Kai's words swirled gently in the evening breeze across the training field.
He looked at Shira, whose eyes, which always burned with fire, now reflected the embers of the setting sun, and also Shira's calm face as she looked back.
He nodded in satisfaction, able to tell that the kid had taken it to heart; he wasn't just going through the motions, but genuinely thinking it through. That was good.
But despite his satisfaction, there were still some things Kai knew perfectly well. He scratched his hair, making a soft rustling sound, and his signature smile, though less pure and ardent than before, returned to his face.
"You're listening, that's good!" Kai's voice was still loud, but the meaning behind his words shifted. "However, Shira, there's something I need to say upfront. Last time we met, you asked me about Taijutsu. I thought you were good for other reasons, so I just casually mentioned it. But now..."
He paused, put his hands on his hips, stood up straight, and glanced at the Sunagakure symbol on the Forehead Protector on Shira's waistband, then at the Konoha Village vest he was wearing.
"Right now, you're Genin from Sunagakure, on a mission, staying at the Konoha guesthouse. I, on the other hand, am Jonin from Konoha. Our two villages... haven't signed any alliance agreement yet."
"If I were to break down and explain Konoha's Taijutsu to you like I did last time, that wouldn't be appropriate, right? If others found out, I'd get scolded too. It's a matter of principle, you need to understand."
He spoke frankly, without concealment or pretense. His stance was his stance, and the village was the village.
Even if he admired the child's hard work and character, Might Guy wouldn't pretend not to see certain rules and concerns.
Shira listened, her face showing no surprise, only a slight nod. "I understand, Senior Kai."
He answered decisively. Kai's refusal was reasonable. If he were Jonin from Sunagakure, Genin chat with a hardworking Genin from another village, but would he really impart his family's secret skills? He would have to think twice.
He had only had a fleeting thought in his mind, and being seen through and rejected wasn't something to be disappointed or resentful about. Being able to see Kai, witness his cultivation, and even receive those few words of guidance about "mindset" was already an unexpected joy.
Seeing that Shira's expression was normal, without disappointment or insistence, and with clear eyes, Kai felt even more respect for her.
This Shira is neither arrogant nor impatient; it knows its limits.
Suddenly, he changed the subject. "However, although I can't specifically teach you," Kai stroked his chin, his White Fang flashing again in the twilight, "I can tell you genuinely enjoy working on this physique; the way you're sweating doesn't seem fake."
"My training is unwavering. If you're interested and don't mind my conspicuous green skin, you can train with me. We'll each train separately; if you can persevere and become stronger, that's your own skill."
"How about we consider ourselves... well, fellow travelers on the path of cultivation, watching each other and encouraging each other in our practice?"
His suggestion was somewhat unexpected, yet very "Kay"-esque.
I won't teach you, but I'll allow you to watch and practice alongside me. This is more like an openness and a degree of recognition towards "those who strive," a tacit understanding among practitioners of Taijutsu that needs no further explanation.
Shira's eyes lit up. This was even better than he had expected. Being able to observe Might Guy's daily training firsthand, even if it was just "watching," was a huge gain in itself. He immediately nodded:
"Yes! Thank you very much, Senior Kai!"
"Haha, you're welcome! Youth is all about burning brightly together!"
Kai laughed and patted Shira's shoulder hard; the shoulder felt solid, and he was very satisfied.
Then, his gaze shifted to the other two boys beside him, who had been watching intently with varying expressions.
Rock Lee was still reeling from the shocking conversation, his expression shifting between excitement and confusion. Naruto, on the other hand, looked bewildered, as if something big had happened but he didn't quite understand. However, when he saw Guy looking over, he immediately puffed out his chest.
Following Kai's gaze, Shira immediately realized what was happening, took a step forward, and stepped aside to let Rock Lee and Naruto pass in front.
"Senior Guy, this is Rock Lee, a student at the Konoha Ninja Academy. He's incredibly hardworking in Taijutsu and has an unwavering will. This is Naruto Uzumaki, he..."
Shira paused, glanced at Naruto, and said carefully, "Although he is very thin, he is also very passionate about Taijutsu, never gives up, and works hard to train."
He didn't elaborate on Naruto's "special" nature; it wasn't his place to point that out, because if he did, things would be disastrous.
Kai's gaze first fell on Rock Lee. He looked him up and down, from the steady posture of the other man to the obvious training marks and old scars on his arms and calves, and then to his eyes, which, although still showing some confusion, were still bright and determined.
Almost instantly, Kai sensed an extremely familiar, kinship-like aura emanating from the dark-haired boy—the "scent" of someone who treats sweat as life and physical training as a religion.
Moreover, the way this kid looked at me... well, it was fiery, a kind of fervent longing mixed with adoration, somewhat like his father back then.
Oops, why am I saying such weird things?
" Rock Lee?" Kai repeated the name, his thick, dark eyebrows twitching, a more interested smile spreading across his face. "Hmm! Haha! Good posture, and his eyes are sparkling! A promising talent!"
Rock Lee blushed with excitement at Kai's praise, his earlier confusion largely dispelled, and he exclaimed, "Yes! Senior Kai! I strive to burn myself out every day!"
"Great! Keep it up!" Kai pumped his fist in encouragement.
Then, his gaze shifted to Naruto. Golden hair, blue eyes, the Six Paths small lines of a mustache on his face, and that orange outfit...
Kai's eyes deepened almost imperceptibly for a moment. Of course he recognized the child.
It wasn't just because of his striking hair color and facial markings, but also because he had just come out of the Hokage's office before coming to the training ground.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, puffing on his pipe, spoke to him in a calm yet undeniable tone through the billowing smoke:
"Kai, lately Naruto seems to be getting quite close to a Genin from Sunagakure and a student from the Ninja Academy named Rock Lee. They often train together."
"This might not be a bad thing. Those Sunagakure kids are innocent and don't seem to pose any threat to Naruto. Rock Lee is simple-minded and only cares about hard work. If you have time, you might as well go and take a look at them and mentor them."
"Especially for Naruto, letting him interact more with cheerful, upright, and energetic ninjas like you would be good for his stability. Your personality might have a positive influence on him."
The words weren't explicitly stated, but Kai understood. Jinchūriki needs guidance, an infusion of positive emotions, and to see the possibilities of "effort" and "optimism."
And Might Guy happens to be one of the representatives of Konoha's "effort" and "sunshine".
This entrustment may not be heavy, but it carries the Hokage's expectations.
At this moment, looking at the blond boy in front of him, blinking his blue eyes, somewhat nervous yet trying to appear calm, Kai suppressed the thoughts in his mind about " Jinchūriki " and "stability."
Then, a huge, infectious smile, brighter than the sun, bloomed on his face, his white teeth almost making a "ding" sound effect.
"Yo! You must be Naruto!" Guy crouched down, his eye level with Naruto's, and reached out his large hand to vigorously ruffle Naruto's soft blond hair.
Hey, it actually feels pretty good.
"I heard you like exercising too? Great! Excellent! Youth is all about energy! From now on, join us and let's work up a good sweat! Let the flames of youth burn even brighter!"
Naruto was taken aback by the sudden enthusiasm and intimacy, but Gai's smile and words, full of unreserved acceptance and encouragement, were like a warm current that instantly dispelled the unease he felt because he "couldn't understand the adults' conversation."
He nodded vigorously, his blue eyes sparkling, and answered loudly, "Yes! I want to become stronger! To become super-powerful!"
"Oh--!! That's the spirit!"
Kai stood up, hands on his hips, and laughed loudly, the sound echoing across the darkening training ground. "So, starting tomorrow! Training ground! Five o'clock in the morning! Youthful morning training! No one is allowed to be late! Anyone who is late has to run one hundred laps around Konoha handstand! This is our new youthful pact! How about it?"
He looked at Shira, then at Rock Lee and Naruto, his eyes burning with a fierce flame.
Shira smiled slightly and nodded. Rock Lee was so excited he almost jumped up, shouting, "Yes! I guarantee it will be on time! I'll burn myself out!!"
Naruto, mimicking Rock Lee, waved his little fist and shouted with all his might, "Whoa--! Right on time!"
"Wait, five o'clock?"
Naruto suddenly realized what was happening, then looked up to the sky and roared, "Oh no!!"
As the sun completely sank behind the mountains, only a final touch of crimson remained on the horizon. On the training field, four figures, three small and one large, stood frozen in the twilight.
An unexpected encounter led to a brand new promise, brimming with sweat and the spirit of "youth," and thus it was made.
The Blue Beast of the Hidden Leaf of Konoha, the Taijutsu Genin of Sunagakure, the Taijutsu apprentice of Konoha, and the Child of Prophecy with golden hair—their paths intertwined at this moment.
A night breeze swept by, carrying both coolness and new anticipation.
In the distance, the Anbu owl in the trees silently recorded everything; soon this information would appear on the Third Hokage's desk.