C27 Eight Directions Hidden Gates

"Mr. Guy, what's the reward?" Tenno asked, his curiosity piqued.

A mysterious smile played across Guy Might's face. Instead of a direct answer, he challenged Tenno with a question, "You've just seen the power of the Eight Directions Hidden Gates, right?"

"Yes," Tenno acknowledged with a nod.

"The Eight Directions Hidden Gates is a formidable Ninjutsu, one of the forbidden arts I've perfected. Its power is immense; at full force, I could even rival Lord Hokage," Guy Might said solemnly.

"However, power like this doesn't come without a price. The reason it's forbidden is because of its terrifying side effects. Even someone as physically strong as I am would die upon opening the Death Gate. Do you understand what it means to wield the forbidden arts?"

Tenno nodded without hesitation.

Guy Might's expression grew even more serious as he stared into Tenno's eyes. "The use of forbidden arts comes with great risks. Even so, are you still willing to learn it?"

"I am willing to take those risks," Tenno replied calmly.

Guy Might's face was a mask of seriousness as he looked at Tenno and then declared, "Excellent! Finally, someone is willing to learn my signature secret technique! Tenno, I knew I wasn't wrong about you!"

Overwhelmed with emotion, tears cascaded down Guy Might's face like rivers.

Tenno was speechless.

He would be overjoyed to be taught the Eight Directions Hidden Gates, but Mr. Guy's emotional display seemed a bit over the top.

Sensing Tenno's confusion, Guy Might let out a long sigh and shared his thoughts, "I've met many ninjas who excel in Body Technique, all eager to train with me. But as soon as they hear that this forbidden art could lead to death, they retreat, none brave enough to pursue the training with me."

Tenno understood their reluctance.

Raised in Konoha's era of peace, his generation hadn't experienced the horrors of war. They didn't understand the importance of power or the true meaning of the Eight Directions Hidden Gates.

It made sense that in the original tale, only Lee chose to follow Guy Might in mastering the Eight Directions Hidden Gates, transforming into a genius of hard work.

"Aren't you afraid of dying?" Guy Might asked.

"I am afraid of dying," Tenno nodded, speaking truthfully.

"Yet you're still willing to learn the Eight Directions Hidden Gates with me?" Guy Might was surprised.

Tenno paused for a moment before replying, "I think your Ninjutsu is still in its infancy."

"In its infancy?" Guy Might was even more surprised.

Tenno nodded, explaining, "I believe the Eight Directions Hidden Gates is a forbidden art created by another ninja. Since it was created, it means it can be improved! I'm sure there's a way to reduce the physical damage it causes!"

Guy Might was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter, his body trembling slightly and tears appearing at the corners of his eyes. He looked incredibly excited.

"I never thought that after all these years, I'd find someone who shares my thoughts!"

"Tenno, if you were about my age, I'd really want you as a brother!"

Tenno was speechless.

After Guy Might calmed down, his expression became serious again.

"That's right, I've had the same thought before. Maybe if my body's strength reaches a certain level, I can reduce the damage caused by the Eight Directions Hidden Gates."

"Its side effects are related to physical strength. The stronger the user's body, the smaller the side effects. After opening the Fourth Gate, the user has to take a great risk."

"That's why I had you start with sandbag training. A strong body is key to Body Technique."

Tenno nodded in agreement.

"Okay, now I'll start teaching you the training method for the Eight Directions Hidden Gates!"

Several hours later, Guy Might was sitting cross-legged on the ground.

He raised a finger and said to Tenno, "You've almost met the prerequisites for training in the Eight Directions Hidden Gates."

"After some time, you can try to train the First Gate, the Lives Gate. If you feel any discomfort, stop immediately. Don't force yourself."

Tenno nodded.

Then he kept asking about many details of the Eight Directions Hidden Gates.

Guy Might was surprised by the critical questions Tenno raised. Some details even he hadn't noticed before. For a moment, he was lost in thought.

After Tenno understood the Eight Directions Hidden Gates, it was already very late.

Only then did Tenno realize he was very hungry.

Tenno made his way to the famous Teuchi Ramen in Konoha.

"Uncle, I'd like a bowl of ramen, please!"

"Tenno, good to see you. Going for your usual Rib Bone Ramen?" the owner inquired.

"Yes, Uncle Teuchi!"

With Tenno's parents frequently away on business and their family's wealth, he and Tiantian had become regulars at Teuchi Ramen.

After befriending Guy Might, Mr. Guy had often generously treated them to barbecue.

Thus, it had been a while since Tenno had last visited Teuchi Ramen.

As he waited for his ramen, Tenno looked around the restaurant, a bit bored.

That's when he spotted a boy in orange sportswear hesitating at the door.

Wasn't that Naruto?

Recognizing the whisker marks on his face, Tenno identified him immediately.

"Why are you just standing there? Come on in," Tenno called out as he walked over.

Naruto, taken aback by the unexpected conversation, jumped slightly.

Then, with an embarrassed grin and a scratch of his head, he admitted, "I wanted to get some ramen here, but I can't find the pocket money I saved up for the last two weeks. I thought I had it with me..."

Turns out he had lost his money.

Tenno motioned for him to follow and said, "If you've lost your money, don't worry about it. Join me for some ramen—it's my treat today."