Ken didn't waste any more time.
The next morning, he went straight to find Might Duy.
Not Might Guy.
Guy had only recently graduated and been assigned his own team. His days were filled with missions, training, and relentless enthusiasm. Even their sparring sessions had grown infrequent.
More importantly—
Guy was his junior.
If Ken wanted proper guidance in physical conditioning, there was only one person he could ask.
After knocking on the door, he waited.
A moment later, hurried footsteps sounded from inside.
"Who is—"
The door swung open.
"Oh! It's you, Ken," Might Duy said brightly. "Did you come looking for Guy?"
He stood there in his iconic green jumpsuit. Though he wasn't striking a pose or flashing sparkling teeth, the man still radiated an infectious cheerfulness.
"No, senior," Ken replied directly. "I came to ask for your help."
Duy blinked.
"…My help?"
"Yes."
Ken paused briefly, studying the man's expression.
"I'd like you to help me create a physical conditioning plan."
A faint tension settled in his chest as he spoke.
This wasn't his previous life. There were no manuals to consult, no training programs to browse. In this world, physical conditioning methods weren't restricted like ninjutsu—but they were still closely guarded. Family knowledge.
Asking outright could be considered impolite.
For a moment, Duy simply stared at him.
Then—
Tears burst from his eyes.
"So… Guy's influence has finally reached even a genius like you!" Duy cried dramatically. "To think my son would ignite your passion as well! THIS IS YOUTH!"
Ken frowned slightly.
Then he said, with a quiet glint in his eyes,"Guy is a genius."
"A hardworking one. Determined. He doesn't need anyone's acknowledgment. He'll go far on his own."
Duy froze.
Then his expression exploded with emotion.
"To think… even you recognize my son's brilliance!" he shouted, gripping Ken's shoulders. "This is truly the power of youth!"
Ken didn't correct him.
There was no need to make things harder. And it wasn't as if he was lying—he genuinely admired Guy.
"I've heard everything from Guy," Duy continued proudly. "Your sparring sessions, your discipline—I've even seen some of your matches myself! You're a role model! Taking time from your own training to guide him!"
Ken opened his mouth to respond.
Then closed it.
"Don't worry!" Duy declared. "I will help you with everything I have!"
Ken blinked.
…That was easy.
Excitement stirred despite himself.
"Thank you," he said sincerely. "If you ever need my help, please don't hesitate."
Duy beamed. "Then let's begin!"
Without delay, he put Ken through a series of basic exercises. Running form. Balance. Muscle endurance. Flexibility. Nothing intense—only measurements.
By the time the sun climbed higher, Duy had a clear understanding of Ken's body.
Satisfied, he sent him home.
Whether it was Duy's kindness or his connection to Guy—
Ken had secured a coach.
And without spending a single ryo.
But his work wasn't finished.
The second item on his list remained unresolved.
Ninjutsu.
Earth Release: Subterranean Voyage was a B-rank technique.Earth Release: Earth Spikes—though technically C-rank—sat firmly at the upper tier.
For genin, acquiring techniques outside one's clan usually required an instructor's guidance.
That path wasn't open to him.
Team transfers were nearly impossible at this stage. Most squads had already been finalized, and even chūnin weren't accepting new members. Temporary genin teams were pointless—without capable teammates, he wouldn't even qualify for C-rank missions.
ANBU?
He dismissed the thought.
He didn't meet the requirements.
Lost in thought, Ken walked toward home with furrowed brows.
A sudden movement behind him—
His body reacted before his mind.
Ken leapt aside, kunai flashing into his hand as he created distance.
When he turned, he relaxed.
ANBU.
The masked shinobi regarded him silently.
"The Hokage has summoned you," the man said flatly.
Then he vanished.
Ken stared at the empty street for a moment.
…Shouldn't he have at least looked impressed?
With a quiet sigh, Ken sheathed his kunai and changed direction.
The summons didn't worry him.
As he'd said before, the only thing he needed to hide was his memory.
Everything else could withstand scrutiny.