Naruto: Martial God Art

"Front Lotus? Mr. Guy, are you talking about the second move of 'Eight Inner Gates'?" Lee asked, excitement filling his voice.

"Yes, exactly," Might Guy replied with a smile, showing no hesitation despite Neji and Tenten listening nearby.

"What? Front Lotus... Eight Inner Gates?" Neji, who had been focused on a tree in front of him, turned, his face full of shock.

The "Eight Inner Gates" was the only forbidden technique focused on physical power in the Leaf Village, carrying a legendary reputation. As a member of the Hyuga clan, Neji was very aware of its power and history. Years ago, a powerful Hyuga had shown interest in learning it and requested the technique from the Hokage. But the Eight Inner Gates focused on pure, raw power, clashing with the Hyuga clan's Gentle Fist style. The Hyuga who tried to learn it ended up badly injured, and since then, it has become a forbidden topic among the Hyuga clan.

As the most skilled young member of the Hyuga clan, Neji had never imagined that Might Guy would teach Lee such a powerful technique. If Lee could master it, would the "loser" he usually defeated in ten moves suddenly be able to challenge him?

Neji's expression grew complicated as he watched Lee.

"What's this 'Eight Inner Gates' and Front Lotus you're all talking about?" Tenten looked between them, completely lost.

"The 'Eight Inner Gates' is a powerful physical technique," Might Guy explained. "And the front Lotus is one of its moves. Tenten, your skill with weapons is already excellent, and Neji's Gentle Fist and Byakugan are practically unmatched among the lower-ranked ninjas. But Lee here still needs a solid technique to give him a chance, so I've decided to teach him this before the Exams."

"A powerful technique?" Tenten asked, intrigued. "Is it stronger than Neji's Gentle Fist?"

"Well, the Eight Inner Gates is pure power, while Gentle Fist is more focused and precise. Both are unique in their ways. But if Neji and Lee face off in the Exams, you might get a clear answer," Guy replied, glancing at Neji.

Tenten gasped, still not entirely convinced. "The Eight Inner Gates sounds amazing. Can I learn it, too?"

Guy shook his head. "The Eight Inner Gates requires a powerful body as a foundation, Tenten. You'd need to do those intense training exercises I always assign, and I know you skipped them."

Tenten looked down, embarrassed. "I… yeah, I guess I haven't done them consistently."

"It's okay," Might Guy said, smiling kindly. "Everyone's journey is different. Neji has the Hyuga's bloodline and the Gentle Fist style, and you're a hidden weapons expert. Lee, though, has no natural talent for ninjutsu or illusionary techniques, so he has devoted himself to physical skills. That's why I'm teaching him Eight Inner Gates."

Tenten's face softened, realizing she had underestimated Lee. She thought back to all the times she saw him training alone, pushing out due to exhaustion while she and Neji rested. She felt a pang of regret for ever doubting him.

Neji looked thoughtful but remained confident. "Even though the Eight Inner Gates is powerful, I still don't believe it can surpass our Gentle Fist," he said.

Lee grinned, flexing his fists. "I'll show you otherwise in the Exams, Neji."

Neji smirked, his confidence unshaken. "I've recently mastered a new Gentle Fist technique. I was hoping for a worthy opponent, so I'm looking forward to it, Lee."

"I can't wait to test myself against the Byakugan," Lee replied with a determined look.

"Lee, let's go. We don't have much time left," Might Guy said as he turned to leave. Lee gave his teammates a confident nod and quickly followed.

The Eight Inner Gates was the only physical skill in the ninja world that could compare to the martial arts Lee knew. So, He was eager to master it.

"Lee, I knew you were a rare talent, but I didn't realize how exceptional you are!" Might Guy said, looking at Lee with pride after their training session. They had spent nearly an hour going over the front Lotus, yet Lee had already mastered it. To Guy's amazement, Lee could even open the first gate, the "Gate of Opening," and the second gate, the "Gate of Healing," without straining his body.

Might Guy's eyes shone with pride. He had spent over a year to master the first two gates, yet Lee had learned them within one training session.

What Guy didn't know was that Lee, drawing on his own experiences and techniques from the martial arts he remembered, had intentionally hidden some of his true strength. Right now, if he pushed himself, he could open the Eight Inner Gates up to the sixth gate, the "Gate of View," in a flash. His body, fortified by the martial techniques he trained from Sion Mun, was far stronger than even the average high-level ninja.

"Mr. Guy, thank you," Lee said sincerely, knowing how valuable this knowledge was.

"You've earned it, Lee," Might Guy said, putting a hand on his shoulder.