Pathetic

Akuma and Rock Lee were sparring, as they often did. With each clash, Akuma fought roughly but with deliberate restraint. Although his physical strength far surpassed Lee's, he chose to limit himself—matching Lee's power and relying solely on pure taijutsu. Victory wasn't his goal; refinement was. 

He pushed himself to grow, perfecting his techniques through repeated practice. Despite his ability to easily overpower Rock Lee, holding back served two purposes: improving his taijutsu through challenge and concealing his true strength. 

The latter had proven especially important. He had already drawn suspicion once—when his normally radiant eyes turned a deep, ominous red. The incident had unsettled both Guy-sensei and Rock Lee so much that they rushed him to Konoha Hospital, fearing he had developed some eye infection. 

Even after countless examinations, the medics found nothing unusual. Only then did Guy-sensei and Lee breathe a sigh of relief. 

But Akuma knew the truth. 

The constant influence of the Satsui no Hado was affecting his body—slowly reshaping it, molding him to resemble the Akuma of Street Fighter. 

Every strike, every block, and every movement in his sparring sessions brought him closer to mastering it—but also closer to becoming something dangerous. 

As the two continued their training, exchanging fierce blows, they suddenly paused. 

From the distance, Might Guy was approaching. His usual radiant smile and energetic aura were absent. His face was serious—troubled. 

Akuma narrowed his eyes. 

Looks like I won't be joining the Ninja Academy. That's what I wanted, but seeing people around me upset over it… it's not a good feeling. And worst of all, the children are driving me nuts. Today is the most annoying day I've ever had. 

Rock Lee noticed Guy-sensei's serious expression and lowered his stance. 

"Guy-sensei? Is something wrong?" 

Guy stopped right before the two boys. With a dejected voice, he said, 

"Yes… Akuma will not be able to join the Ninja Academy." 

Hearing that, Rock Lee's face fell. 

"Why?!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with frustration. 

Akuma simply looked at them both and said, 

"Brother Lee, I didn't join the Ninja Academy because I don't have a chakra network. I think you both know that—so why ask?" 

Hearing those words, Rock Lee clenched his fists in frustration. He didn't want to hear it. The idea that his little brother was denied entry just because he lacked a chakra network cut deep. For Lee, this wasn't just about Akuma—it was personal. 

He knew all too well how people focused only on talent, dismissing the hard work that truly defined a ninja. The thought that Akuma was being judged the same way ignited something inside him. 

Seeing Lee's frustration, Akuma looked at both him and Guy-sensei with a calm expression. 

"Don't worry. I haven't given up on my dream." 

He said it to comfort them—because, honestly, he didn't care as much as they did. But Rock Lee couldn't hold back. 

"Akuma! How can you become the strongest ninja if you never become a ninja? You need to join the Ninja Academy to be a ninja!" 

Guy-sensei, noticing how upset Lee was, stepped forward. 

"Calm down, Rock Lee. Let's hear what Akuma has to say. If he hasn't given up on his dream, then as his sensei, I won't give up on him either. And you shouldn't, too." 

Akuma looked at them both, his gaze unwavering. 

"Who said I need their approval to become a ninja? I know I am a ninja—because I believe I am. Why would I need anyone else's opinion to prove it? I will prove to myself that I can be the strongest ninja. I don't need acknowledgment or approval from anyone. I want to become strong to prove that I can surpass every ninja alive. This is a promise I made to myself, and I will fulfill it—on my own terms." 

Slowly, Akuma turned his eyes toward Guy-sensei. 

"Isn't that what you taught us, Guy-sensei?" 

Might Guy thought his student might need some words of encouragement to keep from becoming discouraged. But when he heard Akuma's words and saw the confidence and unshakable belief in his eyes, he realized something—this boy didn't need comfort. 

Instead, Guy felt a deep sense of pride as he looked at Akuma. 

If there was ever a body that truly embodied the spirit of youth… this boy has it. 

He had come to comfort Akuma, only to realize that he was the one being comforted by his own student. 

Thinking about that, Might Guy couldn't help himself. 

Unable to hold it back, he laughed—his usual cheerful voice ringing out once more, full of energy and joy. 

Might Guy patted Akuma's back several times. With his usual booming laughter, he said, 

"Ahaha! Akuma, you've spoken words that only a true ninja could say. Even if others don't see you as a ninja, in your sensei's eyes, you've already become one!" 

Rock Lee, looking at his sensei with a cheerful smile, added, 

"If Guy-sensei believes you're a ninja, then I believe it too! You're a true ninja, Akuma!" 

In their excitement, both of them burst into tears, pulling Akuma into a tight hug. 

Akuma stood there, caught between emotions. Seeing such a dramatic shift—from sadness to joy and now tears—he couldn't help but feel awkward and weird. Yet, at the same time, it was… comforting. 

A few moments later, Akuma decided to leave and head toward his orphanage after saying goodbye. 

As Akuma ran toward the orphanage hidden deep in the woods, he suddenly came to a halt. In the distance, a boy stood in the middle of the path. From the looks of it, it was Uchiha Sasuke. 

Akuma instantly cursed his luck. 

"Tch. Why am I running into so many annoying kids today? Everyone's been testing my patience. I need to get rid of this nuisance quickly before the orphanage gates close." 

As Akuma got closer, he hoped Sasuke would simply move aside. But with every step he took, Sasuke shifted too—blocking his path at every turn. 

"Get out of the way," Akuma said, his voice cold and sharp. 

Sasuke's eyes darkened. 

"How could I have been knocked unconscious by someone like you? A useless boy without chakra?" 

Akuma's brow twitched. The word useless—he had heard it too many times today. Each time stoked the flames of his irritation. He clenched his fists but forced himself to remain composed. 

"What do you want?" Akuma asked flatly. 

Sasuke glared back with cold, unwavering eyes. 

"I'm here to challenge you. I refuse to let someone like you—someone who had to resort to a sneak attack—get the satisfaction of humiliating an Uchiha. This time, I'll prove why the Uchiha name is so feared." 

As he spoke, Sasuke's Sharingan activated—its single tomoe spinning slowly. 

Akuma, however, had reached his limit. His irritation boiled over. 

"Enough." 

In a blink, Akuma vanished—his speed so sudden and overwhelming that even Sasuke's Sharingan couldn't track it. 

SLAP! 

Sasuke flew back, crashing into a tree before slumping to the ground—unconscious. 

Akuma stood over him, his gaze cold and indifferent. 

"Pathetic. Truly pathetic. Challenging me with that level of power? Useless." 

As he said that, without realizing it, Satsui no Hado flared. A surge of red, violent energy rippled out around him for a brief moment before vanishing as quickly as it had appeared, but this time, he noticed it. When he finally realized what had happened, he was shocked. Without hesitation, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the Absolute Dimension Lock Ring. 

As soon as he put it on, he noticed two people nearby, watching him closely. 

Seeing this, Akuma pretended to be unaware of their presence and calmly continued toward the orphanage as if nothing had happened. 

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If we reach 100 stones, I'll reward you all with a bonus chapter!