Naruto: Saving the Universe by Stealing Attributes

"Four hundred thirty-one... four hundred thirty-two... four hundred thirty-three…"

Thud!

Might Guy collapsed onto the ground, completely exhausted. The soil beneath him was soaked from his sweat.

"Alright, Guy." Mirai tossed him a bottle of water. "Let's call it for today."

"Mirai, I can't help but envy you," Guy said, looking at her with a mix of admiration and frustration. "I'm giving it my all, yet it feels like you're still miles ahead."

Guy had a good attitude about it, but training with Mirai over time was beginning to wear on him. What he struggled to achieve, she accomplished with ease. It was the first time he had ever doubted his father's words. Could he really keep up with geniuses like her?

"Guy, sticking to anything will bring results," Mirai said, trying to console him.

"Heh, you're right. I won't give up," Guy said, scratching the back of his head. "Besides training my body non-stop, what else can I do?" He sighed, frustrated that he still hadn't mastered even the most basic jutsu.

"Oh, by the way, Mirai, I think you could push yourself a bit harder too. You'd improve even faster."

"I know my limits." Mirai shook her head. "This training intensity is enough. My goal is to maintain control over my strength, so I stop right at the edge. Pushing further day after day would only cause lasting damage."

As he thought about it, he couldn't help but wonder at Guy's resilience. Somehow, he pushed himself to the brink every day and came back just as strong the next. Even when he fainted from exhaustion, he'd be back at it the next day, full of energy. Perhaps… that was a talent in itself. A regular person would have burned out long ago.

"Hey, Mirai," Guy suddenly perked up. "Dad mentioned he wants to teach you something special today: the Eight Gates!"

"Wait, what?"

Mirai was caught off guard. He knew the power of the Eight Gates technique, it was a hidden ace. In the world of shinobi, such precious techniques were typically only passed down to family or students. She'd joined Guy for training to perhaps glimpse it through their sparring, but he'd never expected Might Duy to actually teach it to her.

"Even though Dad's just a Genin, the Eight Gates are serious business. You have to promise not to underestimate it," Guy said quickly, noticing Mirai's surprised expression. Despite his years of training, his father still hadn't let him learn it.

"Hah… You two are something else." Mirai couldn't help but smile. Noticing the gloom lingering in Guy's eyes, he gave him a challenging grin. "Come on, get up—let's go another round."

"Huh?"

Ten minutes later, Guy sat on the ground, bruised and defeated. "Nope… still can't beat you."

Ding! Congratulations, Host, for claiming reward: +1 Physique!

Ignoring the system notification in his mind, Mirai looked at Guy, a bit surprised. Usually, he'd bounce back after every spar, full of determination to catch up. This time… he seemed genuinely down. Had he finally hit his breaking point?

At that moment, Might Duy approached them. Seeing his son's state, he frowned.

"Guy, what's wrong? Youth doesn't allow for such despair!"

Guy looked up, pouting. "Dad, do you think I can really become a great ninja? Compared to Mirai, I'm totally hopeless."

Duy was momentarily at a loss. He, too, had been blown away by Mirai's talent. Standing next to him, any reassurance felt empty. Seeing the somber mood, Mirai sighed and decided to step in.

"Guy, do you know why I've been training with you?"

"Why?"

"Because you're a genius too."

Guy and his father were both taken aback. Guy almost thought he was joking, but his serious expression said otherwise.

"Mirai… I appreciate it, but don't try to make me feel better," Guy said, giving a resigned smile. "I'm the worst in our class, I can't even manage basic ninjutsu. How am I a genius?"

"No." Mirai stepped forward, looking him squarely in the eye. "Who says talent is only about ninjutsu? In my eyes, you're one in a million."

Seeing the genuine look in his eyes, both father and son felt a flicker of doubt. Could Guy really be a genius, just… of a different kind?

"Training with you, I've come to see that talent firsthand," Mirai continued, his voice firm. "Nobody else can match your dedication. You're what I'd call… a genius of hard work!"

"In all the ninja I've met, nobody works as hard as you. You have my respect."

Mirai's words left both Guy and Duy speechless.

Hardworking… genius?

The angle was so unusual it somehow felt convincing. Duy was the first to recover. He clapped a firm hand on Guy's shoulder.

"Did you hear that, Guy? You have Mirai's respect!" Duy's voice grew more passionate. "He's the top genius of the village, and he sees greatness in you. You're a genius of hard work!"

Guy looked back at Mirai, dazed. "Mirai… do you really think that?"

"Absolutely." Mirai's voice was serious. "If you keep this up, someday you'll surprise everyone."

"Thank you… thank you!" Guy's voice cracked.

"Dad!"

"Guy!"

Father and son hugged each other tightly, tears streaming down their faces. For so long, Guy had craved validation from someone other than his father. And now, he had it—from one of the village's brightest young talents.

"Now, repay that trust," Duy said, his voice full of pride. "Grow stronger, Guy! Never let up!"

"I won't! This is my youth!"

Watching the two cry and cheer together, Mirai stepped aside, giving them space. This was their moment, and he didn't want to intrude.

A while later, Duy approached him, his eyes filled with gratitude.

"Mirai, thank you. You've lifted a weight off Guy's shoulders. Without your words, he might've given up. You may have just saved his future."

"I only spoke the truth," Mirai said softly.

He meant every word. After all, Guy would go on to become a legend in his own right—someone capable of shaking the world. If that didn't make him a genius, what would?

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