Chapter 182 The Strength of the Eight Gates Ninja

After a morning of training, Muzuki told the students, “It’s Guy’s birthday tonight, so gather at his house then.”

This was mainly directed at Kakashi, as Obito had already prepared his gifts.

“I have something else to do now; you’re free to go, or you can continue training here all afternoon.”

Muzuki was going to Hiruzen Sarutobi to put on an act.

“Maybe he’s going to prepare a gift for you, Guy. I wonder what kind of gift it’ll be,” Obito said with an envious look.

His birthday was on February 10th, still over a month away, but Obito was already looking forward to what gift Muzuki would prepare for him.

“Haha, I’ll be happy no matter what gift Muzuki-sensei gives me!” Might Guy laughed and said.

He believed Muzuki was already very good to him; besides his father, he had never met anyone who treated him so well, so he didn’t ask for more. Even if Muzuki only said “Happy Birthday,” he would be very pleased.

“That’s true, but you’d probably be even happier if the gift was better,” Obito thought for a moment and said.

If Muzuki gave him a standard Kunai he bought as a birthday gift, he would be happy and collect it. But if Muzuki gave him a Kunai he personally forged, he would be even happier and cherish it even more.

…

After leaving the Training Ground, Muzuki headed straight for the Hokage Building.

It was true that he had told Might Guy he would have more opportunities to see Hiruzen Sarutobi due to special circumstances, but Muzuki said it more to make his words more convincing.

Under normal circumstances, it was more convenient to find Hiruzen Sarutobi at the Hokage Building; going to his house to find him would only be possible close to evening, which would be too late.

Knock, knock!

Muzuki knocked on the Hokage Office door.

“Enter,” Hiruzen Sarutobi’s voice came from inside.

“Sandaime-sama,” Muzuki greeted him with a respectful expression.

“Oh, it’s Muzuki. Is there something you need?” Hiruzen Sarutobi took the pipe from his mouth, exhaling a puff of white smoke as he asked.

“Sandaime-sama, I’ve discovered a Ninja in Konoha who possesses strength far exceeding his current rank. He’s exceptionally powerful but remains a Genin to this day,” Muzuki said with a serious expression.

“An exceptionally powerful Genin?” A figure immediately appeared in Hiruzen Sarutobi’s mind.

“Is it a Ninja who carries a pot on his back?” Hiruzen Sarutobi mused for a moment before asking.

If it was an exceptionally powerful Genin, the first person he thought of was Kosuke Maruboshi.

Kosuke Maruboshi was an experienced Ninja whose strength and contributions had long reached the Jonin level, but due to some past events, he developed a shadow and consistently refused promotion.

Hiruzen Sarutobi greatly admired Kosuke Maruboshi, even teaching him his self-created A-rank Ninjutsu, Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique.

“No, if I had to describe him, it would be bushy eyebrows and a green jumpsuit,” Muzuki shook his head and said.

“Is it Might Duy?” Listening to Muzuki’s description, a new image appeared in Hiruzen Sarutobi’s mind.

Might Duy was somewhat famous in Konoha, but for a bad reputation.

Muzuki nodded and explained:

“I discovered it by accident because Might Duy’s son, Might Guy, is interning with me. An accidental opportunity allowed me to discover Might Duy’s true strength.”

This was why Muzuki only took this step after the internship began; having such an identity made the adaptation process more reasonable and convincing.

“He has mastered a powerful Taijutsu called Eight Gates. When he fully unleashes it, I am no match for him,” Muzuki carefully fabricated.

“I felt something was off; a Genin actually mastered a powerful Taijutsu I’ve never heard of, so I specifically came to report it to you, Sandaime-sama.”

Hearing Muzuki’s words, Hiruzen Sarutobi showed a slight look of surprise. That Might Duy had actually mastered the Eight Gates.

“It’s normal for you not to know, because the Eight Gates is a forbidden Jutsu from the Scroll of Seals,” Hiruzen Sarutobi explained.

Hiruzen Sarutobi paused for a moment, puffing out smoke as he said:

“This forbidden Jutsu has existed since the Warring States Period. Its power is terrifying once mastered. The Second Hokage once gathered some people to form a Ninja team capable of using the Eight Gates, and Might Duy was one of them.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi had never personally witnessed the power of an Eight Gates Ninja, but he had read the training methods for the Eight Gates, which could be described as the ultimate in brute force.

If Senju Tobirama’s Eight Gates squad plan hadn’t failed so completely, he would have wanted to create one himself.

Senju Tobirama made many innovations; the Ninja Academy, Anbu, and a series of other things were all his creations, but not all of them succeeded. The Eight Gates plan was one of his biggest failures.

It wasted manpower and resources, and in the end, there wasn’t a single successful practitioner; they all failed.

“I didn’t expect him to still not give up after so long, and to actually succeed,” Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed.

“Shadow Clone Technique!”

Hiruzen Sarutobi formed a hand seal and created a Shadow Clone.

“If Might Duy truly mastered the Eight Gates, then Genin is no longer suitable; he can be promoted to Chunin,” Hiruzen Sarutobi said.

For the Sandaime, Might Duy successfully mastering the Eight Gates was no small feat; it proved that the Eight Gates squad plan was feasible.

However, Muzuki’s words alone weren’t enough; Hiruzen Sarutobi had to see it for himself.

It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Muzuki’s character, but that he didn’t trust Muzuki’s judgment. This was an Eight Gates Ninja that even his teacher had wanted.

Watching Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately create a Shadow Clone, Muzuki thought that the allure of an Eight Gates Ninja was indeed significant. There was no need to wait for Might Duy to come; he would just go with the Shadow Clone.

Hiruzen Sarutobi’s Shadow Clone went to an empty Training Ground, while Muzuki went to find Might Duy for the test.

Because Muzuki had reminded him in advance, Might Duy had stayed at home, and Muzuki saw him as soon as he arrived.

“Let’s go. The Sandaime wants to personally test your strength, Might Dai. Please try to show your full power,” Muzuki instructed.

“No problem! I’m always ready to burn with the flames of youth!” Might Duy gave a thumbs-up, showing his sparkling white teeth as he laughed loudly.

At this moment, Might Duy felt a surge of emotion. Decades had passed, and he had prepared to remain a Genin forever, but he never expected to get such an opportunity.

“Also, Might Dai, please try not to discuss my strength with the Sandaime,” Muzuki reminded him again, worried that Might Duy might let something slip.

Although Might Duy didn’t know his full strength, it wasn’t a level that could be revealed yet.

“Don’t worry, I understand,” Might Duy nodded in reply.

He didn’t know why Muzuki wanted him to hide his strength, but Might Duy respected Muzuki’s choice and was willing to help.

Then, led by Muzuki, the two went to the Training Ground where Hiruzen Sarutobi’s Shadow Clone was.

That’s all for today.