Chapter 96
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Might Guy gave Tian Yu a rare white-eyed stare.
"Don't think I don't know what's going on with you, kid."
"That's the best you can do?"
"You didn't even use the ninja tools you forged—that's your true strength! If you're going to try fooling me, at least make an effort!"
"What? This isn't your full strength?!"
Hyuga Neji was completely dumbfounded.
This earth-shattering display of power… wasn't even Tian Yu's full strength?
And…
Did Mr. Guy just say… Tian Yu's real strength lies somewhere else?
If Tian Yu actually used everything he had—just how terrifyingly strong is he?
Tian Yu…
How strong is he, really?!
---
"Mr. Guy, Lee… and Neji."
"Don't rush back yet—my treat tonight."
As the dust settled after the fight,
Tian Yu turned and took the initiative to invite everyone to a meal.
"Hahaha, sure!"
Might Guy, ever direct and informal with Tian Yu, didn't hesitate at all.
"It's already late. Most restaurants are probably closed. How about we head to your place for dinner?"
"I'll bring some sake along. If I get drunk, I'll just crash at your place!"
Might Guy… really didn't see himself as an outsider.
Tian Yu laughed: "Alright, if Lee and Neji don't feel like heading back either, they can stay too."
Tian Yu's residence had recently been renovated.
It was over a thousand square meters—easily able to accommodate several guests.
Lee was just like Guy, direct to the bone and never one to overthink.
"Big Brother Tian Yu, really?!"
"Awesome! Then I'll stay over too!"
Hyuga Neji, though…
He was a member of the Hyuga clan's branch family—raised on strict etiquette and discipline.
Neji was used to doing things his own way.
He never would have gone to someone else's house for dinner, let alone stayed the night.
But today…
After witnessing Tian Yu and Might Guy's strength firsthand…
He couldn't bring himself to refuse dinner with the two people who had just shattered his worldview.
On the way back,
They passed a few eateries that were still open. Tian Yu ordered several dishes and packed them to go.
Back at Tian Yu's home,
Everyone gathered happily for a small banquet.
"Hahaha, this sake's got a serious kick!"
"Come on, Tian Yu, drink with me! Don't make me drink alone—it's too lonely!"
In the banquet hall of Tian Yu's home,
Might Guy was slightly tipsy and in high spirits.
His face flushed red, he waved for Tian Yu to drink with him.
But—
Aside from Might Guy, everyone else was underage…
Well…
Technically, so was Tian Yu—but in Guy's eyes, Tian Yu had long stopped being a kid.
"No way, Mr. Guy. I'm still a minor!"
"Is it really okay for you to be trying to get me to drink?"
Tian Yu shook his head.
As a craftsman, drinking in excess dulled his nerves. Over time, it could even affect his muscle control—disastrous for forging precision ninja tools.
Especially Tian Yu, who relied on blueprints generated by his forging system…
Each one required ultra-precise calculations.
Even a hairline deviation…
Could spell total failure.
Not that Tian Yu never drank.
He could enjoy a little every now and then—it didn't affect his performance.
But Guy-sensei…
Once he started drinking, he'd gulp down enough to knock a bear unconscious. If Tian Yu joined in, he'd be done for.
So, Tian Yu simply used the excuse of "still being a kid" to avoid it.
Three rounds of drinks, five platters of food later—
Guy and Lee were thoroughly enjoying themselves.
As for Lee… his face was bright red too. Seeing Tian Yu refusing, Guy had turned to Lee as his drinking partner.
In the middle of the meal,
Hyuga Neji finally gathered his courage and asked, "Tian Yu…senpai, can I ask how you became so strong in such a short time?"
"Could you teach me the secret?"
Given how little he knew Tian Yu, the question was definitely bold.
But Tian Yu didn't mind.
He smiled. "Want to get stronger? That's simple."
"Train like Lee. Work hard, and you'll get there."
Neji frowned—clearly dissatisfied with the answer.
"To shoulder the great will of the heavens, one must first endure suffering, harden the body, and starve the flesh…"
Tian Yu recited an old phrase from his past life.
Neji blinked, stunned. He quietly reflected on Tian Yu's words.
To bear the heavens' great will…
A great duty…
Yes.
He did have one.
As a branch member of the Hyuga, bound by the cursed seal…
He wanted to destroy the clan's oppressive system!
Wasn't that a great mission?
"Thank you, senpai, for your guidance," Neji said with deep respect.
A short while later,
He turned to the already drunk Might Guy and said, "Sensei, I want to learn the Eight Gates Technique. Could you teach me?"
But by then, Guy's hearing was dulled—he didn't even notice Neji speaking.
"Mr. Guy…" Neji tried again.
"That technique won't be taught to you."
It was Tian Yu who replied on his teacher's behalf.
"Why not?"
"The Eight Gates is a forbidden jutsu. It comes at the cost of burning away your life force…"
"I'm not afraid!" Neji answered quickly.
"It's not about fear," Tian Yu explained. "Your body can't handle the Eight Gates' backlash."
"Then what about Lee…"
Tian Yu rolled his eyes. "Lee trains at full intensity every day. His physical foundation is far stronger than you think."
Neji fell silent.
"I'll put it this way—aside from me and Mr. Guy, Lee probably has the strongest body in all of Konoha."
He paused.
"Even the Hokage may not match Lee in pure physique."
Neji was stunned.
He'd always thought Guy was just biased toward Lee…
But now he understood—
"Lee…"
Neji whispered softly.
"Yo~ You guys planning to drink all night or what?"
Suddenly,
A bold, mature voice rang out from the doorway.
A statuesque blonde woman with explosive curves appeared in the entrance.
"Tsu-Tsunade-sama?!"
Might Guy jolted upright.
As one of the Three Legendary Sannin from the previous era, Tsunade commanded great respect from Guy.
"Tsunade-sama! What brings you here?!"
He saluted her formally.
"You are…?" Tsunade squinted, trying to place him.
"He's my teacher, Might Guy," Tian Yu introduced.
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