Naruto: The Tale of an Otsutsuki

The next morning, Rock Lee, having fully regained his senses, bowed deeply to his teammates with a face full of remorse. "I'm so sorry for the trouble I caused everyone yesterday!"

"It's okay, Lee. Just be more careful next time," TenTen said as she moved to help him up.

"Yeah, instead of regretting it here, focus on training hard and overcoming your weakness," Kirito added, lending a hand as well.

"Everyone…" Overwhelmed by his teammates' understanding and support, Lee burst into tears, unable to speak further.

"This is youth!!" Guy exclaimed, tears streaming down his face as he witnessed the camaraderie and harmony of his students.

Lee's situation was undeniably serious. A teammate prone to being controlled or manipulated could endanger the entire team, leading others to reject and isolate them. In such cases, regaining trust would be nearly impossible, and Lee's dream of becoming a great ninja might have ended there.

Yet, instead of abandoning him, his teammates forgave and encouraged him. This display of faith and solidarity was a testament to the strength of their bond—and their shared youthful spirit.

"You truly are my best students!" Guy declared, pulling all three of them into a heartfelt embrace.

"I'm sorry, Sensei, for disappointing you…" Lee sobbed, his voice choked with emotion.

"It's fine, Lee. Youth shines brightest through setbacks and struggles. From today onward, I'll push you even harder until you've conquered this weakness," Guy reassured him.

That evening, the team returned to Konoha. The village took a keen interest in the captured ninjas, transferring them to the Interrogation Department for further investigation. The Third Hokage commended Team Three for exceeding expectations, but Guy declined further C-rank missions for the time being, stating his students needed more preparation.

After disbanding for the day, Kirito, feeling restless, went to the training ground to practice the Strong Fist techniques he'd learned from Guy. Guy's teachings emphasized that the legs and feet were the body's strongest weapons, capable of inflicting devastating damage. Consequently, his rigid boxing style relied on powerful kicks for strength and swift punches for speed.

Kirito, already skilled in hand techniques, had focused on leg-based moves like Konoha Whirlwind and Konoha Great Whirlwind.

Simple, direct moves whose power depends entirely on the user's strength, Kirito thought as he began practicing.

Arriving at the training ground, he noticed a familiar figure.

"TenTen? Why are you still here?" Kirito called out, spotting her repeatedly throwing shuriken at a wooden post.

Startled, TenTen turned to him, her clothes disheveled. "Oh, it's you. I felt like I wasn't strong enough, so I decided to train some more."

"Is this about Lee?" Kirito asked, noting her downcast expression. "Do you think what I said earlier was just to comfort him? Are you worried Lee's weaknesses will stop him from becoming a true ninja?"

"Isn't that true?" TenTen countered. "Without ninjutsu or genjutsu, how can someone like Lee fight against other ninjas? He might never rise above Genin, and..."

She trailed off, but Kirito understood her unspoken fears. If Lee's weaknesses led to his dismissal from the team, could the same happen to her? Especially after witnessing Kirito's extraordinary strength, she couldn't help but feel inadequate. Without a team, her dream of becoming a legendary kunoichi like Tsunade would be impossible.

Guy-sensei, this should be your job, Kirito thought, but he decided to step in. Drawing on his own experiences, he spoke gently.

"Actually, I'm genuinely optimistic about Lee's future—more than he is about himself. No one is born perfect. Everyone has their own challenges. Lee has always faced his with perseverance and hard work. You should believe he'll overcome this one too."

Kirito continued, "This world is vast. No matter how strong you are, there's always someone stronger. And no matter how weak you feel, someone else is struggling more. A phrase I heard once always stuck with me: Don't compare yourself to others. Just aim to surpass your own limits."

TenTen stared at him, surprised. "That's not what I expected from you. You always accept Lee's challenges and beat him. How does that fit with what you're saying?"

"I don't challenge Lee to prove I'm better," Kirito explained. "I see him as my 'past self'—a benchmark to surpass. It's about striving to improve myself."

He added, "We're a team. We're here to help each other grow, not compete endlessly. Everyone has their own role and strengths. Obsessing over unnecessary comparisons only wastes energy."

TenTen seemed to brighten slightly. "I hadn't thought of it that way."

Sensing her mood lift, Kirito pressed on. "Let me give you an example. You know Kakashi, right? Guy-sensei's lifelong rival."

TenTen nodded.

"You've seen them spar. They seem evenly matched, right? Winning or losing by a hair?"

Again, she nodded.

"Well, let me tell you a secret: Kakashi graduated from the Academy at five and became a Chunin at twelve. He's a certified genius. Meanwhile, Guy-sensei nearly didn't make it into the Academy because of his poor grades. He was the ultimate crane tail, much like Lee. And yet, through sheer determination, he's rivaled Kakashi, who was practically born a ninja. Hard work matters."

"Wow…" TenTen murmured, clearly astonished.

"So, yes, Lee has a future. And you do too. But you need to work hard for yourself, not just for the team. Ninjas live dangerous lives. Strength isn't just about survival—it's about protecting those who matter to you."

"You're right. Thank you, Kirito." TenTen smiled, the weight of her worries seemingly lifted.

"Where's Lee?" Kirito asked, glancing around.

"He left after practice, but he seemed down. Probably feeling like I did."

"Let's find him." Kirito activated his Byakugan, quickly locating Lee. "Found him. Follow me."

The two quietly approached a secluded area where Lee was speaking with Guy. Hiding behind a bush, they listened without interrupting.

"No matter how hard I try, I can't catch up to Kirito. I messed up the mission, and even though they forgave me, I can't forgive myself. Sensei, no matter how hard I work, I won't get stronger... What should I do?" Lee's voice cracked with emotion.

"People who don't believe in themselves have no reason to work hard," Guy replied firmly. "I was once a crane tail, just like you. And yet, through perseverance, I've even surpassed Kakashi at times. Trust in your path, Lee. Be the man who makes me smile with pride!"

"Yes!" Lee responded, tears streaming down his face.

Under the starry sky, Kirito and TenTen left quietly.

"He's going to be okay," TenTen said, her voice filled with relief.

"Yeah. If anyone can inspire him, it's Guy-sensei."

Looking up at the stars, TenTen clenched her fists. "I've decided. From today, I'll start working toward my dream."

"To become like Tsunade?"

"Exactly."

"Good luck," Kirito replied after a pause. "Just don't overdo it. There's only ever been one Tsunade for a reason."

"Don't worry, I'll succeed," TenTen said confidently, determination lighting her face.

(End of Chapter)

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