At this moment, Might Guy was not yet the formidable shinobi of the future—the Noble Green Beast of Konoha, master of forbidden techniques. He was just a ninja academy student, relying solely on taijutsu, striving toward his dream of becoming a full-fledged shinobi.
Veigar's invitation had filled him with a deep sense of validation. His persistence and hard work had finally been acknowledged by someone else.
And not just anyone—it was Veigar, one of the village's renowned prodigies.
His words were like a ray of light piercing through the darkness, warming Guy's heart and illuminating his path forward.
"No problem!"
While sprinting, Guy flashed Veigar a thumbs-up, his smile radiating pure emotion.
"Then it's settled. Let's train together whenever we have time."
Veigar still wore his usual smile, but this time, it carried more sincerity and less calculation.
Guy nodded enthusiastically before shouting, "Veigar, I'll make sure you feel the burning passion of my youth!"
Under the gentle morning sunlight, some villagers of Konoha spotted two young boys locked in a fierce race, pushing each other to their limits.
"Guy, the finish line is just ahead..."
Veigar glanced at the sun's position. Class at the ninja academy was about to begin. Not wanting Guy to be late, he focused on the crossroad ahead—the very place where they had met that morning—and called out loudly.
"Veigar, then let's settle this once and for all! Let's see who reaches the finish line first!"
Guy's eyes burned with fiery determination, eager for a final sprint to victory.
"Alright, bring it on!"
The moment Veigar responded, it was as if a starting gun had been fired in an intense track race.
"Ahhh!"
"Haaaa!"
Both boys pushed their speed to the absolute limit, sprinting neck and neck toward the finish line. Neither was willing to fall behind.
So focused were they on their battle that neither noticed two figures approaching the intersection ahead—Shizune Kato and Kurenai Yuhi, walking side by side, engaged in casual conversation on their way to the academy.
The final sprint was upon them. Just as they were about to cross the finish line, Shizune, who had been slightly ahead of Kurenai, stepped into the intersection, a faint smile on her face—directly in Veigar's path.
"Watch out!!!"
Veigar shouted instinctively upon seeing someone suddenly appear before him. At the same time, he desperately tried to change direction.
But it was too late. His momentum was too great, and the distance between them was too short.
Almost instantly, Shizune, having barely registered the warning, widened her eyes in terror as Veigar hurtled toward her, unable to stop.
"Ahhh...!"
Kurenai screamed, her voice mixing with Shizune's startled gasp—
And then—BAM.
Veigar crashed directly into Shizune, sending them both tumbling.
To prevent her from hitting the ground too hard, he instinctively reached out, pulling her into his arms as they fell. With a solid thud, Veigar hit the ground first, cushioning Shizune from the impact.
"Cough, cough... Shizune, are you alright?"
Despite the jolt of pain, Veigar coughed a few times before looking at the girl in his arms with concern.
"Shizune! Are you hurt?"
Kurenai, still shaken from the sudden collision, rushed over and knelt beside them, her voice filled with worry.
"I-I'm fine!"
Shizune's chest still ached from the impact, but she quickly scrambled off Veigar, her face turning as red as a freshly ripened apple.
"Ahem."
Still lying on the ground, Veigar coughed again as Shizune unintentionally pressed down on him while getting up.
"Serves you right!"
"You pervert! Idiot!"
Though she didn't say it aloud, Shizune glared at Veigar, furiously scolding him in her heart.
At that moment, Might Guy finally caught up, glancing between Veigar, the flustered Shizune, and the protective Kurenai.
Concerned, he asked, "Veigar, Shizune, are you both okay?"
Before either could respond, Kurenai planted her hands on her hips and scolded Veigar like an overprotective big sister.
"Does she LOOK okay to you?"
"We were just walking along, minding our own business, and this idiot comes barreling straight into her!"
"Do you two even understand the concept of danger? My Shizune is delicate, you know!"
Under Kurenai's relentless barrage, both Veigar and Guy hung their heads in shame.
Veigar, in particular, finally realized just how terrifying Kurenai could be when angry—her lecture was an unending storm of verbal assault.
Is this... the power of fury?
As Kurenai continued to scold them, Shizune, now thoroughly embarrassed, tugged at her friend's sleeve and softly murmured, "Kurenai~~"
Hearing Shizune's voice, Kurenai finally halted her tirade and turned to look at her.
Seeing Shizune subtly shake her head, Kurenai's face suddenly flushed with embarrassment.
Oh no... oh no... my lady-like image is ruined!
Realizing how loudly she had just lectured them, Kurenai nearly wanted to cry.
"I-It's fine! Let's just go, or we'll be late!"
Eager to escape, Shizune grabbed Kurenai's hand and urged her to leave.
At the same time, Veigar finally managed to say, "Shizune, I sincerely apologize."
"If you're hurt anywhere, please tell me—I'll take responsibility."
Upon hearing his words, Shizune's mind instantly latched onto one particular phrase: "I'll take responsibility."
Her thoughts flashed back to the moment when she had been pressed against Veigar's chest.
"Tch! Idiot Veigar! Who needs your responsibility?"
She grumbled under her breath before grabbing Kurenai's hand and whispering, "Let's just go, Kurenai. Forget about them."
Kurenai, still feeling indignant, threw one last glare at Veigar and Guy.
"You're lucky Shizune's fine. We'll let you off this time!"
Then, she added with a smirk, "Oh, and don't even THINK about telling anyone what just happened!"
With that, the two girls quickly hurried away.
"Yes, we're really sorry!"
Veigar and Guy called after them in unison, watching their retreating figures.
As they stood there, Guy looked puzzled.
Wait... I didn't even run into her. Why am I apologizing?
After a moment of contemplation, he simply shrugged. Oh well, if Veigar's apologizing, I might as well do it too.
Guy never quite understood what had just happened—but one thing was clear.
Kurenai in full rage mode... was absolutely terrifying.
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