Even during the New Year's season, a time for family reunions and relaxation, Might Guy was still engaged in high-intensity training near his home.
For him, sweat and youth knew no holidays!
"Even during this rare New Year's time, I absolutely cannot slack off on my training!"
He threw a punch at the air, muttering to himself with full motivation.
However, the objective reality did cause him some trouble.
Because it was New Year's, the training grounds in the Village, usually used by Ninja, were now filled with frolicking children, brimming with laughter and joy.
He couldn't possibly contend with the children for space and disturb their fun.
And if he wanted to do his favorite
This wasn't just because there were more pedestrians on the streets, but also involved the Village's security alert issues.
Because during New Year's, the movement of people is complex, making it the easiest time for spies from other Villages to infiltrate.
Although Guy was hot-blooded, as an experienced Jonin, he still had this level of vigilance.
Konoha, as the largest Village in the Ninja World, still had a large number of merchant caravans and travelers entering and exiting even during the New Year, doubling the pressure on border inspections.
During such a sensitive period, if a Jonin like him were to move at high speed and in a regular pattern along the Village's border line for training, as he usually did, it could interfere with the deployment of the alert forces, or even be mistakenly judged as an abnormal situation, creating unnecessary trouble.
Therefore, he could only settle for less, performing fixed-point exercises such as squats, push-ups, and taijutsu moves in the relatively secluded area near his residence.
Naruto carefully held a bouquet in his left hand and a beautifully wrapped cream cake in his right, making his way to the front door of Might Guy's not-so-spacious residence.
Guy, who was currently doing high-intensity push-ups in the open space in front of his house, caught a glimpse of Naruto's figure out of the corner of his eye, and his heart suddenly skipped a beat.
He immediately finished the last few push-ups at a speed that created afterimages, then fumbled in his pocket for his signature fake mustache, slapped it on, and only then, feigning composure, turned around and greeted in a deliberately lowered, slightly hoarse voice: "Oh, it's Naruto!"
"Happy birthday, Cheng Dai-sensei!"
Naruto stepped forward, a sincere smile on his face, and held up the bouquet and cake, presenting them to Guy.
Looking at this sudden and heartfelt gift, Might Guy was stunned, even his fake mustache slightly curled up at one corner due to surprise.
He asked with some curiosity, even a hint of disbelief: "How... how did you know about my birthday?"
Ever since his father, Might Duy, sacrificed himself to protect him and his comrades, Guy had devoted all his spare time to intense training.
He hadn't celebrated his birthday for a very, very long time, and had almost forgotten this day that belonged to him.
Naruto looked up, his blue eyes filled with clear light, and he answered truthfully: "Grandpa Sandaime told me."
So... Sandaime-sama already knew?
Hearing Naruto's answer, Might Guy instantly understood. Since Hokage-sama already knew and tacitly approved, his clumsy disguise had lost its meaning.
He reached out and slowly removed the comical fake mustache from his face, revealing his true appearance. At this moment, hot tears, uncontrollable, welled up in his eyes, which were always full of fighting spirit, and streamed down his face, hardened by years of training.
Did the youthful boy work hard to save money to buy a bouquet and cake for his teacher's birthday?
"Naruto..."
His voice was choked, filled with unspeakable emotion.
You really are... so youthful!
Naruto immediately widened his eyes cooperatively, his face full of
"What, what? Cheng Dai-sensei... you, you're actually Uncle Might Guy?!"
Might Guy said no more. He solemnly took the cake and bouquet Naruto had brought, and carefully placed them on the clean stone steps by the door, as if they were precious treasures.
Immediately after, he suddenly turned around, spread his arms, and with a powerful, enthusiastic embrace that could almost suffocate an ordinary person, he hugged Naruto tightly, shouting in a loud and trembling voice:
"Waaah—!!! This is... this is truly so passionate and youthful!!!"
This shout seemed to echo throughout all of Konoha, proclaiming the surging passion and emotion in his heart.
As Might Guy's powerful arms held him tightly, feeling the enthusiasm that almost crushed his bones, and hearing the deafening shout of
It's done!
All the groundwork had received its expected reward at this moment.
This hug represented not just emotion, but an unreserved acceptance and recognition.
Naruto knew that the ultimate taijutsu he had dreamed of, the Eight Gates Formation Technique, which could break all limits, was now secured.
Might Guy released Naruto, still unable to contain his excitement. He vigorously wiped his face, clearing away both tears and snot, then enthusiastically put his arm around Naruto's shoulder and led him into his small house.
The small house had very little furniture, but many training equipment.
He solemnly placed the bouquet and cake Naruto had brought on the only table in the room.
These two simple gifts, in Guy's eyes at this moment, were more precious than anything else.
"You've truly moved me, Naruto!"
Might Guy's voice still trembled with excitement. As he spoke, he rummaged through the room and finally pulled out a stack of banknotes, clearly much more than Naruto had spent, and without explanation, tried to hand them to Naruto.
"Teacher has truly and surely received your heartfelt intention, full of youthful will!
You have fully understood the true meaning of youth!
But you are still young and have no income, this gift is too extravagant.
When you become a true Ninja later and earn money, then give Teacher a gift!
That celebration will be even more fervent!"
Naruto looked at the stack of money but did not reach for it.
He straightened his still-immature posture, his gaze firm and clear, and shook his head. His voice was not loud, but carried an undeniable strength:
"No, Guy-sensei. If I truly understand the meaning of youth, I absolutely cannot accept this money."
He took a deep breath, integrating his understanding of
"There are many choices in a person's youth. Isn't true youth about recognizing the path you've chosen and then moving forward with unwavering determination?
Even if the wind and snow on the path are so heavy that they make one stumble and struggle, one must still go on with all their might, burning themselves out!"
His voice gradually rose, and his blue eyes seemed to burn with fire: "Just like my dream of becoming Hokage!
Even if there are thousands of difficulties and dangers ahead, and countless people doubt and mock me, I will, as you taught me, Guy-sensei, burn my youth and advance with all my might towards the position of Hokage!
And the ultimate goal of all this is to be able to protect teachers like you who guide me, protect my cherished friends, and protect everyone in the Village whom I want to protect!"
"Guy-sensei, this is my choice, please don't refuse it anymore."
Might Guy was completely shaken by Naruto's speech, which fused his Ninja Way with youthful passion.
His hand, holding the money, paused in mid-air, and his eyes, which always burned with fighting spirit, were now filled with unprecedented emotion and admiration.
He slowly withdrew the money and looked at Naruto solemnly.
"I understand."
These words were spoken with utmost seriousness, completely devoid of his usual exaggeration, representing his complete respect and recognition of Naruto's will.
Immediately after, that uncontrollable passion erupted once more. He clenched his fists, his entire body seemingly radiating a fiery glow, and roared in his signature booming voice: "Woah oh oh!!! What an ultimately youthful statement, Naruto!"
His tears flowed again, but this time they were tears of joy and pride.
"You are already sprinting on this path of youth, even surpassing me, your Teacher! How can this be! As a Teacher, I must work even harder, put in ten times, no, a hundred times the effort! I absolutely cannot let my youth be left behind by my disciple!!"
Soaring fighting spirit instantly filled Guy's heart.