Naruto: Call Me Akuma

Akuma had been training with Might Guy for a few weeks now. Sometimes, Guy had to leave for other duties, but Akuma remained committed to his training. Every morning, he arrived at the same spot at dawn and didn't stop his exercises until the sun went down. 

However, despite all this time, he had learned nothing from Might Guy, not a single Taijutsu technique. Instead of teaching martial arts, Guy made him focus solely on basic exercises push-ups, running around the village, and sit-ups. 

At first, Akuma followed along without complaint. But as the days passed, frustration began to build. He had come to learn martial arts, not do endless push-ups and sit-ups. 

Whenever he asked Might Guy about it, the man would just grin and say in his usual enthusiastic voice, "Train and train until you can't do it anymore! Then do different training until you can't do that anymore!" 

After asking multiple times and getting the same response, Akuma eventually gave up. 

In his previous life, he had only been skilled at shooting guns not the best but at least good enough to kill effectively. Hand-to-hand combat was a different story. He was familiar with fighting, but he had never been an expert. 

He had hoped that Might Guy would teach him martial arts, but so far, that hasn't happened. 

He forced himself to calm down, reminding himself to be patient—Might Guy would teach him eventually. Repeating this to himself, Akuma resumed his training alone in the forest. 

Close by, Might Guy was hiding in tree, secretly watching Akuma train. 

"What tremendous perseverance this boy has! He's been doing push-ups for over five hours and still hasn't given up," Might Guy thought, his expression growing concerned. 

After observing for a few more minutes, he quietly left the forest. 

=== 

At the ramen shop, Might Guy was eating with Kakashi when he suddenly spoke in his usual cheerful voice. 

"Kakashi! I challenge you to a ramen-eating contest! Whoever loses must pay the bill!" 

Kakashi, staring at Might Guy with a nonchalant expression, sighed. 

"Again? You already lost twice today. How many times do you plan to lose? Are you trying to break your own record?" 

Hearing this, Might Guy immediately stood up, dramatically pointing his finger at Kakashi. 

"Kakashi! This time, you're definitely going to lose! I've been saving my appetite just for this! Do you accept the challenge or not?" 

Kakashi sighed again, a hint of annoyance in his tone. 

"Fine." 

Might Guy patted Kakashi on the back a few times and grinned. "That's what I like to hear from my eternal rival! NOW, LET'S BEGIN!!" 

With that, Might Guy quickly sat back down, preparing himself for the challenge. Within a few minutes, both had devoured several bowls of ramen, but in the end, Might Guy emerged victorious. 

After Kakashi paid the bill, Might Guy suddenly said, "Do you know the boy I found in the woods?" 

Kakashi, noticing the rare seriousness in Guy's expression, straightened up. "Oh, the boy you picked up in the woods? The one without chakra? Yeah, you told me about him… but I don't remember his name. What was it again?" 

"The kid's name is Akuma Ito," Might Guy said. "He wants me to teach him Taijutsu. His dream is to become the strongest ninja alive." 

Kakashi's eye widened slightly upon hearing that before he let out a sigh. "Guy, you can't be serious. A boy without chakra wanting to become the strongest ninja? He can't even be a ninja, let alone the strongest. That's impossible." 

Might Guy crossed his arms, his expression unusually serious. "Impossible? That's what people used to say about me and look at me now." 

Kakashi shook his head. "You at least have chakra, even if you can't mold it for ninjutsu or genjutsu. You can still use it to enhance your physical abilities. But this boy... he doesn't have a chakra network at all. No matter how much he trains, he won't be able to keep up with real shinobi. You know that better than anyone." 

Guy remained silent for a moment, then smiled. "Yeah, I had the same thought as you when Akuma first came to me asking to teach him taijutsu. I figured it was just another one of those kids' dreams. When they realize how hard it is, they'll give up. So, to make him realize that, I told him to do push-ups alongside me. I became tired, but the kid kept going, even after I stopped. I trained with him for many days, and every time I saw him exhausted, his body trembling with pain, he still didn't quit. No matter how hard I pushed, no matter how tough the training was, he kept up with me. Even when I wasn't there, he trained on his own, coming every day from dawn until dusk. His body screamed in pain, but he kept going. Now, it has been almost a month, and he still hasn't given up on his dream. That kind of monstrous determination... makes me believe that someday, he will become the strongest ninja alive." 

Kakashi stared at his friend for a moment, then closed his visible eye. "You're serious about this, aren't you?" 

Might Guy gave a thumbs-up. "Of course! What kind of sensei would I be if I didn't believe in my own student? Youth burns brightest in those who refuse to back down! If he truly wishes to become the strongest ninja, then as his sensei, I will help him achieve that dream!" 

Kakashi exhaled and shook his head with an amused sigh. "Well... just don't push him to the brink of death, Guy." 

=== 

"211, 212, 213," Akuma grunted, his body drenched in sweat as he pushed through the sit-ups. Suddenly, a loud voice boomed behind him. "Akuma, my boy! Stop whatever you're doing and come to me!" 

Hearing Might Guy's voice, Akuma quickly stopped, wiped his face, and stood up. He jogged over to Guy. 

"Today, I will teach you some taijutsu techniques! Now come at me with all of your power!" Might Guy declared, his voice filled with enthusiasm. 

Akuma's heart raced with excitement. Finally, all the days of acting tired, exhausted, and faking excruciating pain had paid off. He had known from the beginning that the only way Might Guy would truly acknowledge him as a student was by proving he possessed a will and determination that surpassed everyone else's. Now, seeing his plan succeed, Akuma happily replied with a fiery determination gleaming in his eyes. 

"OK, Guy-sensei!!!" 

--- 

If we reach 100 stones, I'll reward you all with a bonus chapter!