Naruto: Kakashi, the Ultimate Shinobi

On Training Field Seven, Kakashi and Guy were engaged in their regular brutal training.

"Yo, Kakashi! Just one hundred more to go. Let's finish strong!"

Guy, as energetic as ever, shouted with passion that could shake the mountains.

The two shinobi continued their push-ups at astonishing speed, moving so fast their limbs left afterimages with each rep. The ground beneath them was already soaked with sweat.

Though the November sunlight was mild, the sheer intensity of their training made the air feel like summer. Sweat streamed down their faces and drenched their uniforms. A patch of earth under them was soaked and muddied by effort alone.

"Last one! YOSHAA! Ten thousand push-ups complete!" Guy roared and leapt to his feet, chest heaving, but face bright with enthusiasm.

Kakashi stood up beside him, back straight, but his arms trembled slightly. His body was nearing its limit.

"Kakashi, use the Eight Gates technique's circulation method. It'll help dispel fatigue and strengthen your body."

Guy flashed his trademark white grin, a glint of light sparking off his teeth.

Kakashi nodded, breathing heavily. He couldn't match Guy's vitality, not after ten thousand push-ups. Every cell in his body cried out for relief.

Closing his eyes, Kakashi began circulating his chakra according to the first gate method Guy had taught him. The chakra flowed through his meridians with precision, stimulating his muscles and organs.

A strange but pleasant sensation washed over him, and he nearly groaned aloud. The chakra no longer drained him—now it nourished him. Before, it was like squeezing water from a sponge. Now, it was like cool water soaking into dry earth.

The feeling was stark—like water becoming ice. Clean, sharp, and invigorating.

Kakashi opened his right eye. A flicker of awe, followed by joy, appeared in his gaze. He looked down at his trembling hands. The fatigue had vanished. If anything, he felt stronger than before.

"Guy, this… it feels amazing."

Guy crossed his arms, nodding with pride. "The first time using the Eight Gates has the strongest effect. After that, the gains come slower. It's a gradual grind—you can't rush it."

"Yeah," Kakashi replied, understanding the process.

If mastering the Eight Gates were easy, more people would have done it. Even Neji and Tenten, who trained with Lee every day, didn't take that path. Neji specialized in the Gentle Fist, which contrasted with the strong-fist style needed for the Gates. And Tenten… well, she lacked the kind of endurance needed for such punishing training.

In the original timeline, Lee opened five gates after a year or two of training, which spoke to his natural aptitude. And even after three years, he only reached the sixth—proof that the later gates were exponentially harder.

Might Duy, Guy's father, spent two decades mastering all eight gates. Guy followed the same path over nearly as many years.

Still, Kakashi had time. Conservatively, he estimated that by the beginning of the main timeline, he could reach the sixth gate. Twelve years was a long time—enough to at least achieve that much.

If he truly devoted himself, perhaps even the eighth gate wasn't out of reach. But Kakashi didn't intend to go that far. The Gates were a supplement to his style—not the core.

Kakashi was a genius with ninjutsu. Focusing solely on taijutsu would be a waste. The Gates' final form demanded one's life as the price. That wasn't a cost Kakashi was willing to pay.

His true path was a fusion—ninjutsu and kenjutsu, supported by the Gates.

As for genjutsu, Kakashi had no plans to specialize. His mental fortitude was already high. Most genjutsu below A-rank barely affected him, and with the Sharingan, he could counter most techniques. Only illusions on the level of Tsukuyomi could pose a threat.

And even that... with his Mangekyō Sharingan awakened, Kakashi felt ready. The strongest genjutsu users—Itachi and Shisui—were still students at the Academy. He had time. Probably around eight years until either unlocked the Mangekyō.

"Thanks, Guy," Kakashi said, his tone sincerely grateful.

Since arriving in this world, Guy had helped him more than anyone else. From intense physical conditioning to teaching him the secrets of the Eight Gates, Guy had given his all. He wasn't just a training partner—he was a true friend.

If it had been anyone else, Guy might not have been so open. But it was Kakashi. Guy trusted him—and Kakashi felt that deeply.

He regretted how he'd once used Guy more out of necessity than friendship. Freshly reincarnated, overwhelmed, and unfamiliar with this new reality—even with his original memories—it had been disorienting.

But because of Guy, he'd adapted. He could now use this body's abilities with ease and face battles with clarity.

He owed Guy. He valued him.

And he would protect him.

"I swear," Kakashi thought, clenching his fists, "I won't let your life end in a blaze of glory during the Fourth War. Not this time. Not because of me."

This bond—this deep friendship—was the first true connection Kakashi had formed in this world. It warmed his heart.

"Hey, Kakashi, no need for all the gratitude! If you really want to thank me, then accept my challenge! I can't believe I lost our physical training match just now. I demand a rematch!"

Kakashi chuckled. "Alright, let's settle it."

"YES! This is the spirit of youth!"

Guy beamed.

As the sun dipped behind the trees, their shadows stretched across the training field. Then, with a burst of motion, their forms blurred as they charged toward each other.

"Take this—Konoha Fierce Whirlwind!"