"If this is all the strength you have, you probably can't challenge Izanami."
Rock Lee's face fell at Sasuke's words. Sasuke's eyes gleamed triumphantly, as though he had expected this all along.
Lee lowered his head, eyes shadowed. Slowly, he untied the bandages around his hands and murmured, "Guy-sensei…I'm sorry, but I might have to break this taboo, because…"
His voice trailed off.
Then, with determination blazing in his eyes, he lifted his head and declared, "I must prove myself—to this person standing before me!"
A fierce aura burst from Lee, preparing him for a new round of battle. Just as he and Sasuke squared off, a sudden "bang!" filled the air: a cloud of white mist materialized beside Lee. When it cleared, a man appeared wearing a green jumpsuit and green vest, stepping onto a red turtle and striking an irreverent pose. "Heh! What youthful bravado you two have!"
Naruto and Sakura stared at him in stunned silence. Their jaws dropped.
Sasuke, too, froze, his mouth twitching. Even Hinata and Shino blinked at the sight, wondering if Lee and Guy were father and son. Only Izanami kept his gaze trained on the newcomer.
Floating around this man were two vivid purple orbs:
[Taijutsu Master (Purple)] and [Kage-level Qualification (Purple)].
A burst of insight struck Izanami: "He must be Might Guy." These classifications mirrored Lee's, but at a higher level—just like Deidara. The system recognized that Guy, in his prime, was a Kage-level fighter—thanks to his mastery of the Eight Gates. Opening those gates indeed elevated a shinobi to near-divine prowess.
Stepping forward, Guy addressed the group playfully: "So, you're Kakashi and Yuhi's students? Ah, the vigor of youth!" He laughed and boasted, "Even your eyebrows are thick!"
"Mr. Might Guy!" Izanami addressed him formally.
Hinata and Shino echoed the honorific, "Jonin Guy."
Guy puffed up his chest. "You've heard of me? Of course—you and Kakashi were rivals for eternity in the Village." He flashed a grin and gave a thumbs-up.
"Is he really an Elite Jonin—on par with Kakashi-sensei?" someone asked.
"Impossible to tell by looking at him!" another whispered in awe.
Shaking his head in mock disapproval, Lee spoke up, "This isn't rude! Guy-sensei speaks truth."
Izanami added support: "Yes! Guy-sensei is one of Konoha's ace taijutsu experts. He, Kakashi-sensei, and Red-sensei were classmates—enemies in rivalry." Then he glanced at the wall clock. "Also, the exam time is approaching. If we don't hurry, we'll be late."
Guy's face shifted from proud to playful. He ruffled Lee's hair affectionately. "Lee, you broke the rule, so I'll punish you—but after the Chunin Exams. Finish this first."
"Yes, Guy-sensei!" Lee responded crisply, snapping to attention.
The Seventh Class mutely stared at them, now accustomed to Guy and Lee's usual antics. Meanwhile, Izanami beckoned Team 8 and set off. The Seventh Class followed in their wake.
As they walked to the Academy Building, Naruto nudged Sasuke with a mischievous grin. "Sasuke, when did you become Izanami's little brother?"
Sasuke's forehead twitched with anger. "Konochin, do you want to die?" he growled.
Unfazed, Naruto teased him further, pointing at the path ahead. "You go first!"
Sasuke exploded, charging at Naruto. Naruto returned the blow without hesitation, and soon the two rivals were fighting and advancing, much to Sakura's distress.
"Stop fighting, both of you!" Sakura pleaded, her voice full of worry. Inside, though, she silently cheered Sasuke on.
Shino, usually quiet, stepped in. "Hurry up, you two."
Hinata and Izanami nodded in agreement—they were embarrassed to be walking behind two loud troublemakers.
At last, the group arrived outside the exam room. Three jonin sat on a bench—Kurenai Yuhi, Kakashi Hatake, and a man smoking beside her.
"Red-sensei, Jonin Kakashi," Izanami said, bowing toward Kurenai and Kakashi. Then he introduced the smoker: "This is Asuma Sarutobi, Jonin instructor for the Tenth Class. You may call him Jonin Asuma."
"Jonin Asuma," Team 8 greeted him in unison. Asuma smiled. "Hello, everyone. I've heard much about you from Ino and Shikamaru—especially the top-ranked rookie and the other strong students. Yuhi-sensei is fortunate to have you."
Red-sensei shook her head modestly. Meanwhile, Kakashi quietly whispered to the Seventh Class, "If fewer than three of you had come, you wouldn't be allowed to take the Chunin Exam."
Shino asked, "So if only one or two of us were here, we couldn't participate?"
Kurenai replied, "Exactly. Remember what I said during your introductions? Until one of you becomes a Chunin—and earns that promotion through our recognition and the Village's—you cannot lead missions as a squad leader."
She continued directly: "The exam began the moment you submitted your application. Only when someone earns the position can you be a squad leader with your teammates' approval."
Shino and Hinata finally grasped the importance of their group's success.
Kurenai rose and opened the exam room door. "Go in. Good luck—I look forward to hearing your good news."
"We won't disappoint you, Red-sensei," Izanami replied with confidence, leading Hinata and Shino inside. The Seventh Class followed behind, alert and ready.
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