Chapter 17: Kirito Vs The Guy
Might Guy's words instantly captured everyone's attention. The students, who had been arguing, turned to look at Kirito and Might Guy. Even Yuhi Kurenai, who had been quietly observing, couldn't help but feel a stir of curiosity in her eyes. She too wanted to see just how powerful Kirito was.
The last battle between Kirito and Kakashi hadn't truly tested Kirito's strength. Now, with Might Guy stepping forward, it seemed like an opportunity to witness Kirito's true abilities. Kurenai didn't say a word, but her gaze revealed everything—she was eager to see how strong the man she had come to care about truly was.
Kirito remained calm, his face betraying no emotion. He didn't speak, but internally, he assessed the situation. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, and this battle now seemed inevitable. However, Kirito didn't feel the slightest fear. Instead, he focused on comparing himself with Might Guy, considering the gap between them.
Might Guy, known for his extraordinary physical prowess, was a key figure in protecting Konoha. His strength was legendary, and his skills with the Eight Gates technique made him a fearsome opponent. Kirito vividly recalled Guy's battle with Madara, where Guy had unleashed all eight gates and struck with unimaginable power. He knew that if it came to a direct confrontation, Guy could overpower him—especially if Guy fully opened all eight gates.
But this was just a friendly competition, and Kirito was confident that Guy wouldn't use his full strength. Moreover, Kirito was genuinely curious about the Eight Gates technique and was eager to test his own abilities against Guy's renowned physical skills.
"Alright," Kirito said, nodding slowly.
Guy's eyes lit up with excitement. He had been hoping for a chance like this—to spar with someone who could truly challenge him, someone like Kirito. But Guy wanted more than just a simple fight; he wanted stakes to make the battle more interesting.
"Kirito, just fighting is boring. Let's add something to it!" Guy suggested eagerly. "If I win, you'll have to spar with me regularly—at least once a week."
Kirito paused for a moment, surprised by Guy's proposal. But he grinned, understanding the competitive nature of the man before him.
"Fine," Kirito replied. "But if I win, you'll teach me your Eight Gates technique. And if I lose, I'll train with you regularly."
Guy's excitement grew even more. The Eight Gates technique, something he had developed on his own, was incredibly difficult to master, and no one had ever been willing to learn it from him. But now, Kirito—someone who seemed just as passionate about physical strength—was asking to learn. It was an opportunity Guy couldn't pass up.
"Deal!" Guy said, barely able to contain his enthusiasm. "But remember, the Eight Gates are no joke. You'd better be prepared!"
Kirito smiled knowingly. "I understand."
The surrounding students listened closely, their faces full of curiosity. They couldn't wait to see the clash between these two formidable fighters.
"Alright then, let's get started!" Might Guy declared, eager to begin.
The two jonin agreed on the rules, and soon, the competition began.
Naruto, ever enthusiastic about his teacher, yelled, "Watch, everyone! My teacher Kirito is unbeatable! Our Team 7 is going to crush them!"
On the other side, Xiao Li, filled with youthful spirit, cheered for his own teacher. "Teacher Guy's youth is burning bright! There's no way we can lose!"
Tenten, ever the pragmatic one, scoffed at the excitement. "It's not decided yet. Let's wait and see."
Sakura, who had been quiet until now, looked at Kirito with admiration. "Kirito-sensei will show them what he's made of!"
Sasuke and Neji exchanged a glance, their eyes cold and calculating. Neither one of them seemed particularly moved by the banter.
In the background, Shino, Hinata, and Kiba of Team 8 looked on, unsure of whom to root for. Kiba, ever the neutral observer, shrugged. "We're just here to watch."
Kurenai, standing at the sidelines, watched Kirito with affection, her eyes never leaving him. She smiled at him, a silent encouragement.
"Alright, the rules are set. Let's get going," Guy said confidently, eager to show off his strength.
"I know you're fast, Kirito, but I, Might Guy, the Blue Beast, will defeat you in the area you're strongest in—speed," Guy declared. "We'll race from one end of the woods to the other. Whoever gets there first wins!"
Kirito raised an eyebrow, recognizing the challenge. *Well, if speed is what he wants, then speed is what he'll get*, he thought.
"Sure," Kirito agreed, his calm demeanor not betraying the underlying excitement.
With that, Kurenai stepped forward. "I'll start the race. Ready?" she asked.
Both men nodded.
"Start!"
With Kurenai's signal, Guy instantly took off, a green blur that tore through the woods. Kirito, on the other hand, stood still for a moment, watching as Guy sped ahead.
Naruto, seeing Guy already gaining ground, shouted anxiously, "Teacher, what are you doing? Why aren't you moving? You're falling behind!"
Kirito smiled slightly and then moved. In a blink, he vanished from his position, shadowing Guy's every move. The students watched in awe as Kirito caught up with Guy almost instantly.
Guy, sensing Kirito's approach, pushed himself even harder, his body glowing with energy. "Eight Gates of Dunjia!" he shouted.
The first gate opened. Then the second, third, fourth, and fifth—one after another, Guy's speed surged, leaving behind a trail of green energy as he raced through the woods.
But Kirito, unfazed, continued to match Guy's pace, his body glowing with a faint golden aura. It was clear that he wasn't merely relying on speed alone—he was using everything at his disposal.
By the time Guy reached the halfway point, he was already pushing his limits, having opened five gates. His body surged with energy, but Kirito remained right on his tail, not falling behind in the slightest.
Seeing that Guy was still unable to shake him off, Kirito grinned. "This is fun," he muttered, before gathering energy into his chest.
A mirror-like light began to shine from Kirito's body, and in a flash, he vanished from his position entirely.
Guy, eyes widening in surprise, felt the surge of energy as Kirito's figure reappeared, now streaking ahead with blinding speed. The competition had just taken an unexpected turn.