Might Guy vs. Kimimaro

At a training ground somewhere in Konoha, the group went inside after greeting the ninja on guard there.

"Ah, youth! After a meal, you've got to get moving!"

Might Guy, his blood boiling with enthusiasm, bounded off on his own to the other side, struck a pose, and gestured for Kimimaro to come over.

Kimimaro only walked toward Might Guy after Lin Cheng nodded to him.

A dead leaf drifted past as an invisible aura rose from Might Guy and Kimimaro.

Seeing this, the others immediately stepped back so they wouldn't interfere with the fight.

At the same time, Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi had already received the news.

He was also watching from afar with the Telescope Technique he had invented.

When he sensed the aura rising from Kimimaro, his expression instantly turned grave.

Meanwhile, Konoha's two advisors, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu,

as well as Shimura Danzō, had each sent people to secretly watch the match.

As the two fighters' auras continued to grow stronger,

Asuma and the others watching from the sidelines couldn't help but look serious.

"Lin Cheng! Who do you think will win?"

Watching the match that was about to begin, Kakashi suddenly asked.

Asuma and Kurenai, standing nearby, also turned some of their attention to Lin Cheng.

They wanted to hear what he thought.

"Of course, Big Brother Might Guy!"

Lin Cheng answered Kakashi without the slightest hesitation.

"Oh? You really don't think much of Kimimaro? Don't forget, Kimimaro is your younger brother!"

Seeing how decisively Lin Cheng had made his judgment, a look of surprise flashed in Kakashi's eyes.

Curiosity showed in Kurenai and Asuma's eyes as well.

"If we're talking about how quickly they can kill, I believe Little Kimimaro is definitely faster than Big Brother Might Guy!

But when it comes to overall strength, Little Kimimaro still falls a bit short!"

Lin Cheng shook his head indifferently and explained.

Before the others could say anything more, the two fighters finally made their moves after testing each other.

In an instant, the two close-combat specialists clashed!

Because Lin Cheng, who was also skilled in close combat, had trained with him for years, Kimimaro was even better at hand-to-hand combat than in the original story!

The two traded blows back and forth, showing everyone watching from the sidelines—and those spying in secret—what close-quarters combat really looked like!

Shoulders, elbows, legs, knees.

Any part of their bodies could become a weapon at any moment.

The sheer impact of every blow only made them more exhilarated as they fought!

By the end, Kimimaro and Might Guy had gotten so caught up in the fight that they were about to use their respective trump cards.

A cold glint flashed in Lin Cheng's eyes when he saw this.

He used the Body Flicker Technique in an instant, rushing between the two fighters and forcibly separating them.

"Uh, Lin Cheng! What are you doing?"

"Big Brother?"

Kimimaro and Might Guy, who had been enjoying the fight, were both confused by Lin Cheng's actions.

"It was only a spar! If you keep going, you'll have to use your trump cards!

Once you both get carried away, it'll be hard to stop!"

Lin Cheng smiled and shook his head as he explained.

"Uh, Lin Cheng is right! Even youth shouldn't be allowed to burn recklessly!"

Might Guy scratched his head, looking a little embarrassed.

"Mm, got it, Big Brother!"

Seeing how embarrassed Might Guy looked, Kimimaro immediately nodded to him.

As fellow close-combat specialists, Kimimaro couldn't help but feel a kinship with Might Guy after their fight!

Seeing this, Lin Cheng nodded.

Like Kakashi, Might Guy was someone worth befriending!

Lin Cheng didn't mind Kimimaro making more sincere friends.