Only Shiki sat in silent thought, slowly realizing that for quite some time, his classmates had seen him as weak.
Being looked down on really sucked—especially by a bunch of kids no older than himself.
Even though he prided himself on being calm, he couldn't take it anymore. This time, he'd test just how good his taijutsu had become!
With determination set in his heart, Shiki quickly finished his meal.
After saying goodbye to Naruto and the others, Shiki headed alone toward the small grove filled with wooden posts. He had already gotten used to training there briefly during lunchtime.
One punch!
Two punches!
Punch after punch slammed into the wooden post.
Crack! The post shattered instantly. Sweat rolled down Shiki's forehead and hit the ground as he grinned in satisfaction. He'd lost count of how many wooden posts he'd shattered by now.
"Do you really think training like this, something only an idiot would do, will actually make you stronger?"
Shiki's pupils suddenly contracted. He turned around—just as expected, that gloomy old man was standing behind him, watching coldly.
P.S.: I've completed another ten thousand Chinese characters today. I always believe hard work will pay off eventually. Please spare me a few recommendation votes if you can.
Chapter 11: The First Real Battle!
"This kind of training is only suitable for weaklings."
Danzo's voice crashed into Shiki's ears like thunder.
For reasons unknown, every time Shiki saw Hanzo, immense fear gripped him. Whether from memories of watching anime in his past life or the terrifying aura radiating from the man before him—it left him paralyzed.
"H-Hanzo-sa... my lord," Shiki stammered.
Hanzo didn't even glare—he simply stared. And yet, Shiki felt frozen in place, as if pierced by a blade.
Facing this man, Shiki felt like everything he did was meaningless.
Suddenly, Danzo spoke, "If you wish to remain a weakling, then keep going as you are. But if you desire strength, then follow closely behind me."
With that, Danzo turned and walked away. As soon as Danzo completely vanished from sight, Shiki collapsed weakly onto the ground.
Damn it! Even before Danzo, I couldn't move my own body!" Shiki slammed his fist violently against the ground, sending a clump of earth flying into the air.
If anyone else had been nearby, they surely would've been shocked—after all, this was just a seven-year-old child.
But this—this wasn't even close to enough!
Deep in thought, Shiki wondered how he could grow stronger.
[Eight Gates]?
[Sage Mode]?
Or something else?
Yet Shiki knew he couldn't achieve any of them yet. Was he truly destined to be nothing more than a waste?
"I've already met the person you mentioned."
Shiki turned toward the voice. Rock Lee fixed him with a serious, unwavering gaze. Shiki noticed that right now, Rock Lee wore a green jumpsuit—the most familiar image burned deep into Shiki's memory.
What a fiery soul you have!
Never abandon the will to move forward! That's what Might Guy always told me! As long as I believe, even with taijutsu alone, I can become a powerful ninja!
As he spoke, he became excited without realizing it, much to Shiki's surprise.
What an idiot!
Seeing Rock Lee once again frantically punching the wooden post, Shiki couldn't help but feel warm inside.
Even Rock Lee, a ninja who could only use taijutsu, wasn't giving up on becoming strong?
Why am I being so depressed here?
Thinking like this, Shiki stood up another wooden post and tightly clenched his fist. Who says this kind of training can't make you strong?
When Might Guy opens the Eight Gates, even ninja at the Kage level can be defeated!
Through hard work, one can also become powerful!
"Ahh!" Shiki roared, sending out a punch like a cannonball. With a cracking sound, the wooden post shattered instantly.
Shiki stared at his own fist, hardly believing it. Just now, he had destroyed the entire post with just one punch.
"So impressive!"
Hearing Rock Lee's exclamation, Shiki felt hot inside.
His effort wasn't completely useless after all!
After finishing their midday training, Shiki cleaned up the mess and went to a nearby ninja tools shop to buy a simple new wooden post, placing it back in its original position.
Once everything was tidied up, he said to Rock Lee, "Hey, Lee, we're off."
Lee cracked his joints and replied, "Good, I'm ready to leave too."
Shiki smiled and said, "Then let's go."
Walking beside him, Lee slowly built up his fighting spirit and said, "Alright! The race of passion and youth starts now!"
As soon as those words left his mouth, the two immediately sprinted toward the Ninja Academy at their maximum speed.
A piercing gust of wind exploded outward, and both figures instantly disappeared from sight.
Matching Rock Lee stride for stride, Shiki couldn't help but admire, "You really are a genius forged through relentless effort."
Shiki knew that right now, Lee was already wearing weights. Even so, Lee's speed could still match his perfectly.
Shiki truly felt somewhat humbled, knowing he was a member of the Uzumaki clan. He could continuously recover stamina and keep training endlessly.
But Rock Lee overcame all of this through sheer personal effort.
"Ah, what is that thing!"
"Is it wind?"
"No, that looks like two kids!"
"How is that possible? How could kids have such speed? Could they be geniuses?"
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