บท 284: 281
Haruto stood at the edge of the training grounds where he had spent months alongside Duy and Guy. Today wasn't just another session; it was the culmination of his efforts, a moment he had been preparing for. He respected them both for their strength, dedication, and the bond they shared. Now, Haruto hoped to take things to the next level.
As the sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows across the field, Guy's powerful kicks cut through the air with precision, while Duy stood nearby, watching his son's form closely. Haruto admired their synergy, the way they pushed each other to become better.
When Guy noticed Haruto approaching, he paused, flashing a wide grin. "Haruto! Ready for another round?"
Haruto returned the smile but shook his head. "Not today, Guy. I need to talk to you and your father. It's important."
Guy's enthusiasm dimmed slightly as curiosity took over. Duy's gaze shifted toward Haruto, his usual quiet intensity focused fully on him now.
"What's on your mind?" Duy asked, stepping forward, his voice calm but attentive.
Haruto took a deep breath. He had practiced this moment in his head many times, but now that it was here, it felt heavier. "I've been working on something. A treatment—a way to accelerate and enhance the body's natural growth processes. It's especially effective during the critical years of development—before, during, and after puberty."
Duy and Guy exchanged a glance, but Duy's face remained unreadable. Haruto pressed on.
"I'm proposing a long-term treatment that combines medical ninjutsu and Fuinjutsu, based on theories I've been developing. The goal is simple: to strengthen the body—bones, muscles, tendons, even internal organs—over the course of several years. But in a controlled and enhanced way."
Guy's eyes brightened with interest, but Duy remained as stoic as ever. "What do you mean by 'enhanced growth'?" Duy asked, crossing his arms.
Haruto knew he had to be precise. "Most shinobi train and let their bodies grow naturally over time. What if we could speed that up—without sacrificing health or safety? With the right combination of medical chakra and Fuinjutsu, I can make the body grow stronger, faster, and more resilient. But it would take years, not weeks."
Duy didn't speak, but his gaze remained fixed on Haruto, waiting for him to continue.
"The treatment works by stimulating the body's natural growth processes, using medical chakra to enhance bone density, muscle strength, and even endurance. It's not a quick boost, but a gradual improvement over time. The seals I've designed regulate how much chakra is released, making sure the body isn't pushed too hard too fast. This would allow Guy's body to grow even stronger during these crucial years."
"And how long are we talking for these results to show?" Duy asked, his voice even.
"Several years," Haruto admitted. "We'd need to start now, while Guy's body is in its natural growth phase. Over time, we could see his strength, speed, and endurance increase by anywhere from 13% to 25%, depending on how well the treatment takes."
Guy's excitement was barely contained, but Duy's face remained impassive. "And you're asking me to trust my son's future on something you haven't even tested?"
Haruto swallowed, prepared for this. "It's untested on people, yes. But I believe in the theory. And I'm not just asking Guy to go through this—I'll be undergoing the treatment too. We're both in the right stage for this to work, and I wouldn't suggest it if I wasn't willing to take the same risks. I'll track the changes closely for both of us."
Duy remained silent for a moment, the weight of Haruto's request hanging in the air. When he finally spoke, his voice was measured, calm.
"You're asking a lot, Haruto. My son's growth and future aren't things I take lightly."
"I know," Haruto said, meeting Duy's gaze with steady resolve. "That's why I'm proposing a deal. Let Guy undergo the treatment for a year. If there's no improvement, no noticeable change, we stop, and that's the end of it. But if it works, we continue—and in exchange, you teach me the Eight Gates technique."
Guy's eyes widened at the mention of the Eight Gates, a technique surrounded by myth and legend. Even Duy's expression shifted slightly at the weight of Haruto's offer.
Duy exhaled slowly, his gaze still locked on Haruto. "You've got ambition. But the Eight Gates isn't just a technique—it's a responsibility. The gates take a toll on the body that you can't ignore."
"I understand," Haruto said. "But I believe this treatment can help me push past those limits. If the treatment works, the Eight Gates will allow me to reach heights that no one else in my generation could achieve. I'm not asking for it lightly. I know the risks, and I'm willing to accept them."
Duy stared at Haruto for a long moment, the weight of his words sinking in. Then, he stepped forward, his voice lowering.
"Haruto," he said softly, "do you think of us as comrades?"
Haruto blinked, surprised by the sudden question. "Of course. I consider you both comrades."
Duy's eyes softened, and he placed a hand on Haruto's shoulder, his voice quiet but filled with purpose. "Then I have one request. Promise me something."
Haruto nodded. "What promise?"
"Stay by Guy's side," Duy said, his voice thick with emotion. "Protect him. Be his friend, be his comrade. You're going to grow into a powerful shinobi—I see it in you. But all I ask is that you stay true to this bond."
Haruto swallowed, feeling the sincerity in Duy's words. "I will," he said. "I promise."
Duy nodded, his grip firm on Haruto's shoulder. Then, without a word, he reached into his robe and pulled out a scroll, placing it gently in Haruto's hands.
Haruto blinked, confused, until he unrolled it and his eyes widened. The Eight Gates.
"Why?" Haruto asked, barely able to find his voice.
Duy smiled, the kind of smile that held years of experience and wisdom. "Because I trust you. You've got the will. But remember, this technique isn't just about power. It's about protecting the ones you care for. Be Guy's friend, Haruto. Be Guy's comrade. That's all I ask."
Haruto stood there, staring down at the scroll in his hands, feeling the weight of Duy's trust settle heavily in his chest. This wasn't just a trade—it was a bond. A promise between comrades.
Before he could respond, Duy placed a hand on Haruto's head, ruffling his hair in a fatherly gesture. Guy laughed beside him, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Haruto blinked, still processing everything. But as Duy's words echoed in his mind, he knew this was about more than the Eight Gates. This was about loyalty, trust, and the strength of the bonds they had forged.
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