"Hey!"
Smack!
A heavy hand clapped down on Masahiko's shoulder.
Masahiko turned his head to see a shining bowl cut and a blinding smile. "Senior Guy? What brings you to the Academy today?"
"Just stopping by to check on things. And hey— that Genjutsu from earlier? Not bad at all!"
Although Might Guy couldn't cast Genjutsu himself, he understood the mechanics of dispelling them. Naturally, he realized that the illusion Masahiko had cast that morning was anything but ordinary.
Masahiko smiled humbly. "It was just a paltry parlor trick. You saw through it easily enough, didn't you?"
"Ahem... well, it wasn't that easy." The corners of Guy's mouth twitched slightly.
If one recognized the Mist Flower technique for what it was, dispelling it was straightforward. The problem lay in its subtlety—it activated instantly, without warning, catching victims completely off guard.
Take this morning, for example.
At the three-way intersection, Masahiko had used the technique to subtly misalign Guy's sense of direction, leading him down the wrong path. If "Masahiko" hadn't suddenly vanished into thin air, Guy wouldn't have even realized he was trapped in an illusion.
After the fact, Guy had spent days puzzling over it. He couldn't figure out a proper counter-strategy until he swallowed his pride and asked Kakashi for advice.
'Is this the characteristic of the technique at "Perfection" proficiency?' Masahiko mused internally. 'Using mist, light, and chakra to influence the enemy silently. No hand signs, no sensation—seamless integration.'
"It seems it was successful, then," Masahiko chuckled, looking up at the Green Beast of Konoha. "So, Senior, did you come specifically to see me?"
"I came to see Lee, but checking on you is a bonus." Guy looked Masahiko up and down, scrutinizing every detail with intensity before flashing a thumbs-up. "I've got you memorized now! You're full of potential!"
"I'd rather you didn't remember me, honestly," Masahiko joked as he opened the door to his office.
Ever since his promotion to Acting Head of the Education Unit, he had the luxury of a private office. Guy followed him inside without hesitation.
"You have an interest in Neji?" Guy asked abruptly.
"A little," Masahiko replied, taking a seat. "I want to see if a genius who hasn't received the Main House's inheritance can forge his own path with the Gentle Fist."
Guy fell silent for a long moment.
This topic was way out of his depth. He didn't really do "research." His Taijutsu was the result of blood, sweat, and grinding repetition. Asking him to analyze the theoretical intricacies of the Gentle Fist was like asking a fish to climb a tree.
The reason he asked was simple: once Rock Lee's class graduated, there was a high probability Guy would accept the position of their Jōnin squad leader. He had already scouted the class. There were only a few exceptional students, and aside from Rock Lee, the only ones who suited his taste were Neji Hyūga and the girl named Tenten.
Guy's eyes darted around as he pivoted the conversation. "Masahiko, what do you think of that girl, Tenten?"
"Her?" Masahiko pondered for a moment. "Her affinity for ninja tools is impressive, but everything else is average. However... she may have untapped talents we haven't seen yet."
"And Neji?" Guy pressed.
Masahiko smiled, seeing through the line of questioning. "Senior, are you interested in those three specifically?"
Guy coughed into his fist. "Well, that is..."
"They're still three years away from graduation, yet you've already set your sights on them?"
"I want to lead Lee. The others are... part of the package," Guy admitted, deciding honesty was the best policy. He sighed heavily. "Lee can only use Taijutsu. If he ends up in another instructor's squad, it will be very difficult for him to become a qualified ninja."
Guy had met Rock Lee on the Academy training grounds. The more he learned about the boy, the more he saw a reflection of his younger self. Lee's unyielding perseverance had genuinely moved him. For the past year or two, he had been quietly helping the boy train.
Seeing Guy's sincerity, Masahiko dropped his charismatic smile and adopted a more serious, professional tone. "To tell you the truth, I am currently researching the Gentle Fist myself. That is why I am observing how Neji handles his limitations."
"You're researching the Gentle Fist?" Guy perked up instantly, dragging a chair over to sit directly across from Masahiko.
Masahiko nodded. He raised his hand, and water suddenly surged over his fist.
Guy looked puzzled at first.
Masahiko manipulated the water—condensing it, detonating it in a small burst, and then instantly re-condensing it.
"Nintaijutsu?"
While Might Guy was a master of physical combat, his theoretical knowledge of Ninjutsu mechanics was famously lacking compared to other Jōnin. However, seeing Masahiko demonstrate the fluid nature of the water, he understood immediately.
If Masahiko succeeded, he would create a form of Taijutsu fused with Ninjutsu properties. While it might not equal the Hyūga clan's raw internal damage, it would be far superior to standard Water Style or basic Taijutsu.
Guy's excitement began to boil over.
"Masahiko! Let's have a showdown of YOUTH!"
Bang!
Splash!
Water sprayed and fists collided as two figures blurred across the training field.
Might Guy continued to accelerate, his movements becoming a green blur, yet he felt an odd sensation—like he couldn't apply his full strength.
Masahiko was pushing his Body Flicker Technique to its limit. He triggered Collapsing Torrent (Bēngliú) and Mist Flower simultaneously, the chakra exploding from his hands, feet, and torso. The high-density water acted as both armor and weapon, offsetting Guy's raw power with every exchange.
This was another fruit of his recent labor.
Although he hadn't developed a "Water Style Chakra Mode" on par with the Raikage's Lightning Armor, the current iteration of Collapsing Torrent could be burst-fired from almost any point on his body. Depending on the chakra output, he could achieve vastly different effects—deflection, propulsion, or impact.
Water Style. Taijutsu. Genjutsu.
The three were woven together so tightly that Guy couldn't predict Masahiko's attacks.
After a few intense minutes, Guy pulled back.
"I get it now!" Guy shouted, his face flushed with excitement. "Your set of moves is strong, but if I just don't look at you, the Genjutsu won't work!"
He was getting fired up. "Let me think! Let me think!"
His usual strategy against Sharingan users was to watch the feet, not the eyes. But against Masahiko's Mist Flower, which used environmental light and mist, even peripheral vision was a liability.
So, he chose the nuclear option.
Guy squeezed his eyes shut, relying entirely on his other senses and battle instinct.
He charged.
For the first few exchanges, Masahiko was forced on the defensive. However, this was just a spar; neither was going for the kill.
Suddenly, Guy flinched. He felt a sharp, stinging pain and immediately snapped his eyes open. He saw Masahiko's fist hovering inches from him, encased in a rapidly spinning, drill-like cone of pressurized water.
Guy grimaced.
'Right. Fighting blind prevents the Genjutsu... but it leaves me wide open to the Ninjutsu elements.'
"I need to think about this some more..." Guy lowered his stance, his fighting spirit temporarily sated by the puzzle. "I can't think of a solution right now. You're a tricky opponent, Masahiko!"
He straightened up and looked at the younger man with genuine respect.
"Your current abilities are more than enough to handle the duties of a Jōnin. If you plan to apply for the promotion assessment, I would be honored to be one of your recommendations."
"If I need it, I'll definitely ask for your help," Masahiko replied earnestly.
Being a Jōnin meant being able to stand alone. On the surface, his skills were undeniable. However, his promotion wasn't just about skill—it depended on the political will of the Third Hokage and Danzō.
As the school day ended, an Anbu serving under Sarutobi Hiruzen arrived. He delivered a single sheet of paper:
[Jōnin Assessment Application Form]
Later, in the dimly lit underground headquarters of Root.
Masahiko handed the application to Danzō and stood at attention, waiting for his master's response.
"Go ahead and apply," Danzō said, handing the paper back.
The old warhawk's single visible eye glinted with cold intent.
"Once you become a Jōnin, I will arrange a mission for you. It will require you to leave the village temporarily. You are to go meet with Orochimaru on my behalf."
"Understood!" Masahiko accepted the order without flinching, taking the paper back with both hands.
He turned to leave, but Danzō's voice stopped him.
"Sending you to Orochimaru serves two purposes: to retrieve an item he holds for me, and to acquire intelligence on Itachi Uchiha and Shisui. You know what needs to be done, yes?"
"I will adapt to the situation and ensure the mission is completed."
"Go then. The Jōnin assessment should be trivial for someone of your caliber."