Konoha Training Ground.
After landing his previous strike, Might Guy noticed that Raiden had only barely blocked his Ultimate Leaf Vajra Whirlwind, and a hint of excitement flashed through his eyes.
"So when I opened the Fifth Gate, he finally started to struggle? Then I'll press the advantage and defeat him!"
With that thought, Might Guy burst forward again at extreme speed, his body leaving behind afterimages like a phantom.
"Leaf Whirlwind!"
"Leaf Great Whirlwind!"
"Dynamic Entry!"
"Leaf Strong Whirlwind!"
In just a few moments, he unleashed a relentless barrage of attacks.
Each strike was met the same way—
Raiden blocked them all with a single arm.
Every time an attack was blocked, Might Guy would instantly retreat and launch another assault, maintaining constant pressure.
—
As time passed, after more than a dozen consecutive attacks, Might Guy began to feel the strain.
"His reaction speed is insane… even with five gates open, I still can't break through his defense!"
"But this ends now!"
Finally, he seized an opening.
In a flash, he appeared behind Raiden and unleashed another devastating attack.
Ultimate Leaf Vajra Whirlwind!
—
Raiden reacted instantly.
His arms crossed in front of his head—
"BOOM!"
The attack landed.
Raiden slid back three steps before stabilizing himself.
—
"What?!"
Might Guy froze for a moment.
"Even after all that pressure… he blocked it?"
—
The spectators were equally stunned.
Raiden's fighting style looked completely ordinary—just basic offense and defense—
Yet it was unbelievably effective.
"To block Guy's Ultimate attack with both arms… and only step back three steps?"
Kurenai Yuhi was visibly shocked.
"Such simple movements… yet they forced Guy this far?"
Asuma Sarutobi couldn't hide his amazement.
—
But the most shocked person—
Was the Third Hokage.
From beginning to end, even with five gates open, Might Guy had failed to break Raiden's defense.
—
"Mr. Guy… my turn!"
After enduring the storm of attacks, Raiden suddenly smiled and dashed forward.
—
Might Guy's heart skipped a beat.
"This is bad… my stamina is drained, and the strain from five gates is catching up!"
"If I take his attack head-on… I might not be able to withstand it!"
His mind raced.
"Then… I have no choice but to open the Sixth Gate!"
Opening the Sixth Gate would grant him even greater power—and allow him to use advanced techniques like Asakujaku (Morning Peacock).
The very fact that he considered this meant—
He had fully acknowledged Raiden as a formidable opponent.
—
"Eight Gates… Sixth Gate… Gate of View—!"
Might Guy focused completely, preparing to open it.
At that moment, Kakashi Hatake, Kurenai, and Asuma all held their breath.
None of them had expected a simple test to escalate this far.
Might Guy—
Was being pushed to open the Sixth Gate.
And compared to his explosive, flashy attacks—
Raiden had only used the most basic movements to neutralize everything.
—
"Stop."
A calm voice cut through the tension.
The Third Hokage had picked up his pipe again and spoke.
—
Raiden halted instantly.
Might Guy also stopped, his attempt to open the Sixth Gate interrupted.
"The test is sufficient. We'll end it here."
The Hokage smiled gently at Raiden.
—
It's over?
Might Guy exhaled deeply in relief and deactivated the Eight Gates. His body wavered, nearly collapsing, but Kakashi appeared behind him in an instant and steadied him.
—
"Raiden… how did you develop such strength, speed, and skill?"
The Third Hokage asked.
Raiden replied with an innocent expression:
"I've been practicing hunting techniques since I was young, and I learned some basic fighting from people in my village. I've been training since childhood."
"Very good… very impressive."
The Hokage nodded, clearly seeing the immense potential within him.
—
He then turned to the four Jonin.
"Today's test is complete. You've all seen Raiden's abilities."
"Now, we vote on whether he should become a special recruitment ninja. If the majority agrees, I'll make an exception."
—
"I agree."
Kurenai spoke first.
"I agree as well. He has what it takes to be a ninja."
Asuma followed.
"I agree."
Kakashi nodded.
"With his talent and skills, there's no need for him to start from the academy."
"I… agree."
Might Guy, though visibly exhausted, still gave a thumbs-up.
"I can feel the power of youth in him!"
—
"Good."
The Third Hokage smiled.
"Unanimous approval."
"Congratulations, Raiden. You are now a special recruitment ninja of Konoha."
He handed Raiden a Leaf Village forehead protector.
—
"Does this mean I can start taking missions and earn a lot of money now?"
Raiden immediately asked.
He hadn't forgotten his goal—
Make money… lots of money…
And then eat freely.
—
"Not quite."
The Hokage chuckled.
"Ninjas are assigned missions based on their rank—Genin, Chunin, Jonin…"
He began explaining the system.
—
"So troublesome…"
Raiden frowned.
If he started as a Genin, he'd probably only get boring, low-paying missions.
—
"Hehe."
The Hokage smiled knowingly.
"But you're different."
"You're a special recruitment ninja."
"You have no restrictions. You can take any mission."
—
"Really?!"
Raiden's eyes lit up.
That saved him a lot of trouble.
—
"Of course."
The Hokage continued.
"However, since you're new, you don't yet understand how missions work or the rules of being a ninja."
"So first, you must accompany one of these Jonin and complete a few missions."
"Once you're familiar with the ninja world, I'll allow you to take high-paying missions on your own."
—
He turned to the four Jonin.
"Which one of you is willing to guide Raiden?"