Naruto: Martial God Art

"Lee, did you memorize it this time?" Might Guy paused, his eyes fixed on Rock Lee.

"Mr. Guy, I… I didn't remember everything," Lee replied, feigning embarrassment, a faint blush spreading across his face.

In truth, Lee's memory was remarkable, a skill honed from the memories of Sion Mun. He could easily memorize complex martial techniques after hearing them once. But he knew that he was known for his earnest but sometimes slow learning and usually wouldn't be able to remember it all in one go. To stay in character, he had to play the part and act like he was struggling.

"Idiot!" Might Guy exclaimed, shaking his head in disappointment before giving Lee a light bop on the head. "How could you forget such a simple formula?"

Despite his grumbling, Guy went over the technique from the beginning with the same thoroughness, ensuring every detail was clear.

"Now, do you remember it all?" he asked again, his tone stern but his expression hopeful.

Lee bit back a smile and nodded. "Mr. Guy, I think I've got it this time."

With a hearty laugh, Might Guy nodded approvingly. "Excellent, Lee! Now, I'm going to show you what the Eight Inner Gates can truly do."

"Yes, Mr. Guy!" Lee said eagerly, his heart pounding with excitement.

"Eight Inner Gates! Gate of Opening—Open!" Guy's voice rang out, his words clear and powerful.

With a loud boom, a surge of energy erupted from Might Guy, creating a visible aura of green light that enveloped him like a cloak. His muscles seemed to swell, his body radiating power. This was not ordinary strength—it was a force like that of a dormant beast suddenly awakened.

"Is this the power of the Eight Inner Gates?" Lee thought in awe as he watched his teacher. "He only opened the first gate, and his power has already grown by at least 30%!"

Lee couldn't hide his amazement. He had always thought this world's taijutsu couldn't compare to the martial arts of the higher realms. But seeing Might Guy's transformation now, he realized that the Eight Inner Gates was no less powerful than the highest levels of martial arts in his Sion Mun's life.

From that moment, he knew he could no longer look down on this world's techniques.

"Lee, watch closely! This is the starting stance of the Hidden Lotus," Might Guy instructed.

In a blur of motion, Guy sprang forward, his speed and momentum so fierce that Lee barely had time to react. The impact of his movement was overwhelming, like a tiger launching itself down a mountain, radiating pure strength and precision.

Lee's mind raced. "Did he see through my weaknesses? Is he trying to kill me under the guise of training?" In his former life, Sion Mun had faced countless ambushes, so the thought came naturally. But there was no escaping Might Guy's speed.

"Lee, this is the first phase of the Hidden Lotus," Guy shouted, his foot connecting with Lee's chin with a controlled yet powerful kick.

Pain shot through Lee's jaw. He was tempted to lose consciousness, but his strong willpower held him steady, forcing his mind to stay clear. The words he wanted to shout about Guy's tough teaching style echoed silently in his head.

Despite the intense blow, he knew Guy didn't intend to harm him. This was how Guy taught—a method as harsh as it was effective.

The kick sent Lee spiraling into the air.

"Lee, this is the second phase." In a flash, Guy leaped after him, gripping Lee and preparing to slam him downwards. Lee braced for the impact, clenching his teeth as he mentally prepared himself for the next part of the lesson.

At the last moment, however, Guy slowed down, placing Lee gently on the ground instead of smashing him down. "This, Lee, is the Hidden Lotus. It's the first technique that you can use once you've opened the Gate of Opening," he explained. "Did you get all that?"

"Yes, Mr. Guy. I memorized every part." Lee's voice was steady, though his face was pale.

"Excellent," Guy said, clearly impressed. "Now it's up to you to practice this. Once you can open the first gate reliably and use the Hidden Lotus with control, I'll teach you how to open the second gate."

"Yes, Mr. Guy!" Lee said firmly.

With one final nod of approval, Might Guy gave a thumbs-up, then sprang off into the forest, leaving Lee alone to process what he'd just experienced.

Lee leaned against a tree, panting as he pressed his sore jaw. "There has to be a less painful way to teach techniques!" he muttered. But even as he cursed Guy's methods, he was exhilarated by what he'd learned.

The Eight Inner Gates technique, with its ability to multiply a person's strength several times over, was a treasure. Though it came with dangerous side effects, Lee knew he had a secret advantage: Sion Mun's Body Cultivation Technique, which allowed his body to recover quickly from intense strain.

If he combined this body cultivation technique with the Eight Inner Gates, he could withstand even the harshest side effects and reach a level of power he'd never dreamed possible. With this strength, he might even surpass Sion Mun.

Lee's lips curled into a determined smile. With the Eight Inner Gates and the strength of the body cultivation technique, he had a real chance to stand among the strongest.