The biggest reason Kakashi Hatake hadn't been able to protect his teacher's son was painfully clear to him now. The guilt, the self-doubt, the endless "what ifs" – they all gnawed at him like a relentless shadow.Might Guy, sensing the turmoil beneath his friend's stoic exterior, clapped him on the shoulder."Kakashi, you know I'm not one for words," he began, his expression earnest. "But we have all experienced the pain of separation and death. Life is still long, and we cannot allow ourselves to be imprisoned by grief."Kakashi listened quietly, his eye flicking toward Guy."It is precisely because of the trust and expectations left behind by those who have passed that we must pull ourselves together," Guy continued, voice firm and unwavering. "Those who have died cannot be brought back. What we can do is protect those who still can be."Kakashi understood this truth better than anyone. He had lived by it for years, even as his heart remained heavy with regrets. Yet understanding principles was one thing; living by them was another.He could see where Guy was coming from. He remembered the sacrifices of Might Guy's father, Maito Dai, who had given everything to ensure Guy's safety. Now, in Rock Lee, that same unyielding will was mirrored. And for Kakashi… well, he could only hope to find a way forward on his own terms."Might Guy, I appreciate your good intentions, but…" Kakashi's voice was calm, tinged with quiet resolve. "Let me walk this path alone. Don't worry. I will obey Hokage-sama's orders and continue as a squad leader Jonin, but the right disciples… that will depend on my own luck."Guy watched Kakashi's retreating figure, his hand lingering in the air as if wanting to stop him, then slowly falling. "Kakashi…" he muttered, a faint sigh escaping his lips. He knew that drawing his lifelong rival out of his self-imposed darkness would not be quick or easy.Originally, Guy had hoped to use Naruto as a catalyst to motivate Kakashi. But judging by his reaction, Kakashi appeared indifferent. Or perhaps… that outward calm masked a storm raging within. Kakashi had never been one to display his emotions openly, even to a friend like Guy.At that moment, Kakashi appeared to be pacing leisurely while reading a book titled Make-Out Paradise. But in truth, his mind was anything but calm. The sight of his teacher's son, Uzumaki Naruto, had stirred memories and emotions that he had long buried.For Naruto, Kakashi's feelings were undeniably complex. Logically, the Copy Ninja should have taken care of the orphaned boy, given the loss of both his teacher and his comrades. But Kakashi had been mired in darkness, crippled by a sense of inadequacy and self-reproach. His failure to protect Naruto had caused the boy immeasurable loneliness and suffering – a guilt that weighed heavily on Kakashi's conscience.Facing Naruto now meant confronting all the pain he had long avoided. Even a ninja of Kakashi Hatake's caliber, renowned throughout the Ninja World for his Sharingan, could not escape the terror of reliving such memories."Naruto…" he whispered, closing his book. "I'm sorry… but…"The image of Naruto's determined, lonely face replayed in his mind."Although you have suffered, it has made you stronger… more diligent. You are truly strong. And I… I am just a coward."A faint, bitter smile crossed Kakashi's face. Mockery, regret, and admiration all intertwined within it. Then, steeling himself, he moved forward. The familiar path to the Memorial Stone awaited.---Meanwhile, Might Guy returned to the training ground, his smile bright and unyielding. As he approached, he could hear the fierce shouts of two figures in motion. Naruto and Rock Lee were pushing themselves to the limit, inspired by the earlier provocation from Hyuga Neji.The wooden stakes flew under their furious kicks. They sparred with each other in bursts of movement that blended form with practicality, refining their skills beyond rote memorization. Guy's blood surged with pride as he watched."This is true youth!" he shouted, leaping down beside them. "Both of you are doing magnificently! Your Leaf Whirlwind technique is progressing nicely!"Naruto and Rock Lee turned, eyes wide with joy and anticipation. "Teacher Guy! Bushy Brow Sensei!" they shouted together.Might Guy's laughter echoed across the training field as he nodded approvingly. "I, Might Guy, never lie! Your efforts are admirable, and your progress… exceptional!"He turned first to Rock Lee. "Although you are not skilled in Ninjutsu, no one can match your persistence and effort in taijutsu. Your power, precision, and sweeping movements have been honed to near perfection through sheer hard work!"Lee's face lit up. "Thank you, Teacher Guy!" he said, voice brimming with pride."But," Guy continued, "your problem lies in rigidity. You follow my instructions exactly, without variation. Techniques are fixed, yes, but combat is not. True mastery requires adaptability and creativity."Lee nodded fervently, quickly scribbling notes in his notebook. Every word Might Guy spoke was sacred to him.Guy's gaze shifted to Naruto. "Naruto, your speed of learning surpasses Lee's. Your physical strength is formidable, and your vitality is unmatched. Your chakra reserves are abundant, and your control is excellent. You can adapt in battle with flexibility and ingenuity."Naruto grinned, his confidence swelling. "Hehe… I really am a genius!""However," Guy warned, "you lack Lee's laser-focused precision. Lee has perfected every movement, though he struggles with improvisation. You must learn to combine his perfection with your adaptability. Together, you will complement each other beautifully."Naruto nodded eagerly, though his understanding was still rough around the edges. "Got it! I'll learn from Lee!""Hahaha! That's right! True bonds are formed when you learn from each other. Support and complement one another, and you will grow stronger together!"The two young ninjas' eyes shone with excitement. "Teacher Guy… can you teach us more today?" Naruto asked.Rock Lee echoed him, just as eager. "New techniques?"Guy thought for a moment, then smiled. "Yes… but do not overextend yourselves. Master one step at a time. Today, I will teach you two new techniques, but first, prepare your body and mind."With that, he erupted with chakra, a violent aura radiating from his body. The ground trembled, dust and debris scattering as his power made itself known. Naruto and Rock Lee's hearts pounded in anticipation.The training session was about to enter a new, even more intense phase. This was not merely about mastering taijutsu—it was about testing the limits of body, mind, and spirit. And under Might Guy's watchful guidance, both would be pushed further than ever before, inching ever closer to their ultimate potential.---Might Guy's eyes gleamed as he observed them. Every punch, kick, and movement held the potential to grow into something greater. He knew that with enough determination, these two young ninjas could achieve heights even he could barely imagine.And for Kakashi… well, he would face his own challenges in his own way. But one thing was certain: the paths of teacher and student, friend and rival, were all converging, and the winds of change were gathering force.This was the essence of growth, of youth, of the unyielding pursuit of strength. And for Naruto and Rock Lee, today was yet another step toward becoming the warriors they were destined to be.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)
Last Two days more for giveaway