The Eight Gates Formation is one of the easiest forbidden techniques to obtain, yet one of the hardest to cultivate.
It is easy to obtain because both Might Guy and Might Dai are simple and straightforward people.
As long as you treat them sincerely and show passion for taijutsu, they are willing to teach this forbidden technique.
However, the difficulty lies in mastering it.
To truly cultivate the Eight Gates requires exceptional physical talent. Even Neji, known as a genius of the Gentle Fist, could not master it.
Kakashi only managed to open the first gate with the help of his Sharingan, which clearly shows how difficult it is.
After all, Kakashi lacks chakra. If he could open more than three gates, chakra would no longer be a problem for him.
Because the Third Gate is where the body truly begins releasing its chakra freely.
At this moment, since he didn't need to worry about his life, the three enemies in front of him were perfect targets to test his current strength.
The First Gate removes the brain's limitations, allowing full use of the body's physical power at the cost of energy overload.
The Second Gate removes fatigue limits, forcing the body to recover while offsetting the exhaustion caused by energy consumption.
The Third Gate further enhances speed and strength. The body begins to redden, and green energy starts to leak out—the last safe stage of the Eight Gates.
At this moment, Naruto had already opened the Third Gate.
His speed surged dramatically. Even normal movement became almost instantaneous.
Mid-air, he pulled out two nunchaku from his ninja pouch, spun them briefly, and charged straight at the three Root members.
The leader's expression darkened.
"Control him! Don't provoke him! He might be poisoned!"
The three immediately drew their weapons and counterattacked.
"Brat, you're too reckless. If it weren't for the Nine-Tails inside you, you'd already be dead!"
One of the long-haired female ninjas sneered.
Another swordsman rushed forward, slashing at Naruto from three angles.
The leader wielded a heavy blade, swinging it violently and sending water from the stream splashing everywhere.
Naruto's left eye spun rapidly, capturing every movement.
Unlike his previous encounters with ANBU and Root, this time he relied purely on his own strength.
"Shadow Clone Technique!"
With a burst of smoke, an identical clone appeared beside him.
The female Root ninja sneered.
"Didn't your teacher tell you not to use shadow clones in disadvantageous situations?"
She leaped forward, her blade descending toward the clone. If it exploded, the feedback pain would disrupt Naruto's body, and his chakra would be split.
Shadow Clones divide chakra evenly, reducing individual strength. That's why they are mainly used for reconnaissance, not direct combat.
Naruto smirked.
"That's only true for people with low chakra. I just have too much of it."
As soon as he finished speaking, the clone surged forward with overwhelming chakra.
The nunchaku slammed hard against the woman's blade.
"What?! That strength…!"
Her expression changed.
Normally, splitting chakra should weaken him—but even at half strength, Naruto was still overwhelming.
Meanwhile, Naruto's real body swung forward using the nunchaku and targeted the other two enemies.
"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!"
Another C-rank ninjutsu.
The rank of a technique depends on its complexity and chakra cost—not necessarily its power.
Higher-level techniques are often stronger, but that doesn't mean lower-level ones are weak.
Both Madara and Hashirama had proven this.
With enough chakra, even a C-rank technique could reach B-rank power—or higher.
Naruto's chest expanded visibly, then he released a powerful gust of wind.
With a loud explosion, the expressions of the two Root ninjas changed drastically.
The stream water and nearby rocks were violently blown away—