Chapter 19: Disappointment
A Month of Training
At the training grounds, Hyojin was sweating as he finished his push-up set.
"296... 297... 298... 299... 300!"
"Huff... Huff..."
Jay approached him with a smile and said, "Your improvement is noticeable, but you still need more work. Remember, nothing is impossible with effort!"
Over the past month, Hyojin had managed to stop his physical decline and had made some slow progress.
"By the way, Hyojin, why are you so focused on improving your physical strength? Being from the Uchiha clan, I don't think you're lacking in ninjutsu or genjutsu."
Hyojin paused for a moment, then said sincerely, "As you mentioned, I'm not bad at ninjutsu or genjutsu. That's why I want to focus on strengthening my weaknesses."
Jay nodded, impressed by his reasoning. "Good thinking."
"But, there's something I'd like to ask of you."
Jay smiled and replied, "Go ahead, what is it? I'll do my best!"
"I heard you're proficient in a technique called the Eight Gates. Could you teach me?"
Upon hearing Hyojin's request, there was no immediate rejection or agreement. Instead, Guy stood still, staring into Hyojin's eyes, which reflected resolve and determination. After a moment, Guy sighed and said reluctantly, "Fine, I don't mind. But there are three conditions you must agree to. First, you have to become my disciple. Second, this technique requires a lot of physical training, and it might take years. You need to be ready."
Hyojin wasn't surprised by the first condition. After all, such a powerful technique couldn't be taught to just anyone. At the very least, he had to become Guy's disciple. As for the lengthy training period, although it was frustrating, it was justified since powerful techniques took time to master.
He responded resolutely, "I'm willing to acknowledge you as my master, and I don't mind training for years."
But Guy shook his head, unconvinced, and said, "Don't rush. I haven't told you the third condition yet, which is to check your physical fitness. This technique requires special physical conditions."
Hyojin was confused. According to his memories, there were no specific requirements to learn the Eight Gates. If there were any, they were supposed to prevent people without talent, those who couldn't even perform basic ninjutsu, from trying it. Not that he was undermining Guy's skills; after all, Guy had played a pivotal role in the future Ninja War according to his memories. But still, this was puzzling.
---
Guy began inspecting Hyojin's body, placing his hands on his palms and shoulders before moving to various points on his body. The inspection lasted ten minutes, though it felt like an eternity.
"I'm sorry, Hyojin, but you can't learn this technique."
"Why?!" Hyojin asked sharply, his surprise evident.
Guy explained calmly, "The Eight Gates technique relies on opening energy points in the body, which leads to a massive flow of chakra. But after examining your body, it seems that your meridians are too weak. Even if you tried to open the third gate, your body could explode."
With a sad smile, Guy continued, "My meridians are thick, so chakra barely passes through them, which prevents me from using ninjutsu, but it allows me to use the Eight Gates without fear of my meridians rupturing. As for you, your meridians are thin, which makes you excellent at controlling chakra, but you won't be able to handle this technique."
---
"Thank you for training me, Guy. It wasn't easy, but I accept the truth."
Hyojin said quietly, even though his heart was racing. The bitterness of failure weighed heavily on him, but it was starting to fade gradually.
Guy stood silently for a moment, then said softly, "You're strong, Hyojin. Your true strength doesn't lie just in techniques but in your determination and drive, which I admire."
Hyojin left the training grounds, and Guy's words still echoed in his mind. Perhaps he hadn't improved his physical strength, but that didn't mean he wouldn't become something great in his own way.