Eight Gates

As a new student who had only enrolled not long ago, Kakashi's reputation had already spread within certain circles. But today's solid battle record made his name resound throughout the Ninja Academy...

Uchiha Kaze had originally been an outstanding upperclassman. Among students of his year, only one Aburame clan student could match him in strength, and the two usually competed for the top spot. Yet today, he had been defeated head-on by Kakashi, a new student. More importantly, he had been defeated by Kakashi's Shadow Clone.

For a time, with Uchiha Kaze serving as the backdrop, Kakashi's reputation as a genius was firmly established. Kakashi gained many female admirers his own age and even from higher grades. Rin Nohara from his class practically had hearts in her eyes. Handsome and powerful, his charm was overwhelming for their age group.

This directly caused Obito, once he came to, to crane his neck and shout that he wanted another match with Kakashi. He claimed that the wind had blurred his vision earlier, causing him to make a mistake and get knocked down.

Kakashi hurried back to the classroom and returned to his seat amid his teacher's complicated expression and his classmates' admiring gazes.

There was no need for further explanation. That was the privilege enjoyed by geniuses.

Might Guy looked at his deskmate with immense admiration. While the teacher had turned around, he quietly muttered,

"Kakashi, can you teach me Shadow Clone? I heard that the results of Shadow Clone training can be retained too."

"I don't mind teaching you. I'm just worried you don't have enough chakra." Since Guy wanted to learn, Kakashi naturally had no reason to refuse. To take, one must first give.

After finally getting through the day's classes under the watchful eyes of his classmates, Kakashi immediately called out to Guy as soon as the dismissal bell rang. Under Obito's furious glare, they left the classroom.

Guy followed Kakashi all the way back to his home.

In the yard, Kakashi explained the method of using Shadow Clone to Guy in detail. As expected, Guy's current chakra reserves were completely insufficient to use Shadow Clone. However, now that he understood the method and the problem, Guy was not discouraged. He would be able to use it once his chakra reserves increased.

Kakashi then sparred with Guy in taijutsu. Once both of them were drenched in sweat, Guy was about to say goodbye when Kakashi stopped him.

"Guy, once you learn Eight Gates and can open the Third Gate, let's have a proper match."

"Eight Gates? What's that?" Guy was completely baffled. He had not come into contact with such information yet and had no idea what Kakashi meant.

"Eight Gates is, in my opinion, Konoha's number one taijutsu secret art. You definitely have the potential to master it. I believe in you!" Kakashi looked at Guy with meaningful eyes.

"Yo! I don't know what you're talking about, but I'm your lifelong rival! Don't worry, I'll definitely give you a huge surprise." After striking his trademark pose, Guy turned and left in style.

The moment Guy walked out of the Hatake Clan compound, the smile vanished from his face.

"Have I already lost even the qualifications to spar with Kakashi..." Guy had always been said to be rough yet perceptive. He was happy to have Kakashi as both a good friend and a goal. Yes, a goal. Guy naturally knew there was a considerable gap between himself and Kakashi, but he had never expected that he no longer even qualified to spar with Kakashi. During their recent spar, Kakashi had been even more at ease than when fighting Uchiha Kaze.

What should he do? He was not troubled because his good friend had pulled ahead in actual strength. He was afraid that the gap between them would only grow wider, causing them to drift farther and farther apart...

"Right, Eight Gates! I'll go back and find out what Eight Gates is, then try to master it. Kakashi said it's Konoha's taijutsu secret art! It must be incredibly powerful! And I need to quickly increase my chakra reserves too, so I can use Shadow Clone sooner and speed up my training!" Having found himself a few small goals for the future, Guy regained his spirits and ran home.

When Guy returned home, he saw his father sitting at the dining table, applying medicine to the wounds on his face. He felt a little helpless.

"Father, did a cat scratch you again?"

"Ah, Guy. Hahaha. Yes, that little kitten was too cute. I couldn't bear to grab it too hard, and somehow it scratched me. Ahahaha, it's nothing serious." While signaling that he was fine, he urged Guy to hurry up and eat.

Watching Guy silently bury his head in his meal, Might Duy thought his son was disappointed in him. Just as he was at a loss,

"Father, do you know the Eight Gates technique?"

"Hmm? Eight Gates?"

"Yes, the Eight Gates said to be Konoha's strongest taijutsu." Guy had not held much hope and had merely asked casually, but now he seemed to have gained some expectations.

"Hmm..." Might Duy pondered. Given Guy's current condition, he had not yet reached the level where he could master Eight Gates. Would it be too early to tell him about this now? And where had he heard about Eight Gates? Quite a few people could use Eight Gates, but they generally would not casually use it in the village. Strange.

"Eight Gates. Strictly speaking, it should be considered a taijutsu secret art, not merely a kind of taijutsu. It is a secret art that constantly tempers the body, squeezes out one's potential, and breaks through one's own limits."

Hearing this, Guy became extremely excited. It really did sound powerful! If I learn it, will I have the ability to fight Kakashi?

"Father, can you use Eight Gates? Can you teach me? I want to learn!" His burning gaze fixed on Might Duy, making him swallow the words that had reached his lips.

"Although I've been a Genin for decades, I happen to know this taijutsu secret art. And I've practiced it all these years. Guy, I won't ask why you want to learn it, but there are some things I need to tell you." Might Duy's expression gradually became serious as he began carefully instructing Guy on every precaution involved in learning Eight Gates.

"Guy, you must remember this well! The most important thing about Eight Gates is learning self-restraint! If you cannot restrain yourself, the suddenly soaring power will cloud your mind."

"Okay, Father! I understand." Guy quickly finished eating and rushed to the small grove behind the house, preparing to begin Eight Gates training. Unexpectedly, his father stopped him.

"With your current physical condition, you haven't met the requirements to open the First Gate yet. From now on, start training with increased weights. I'll guide you!"