The Lightbulb Psychological Therapy

"The signature ramen will do."

When someone else is treating you to a meal, it is best to order the cheaper ramen.

Kazuhiko certainly knew he wouldn't be able to eat Guy into poverty, but since they were both ordering the signature bowl, it would be a lack of social grace for him—the one tagging along for a free meal—to order a deluxe set.

Seeing that Kakashi had absolutely no intention of conversing, Kazuhiko looked toward Guy and asked a question he already knew the answer to:

"Guy, why is it that before you do anything, you always set some strange rules for yourself?"

Guy froze for a moment, then burst into loud laughter:

"Hahahaha! Someone finally asked! You kid really know how to get to the heart of the matter!"

[Might Guy's favorability toward you has increased]

He performed a backflip from his seat, landed steadily, and then leaned in close to Kazuhiko, lowering his voice as if sharing a world-shattering secret:

"Since you've asked with such sincerity, I shall tell you without reservation. But you must keep this a secret from everyone else; it is..."

He cleared his throat, placed his hands on his hips, and struck a teaching pose.

Kazuhiko was speechless. Is this what you look like when you're asking someone to keep a secret?

You're acting as if you're terrified that someone in this ramen shop might not hear you.

"Simply put, it is the training of swapping victories. Self-imposed rules."

"Listen closely. The crux of these rules lies in intentionally placing yourself in an overly harsh situation when challenging something, creating a 'shackle'."

Guy held up five fingers and waved them in front of Kazuhiko:

"For example, if I lose at rock-paper-scissors, I must run 500 laps. Behind these hellish rules lies the power to summon a heavenly future, the belief that 'as long as I run these 500 laps, I can defeat Kakashi'!"

His eyes sparkled as if he were recounting some great truth:

"In other words, by having these 'shackles' like 500 laps, even a simple win or loss like rock-paper-scissors requires me to give it my all—that is one benefit. Furthermore, if I lose, executing these 500 laps allows me to train myself. This is the ultimate two-fold strategy!"

Why do I have a sense of déjà vu, like when I'm with Xiao Tian?

Should I take out a notebook and start taking notes?

Kazuhiko looked at Guy's earnest face, feeling a stir of emotion in his heart.

To have created your own "Youth Winning Philosophy" at a time like this—and you still claim you aren't a genius!

"I see. By using 'shackles' to gain the conviction that you must win, that is the first victory; if you lose, you can still train yourself, that is the second victory; and through unremitting training, you grow one step closer to defeating Kakashi—this is a triple win!"

Kazuhiko had an "epiphany" and decisively gave a thumbs-up:

"I understand now. From the moment you set those strange rules for this 'Youth Duel', Kakashi had already lost!"

"Guy, the fact that you could invent this Youth Winning Philosophy—where you are either winning or on the path to winning—proves you are a true genius!"

"I believe that one day, Kakashi will be trampled beneath your feet!"

Guy hugged Kazuhiko tightly, bursting into tears on the spot.

"Kazuhiko, you really... wuwuwu..."

[Might Guy's favorability toward you has increased significantly to: Friendly (Finally, someone understands my youth!)]

[Might Guy's independent character card pool has been unlocked]

[Jonin-level entry draw chance +1]

Kakashi, who was eating his ramen, felt rather offended.

What do you mean "Kakashi has already lost" and "Kakashi will be trampled beneath your feet"?

Do you even have a Sharingan, you Uchiha?

Can't you see that I've already won and am currently eating?

Watching the two of them with their arms around each other, Kakashi felt like a third wheel, and the more he thought about it, the angrier he became.

Hey, hey! The bowl of ramen you're eating is the one I won, you jerk!

And you, Guy!

The one having this Youth Duel with you is me, not that Uchiha named Kazuhiko!

"I finally understand why Kakashi is able to make a name for himself in the ninja world."

Kazuhiko looked at Guy with a sincere expression:

"It is precisely because you are constantly chasing him from behind that he is able to keep spurring himself on and growing stronger!"

"You are Kakashi's indomitable pursuer, and also the whetstone for his path as a genius."

"I'm so envious that Kakashi has a partner like you."

Guy continued to sob, the anime-level volume of his tears soaking Kazuhiko directly.

Who said Guy couldn't use ninjutsu?

If this isn't Water Style, then what is?

[Might Guy's favorability toward you has increased significantly to: Trust (A true friend is hard to find in this life; I am not alone on the path of youth!)]

[Jonin-level trait draw chance +1]

Kazuhiko: ...

Getting soaked is just getting soaked, I suppose.

If it's for the sake of a Jonin-level trait draw chance...

I am willing.

Kakashi was stunned.

In an instant, many things crossed his mind.

The gloom of his father's suicide, the grief of losing his comrades, the sorrow of his master and mistress falling in battle...

Throughout those painful memories, Guy had always been by his side, pestering him relentlessly, never once leaving him behind.

So, the person he had always viewed as a "fool" was actually his most precious comrade!

[Kakashi's favorability toward you has increased significantly to: Friendly (People who don't know how to cherish their comrades are truly pathetic...)]

[Kakashi-exclusive trait pool unlocked]

[Jonin-level trait draw chance +1]

Kazuhiko was very satisfied.

Who says psychological therapy can only be one-on-one?

Look into the third-wheel therapy method sometime.

After the three finished their noodles, Guy paid the bill and saw the two off as they left the village for their mission.

"I'll stop here! I have to start my 500 laps around the village!"

Guy gave them a thumbs-up, flashed a toothy grin, and took off immediately, without a hint of hesitation.

"Goodbye," Kazuhiko said in farewell, "let's hang out again when I get back! Maybe we can train together sometime..."

Guy's figure froze. He looked back at Kazuhiko, his face full of anticipation:

"Really?"

Kazuhiko was actually just being polite before leaving; he had always been a master of social graces.

If he actually trained with Guy, it would cost him his life!

But facing Guy's sincere gaze, he could only bite the bullet and say:

"Of course it's... true. Your father, Might Duy, was a great Konoha hero, and you are the Blue Beast of Konoha. I'm actually quite curious about your taijutsu training methods."

The air suddenly went quiet.

Guy lowered his head, his body trembling slightly.

Then—

"Waaaaah... Ah!"

He flipped to his feet, tears streaming down his face, and rushed over to hug Kazuhiko, patting his back with great force:

"Kazuhiko! You guy!"

"Even though you're someone I've acknowledged, if you train with me, I'm going to work you to the bone!"

[Might Guy's favorability toward you has increased significantly]

While being subjected to another Water Style attack, Kazuhiko felt his back go numb from the thumping.

"Actually, I was just curious and wanted to learn a little..."

He really hadn't planned on training with Guy.

Things like doing 500 laps around the village at the drop of a hat really weren't suitable for an Uchiha.

Guy had completely entered a state of self-moved sentimentality, deaf to everything, wailing loudly.

Kakashi watched the scene, his single visible eye widening slightly.

Do you even know how he trains, and you're curious?

He turned his head, his gaze lingering on Kazuhiko for three seconds, and then he suddenly thought of something.

This is actually a good thing!

If this Uchiha can distract Guy, then he won't have the energy to bother me anymore!

Kakashi's mood inexplicably lightened.

It's the final day; dear readers who have monthly tickets, please remember to cast them.

Also, thank you to the readers who have been following and voting; thank you all for your support, and I wish everyone a happy May Day.