So Guy was moved.
Guy nodded.
"Starting today, you'll train with Rock Lee. Everyone has their own ninja way. Even if you can't follow it all the way, you'll still accomplish something! Come on, let's burn with the fire of youth!!!"
Hearing Guy's words, Josuke couldn't hide his excitement and broke into a smile. Rock Lee was also happy that Josuke had earned their teacher's approval!
Afterward, Guy led them to the taijutsu training ground and gestured.
"Josuke, spar with Rock Lee first so I can see what you're capable of."
Josuke nodded.
Guy turned to Rock Lee.
"Lee, you still haven't mastered the second gate. This might be your chance to break through. You can also take off the weights on your legs. Remember, burn with the fire of youth!!"
Rock Lee nodded, removed the bandages wrapped around his legs, and stepped onto the field.
Seeing this, Guy said,
"Begin."
The two began their first match.
Rock Lee shouted, and a faint glow appeared around him.
"First Gate, open!"
Then Rock Lee shot toward Josuke like a cannonball. Josuke hurriedly activated his Sharingan, which let him see Rock Lee's speed.
Josuke used the Body Flicker Technique to dodge Rock Lee's first attack.
Rock Lee then did a backflip and used a taijutsu move.
"Front Lotus!"
With his escape route cut off, Josuke could only block with his arms.
Boom! Dust billowed around them, and Josuke winced in pain. That hit had packed a punch.
Josuke grabbed Rock Lee's leg and tried to throw him backward, but Rock Lee used the momentum to break free and followed up with a flying kick.
Josuke could only block with his left arm.
The kick left half of Josuke's arm numb. He was shocked. So this is the Eight Gates? It's strong. At this rate, this little nobody like me is going to get beaten to a pulp.
"Teacher Guy, can I use ninjutsu?"
Guy nodded.
In this match, he was first assessing Josuke's talent, second his ability to adapt in battle, and third, of course, testing Rock Lee. Josuke hadn't disappointed him. He really was talented and had held his own against Rock Lee.
With Guy's permission, Josuke smiled faintly.
He put some distance between them and quickly formed Hand Seals.
"Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Technique!"
Small and large fireballs shot toward Rock Lee. Rock Lee dodged while judging the distance he needed to close. But Josuke fought dirty: his Sharingan activated, and Rock Lee was suddenly trapped in a genjutsu.
It was a genjutsu Josuke had grasped from his Sharingan. He could only hold Rock Lee for a second or two, but that was enough. Josuke sped over and launched a flying kick at him.
Rock Lee came to his senses just in time to block 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 under his breath. He'd underestimated Rock Lee. He crashed heavily onto the ground and winced, but Rock Lee was already attacking again. With no other choice, Josuke spun hard to dodge.
Then he sent a Great Fireball at Rock Lee, forcing them apart once again.
After a moment's thought, Josuke used Water Style: Hidden Mist. A brief fog formed around them, and Josuke hid within it.
He used the Clone Technique, and a clone appeared. But Josuke was nearly out of chakra.
Damn.
Rock Lee's taijutsu really hurt. Josuke had spent almost the entire match on the defensive, taking hit after hit.
Josuke rested for a moment, then heard footsteps running through the fog. He could hide in it for now, but he had no idea when Rock Lee would fall for the trap.
Josuke exchanged a glance with his clone, and they understood each other.
The clone attacked first. Perhaps hearing the noise, Rock Lee immediately headed in its direction.
Josuke lowered his stance and followed close behind.
Suddenly, Rock Lee launched a flying kick at the clone. That was exactly the opening Josuke had been waiting for.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"
A huge fireball hurtled toward the clone.
Josuke had planned it all as soon as he used the Hidden Mist Technique. He couldn't beat Rock Lee head-on, but he could use ninjutsu. So he hid in the mist, used the Clone Technique to distract Rock Lee, then slipped behind him to catch him off guard. Ha ha ha, a perfect plan.
So when Rock Lee kicked the clone, the Great Fireball came flying in too.
Rock Lee couldn't dodge it and could only take the fireball head-on. But then a figure appeared before him—it was the Hidden Leaf's Blue Beast!
With just one kick, Might Guy dispersed Josuke's fireball.
Seeing Might Guy appear, Josuke knew he'd won. He was so exhausted that he dropped to one knee.
Guy looked at Rock Lee.
"Rock Lee lost."
He didn't sound reproachful, though. His tone was encouraging.
"You've completely mastered the second gate, haven't you? Not bad!"
Guy patted Rock Lee on the head, and Rock Lee burst into tears.
"Teacher Guy! I'll keep working hard forever!"
Rock Lee clenched his fist, and Guy smiled.
The two of them came over to Josuke. There were a few scrapes on his face and knees, and his arm was bruised all over.
Guy acknowledged Josuke's talent.
"Josuke, you did great. Come on, let's burn with the fire of youth!!!!"
Guy pulled Josuke to his feet, while Rock Lee eagerly waited nearby.
"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 a sparring partner, he would only get stronger. Next, he'd learn the Eight Gates from Might Guy. Heh heh! o(￣ヘ￣o＃)
After a brief chat, Might Guy began explaining the Eight Gates (the explanation of the Eight Gates has been omitted).
By the time he finished, Josuke felt as though a light had dawned on him. The Eight Gates really were impressive.
Guy also assigned him daily training: he had to work out every day, doing several sets of push-ups, running, and the like.
Guy taught him the first gate as well. Josuke nodded, and seeing that it was getting late, headed home.
When he got home, he ate a few bites of food and started training. He did the same thing every day, and over time, Josuke sometimes even forgot to eat.
He kept this up for about a year, until Josuke and Sasuke turned seven...
Josuke had made some progress. He had completely mastered the first of the Eight Gates, and opening it greatly increased his speed and strength.
He was still a bit of a loser, though.
But he was definitely much stronger than his little brother, Sasuke. Sasuke had completely withdrawn into himself. Apart from Josuke, he barely spoke to anyone, and treated everything they said like it was nothing but hot air.
Before you continue