Two and a half years later, Konoha's Fourth Training Ground.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The rapid and solid sounds of colliding fists and feet rang out densely. In the field, two figures crossed, separated, and collided again at extremely high speeds, their movements clean and sharp, the resulting gusts of wind swirling the fine dust on the ground.
One figure was dark and sturdy, with a fierce and powerful offensive—that was Might Guy. The other was lean and steady, responding with rigorous precision—naturally, it was Shinichi Higashino.
"This kid's constitution is truly extraordinary."
Outside the field, a short, stout middle-aged man wearing round sunglasses and possessing a somewhat comical aura was stroking his chin, lost in thought.
He was the one hailed as Konoha's strongest Taijutsu Ninja, nicknamed the "Konoha Dragon God," Mr. Chen.
In the field, Takashi's offensive became increasingly fierce, seemingly trying to suppress his opponent with raw power. However, Shinichi's responses remained methodical, his defense impenetrable. Occasionally, he would seize an opening for a counterattack that was precise and effective, forcing Takashi to retreat and defend.
"Hmm... it's about time to end this. The kid is about to get serious." Mr. Chen keenly sensed the subtle change in Shinichi's aura and rhythm.
Sure enough, in the next moment... at the instant Shinichi parried one of Takashi's heavy punches, his footsteps slid eerily, cutting into the opponent's centerline which had become slightly stagnant due to the force of the strike. His right hand transformed from a palm into a finger, tapping lightly on a certain spot on Takashi's chest and abdomen like a flash of lightning.
Might Guy let out a muffled groan, feeling his breath suddenly hitch. His gathered strength instantly dissipated, and his footing immediately became unstable.
Shinichi did not miss this opportunity, taking advantage of the situation with a simple leg sweep.
Bang!
Takashi's sturdy body lost its balance and fell flat on its back with a heavy thud, kicking up a cloud of dust.
"Cough... Haha!" Takashi lay on the ground, taking a couple of breaths before laughing, showing no sign of frustration. "Shinichi, you're still so strong! I thought that last move would at least force you back!"
A smile also appeared on Shinichi's face, his breathing steady. He stepped forward and reached out a hand to Takashi, who was lying on the ground.
"You've made great progress, Takashi."
Takashi chuckled, grabbed Shinichi's hand, and used the leverage to leap up. He vigorously slapped the dirt off his clothes, his fighting spirit undiminished. "Next time! After school starts in a few days, we'll continue..."
"Maybe... there won't be time, Takashi." Shinichi shook his head gently.
"No time?" Takashi was stunned, not catching on.
"Kid, are you planning to apply for early graduation?"
A slightly raspy yet energetic voice came from the side. Mr. Chen, wearing his sunglasses, had approached within a few steps without anyone noticing. He stood with his arms crossed, his gaze behind the sunglasses seemingly fixed on Shinichi.
Shinichi turned toward Mr. Chen and bowed slightly with respect. "Yes, Chen-sensei, that is my intention."
His close interactions with Takashi over these years had indeed served the purpose Shinichi had intended.
About a year or so ago, while he and Takashi were sparring at the training ground, they happened to be spotted by Mr. Chen, who was passing by.
After that, this Konoha Taijutsu master seemed to take notice of him. Occasionally, after watching from the sidelines, he would offer seemingly casual critiques, pointing out subtle flaws in his power delivery or footwork.
The frequency of such guidance gradually increased, and the content became deeper, even to the point where he was taught some Taijutsu techniques.
Although Mr. Chen had never explicitly mentioned taking him as a disciple, the things he taught had long since exceeded the scope of what a general senior would show a junior.
Shinichi knew this well and always treated him with the respect due to a master, maintaining a polite and sincere attitude.
"That's true." Mr. Chen nodded, his tone flat but carrying the certainty of someone who had seen it all. "With your current level, staying in the Ninja Academy really won't teach you anything new. Instead, it might limit your growth. Going out early to experience real missions and hone your combat skills will be better for you."
"Shinichi, you're graduating early?" Takashi finally understood, his eyes suddenly lighting up as a surge of excitement rushed to his head. "Then I want to as well! We can go together..."
"Early graduation my ass!" Mr. Chen interrupted bluntly. He stepped forward and delivered a solid rap to Takashi's head, scolding him, "Your training is still far from enough, and you're already thinking about graduating?"
"Ouch!" Takashi clutched his head and grumbled aggrievedly, "But didn't Might Guy from the next class graduate early a year ago? Back then, his Taijutsu... I felt it wasn't even as good as mine!"
"Might Guy can at least use Ninjutsu! Can you?" Mr. Chen glared at him crossly. "The graduation exam strictly tests the application of basic Ninjutsu, especially the Three Basic Ninja Techniques! You can't even perform a basic Clone Technique; what are you going to use to take the test? Are you going to go up there and show off your muscles?"
Mr. Chen hit the nail on the head. It was true that Might Guy specialized in Taijutsu, but it wasn't that he was completely incapable of Ninjutsu.
Takashi's situation was more unique. Just like Guy's father, Might Duy, and the later hard-working Genius Rock Lee, he had innate obstacles in the transformation of Chakra's form and nature, making him nearly unable to perform any conventional Ninjutsu.
The reason Takashi was able to become a Ninja later was likely because the Konoha higher-ups made a special exception out of respect for the reputation and guarantee of Mr. Chen, the Konoha Dragon God and a top-tier Taijutsu Jonin, but that was a story for another time.
"Ah? Then... doesn't that mean I'll never be able to graduate?" Hearing his teacher ruthlessly point out the harsh reality, Takashi felt as if struck by lightning. His previous excitement was instantly extinguished, and he felt his future turn pitch black.
"We'll figure something out when the time comes!" Mr. Chen rolled his eyes. "In short, for now, give up on this idea of early graduation. Honestly build a firmer foundation and train your body to be stronger!"
"Chen-sensei is right, Takashi." Shinichi also spoke up to comfort him, his tone sincere. "The foundation of a Taijutsu-type Ninja lies in physical fitness. You are currently in the golden period for building your foundation and growing. Spend more time making your body sturdier. That way, even if you only know Taijutsu, the situations and environments you can handle as a Ninja in the future will be much greater."
"...Understood."
"Hey, kid." Mr. Chen's attention turned back to Shinichi, his tone uncharacteristically earnest. "I know you're an out-and-out Genius with top-tier strength. At your current level, even if you graduate, you'd definitely be at the top tier among Chunin and Genin."
He paused, his voice deepening. "But remember, in the Ninja profession, strength and talent alone are far from enough. Missions are ever-changing, and enemies are full of schemes. Underestimating the enemy and complacency are often the shortcuts to a tombstone. The world outside is thousands of times more cruel than the Academy's classrooms and training grounds. Stay vigilant at all times, never underestimate any opponent, and never overestimate your own luck. Do you understand?"
Shinichi's expression turned solemn. Meeting Mr. Chen's gaze, he nodded gravely. "I understand, Chen-sensei. Thank you for your teachings. I will keep them firmly in mind."
"Hmm." Seeing his proper attitude, Mr. Chen's expression softened slightly. He nodded and pondered for a moment, seemingly reaching a decision. "Make sure you stay alive. On the day you are promoted to Chunin... when that time comes, I will teach you a new Taijutsu technique."
A new Taijutsu technique?
Shinichi was intrigued. Over the past year or so of following Mr. Chen, he had already mastered a large number of exquisite techniques from the Konoha Strong Fist Style.
The Konoha Dragon God, was it?
He suppressed the waves in his heart and bowed respectfully again. "Yes, I understand, Chen-sensei. I will work hard."
Mr. Chen said no more, simply waving his hand to indicate they could continue practicing or disperse. He himself turned around and strolled leisurely out of the training ground.