Will of Fire (Part 2)

At the end of June in the 44th year of Konoha, the village's abundance of commissioned missions had the Chunin and Jonin beaming with joy.

Only with money could one purchase precious equipment to arm oneself, thereby securing a guarantee of safety during missions.

Throwing shuriken could practically be called throwing money; only a high volume of missions could sustain such consumption. If one wanted to live a decent life, the missions could never stop!

Might Guy understood this deeply. Ever since his three-man squad was formed, their captain had changed almost every half-month, and the three Jonin of Ino-Shika-Cho had all led them at one point or another.

Missions with lower rewards were led by other Jonin. In short, after several months of hard work, Might Guy had finally completed the upgrade of his ninja tools.

Explosive tags, smoke bombs, higher-quality military rations, and finely crafted kunai—these were the changes brought about by high-level missions!

Although Might Guy remained that hot-blooded youth upon returning to the village, he always displayed the potential of an excellent ninja during missions and was becoming increasingly accustomed to killing.

On a rare day off, Might Duy still insisted on going out to vie for D-rank missions. Regarding his father's choice, Might Guy wanted to speak but hesitated, eventually unable to hold back his low-voiced questioning:

"Father, do you really have to do D-rank missions? I don't need money from home anymore..."

"Don't forget self-discipline, Guy. This is the Ninja Way I have chosen, and the flames of youth are still burning!"

"..."

Might Duy, who had just pulled open the door, turned his head to show his son a brilliant smile. After giving a thumbs-up, he left with a look of pride; he was truly very happy that his son had achieved more than he had.

Weeding, finding lost items, delivering small objects, cleaning yards, taking care of children, and so on—these were D-rank missions, mostly issued to newly graduated or untalented Genin.

Having been exposed to high-level missions, Might Guy looked down on the rewards of a few thousand ryo, and his father's choice made him feel somewhat embarrassed...

When he arrived at the training ground, heavy-hearted, Might Guy lacked his usual vitality. It wasn't until Kakashi's voice rang out that he snapped back to reality.

"You're actually late!"

"Guy, don't tell me you ran into another old lady who needed help."

Kakashi, carrying his short blade, stood with his arms crossed over his chest. Only after his sarcastic remark did he notice that Might Guy's mood was off.

"Sorry, I... I just don't want to see my father taking D-rank missions anymore. When we were out on a mission before, Father even begged a Chunin in public..."

Thinking of his father, who was often mocked and given a hard time, Might Guy felt increasingly miserable, always feeling as though he were a head shorter than everyone else.

"There's no need to care about the opinions of others, Guy. The fact that your father was able to raise you to adulthood through D-rank missions is already truly remarkable!"

"He is undoubtedly an outstanding ninja. If you want to change things, start with yourself."

"..."

In a rare opportunity for "Talk no Jutsu," Shu Furukawa poured out a steady stream of chicken soup for the soul until he was parched, only then stopping, still feeling like he had more to say.

Kakashi, standing to the side, was stunned. Although he also thought it was great that Might Duy could support a family on D-rank missions, he didn't think it was quite as magnificent as Shu Furukawa had praised it to be.

Feeling ashamed of the thoughts he had harbored earlier, Might Guy shed hot tears on the spot, choking out a loud shout:

"I shouldn't have questioned my father! Shu, you're right. I will continue to work hard, starting with earning enough money to move into a new house!"

"Run 500 laps around the village, if—"

Seeing that Might Guy was about to "burn his youth" as per his routine, Kakashi hurriedly interrupted, tossing over the nunchucks he had prepared and reminding him once more:

"Don't forget the purpose of today's training. I feel like this weapon unexpectedly suits you quite well!"

Might Guy was full of joy upon receiving the nunchucks. In low-level missions, having a weapon was still more efficient. He wasn't used to the short blade, which was why he had sought out new equipment.

He tried to spin the sticks, but ended up hitting himself. Letting out a cry of pain, Might Guy saw the two people in front of him draw their blades and hurriedly said:

"Wait, let me adapt to it! It's still too dangerous to spar right now..."

"It's fine, I've already mastered the A-rank medical ninjutsu, Mystical Palm Technique. As long as I control my strength, superficial wounds won't be a problem!"

Shu Furukawa lowered his short blade, a smile on his face as he gave a reminder. Then, exerting force through his feet, he transformed into a black shadow and launched a direct assault.

"Clang... clatter..."

The sound of clashing rang out. Seeing that Might Guy could only block, Kakashi didn't hold back either, joining the fray. While swinging his blade, he said in a self-righteous tone:

"None of us have experience using this type of weapon; we can only let you gradually adapt through actual combat!"

"I'll be mindful of my strength."

"Ah!"

A scream echoed through the training ground. Might Guy felt a bit of regret; in an instant, the youth had no melancholy left in him.

There was no "Iron Body" in the ninja world, and minor flesh wounds were still incredibly painful...

On September 9th, Shu Furukawa welcomed his birthday. In the few months since his graduation, aside from routine missions, he had spent most of his time learning by Tsunade's side.

After he completely mastered high-level medical ninjutsu like the Mystical Palm Technique and the Chakra Scalpel, Tsunade, who had been acting as a strict teacher during this period, finally showed a look of gratification.

Perhaps because she was overly satisfied, Tsunade simply treated everyone to a meal at a tavern on his birthday, and incidentally called over her old friends.

"This is the first time I've seen Shu. I didn't have this kind of talent when I was 7."

"Tsunade, you should have taken on a disciple like me long ago! We aren't young anymore. The Old Man has mentioned it to me several times; he's most worried about you."

"Women are different from men. Once you get older..."

Drinking until he had let his guard down, Jiraiya, dressed in his blue Jonin casual wear, subconsciously stopped mid-sentence when he heard a "crack" sound. Tsunade was already glaring at him in a rage, and she immediately stood up and roared:

"Jiraiya, you idiot! If you have the guts, say that again!"

"..."

Jiraiya hurriedly shrank back against the chair, an awkward smile plastered on his face. Beside him, Orochimaru, dressed in black casual wear, remained calm, his voice raspy and low as he spoke:

"To earn Tsunade's recognition at this age is truly no simple feat."

"It seems Shu can inherit everything you have. I had always assumed you would take in Shizune, seeing as she is Dan's family."

Downing the sake in his cup, a flushed Tsunade simply shook her head at these words, then said earnestly:

"I only want Shizune to live a peaceful life. Death takes everything away; being an excellent medical ninja is enough."

Watching Shu Furukawa pour wine for Tsunade, Jiraiya tossed his white hair to project an air of nonchalance and shifted the heavy topic, saying with a chuckle:

"Today is Shu's birthday, and I have specially prepared a unique gift."

"This is a rare, unpublished collector's item. You'll thank me in the future!"

As he spoke, he flashed a grin that every man understood. Shu Furukawa took the book and a scroll, thanking him with a solemn expression:

"Many thanks, Lord Jiraiya! I will be sure to read it carefully."

Ignoring the lecherous look on Jiraiya's face, Orochimaru maintained the dignity of the Sannin. He also presented a scroll, offering a faint smile as he said with hidden meaning:

"Tsunade told me your talent for ninjutsu is exceptional. These are some of my personal insights on ninjutsu; you will like them!"

"Shu, I hope we can meet on the path of seeking truth in the future."

"Thank you very much for your kindness, Lord Orochimaru."

Shu Furukawa bowed slightly and accepted the scroll with both hands, looking grave. Seeing this harmonious scene, Jiraiya became even more cheerful, laughing heartily as he raised his glass to his old friends once more:

"With geniuses like these, the village will only grow more prosperous."

"Perhaps Minato, Shu, and the others will all become Hokage in the future. To us, this is the inheritance of the Will of Fire!"

"..."