Konoha Training Ground.
Kurenai Yuhi, Asuma Sarutobi, Kakashi Hatake, and the Third Hokage all focused their attention on Raiden. Their curiosity toward him deepened, especially when they noticed that Might Guy's expression had turned serious, his fighting spirit fully ignited, with absolutely no intention of holding back.
A gentle breeze passed, lifting Might Guy's hair slightly as he took a deep breath and heightened his vigilance.
After all, he had personally witnessed Raiden's speed and strength before.
The force that uprooted a massive tree, and the movement so fast it escaped his notice when he wasn't focused—both were enough to prove that Raiden was far from as weak as the others assumed.
He was strong.
Which meant Might Guy had to give this his full attention.
Still, as a proud Jonin, he spoke with confidence.
"Raiden, come at me. Don't hold back—give it everything you've got!"
Might Guy flashed a bright, youthful grin and gave a thumbs-up.
"Alright."
Raiden nodded seriously, as if he truly intended to go all out.
But in reality… could he?
If he really went all out, one punch might shatter the entire planet.
No—maybe not just the planet anymore.
Now that he had achieved microscopic control over his strength, that same punch might affect nearby celestial bodies as well.
"Let's just use the strength I used to push over that tree… and slightly above normal human speed."
Raiden adjusted his power internally, reaching a perfectly balanced state. The ability to finely tune his strength at will filled him with satisfaction.
"I'm coming. Be careful, Mr. Guy!"
With that, Raiden stepped forward—
And vanished.
The instant he moved, the granite beneath his feet cracked, forming a visible fracture from the sheer force of his step.
"Fast!"
Kurenai's eyes widened in shock. She hadn't expected such speed at all.
"This is faster than most Jonin using Body Flicker!"
Asuma stared, stunned.
"How is this even possible? He's not using chakra—this is pure physical explosiveness!"
Kakashi's pupils contracted.
"So this is what Guy meant… the speed he couldn't react to."
Without realizing it, Kakashi had already lifted his headband, revealing his three-tomoe Sharingan.
"This kid's talent… is terrifying."
Even the Third Hokage, pipe in hand, watched with complete focus.
At this moment, everyone's perception of Raiden underwent a complete transformation.
—
"Good!"
Might Guy's eyes burned with excitement as Raiden charged straight at him.
This time, fully focused, he clearly tracked Raiden's movement.
Straight ahead.
No tricks—just a direct charge.
"Then let's compete in speed!"
Might Guy dashed forward as well.
"Guy isn't holding back at all."
"In terms of combat experience, Raiden is at a huge disadvantage."
Kurenai and Asuma commented as they observed.
—
On the field—
The moment they closed the distance, Might Guy leaped into the air, his body spinning.
Kakashi's expression turned serious.
"That's Guy's taijutsu… Leaf Whirlwind."
"AH!"
With a shout, Might Guy unleashed a spinning high kick.
Facing the attack, Raiden calmly leaned backward, his body bending at an extreme angle as Guy's leg swept past just inches from his face.
"It missed!"
"Raiden dodged it?!"
Asuma and Kurenai were shocked.
Most people would've had no choice but to block—but Raiden had evaded it effortlessly.
Inside, Raiden felt a sense of excitement.
This was his first real battle since achieving microscopic control.
And the feeling… was perfect.
"Not over yet!"
Might Guy spun again, launching a sweeping low kick.
Leaf Gale!
Raiden, still in motion from his dodge, flipped backward smoothly, evading the attack without a single wasted movement.
"Incredible… his movements are flawless."
Asuma was visibly impressed.
"He said he only practiced against wild beasts… that can't be true."
Kurenai frowned slightly.
"A natural-born taijutsu genius?"
"Counterattack!"
Through his Sharingan, Kakashi tracked every detail.
"His timing is perfect… his battle instincts are sharp."
—
After two failed attacks, even Might Guy felt surprised.
But before he could continue—
A figure descended from above.
Raiden had used the momentum of his backflip to launch himself upward mid-air, pushing off with both arms. The ground beneath him cracked slightly from the force.
Being airborne in battle was dangerous—
But Raiden had seized a perfect moment when Might Guy couldn't counter.
No flashy moves.
No wasted motion.
Just a simple, direct punch—
From the air, straight toward Might Guy.
—
The moment he looked up—
Might Guy's pupils shrank.
Pressure.
He could feel it.
The weight behind that punch was something no one else could perceive—only he could sense its true danger.
"I have to block it… but I might not be able to take it as I am now."
In an instant, he made his decision.
Eight Gates Released — Third Gate, Open!
"WHAT?!"
Kakashi was stunned.
"Guy opened three gates immediately?!"
Even the ever-calm Hokage finally showed a look of shock.
This was no longer a simple test.
This—
Was a clash between true taijutsu masters.