Chapter 16: Chapter 16: The Assessment of Team Three
On a sunny morning, outside the gates of Konoha Village lay a bustling training ground.
This exclusive area for Konoha's ninja training was nestled alongside the forest. The ground had been meticulously cleaned and leveled, with training posts scattered around and maintained by a dedicated team. It was an ideal space for shinobi to hone their skills and test their abilities.
At this moment, the members of Team Three stood attentively, listening to their sensei, Might Guy, as he addressed them on the training field.
"Today is your ninja assessment. If you fail, I'll send you back to the academy for retraining," said Guy, his usual jovial demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness. "I cannot allow you to lose your lives due to insufficient strength."
"It would be humiliating to be sent back for re-education," Tenten muttered, recalling the bold claims she had made to her parents the previous day.
"Bring it on, Sensei!" Rock Lee exclaimed, his face brimming with enthusiasm.
"What's the content of the exam?" Kirito asked, his tone calm but focused.
"The assessment is simple," Guy replied with a dramatic flair, striking a pose. "Use all your strength to defeat me!"
Tenten and Rock Lee exchanged shocked looks as Guy clapped his hands together and declared, "The assessment begins! Come at me with everything you've got!"
Tenten, being the closest, charged first, throwing a punch with all her might. Guy, however, caught it effortlessly and countered with a swift shoulder throw, sending her flying.
"Ahhh!" Lee shouted, launching himself at Guy. But with a simple motion, Guy raised his foot, blocking Lee's attack mid-air and sending him stumbling back.
Unwilling to give up, Lee circled Guy, searching for an opening. However, Guy's defense was impeccable, anticipating every strike and leaving Lee no chance. Frustrated, Lee retreated to regroup.
While Lee paused, Kirito stepped forward, his movements calculated. He aimed a palm strike at Guy's chest, surprising both Tenten and Lee with his swiftness.
"Not bad!" Guy said, deflecting Kirito's palm and countering with a punch aimed at his cheek.
Kirito twisted his head to dodge and spun on his heels, shouting, "Rotation!"
A hemispherical chakra shield began forming around him. But before it could fully materialize, Guy had already leaped back to a safe distance. "Impressive as always, Kirito, the Hyuga prodigy."
Seeing his attack rendered ineffective, Kirito stopped his rotation and steadied himself. Meanwhile, the battered Tenten and Lee joined his side, their determination reignited.
"If that's all you've got, you might as well head back to the academy now," Guy taunted, his tone light but challenging.
"I refuse to give up! It's too embarrassing!" Tenten shouted, her fists clenched.
"Burning spirit of youth!" Lee proclaimed, his fighting spirit reignited.
"Charge!" Kirito called, taking the lead. The three formed a triangular formation and surged toward Guy.
Guy smiled approvingly. "Good! Show me your passion for youth!" he roared, performing his signature move. "Leaf Hurricane!"
The powerful whirlwind created by Guy's kick sent Tenten and Lee flying, leaving them groaning on the ground. Only Kirito remained standing, his arms crossed defensively as he opened his Byakugan, his focus sharp.
"Vacuum Palm!" Kirito shouted, releasing a shockwave of chakra. The ground beneath Guy cracked, and nearby wooden training posts splintered under the force.
But Guy nimbly evaded the attack. With a swift counter, he launched a powerful kick. "Leaf Whirlwind!"
Kirito braced himself, using chakra to reinforce his elbow as he blocked the attack. Despite his efforts, the sheer force of Guy's kick caused a sharp pain to shoot through his arm, making him realize just how much stronger Guy was.
[I've underestimated him. This is the strength of a true master of the Strong Fist style.]
Even as pain and fatigue set in, Kirito refused to yield. He adjusted his stance, prepared to counter Guy's next move. Observing this, Guy chose not to press his advantage but instead turned to address Tenten and Lee.
"Have you already given up? Youth is about never abandoning your comrades!" Guy shouted.
Struggling, Lee used trembling arms to push himself off the ground. "I can't give up. My dream is to become an exceptional ninja through taijutsu alone. Until I achieve it, I won't stop fighting."
"He's right. I want to become the kunoichi of my dreams, too. I can't quit here," Tenten added, forcing herself to stand.
"Excellent! That's the spirit of youth!" Guy exclaimed, his voice full of pride. "Now, attack me together! Show me the strength of your teamwork!"
Kirito took the lead, his Byakugan helping him exploit Guy's openings. He feinted, dodged, and weaved around Guy, holding his attention. Meanwhile, Tenten and Lee staggered toward the fight, their steps heavy but determined.
[Now's the time!] Kirito thought, spotting an opportunity. He clamped onto Guy's arms, locking him in place.
"Go!" Kirito shouted as Tenten and Lee, mustering every ounce of strength, delivered simultaneous strikes to Guy's face.
Their attacks lacked power, landing with only soft thuds, but Guy grinned widely. "You three!" he exclaimed, pulling them all into a bear hug. "You've passed!"
Later, as they rested under the shade of a tree, Tenten gulped down water and sighed in relief. "I feel like I've been resurrected."
"It's amazing we all passed," Lee said, his tears flowing freely. "Kirito, thank you for holding Sensei back! Without you, we wouldn't have had a chance."
Kirito shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "Honestly, we should thank Sensei for going easy on us. If he had been serious, none of us would've lasted."
Guy watched his students with a satisfied smile. "You are all truly full of youth."
Tenten suddenly remembered something. "At least we're lucky we didn't get that infamous Jonin for our test."
"What Jonin?" Kirito asked, his curiosity piqued.
"The one who failed an entire team and sent them back to the academy," Tenten explained.
"Apparently, his feedback was, 'Ninjas have something more precious than power,'" Lee added.
[Wait… That sounds familiar,] Kirito thought, piecing together the information. [Could they mean Kakashi?]
Kirito recalled the rumors of Kakashi's strict standards and emphasis on teamwork and bonds.
["Something more precious than power" must mean bonds. Kakashi values those deeply.]
As the sun began to set, Guy clapped his hands, signaling the end of their break. "Tomorrow, we'll take on a mission. But for now, let's address your weaknesses with special training!"
"Oh!!" Lee shouted enthusiastically, ready for the next challenge.
And so, the day ended with Team Three's determination to grow stronger burning brighter than ever.
(End of Chapter)
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