Naruto : Konoha Light

Instead of getting angry, Shimizu simply nodded in agreement. "You're right. I was too weak. If I had been stronger that night, things might have turned out differently..."

Previously, in order to be accepted as Tsunade's student, he had declared his ambition to become the greatest medical ninja. While that helped him gain her approval, it also limited the legitimacy of him learning other techniques.

If he studied Genjutsu, he could argue that it was to aid in patient treatment. If he trained in monstrous strength, he could justify it as following his teacher's guidance.

But the Eight Gates?

Most people wouldn't think that far, but when standing at the top, every decision would be scrutinized under a magnifying glass.

Even if this particular issue wasn't significant, Shimizu was someone who sought perfection. Even minor inconsistencies were unacceptable.

"I need to find a logically consistent reason for myself before I even start," he thought to himself, then turned his attention back to his unwitting accomplice.

Might Guy, meanwhile, was completely oblivious to Shimizu's internal calculations and was simply fired up. "Shimizu-senpai, let's burn with youthful energy together! If you train with me, I guarantee no one will ever land a hit on you again!"

For the first time, Shimizu found himself being persuaded rather than the other way around.

And the logic... was actually quite persuasive.

However, looking past Guy, he noticed something concerning and his expression turned odd.

"You're training hard to recover quickly so you can leave the hospital, right?" Shimizu asked. "To avoid getting cornered by your schoolmates again?"

"Senpai, you're truly wise!" Guy gave him a big thumbs-up, flashing a bright, confident smile.

"Right! So, what are we competing in?"

Shimizu gave him a sympathetic look and said seriously, "Let's discuss that after you've rested."

Guy grinned. "No problem, I've already rested!"

"That's not what I mean," Shimizu said, sighing. "I mean after you've recovered from... this."

Before Guy could ask what he meant, an ominous chuckle came from behind.

"You tricked us into joining your club, then posted our embarrassing info all over school!"

"You made us cut our hair like idiots, and now we're the laughingstock of the academy!"

"Because of you, I lost my shot at impressing my crush!"

"Wait... were you ever in the running?"

"I don't care! Brothers, get him!"

Realizing he was surrounded, Guy had no choice but to make a run for it.

Unfortunately for him, his classmates were prepared this time, and within moments, they tackled him to the ground.

Shimizu watched as they didn't actually beat him up but instead playfully messed up his face, rubbing his cheeks in exaggerated revenge.

Twenty minutes later, Guy stood in front of Shimizu, his face swollen like a balloon. "I'm ready!" he announced, his voice thick with frustration.

Shimizu struggled not to laugh but composed himself and formed a hand seal. He pressed his palm to Guy's face, casting a medical jutsu.

As the technique took effect, Guy let out a sound that could only be described as a blissful sigh. Moments later, his bruises vanished, and he shot back to full energy.

"Shimizu-senpai! I feel great! Let's compete right away!"

Shimizu smirked. "We'll race, but since we're patients, let's keep it reasonable. Just a light jog around the training field."

Guy's excitement dimmed slightly. "Just one lap?"

Shimizu raised an eyebrow. "Would you rather I tell the nurses you're overexerting yourself?"

"One lap sounds perfect!" Guy declared, instantly changing his stance. "I won't lose, Senpai!"

"Alright. Three, two, one—go!"

The moment the race began, Guy shot forward like a green blur, his sheer speed distorting the air around him.

Shimizu's eyes widened. "That's... ridiculous," he thought, before focusing and pushing himself forward.

As they ran, their positions constantly shifted, sometimes Shimizu pulling ahead, sometimes Guy.

But then, something changed.

Shimizu sensed a shift in Guy's presence. It was subtle at first, but then—

"My father always said that as long as I work hard, I can surpass even geniuses!"

Flashes of his father training, enduring ridicule, pushing beyond his limits—Guy's spirit roared, and with a sudden surge of strength, he pulled ahead.

By the final stretch, he was unstoppable.

Shimizu could only watch as Guy crossed the finish line first.

"I... I won!" Guy gasped, dropping to his knees, his lungs burning.

Shimizu walked up beside him, smiling. "Yeah. You won."

Then, he sat down beside him, completely unconcerned about appearances. "Didn't think I'd experience my first loss at the academy against you."

Guy beamed, but Shimizu continued, "Now, about your reward for winning..."

Guy tilted his head. "Huh?"

"Your prize is a weekly medical checkup from me," Shimizu said, his tone firm.

Guy's eyes widened. "Wha—?"

"You push your body too hard. Over time, the internal damage will build up, and one day, you'll break down completely," Shimizu explained. "I can't let that happen."

Guy stared at him, realization dawning in his eyes. Then, tears welled up.

"Senpai..." he sniffled.

"Don't get me wrong. I didn't let you win," Shimizu added quickly. "Your willpower really is impressive."

"Waaah! My father was right! The flames of youth burn brightly today!" Guy cried, hugging Shimizu.

Shimizu sighed but patted his back.

After all, a good medical ninja needed strong subjects to study.

With the Eight Gates, he needed a reference—someone who could push their limits so he could analyze their condition.

If Guy mastered the technique, Shimizu could collect medical data on his progression, improving his own knowledge without taking the risk himself.

"Medical ninjutsu, Genjutsu, Taijutsu, Space-Time jutsu, Senjutsu... I finally understand why Orochimaru was obsessed with learning everything. There are too many fascinating techniques in this world... and not enough time."

"Good thing I have so many useful 'training partners' to help me along the way."

He smirked, watching as Guy cried tears of joy.