While Chinatsu was undergoing Sage Mode training in Shikkotsu Forest, Konoha was steadily advancing toward one of the most important arcs of the original storyline the Chūnin Exams.
As a jōnin instructor, Kakashi naturally submitted the recommendation forms for all three members of Team 7. In the original system of the Hidden Leaf Village, a genin could only participate in the Chūnin Exams if their squad leader deemed them ready.
Kakashi didn't hesitate.
Regardless of the outcome, Naruto and Sasuke were already far beyond ordinary genin. Their chakra reserves, combat instincts, and growth rate were abnormal even by elite standards.
Kakashi thought to himself, "Keeping these two at genin level is already pushing it… I just hope they don't traumatize the other candidates too badly."
In truth, if not for their lack of mission experience and leadership maturity, Kakashi might have even considered recommending them for higher responsibilities. After all, Sasuke's Sharingan had already matured to the three-tomoe stage under Chinatsu's influence, and Naruto's chakra control while still rough had drastically improved compared to his academy days.
The real concern was Sakura.
It wasn't that Sakura was weak. Among academy graduates, her chakra control and intelligence were top-tier. But when placed beside Naruto's massive Uzumaki reserves and Sasuke's Uchiha genius, the contrast became overwhelming.
That afternoon, after completing a routine mission, Sakura walked alone through the streets of Konoha.
She sighed every few steps.
"What should I do… Kakashi-sensei said I should focus on genjutsu, but genjutsu isn't something you can master overnight…"
She wasn't wrong.
In the shinobi world, many ninja used genjutsu, but true specialists like Kurama (Yuhi Kurenai) were rare. Genjutsu required extreme precision in chakra control and mental strength. Without proper guidance, self-study would take years to show results.
Meanwhile, Naruto and Sasuke…
By the time she improved even slightly, they would already have surged far ahead again.
Sakura lowered her head.
I don't want to be left behind…
Just as she was about to head home
"Young lady, why are you sighing so much? Youth shouldn't be wasted like that!"
A loud, energetic voice suddenly came from behind her.
Strangely… it sounded like it was coming from below.
Sakura turned around in confusion.
And immediately froze.
What she saw first… was not a face.
It was… a pair of legs and something far too close to eye level.
"Σ( ° △ °|||)︴?!"
Sakura instinctively stepped back.
Only then did she realize the man was standing upside down on one hand.
"Who… are you?!"
"The Blue Beast of Konoha Might Guy!"
With a burst of energy, Might Guy flipped upright, striking a dramatic pose. His green jumpsuit, bowl haircut, and dazzling white teeth created an overwhelming visual impact.
"Blue Beast…?"
Sakura blinked.
The name sounded familiar she had heard Kakashi mention him before but the appearance made it hard to take seriously.
"A jōnin?"
"Of course!" Guy declared proudly. "And I've defeated Kakashi many times!"
Sakura's eyes widened slightly.
He beat Kakashi-sensei?
Whether exaggerated or not, she couldn't ignore it.
"Sakura! Do you want to train with me? Even if you're not from my team, youth knows no boundaries!"
Guy laughed heartily and slapped her back.
Sakura nearly coughed from the impact.
Still… she understood.
This had to be Kakashi's arrangement.
An opportunity.
"Might Guy-sensei! Please teach me! I want to become stronger!"
Her eyes were filled with determination.
She meant it.
Seeing that resolve, Guy's expression softened into approval.
"That's the spirit! Youth must burn brightly!"
He patted her back again harder this time.
Sakura felt like her internal organs shifted.
"Even Tenten doesn't fully appreciate this kind of training spirit… such a shame! Speaking of which, I haven't seen that girl in a while. She's got great potential!"
"That girl?"
Sakura tilted her head, imagining someone wearing the same green jumpsuit.
…
She almost laughed.
No… that can't be right… right?
"Oh! Since you're going to train under me, I should give you something first! Wait here!"
Before Sakura could respond, Guy vanished using the Body Flicker Technique Shunshin no Jutsu moving so fast he practically disappeared.
Sakura stood there, stunned.
"What kind of training tool would it be…?"
Weights? Chakra-enhancing gear? Specialized weapons?
Her mind ran through possibilities.
Whatever it is, I'll accept it.
I have to catch up to Naruto and Sasuke.
Ten minutes later.
Guy returned at full speed, holding a plastic bag.
Sakura immediately analyzed it.
Lightweight… not metallic… flexible…
Her observational skills kicked in but unfortunately, her logic did not align with Guy's thinking.
The moment she touched the bag
She froze.
Inside…
A green jumpsuit.
Her size.
Exactly like Guy's.
"This is perfect for training!" Guy said proudly. "I gave one to my students too! Now that you're learning from me, you get one as well!"
Sakura's hands trembled.
Her expression stiffened.
She hesitated.
She struggled internally.
This… is the price of strength…
Naruto's determination.
Sasuke's obsession.
Chinatsu's expectations.
"…I'll do it."
She clenched the bag tightly.
"Might Guy-sensei… please begin my training."
Her voice was firm.
Guy grinned widely.
"Excellent! Your youth is shining brightly!"
He raised a hand dramatically.
"Then I will teach you the ultimate taijutsu I have trained since childhood… the Eight Gates!"
Sakura's eyes widened slightly.
The Eight Gates Hachimon Tonkō.
A forbidden technique that releases the body's internal limiters, dramatically increasing physical strength at the cost of severe strain.
At that moment
Sakura Haruno stepped onto a completely different path from the original story.
A path of pure taijutsu.
A path of burning youth.
And a path that would allow her to stand beside Naruto and Sasuke… not behind them.
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCE 40+ CHAPTERS
PATREON.com/Kora_1