Right before the match began, a blue window flickered before Ryuken's eyes.
[System Notification] New Side Quest Unlocked: Trial of the Body
Objective: Fight against Might Guy without using ninjutsu or genjutsu, and complete the main quest.
Restriction: Any use of ninjutsu or genjutsu will result in immediate quest failure.
Reward: ×3 Skill Cards — [Duplication] (Can copy any object or item, creating a perfect replica)
Description: Skill Cards are unique rewards. Only obtained cards can be activated.
[Status: Active]
When Ryuken read the reward, he nearly burst into tears.He didn't know whether to laugh or rage.
(I have to win this fight… even if it costs me everything. The reward's worth the risk.)
His gaze shifted toward Hiruzen.(If you want to see my strength, old man… then you'll see it for real.)
Across the arena, Guy was warming up, eyes blazing with determination.(Even if Father is still a genin… even if I can't use ninjutsu or genjutsu… I'll prove my effort isn't worthless. I can't lose here.)
Their eyes met—Ryuken's calm and focused, Guy's burning and fierce.The wind blew across the field as two determined hearts collided in silence.
From the observation stand, the Hokage watched closely.(Ryuken didn't expect this kind of test. If he's a shadow clone, it'll reveal itself soon. And if everyone learns he can use that ability, I can make him an official shinobi. The war may be dangerous—but Konoha must forge iron while the fire is hot. This experience will only make him stronger.)
But what Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't realize…was that this Ryuken wasn't a clone at all.He was the real one — and he was determined to win.
Shisui, watching from the sidelines, smiled faintly.(Ryuken's trained harder than anyone. He'll make it through this test. I know he will.)
The examiner stepped between the two combatants, raising his hand.Both made the seal of confrontation.
"Begin!"
Guy launched forward first — Konoha Senpū!A spinning kick cut through the air, aimed straight for Ryuken's head.
But Ryuken had already read the move.He ducked under it, countering with precise taijutsu strikes, testing Guy's rhythm.
The spectators gasped. Even the Hokage leaned forward.(So… he isn't a clone after all. Interesting. Is this coincidence—or calculation? Either way, I'll see his true ability.)
Ryuken parried blow after blow, each clash echoing like thunder.Guy met him strike for strike — pure, raw speed against perfect timing.It was an even match.
(Guy's taijutsu is no joke… but I've trained for this. He's strong, but still inexperienced. I can use that. Even without jutsu, I can fake one—make him flinch.)
In his mind, a plan began to form.
Across from him, Guy thought the same.(He's not using any ninjutsu? Then I was worried for nothing. But… why? Is he too young to know any? No—he's holding back something. I can't afford to let my guard down. If it gets dangerous… I'll use it.)
The exchange grew faster, more violent.Ryuken flipped back and threw a volley of shuriken.Guy deflected them midair and rushed in.
But Ryuken was already there.He closed the distance in a blur.
(He's… faster than before!? Was he holding back this whole time!?) Guy thought.
Ryuken suddenly formed hand signs.Guy's instincts screamed danger—he froze——but it was a feint.
Ryuken leapt forward and landed a clean kick under Guy's chin.
Guy staggered back, pain flooding his jaw.Still, he forced himself upright."I won't give up… even if it costs me everything!"
Ryuken stood calmly, eyes sharp as steel.
Guy's thoughts burned. (Father forbade me to use it unless the village was in danger… but I have to become a ninja first. I can only open the first gate—but that should be enough.)
He clenched his fists, chakra flaring."FIRST GATE — KAI! The Gate of Opening, open!!"
Ryuken felt sweat roll down his cheek.(Even my acceleration skill couldn't keep up with him before… I'll need to go beyond my limits… there's no other way.)
He took a breath and said quietly,"You're strong, Guy. But I can't afford to lose either. I'll break through my limits — here and now!"
They clashed again, their fists a blur of motion.Ryuken tried to intercept Guy's flow, but he was already too fast.Each of Ryuken's strikes was deflected — Guy's body now moving like the wind itself.
Ryuken drew a kunai and threw it, but Guy dodged easily.Still, Ryuken didn't stop — he pressed forward with a relentless combo, striking Guy's stomach again and again until the older boy lifted off the ground.Then, one final kick — straight to the chin.
Guy stumbled, trembling on one knee.His body screamed in pain, his muscles straining from the opened gate.(No… I can't lose here. Not like this. I'll use it… even if I'm not ready.)
He looked up, eyes blazing."I won't be defeated! Even if I haven't mastered it yet — I'll risk everything!"
"SECOND GATE — KAI! The Gate of Healing, open!!"
Blood trickled from Guy's lips.He moved before Ryuken could react — vanishing from his sight.
A blur appeared behind him."Konoha Reppū!"
The kick connected — Ryuken was launched into the air.Guy followed, wrapping his bandages around him midair, spinning.
"Konoha Goriki Senpū!"
The impact thundered across the arena as Ryuken crashed into the ground, dust exploding outward.
Shisui appeared instantly beside them, using Shunshin no Jutsu to try and stop Guy — but he was too late.
Ryuken lay motionless on the ground.
The examiner raised his hand."Winner — Might Guy!"
The crowd erupted in applause.Even Hiruzen stood in silence for a moment, his expression unreadable.
Next Chapter — New Sensei & Losing but also Winning