Chapter 14: The Covert Unit? Not Interested

Chapter 14: The Anbu? No Interest

Chiba did not rest.

After exchanging a few words, in the next instant, he used the Body Flicker Technique to move forward.

Might Guy restrained his own speed, keeping pace with Chiba.

The two engaged in a genuine physical fight—fists and kicks flying.

Might Guy disappeared in an instant.

Chiba sensed danger and immediately changed tactics, delivering a whip-like kick backward.

Boom!

A muffled sound.

The ground was smashed into a small crater.

Might Guy raised an eyebrow.

A kick, too?

And the force was even stronger than a punch...

Interesting!

He vaguely recalled Lady Tsunade’s taijutsu.

The body techniques Chiba created seemed to bear traces of that style. Dividing his attention, he both dodged and observed, just as he was pondering, suddenly—

A burst of chakra appeared on the fist swinging toward him.

Bang~

Might Guy was knocked flying.

Fortunately, it was just the chakra strike; he regained control midair and, before Chiba could teleport close again, flipped and leaped onto a tree trunk, using it for leverage to counterattack.

Nearby, Lee watched with burning excitement. If he had already mastered the Eight Gates without injury, he would surely have opened one to amplify the thrill.

When Chiba had taught him before, he mentioned that once mastered, this technique could be applied to any part of the body capable of exerting force. Now Lee was witnessing it firsthand—shoulders, elbows, all transformed into weapons.

Though the power varied, most people couldn’t withstand the onslaught.

Only Might Guy, with his thick skin and strong muscles, remained unfazed and grew more exhilarated as the fight went on.

“Burn, youth!” Guy roared, launching a flying kick.

Chiba’s eyes sharpened.

The speed was on a completely different level from before!

From the shadows, a certain copy ninja who had been spying approached, ready to intervene—this Guy was reckless, attacking a child with such intensity...

Hiss!

Kakashi, thinking this, suddenly saw two chakra needles materialize in Chiba’s hands.

Dense chakra condensed into needles—though called needles, they were razor-sharp, as lethal as chakra scalpels. Moreover, the boy seemed to possess a kind of precise sensory ability.

A slash, a sidestep.

Might Guy’s pose was nearly perfect but he remained motionless for a moment.

“Teacher Guy, what if you accidentally hurt Chiba?”

“Hahaha, I just couldn’t hold back.”

Might Guy stood up, the muscles at the corner of his eyes twitching.

Pain!

That kid caught him off guard at a crucial moment.

But still.

In front of Lee, he couldn’t show weakness. Giving a thumbs-up, he said, “Lee, you saw it yourself. If you study seriously, even taijutsu has a bright future. You can become an outstanding ninja too!”

“Yes, Teacher Guy!”

Lee responded without suspicion.

Every step Might Guy took was accompanied by sharp pain; he knew the muscles in his leg had been sliced.

“Well, well, if it isn’t my eternal rival Kakashi. How about a spirited handstand race? First one to Konoha Hospital wins!”

Might Guy said, then flipped into a handstand.

Ah, much better!

Kakashi, feigning disinterest, wasn’t sure how to respond.

If injured, don’t push yourself.

Getting caught up in excitement while sparring with his student and ending up hurt was indeed embarrassing, but he could understand it to some extent.

Still.

If you’re going to the hospital, just go—why drag me along?

Kakashi pretended not to hear and quietly resumed reading like a passing stranger.

“Kakashi, you truly are my rival!”

“Teacher Guy, I’ll keep you company!”

“All right, let’s go!”

Might Guy ran off on his hands in a strange posture.

Chiba could only remain silent.

This…

Indeed, such a culture was still too early for him.

“What’s the name of your technique?”

“It doesn’t have a name yet.”

“An interesting technique. It seems inspired by Lady Tsunade’s secret arts—chakra enhancement combined with muscular strength. No wonder you’re studying in the medical class.”

Kakashi was not like Might Guy.

While Guy’s focus was odd—diligent on important matters but missing the point in small ones—Kakashi had always wondered why Chiba was in the medical class.

Now it made sense.

On one hand, there were chakra scalpels; on the other, the technique just demonstrated. Without the time spent observing and learning in the hospital, Chiba could never have developed it.

Moreover.

When Might Guy got excited and lost control of his strength and speed, Chiba’s response was near perfect.

At the moment Chiba countered successfully, a name flashed through Kakashi’s mind—

Orochimaru!

A prodigy just like him.

“Yes, but I’ve never met Lady Tsunade. I only heard some things and guessed half of it, then came up with this technique.”

Chiba didn’t deny it.

Kakashi, the “Copy Ninja” with mastery over a thousand jutsus, could easily recognize the technique’s essence.

“Are you interested in joining the Anbu?”

“The Anbu?”

Chiba was momentarily stunned.

Kakashi hadn’t resigned yet?

“Yes, the assassination tactical special forces. You must have heard of them.”

Kakashi nodded.

Chiba frowned, thought for a long time, then shook his head.

“To be honest, I’m interested, but not yet. The Anbu is a place of constant battles, and I’m still in the stage of accumulating knowledge.”

Kakashi was silent, his single eye quietly studying Chiba.

Most people would have been thrilled to hear an Anbu invitation, but this kid—

He was only twelve and hadn’t even graduated yet.

Hearing such an offer, he felt no excitement, only that it interfered with his learning plans.

Back then, Kakashi himself hadn’t been so calm.

Too rational.

He had a comprehensive plan, carefully laid out step by step.

Kakashi remained silent.

After much thought, he awkwardly scratched his head.

“All right, if you have questions, you can come find me. Well, if we happen to meet; if not, then forget it.”

“Wait! Senior Kakashi, since you say that, I actually have a question to ask.”

“Hm? Go ahead.”

Kakashi tilted his head, surprised by the quick question.

He hedged his bets.

“If I know the answer.”

“I heard you’re very skilled in swordsmanship, and the Land of Iron is mostly samurai. How does their swordsmanship differ from yours?”

Chiba didn’t know much about the Land of Iron.

Apart from the few techniques seen from Misafune, he had little understanding. Kakashi, as a former Anbu captain, naturally knew a great deal.

Kakashi pondered briefly, then said, “They’re samurai by heritage. Chakra for them is a tool to enhance strength and speed, not the core. My father and I balance both chakra and swordsmanship, while the Uchiha family’s swordsmanship centers on ninjutsu...”

After listing several examples, he stopped and looked at Chiba.

“Are you asking because you’re studying swordsmanship?”

“Yes. I heard the Land of Iron doesn’t train ninjutsu but focuses on swordsmanship, so I’m curious.”

“The swordsmanship of the Land of Iron originated in the samurai era.”

Kakashi gave a brief explanation, sharing all he knew. Some things Chiba was aware of, others not. His horizons widened considerably.

(The chapter ends)