A gentle breeze blew across the riverbed.
The aftershocks of the violent shockwave gradually dissipated.
Might Guy leaned against Kenya's arm, completely exhausted, his muscles spasming and twitching violently from overexertion.
That was the excruciating, tearing pain that mortals inevitably endure after opening the Seventh Gate, the Gate of Wonder.
He coughed violently twice, a trickle of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth, but his gaze was fixed on the man in front of him as if he were possessed.
It's so close.
Kenya placed one hand on Might Guy's shoulder, his expression as calm as a bottomless pool.
His breathing wasn't even slightly heavy or disordered!
His chest rose and fell steadily, his qi and blood flowing smoothly like the roots of an ancient tree.
What made Might Guy's eyes almost pop out of their sockets was--
On Kenya's muscular chest and bronze arms, which gleamed with a deep, dark gold luster.
Clean and tidy!
Let alone being injured.
After taking the ultimate killing move of mortal Taijutsu, " Daytime Tiger," head-on.
On the surface of the Senju Kenya's marble-like muscles, which were denser than steel.
Not a single drop of sweat fell!
"This... this is impossible..."
Might Guy trembled all over, his voice dry and hoarse like sandpaper being rubbed:
" Lord Kenya... received my Seventh Gate and shattered my Daytime Tiger..."
"You... you didn't even break a sweat?!"
As a master who regarded Taijutsu as his lifelong belief.
Might Guy's worldview completely collapsed into shattered pieces in that instant!
That's the Gate of Wonder!
It's a supreme divine technique that even Kakashi must avoid, capable of instantly killing an ordinary Kage Level!
When the wind blew on the man in front of him, it felt as if a gentle breeze had just passed by!
Is this even a human body?!
This is practically a living, breathing god-demon made of refined black iron!
"Stop howling! It's hurting my ears."
Kenya picked at his ear with a hint of disgust, then let go, allowing Might Guy to lean against the soft mud beside him.
"Pat-pat, pat!"
The sound of hurried running in slippers could be heard in the distance.
" Teacher Kaido--!!"
Rock Lee, crying with snot and tears streaming down his face, scrambled over and knelt down beside Might Guy:
" Teacher Kaido! Your youth was so extraordinary! You have surpassed the limits of ordinary people!"
The master and apprentice were about to stage another tearful, heart-wrenching scene.
Kenya rolled his eyes and turned to wave at Bai, who was rushing over.
Bai Xin understood immediately and quickly stepped forward, taking out a large sea monster leg, as thick as a forearm and roasted to a golden brown and dripping with oil, from the insulated box.
Kenya grabbed the roasted leg.
Without saying a word, it was shoved directly into Might Guy's wide-open mouth, which was about to burst into tears!
"Ugh... ugh?!"
The rich, savory caramelized meat juices, combined with the spicy and savory flavor of the Akimichi Clan's century-old secret sauce, instantly and overwhelmingly filled Might Guy's entire mouth!
Might Guy froze abruptly, tears welling up in his eyes.
"Isn't it tiresome to see all this pointless, melodramatic stuff Tenten?"
Kenya patted Might Guy's forehead and scolded him in a carefree manner:
"If your body is torn apart, then you should just eat meat to replenish your protein!"
"Your Eight Gates Released Formation may be unorthodox, but you haven't figured it out."
Kenya looked down at Might Guy, whose mouth was stuffed with grilled meat, his tone casual yet every word was profound:
"Squeeze every last drop of damage from a mortal's fragile constitution to the limit in exchange for a burst of power, only to cripple yourself halfway through the fight."
"This is called 'hurting the enemy a thousand while losing eight hundred of your own'."
Kenya pointed to his chest, making a dull, metallic "thump, thump" sound:
"The true supreme Taijutsu lies in first forging one's bones, flesh, and will into divine iron!"
"If you build a solid foundation, your basic attack will be as powerful as a super move. Why would you need to desperately Gate of Opening Tenten?"
Might Guy's mouth was stuffed full, and his muscles, which had been spasming from the pain, began to repair themselves rapidly under the nourishment of the amazing life energy of the top-grade sea monster meat.
Listening to Kenya's extremely domineering and profound principles of Taijutsu.
Might Guy chewed on the grilled meat, large tears welled up in his eyes again.
But this time, I was filled with endless gratitude and awe!
"Mmm... it's so delicious! Lord Kenya's teachings... I, Might Guy, will remember them!!"
And at this very moment.
The air, which had been silent for so long, finally exploded on both sides of the Naka River!
"Whoa--!!"
Tens of thousands of Konoha, Jonin the teams, and clan heads from various clans were completely swept up in the frenzy at this moment!
Thunderous applause and cheers swept through the entire valley like a tidal wave!
" The Senju the Great! The Senju the Great!!"
" The Blue Beast of the Hidden Leaf is awesome too!"
"A true clash of Taijutsu! This is what real Konoha men are like!!"
Cheers resounded throughout the heavens.
This battle not only subdued Might Guy, but also propelled the Taijutsu craze to an unparalleled altar!
Bai respectfully stepped forward and handed over a clean white jade pipe.
Kenya casually took it and put it in the corner of his mouth, flicking a small flame with his fingertips to light it, and contentedly exhaling wisps of smoke.
Amidst the roaring cheers from the sky, he basked in the reverence and awe of the entire village.
And atop a towering cliff, a kilometer away.
The strong wind tousled his short, silvery-white hedgehog-like hair.
Kakashi Hatake Forehead Protector, once again concealing his tired Sharingan.
He gazed silently down at the black-gold demon below, who hadn't even shed a drop of sweat, remaining speechless for a long time.
All pride, all tactical calculations, even the so-called ninja glory.
Compared to that pure and unadulterated punch, everything else seemed so weak and powerless.
Kakashi sighed with a wry smile.
He was no longer conflicted, no longer confused.
With practiced ease, he pulled out the yellowed-cover, alluringly illustrated book, " Icha Icha Paradise," from his pocket.
Kakashi chose to silently watch Icha Icha Paradise.