Even without the Eight Inner Gates, Might Guy at full power was overwhelming.
Too overwhelming.
For a four-year-old like Katsumi Kei, it was all he could do just to endure.
But endure he did.
As the spar grew fiercer, the pace accelerated. Dust flew. Blades of wind screamed across the field. The air itself seemed charged.
Off to the side, Tenten and Naruto stood completely still, eyes wide, mouths agape.
Tenten's voice was hushed with awe. "Big Brother… is incredible."
Her eyes sparkled like stars.
"He really is the strongest. One day, he might even… become Hokage."
Naruto's excitement was more physical—clenching fists, bouncing on his toes.
"Kei is amazing! If pushing yourself, eating well, and training is all it takes, then I'll do it too! I'll become just as strong!"
He turned to Guy, voice rising. "And Senior Guy! He's even stronger than I thought!"
Then his eyes slid toward Hayate.
"…And that ninja dog is so cool! Maybe I can ask Gramps Hokage if I can have one too…"
The admiration, the curiosity, the drive—it all settled in Naruto's chest, fueling something that would take years to fully bloom.
But for now, his eyes stayed locked on the fight.
Half an hour passed.
Then, finally, Guy vanished in a flicker of speed, reappearing a few meters away in a relaxed stance.
"Let's stop here."
His voice was calm, but his eyes held genuine admiration.
"Kei, your strength and talent… at your age, this is extraordinary."
Kei dispelled his clones and called Hayate back with a soft whistle.
He bowed. "Thank you, Senior Guy. Your strength is equally impressive."
Guy laughed warmly. 'What a good kid.'
'Should I… teach him the Eight Gates someday?'
He shook his head lightly. 'Not yet. He's too young. But one day, maybe.'
With a broad smile, he placed a hand on his hip.
"You've more than earned it. As promised, I'll teach you three my taijutsu."
Naruto and Tenten erupted with excitement.
"Thank you, Teacher Guy!" they shouted in unison.
Kei bowed deeply. "Thank you."
Guy turned to them, suddenly serious.
"The body is the foundation of all taijutsu. Kei's physical condition is already good—but Tenten, Naruto, yours needs work."
He pointed to the forest.
"Ten laps around the perimeter. Now."
Naruto was already halfway there. "Yes, Teacher Guy!"
Tenten blinked, then chased after him. "Coming!"
Once they were gone, Guy faced Kei again.
"As for you… it's time to wear weights."
Kei's eyes widened slightly. 'I was just thinking of that.'
"I'll start you at 30 kilograms. Once you've adjusted, raise it by 20."
Kei nodded. "Understood. I'll buy them this afternoon."
"Good. Then let's begin."
Guy stepped forward.
"First, Leaf Hurricane. It starts with full-body force, centered on the waist. You channel chakra to amplify your speed and power."
He moved into a textbook stance.
Then—
"Leaf Hurricane!"
A spinning kick ripped through the air. Wind blasted outward, scattering dust across the clearing.
He stepped back.
"Your turn."
Kei mirrored the stance, exhaled, then launched into motion.
"Leaf Hurricane!"
The whirlwind kicked up again. Technique: clean. Form: sharp.
Guy blinked.
'He learned it in one go… This kid is truly monstrous.'
But outwardly, he remained composed.
"Well done. We move on."
One by one, Guy demonstrated.
One by one, Kei absorbed and executed.
Leaf Great Whirlwind. Leaf Rising Wind. Basic maneuvers, refined by Guy, passed down to Kei with precision.
Beyond that, Guy shared insight.
Breathing techniques. Power application. Chakra efficiency. Small things. Crucial things.
Anyone could throw a punch. But a real shinobi learned how to throw the right punch, the right way, at the right time.
Kei committed it all to memory.
This was the foundation of Strong Fist.
And he would master it.