The Third Hokage found himself dazed, unable to believe what he had just heard. Naruto had passed Guy's test. That mischievous blond prankster he had always seen as a restless troublemaker had actually managed to impress the Blue Beast of Konoha? To the Hokage, Naruto was still that little monkey running around the village, pulling tricks on unsuspecting villagers. Never once had he imagined this child could meet Guy's strict expectations.
Seeing the Hokage lost in thought, Guy grew anxious. "Lord Hokage, don't tell me that boy is a spy?" His brows furrowed with rare seriousness. To Guy, discovering a student with both talent and determination for taijutsu was like finding a priceless gem. Losing such a chance was unthinkable.
Naruto's body was remarkable, his will unwavering, his energy brimming with youthful passion. Everything about him screamed that he was born for the path of taijutsu.
The Hokage stirred from his memories at Guy's urgent tone. His expression softened. "No, Guy, put your mind at ease. Naruto is no spy. On the contrary, his parents made great sacrifices for this village. He is the son of heroes."
Guy's stern face immediately split into a beaming smile. Relief and excitement shone in his eyes. Not only was Naruto's background clean, but it carried honor. Training him as a disciple wouldn't be a problem it would be a privilege.
"As for taking him as your personal student…" the Hokage hesitated, weighing the possibilities.
Guy had no ties to the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze. That, in itself, was a blessing. Over the years, Guy's name had spread far beyond the village. Known as the Blue Beast of Konoha, his reputation burned brightly in the ninja world. His style, however, was the polar opposite of the Yellow Flash. No one would ever suspect a connection between the two.
The world feared the rise of another Minato, not the appearance of another eccentric taijutsu master.
Finally, the Hokage nodded firmly. "Very well. Since you wish to guide Naruto, then teach him well. Train him with everything you have, and above all, protect his safety. Remember, Guy he carries the legacy of a hero."
Guy straightened, his eyes blazing with conviction. "Yes! From the moment Naruto becomes my disciple, no harm will reach him so long as I live!"
The Hokage's gaze softened again, though a shadow of caution lingered. He knew well the forbidden technique Guy had inherited. He remembered Might Duy Guy's father who as a mere genin had once unleashed the Eight Inner Gates against the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. That day, a nameless man became a legend. Though Duy had perished, his flames had burned terror into the hearts of Kiri's strongest.
And Guy was far stronger than his father had ever been. If he chose to open all Eight Gates, even Kage-level opponents would fall before him.
With Guy as Naruto's shield, the Hokage could rest easier.
"Then let it be so," he said gravely.
Guy bowed deeply. "Thank you, Lord Hokage. I'll take my leave."
Later that evening, after finishing their daily training, Guy turned to Naruto with unusual solemnity. His normally wild grin was replaced by a calm, steady look.
"Naruto," he asked, "would you be willing to become my official disciple?"
Naruto, panting from exhaustion, froze in surprise. "A… disciple?"
The word rang in his ears. For a moment, he just stood there, stunned. Then realization struck him like lightning.
He wanted to be Hokage. To reach that dream, he had to become stronger, faster. With Guy as his teacher, guiding him personally, the path to Hokage would no longer feel so impossibly far away.
Naruto straightened his torn shirt and bowed deeply, his voice clear. "I'm willing! Please take care of me from now on, Master Guy!"
Guy's grin burst forth again, brighter than the sun. He hauled Naruto upright with both hands. "Excellent! From this day forward, you are my disciple! Together, we'll blaze a path of youth that will shake the heavens!"
"Yosh!" Naruto echoed, his face glowing with joy.
"Come on," Guy said, clapping him on the back. "Tonight, we feast!"
The two of them marched into the nearest barbecue restaurant, laughing with a vigor that made the air itself feel alive.
In the shadows, Kakashi watched, silent as ever. His teeth clenched. Jealousy prickled at his chest. How easy it was for Guy to claim Naruto as a student, to stand openly by his side. And yet Kakashi, tied to Naruto by bonds deeper than anyone knew, was condemned to watch from the dark, unable to reveal himself.
Guy and Naruto ate their fill and left with satisfied bellies, heading into a quiet forest at the village's edge. The moonlight spilled silver across the clearing.
"Sensei, what's next?" Naruto asked eagerly, bouncing on his toes. "Are you going to teach me some powerful jutsu?"
Guy shook his head with a laugh. "Sorry, Naruto. When it comes to ninjutsu, I'm hopeless."
Naruto blinked, taken aback. "Ehh?" His eyes widened in disbelief.
"Tell me, Naruto," Guy asked, "how do you understand what it means to be a strong ninja?"
Naruto scratched his head, unsure. At only four years old, how could he possibly define such a thing? He thought hard, then blurted out, "Maybe… someone who can defy fate, who lives forever in people's memories?"
Guy's eyes widened.
"Or maybe… the one who stands at the very peak, whose name shakes the world?" Naruto continued, growing more animated.
Now Guy's mouth fell open.
"Or…" Naruto grinned, quoting words half-remembered from strange, lingering dreams, "someone who plucks the stars and holds the sun and moon in his hands. A person unlike anyone else in the world!"
For a long moment, Guy simply stared at him. Then he scrambled for a pen and paper, hastily scribbling every phrase down. These were lines worthy of a warrior! He could shout them in battle, words to ignite the flames of youth even brighter!
"Ahem." Guy tucked the paper away. "Those words are… grand, Naruto. But let's ground ourselves in reality."
Naruto flushed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Then… like the Third Hokage, maybe?"
Guy nodded. "That's fair. Lord Hokage is among the strongest."
He leaned forward again. "But tell me what do you think a ninja truly needs to become strong?"
Naruto almost said "powerful jutsu," because that's what every child believed. But he hesitated. Guy had just admitted he wasn't skilled in ninjutsu, and yet his strength was undeniable. Naruto had seen him train. None of the other shinobi he'd glimpsed could compare.
Then his dreams flickered again visions of mighty warriors who could traverse the cosmos with nothing but their bodies.
"The body!" Naruto exclaimed. "It's the body, right?"
Guy's face lit up with joy. He grabbed Naruto's shoulders. "Exactly! You're absolutely right!"
"To become a truly powerful shinobi, whether you specialize in taijutsu or not, you must first have a body of steel. Strength, endurance, stamina without these, no amount of jutsu will carry you far."
Naruto's eyes shone with understanding.
"And I," Guy declared proudly, "have devoted my entire life to taijutsu. Among the jōnin of Konoha, my name is not unknown. So listen well, Naruto! From this moment forward, I will forge your body into an unshakable foundation. With that, you will stand tall on whatever path you choose in the future!"
Naruto's heart pounded with excitement. He clenched his fists. "Yes, Master Guy! I'll work as hard as I can!"
In the stillness of the forest, their voices rang out like a vow.