figure, smiled slightly, and then gazed at the distant sky, silently thinking to himself.
"Go for it, Rock Lee! This is a rare and glorious moment for Konoha."
"You are so much better than we were before, don't waste this opportunity!"
The next morning, sunlight streamed onto the rooftops of Konoha, bathing the village in golden light.
Fugaku and Might Guy gathered their respective teams at the village entrance.
After discussions last night, the Land of Rivers and the Land of Bears ultimately chose the Land of Rivers.
This place is closer to Konoha, and some ninja forces are also stationed near the Land of Rivers, so they can seek support if anything happens.
This isn't possible in the Land of Bears.
Not to mention, they brought a trump card with them.
Once everyone had arrived, Fugaku shouted.
"Set off!"
Yes! *N
Dozens of ninjas shouted in unison, then quickly Hand Seals, their figures vanishing instantly as they sped off towards the Land of Rivers.
The wind whistled past their ears, making their clothes flutter.
They barely stopped in order to reach their destination as quickly as possible.
Only occasionally, when passing by a small stream, would they quickly squat down, scoop up the water with their hands, and drink a few mouthfuls to quench their thirst and relieve their fatigue, before immediately getting up and continuing on their way.
A day later, they returned to the familiar yet unfamiliar cave.
Fugaku cautiously and nimbly entered the cave first, followed closely by the Uchiha Clan ninja, who activated their Sharingan, their red eyes gleaming in the dim light that streamed into the cave.
Might Guy also carefully entered the cave.
The cave was dark and damp, filled with a pungent odor, and the crisp dripping sound of water droplets falling from the cave ceiling added to the eerie atmosphere.
They continued along the same route, trying to find more clues.
In such a place, time seems to lose its meaning.
After an unknown amount of time, an Uchiha ninja suddenly appeared beside Fugaku and reported a new discovery.
" Fugaku, look here. This pattern looks a lot like a Sealing Jutsu array."
Fugaku hurriedly went over to inspect it, and after careful observation, excitedly told everyone.
"Everyone, search carefully and see if there are any other clues related to the Sealing Jutsu."
Upon hearing this, the crowd dispersed, some crouching down to examine the marks on the ground, while others pressed themselves against the walls to study the rune murals.
Suddenly, a Hyuga ninja exclaimed, "Lord Fugaku, there's a secret door here!"
The crowd gathered around and saw that behind the seemingly ordinary stone wall, as seen through the Byakugan of the Hyuga ninja, there was a space.
Fugaku looked at the hidden door with a determined gaze and said, "Open the hidden door, everyone be careful."
Upon receiving the order, several Uchiha and Hyuga ninjas joined forces, tensely and intently approaching the secret door.
To everyone's surprise, this so-called secret door, which they thought would require ninjutsu to force open, opened with a simple push.
The Setsuna the hidden door opened, a powerful surge of chakra erupted from it.
Immediately afterwards, countless hidden weapons shot out from inside the door, moving at extremely high speeds and at tricky angles.
Fugaku shouted, "Watch out!" and quickly Hand Seals.