At night
Thanks to his accelerated learning speed, Katsumi Kei had fully mastered the [Shadow Clone Technique] and all twelve foundational [Wind Style] ninjutsu by the time night fell.
He found that Wind Style techniques often followed a limited number of patterns: exhaled wind blasts, palm-launched slicing currents, vacuum shells, blades, whirlwinds, and miniature hurricanes. They varied in strength and shape, but structurally, most were similar.
Satisfied for now, Kei washed up and went to bed.
Going to bed early and rising early was a habit he held onto from his past life. It was basic, but foundational.
At sunrise
Kei rose with the sun. He washed up quickly, prepared breakfast for himself and Hayate, and the two ate together in silence.
After the last bite, Kei stood. "Hayate, let's go."
Hayate barked once in response.
They took off running toward the forest. Kei didn't ride—he could have, but it defeated the purpose. Shared power meant Hayate's improvement directly fed back into him. But if he wanted to strengthen his own body, he had to move too.
'Technically, I could piggyback off Hayate's speed to raise my physical stats… but that's lazy.'
Kei frowned in thought. 'If I add weights, Hayate and I can train in sync. More efficient.'
He made a note to visit the smithy later.
'And if we're talking about weighted training, the most reliable advisor would be…'
His eyes sharpened.
'Might Guy.'
They accelerated.
Before long, they reached the usual clearing.
"Yo! You're early today!"
A green blur appeared, followed by the familiar booming voice of Might Guy. He skidded to a halt, eyes already scanning Hayate.
"Huh?? Kei! What happened to Hayate? He's huge! His chakra… it's no weaker than a special jōnin's!"
Guy rattled off questions rapid-fire. Kei answered calmly.
"Good morning, Senior Guy. Hayate grew overnight. I've awakened an ability that allows my contracted summoning beasts to evolve."
Guy paused. Then slowly nodded.
"So… a Kekkei Genkai."
His expression shifted from shock to approval.
"Kei… you're a born shinobi. A natural genius. Maybe you'll surpass Kakashi and become the youngest jōnin. Or even… Hokage!"
Kei shook his head.
"Jōnin? Possibly. Hokage? No interest."
He glanced sideways. "I don't want to manage politics and paperwork. That job's not for me."
Guy laughed. "Fair. A lot of paperwork."
Their banter ended as two more figures entered the clearing.
"Good morning, Kei!" Naruto shouted as he jogged in from the northwest.
"Good morning, Oni-chan!" Tenten followed from the southwest.
They arrived nearly at the same time, faces bright with anticipation. Both greeted Guy respectfully.
Tenten smiled. "Good morning, Senior Guy."
Naruto followed her lead, bowing slightly. "Good morning, Senior Guy!"
Guy smiled back at Tenten. But his gaze lingered on Naruto.
Recognition flashed in his eyes.
'The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki…'
As one of Konoha's top fighters, Guy had long known Naruto's true identity. What surprised him wasn't Naruto's presence—it was his connection to Katsumi Kei.
'Why is he here? When did they meet? And… what kind of relationship do they have?'
Kei saw the confusion.
"Senior Guy," he said, "this is my new friend Uzumaki Naruto. From today on, he and Tenten will join me in morning training."
He paused, then added seriously, "They want to become stronger. And… I hoped we could ask for your guidance in taijutsu."
Guy blinked. "You want me to teach you?"
Kei nodded. "Yes, please."
Tenten and Naruto bowed as well. "Please, Teacher Guy!"
Guy went quiet. He studied each of them. Kei, with his composed presence and powerful dog. Tenten, bright and eager. Naruto, hopeful and unknown.
After a long pause, he looked back at Kei.
"How about this," he said slowly. "Kei, if you and Hayate can spar with me and show me strength worthy of mentoring—I'll teach the three of you."
Tenten's eyes lit up. Naruto's mouth dropped in awe.
'A real taijutsu master,' Naruto thought. 'And he's going to fight Kei first?!'
Tenten felt her heart thump. She'd trained with Kei before, but never seen him go all out. This was her chance to witness the strength she admired.
Kei gave a calm nod. "Alright, then. Please advise us, Senior Guy."