"No wonder the Chidori requires the Sharingan to reach its full potential."
Haruto realized his Body Flicker Technique now faced a similar problem. His eyesight and body couldn't fully keep up.
It wasn't as lethal as the Chidori, but it still limited his combat effectiveness.
The solution—
Either strengthen the eyes so vision could match the body, or train the body to keep pace with the speed.
The former required talent—Minato Namikaze was a prime example.The latter—Might Guy was the perfect case study.
Keep training!
Haruto's gaze was firm as he executed the Body Flicker Technique, combining punches, kicks, and kunai attacks.
At first… his speed was extreme.Then, as he adjusted, his speed slightly decreased, but his movements became increasingly sharp and precise.
Above him, Jiraiya perched across the branches of a tree, blending with the foliage through ninjutsu. He couldn't hide his astonishment.
As one of the Legendary Sannin, he understood exactly what the boy below was practicing—control over speed.
The boy's Body Flicker Technique was powerful, but raw speed alone was dangerous. If it exceeded one's control, it could become a liability in battle.
His Body Flicker was impressive. Some Jonin might not even match this boy's mastery in pure speed alone.
But that wasn't the most astonishing part.
What truly amazed Jiraiya was that the boy understood: speed isn't about being faster—it's about maintaining control while increasing speed.
Mastering control is often more critical than increasing velocity.A seemingly simple concept, but most ninjas only learn it through life-and-death struggles.
"Remarkable…"
Another Minato in the making?
Jiraiya's gaze was complex. He had seen this boy before.Haruto always passed by the road near the bathhouse while training. A few times, he nearly exposed Jiraiya's presence, but those moments left a strong impression.
Hardworking. Persistent.Yet what surprised Jiraiya most was the boy's mindset.
Haruto wasn't aimlessly training. Unlike a flashy green-clad boy also known for his effort, who focused purely on taijutsu, Haruto had specific goals: taijutsu, Body Flicker, and Substitution Jutsu.
Self-taught, diligent, and now exploring the secret of speed control.
Such awareness was rare.
A genius—just like Minato.
Jiraiya sat among the branches, eyes fixed on the boy sweating below, memories and thoughts flooding back.
As one of the Sannin, he could hide effortlessly, completely undetectable to the current Haruto.
By evening, Haruto collapsed under a tree, exhausted.He gazed at the swaying shadows above and blinked. Then—
Something seemed off in the moonlit treetops.
Haruto sat up.
"Who's there?"
Whoosh!
A bird-like figure darted through the night sky, vanishing among the shadows.
…
At Konoha Ninja Academy, a group of students-turned-ninjas sat in class.The teacher hadn't arrived yet.
Most leaned against the windows, watching the kids training below, full of delight.
All except two.
One was Might Guy.He crouched in a corner, balancing on one hand to train his body, his movements strangely elegant and almost like performance art.
The other was Haruto.He was watching Guy.
Finally, Guy couldn't contain himself.
Previously, Haruto had been an outcast in class. After transmigrating, he devoted all his energy to training and self-improvement, leaving little time for social ties. In class, he remained low-key.
His relationship with Might Guy was minimal—they knew each other's names and faces, nothing more.
So…
"Haruto-kun, am I bothering you with my training?"
Guy asked hesitantly.
Haruto shook his head. "No, I just admire you."
"Admire me?"
Guy blinked, then suddenly flipped upright, sitting beside Haruto. Excitement and disbelief crossed his face, mixed with a hint of self-doubt.
"You're joking, right? I barely passed my early graduation exam."
"You passed, didn't you?"
Haruto spoke matter-of-factly, then continued sincerely:
"Guy, I've been observing you. Your ninjutsu talent isn't outstanding, your perception is average…"
He listed all the apparent flaws.
Guy's face darkened.
Then—
"But you have a willpower and determination that others lack. You don't fear others' opinions. That is also a form of talent. Guy, you are definitely a genius born of effort!"
"Genius born of effort?"
Guy froze.For the first time since childhood, someone besides his father called him a genius.
He felt a bit shy. "I… I'm not a genius."
"Why not? The Hokage says perseverance is the strongest talent, though few can achieve it. Look around the classroom—besides you, who else is training?"
Guy glanced around—indeed, no one.
Everyone else was idle. Haruto's fingers manipulated kunai with precision while the other hand trained hand seals.
Also present was a female ninja, Sarutobi Konan, sitting quietly, ignoring the commotion.
Guy turned back to Haruto.
"Did the Hokage really say that?"
Was that the point?Of course, Sarutobi Hiruzen hadn't said it—it was the future Hokage, Kisaragi Haruto!
Haruto composed himself, abandoning thoughts of quick rewards.
At that moment, Guy suddenly hugged him.
"But I'm truly grateful, Haruto. You are the second person in my life, besides my father, who believes in me!"
And he broke down in tears.
Even Haruto, usually calm, was taken aback.Such a sudden outburst—unexpected!
His crying drew everyone's attention.First-time spectators stopped teasing younger students, all eyes on the two.
Haruto felt socially mortified.Worse—he had sacrificed effort, but received no reward, making him feel like a clown.
Guy wept, reflecting.Their joys and sorrows weren't the same.
A female voice broke the awkward tension, drawing attention elsewhere.
"Guy-kun, who was the first?"
Ah! Who was the first? Everyone was curious.
Guy wiped his tears.All eyes were on him.He wasn't embarrassed—instead, he beamed with pride:
"Of course, my eternal rival—Hatake Kakashi!"
Kakashi.
The classroom first fell silent in respect, then skepticism—"Wait, you?"
Then laughter erupted—everyone except Konan and Haruto.
"I can say Kakashi is my eternal rival too!""Hahaha, me too!""Same here."
The classroom buzzed with cheerful energy.
Kakashi graduated at five and became a Chunin at six.This boy—graduating Genin at seven—was talented but clearly not on the same level. How could he call Kakashi his eternal rival?
Guy remained silent.
Haruto patted his shoulder with sincere encouragement.No reward yet? Then he needed to intensify effort.
"If your goal is first place, you may achieve second or third. If your goal is second or third, you may only reach fourth, fifth, or lower. Guy, believe in yourself—you will always be Kakashi's rival!"
"Haruto-kun!"
Guy hugged Haruto again. This time, he didn't cry—he was elated and joyous.
What is a kindred spirit?This was it.
Finally, someone besides his father understood him.
Haruto reflected—Guy aimed for Kakashi, while Haruto himself had once aimed for the future Guy.
Everyone had a bright future ahead.
He felt a sense of fulfillment.
[Psychological development is also an essential part of the Hokage's work. You have strengthened a Genin's resolve and inspired boundless fighting spirit.][Reward: Your foundational taijutsu techniques have improved.]
Foundational taijutsu techniques?
Haruto pondered, and new insights flooded his mind—techniques for effective strikes, especially leg techniques.
He grew certain—rewards are closely tied to the event's impact and the recipient's current abilities.
For instance, yesterday he gained full trust and enhanced Body Flicker.Here, Guy's greatest asset was his strong body and taijutsu skills.