The Hokage's office was silent, the air thick with tension. The memory of Naruto's battle with Might Guy lingered in everyone's minds, each person processing what they had witnessed in their own way. Danzo was the first to break the silence, his voice dripping with greed.
"Naruto was born for the Root," Danzo declared, his tone unyielding. "His talent should be nurtured by me. Hiruzen, hand him over to me. I will personally train him, and I assure you, he will not disappoint."
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, met Danzo's gaze, seeing the ambition and hunger in his old friend's eyes. It was rare for Danzo to take such a direct interest in someone, let alone offer to personally train them. Naruto's potential had clearly struck a chord with him.
Hiruzen sighed, his mind racing. Naruto's Bloodline Limit was indeed extraordinary, and his growth over the past few years had been nothing short of remarkable. But handing him over to Danzo? That was out of the question.
"Danzo," Hiruzen said firmly, "you know I can't give Naruto to the Root. He's not a tool to be wielded. He's a child of this village, and his future will be shaped by his own choices."
Danzo's eyes narrowed, his voice sharp. "Hiruzen, you're making a mistake. Naruto's potential is limitless. His Bloodline Limit allows him to manipulate illusions, something even the Sharingan struggles to counter. He could become the ultimate weapon for Konoha. And yet, you're content to let him waste away under your so-called guidance?"
Hiruzen stood, his expression stern. He walked to the window, gazing out at the bustling village below. The sunlight bathed Konoha in a golden glow, a testament to the peace they had fought so hard to protect.
"Do you see this, Danzo?" Hiruzen asked, his voice soft but resolute. "This peace, this prosperity—it's what we've built together. It's the Will of Fire. And I believe Naruto will walk the path I've set for him. Trust me, Danzo. I am the Hokage."
Danzo's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. The tension in the room was palpable, the unspoken rivalry between the two men as strong as ever.
Meanwhile, on the training grounds, Naruto and Might Guy were catching their breath after their intense sparring session. Guy was beaming, his usual exuberance on full display.
"This is the power of youth!" Guy exclaimed, tears streaming down his face. "Naruto, you've inspired me! I must train even harder!"
Naruto chuckled, wiping sweat from his brow. "You're incredible, Mr. Guy. I've never faced anyone with such raw physical power."
Guy grinned, his teeth gleaming in the sunlight. "You're no slouch yourself, Naruto. That Bloodline Limit of yours is something else. But remember, youth is about pushing your limits! Never stop improving!"
Naruto nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Mr. Guy, are you… just an ordinary Jonin?"
Guy laughed heartily. "Of course! There are plenty of geniuses in Konoha. But don't let that discourage you. With your talent, you'll be a Jonin in no time. I look forward to our next battle!"
As Guy bounded off to continue his training, Naruto stood there, his mind racing. If someone as powerful as Guy was considered an ordinary Jonin, just how strong were the elite ninja of Konoha? The thought was both humbling and exhilarating.
A few days later, Naruto reunited with Sasuke and Rock Lee at their usual training spot. The trio had grown closer over the years, their bond strengthened by countless hours of training and shared challenges. Naruto recounted his battle with Guy, his words sparking excitement in his friends.
"I want to fight him too!" Sasuke declared, his Sharingan flickering to life.
Rock Lee nodded eagerly. "Yes! Let's see how we measure up!"
Naruto agreed, and soon the three were sparring. Despite their best efforts, Sasuke and Rock Lee were no match for Naruto. Even with his Sharingan, Sasuke struggled to keep up with Naruto's speed and precision. Rock Lee, who had removed his weights to fight at full strength, put up a valiant effort but was ultimately defeated.
"You've both improved a lot," Naruto said, offering a hand to Rock Lee, who was lying on the ground, panting. "But there's always room to grow."
Rock Lee smiled, his eyes shining with determination. "Naruto, I'll keep training. I'll become stronger, so I can stand by your side as your most trusted partner."
Naruto's expression softened. "I believe in you, Lee. You've got more potential than you realize."
Rock Lee's heart swelled with emotion. Naruto's faith in him was a source of immense strength. "Thank you, Naruto. I won't let you down."
Later, Naruto introduced Rock Lee to Might Guy, recognizing that Guy's expertise in taijutsu could help Lee break through his current plateau. The meeting was a success, and Guy immediately took Lee under his wing, teaching him new techniques and pushing him to new heights.
However, Rock Lee couldn't help but cringe at Guy's signature green spandex. "Do I… have to wear that?" he asked hesitantly.
Guy laughed, clapping Lee on the back. "Of course! It's the uniform of youth!"
Lee sighed, resigning himself to his fate. But deep down, he was grateful. With Naruto's support and Guy's guidance, he felt more confident than ever in his path as a ninja.