Naruto: Cherry Blossoms in the Snow

Chapter 28: Konoha's Proud Blue… Rare Beast?! (Part 2)

Might Guy—self-proclaimed as "Konoha's Proud Blue Beast."

But anyone who truly knew him… would probably call him something else: an eccentric, over-the-top rare creature.

Though Guy wasn't skilled in ninjutsu, when it came to taijutsu, there was no one in the Leaf Village who could match him. He was a true master, especially of the forbidden technique known as the Eight Gates Release. Even in the state of the seventh gate, Guy possessed Kage-level strength. And once he opened the Eighth Gate, sacrificing his life force, he wielded power comparable to that of the Sage of Six Paths.

The only problem—such power lasted briefly… and the cost was his own life.

Despite his bizarre personality, Guy was known for his iron will and unwavering spirit. He and Kisame Hoshigaki were often referred to as the only two true men in the shinobi world.

In his younger days, he was mocked constantly for his terrible ninjutsu skills and labeled a hopeless dropout. But Guy never gave up. Instead, he dedicated himself wholly to training his body, eventually mastering the Eight Gates his father, Might Duy, passed down. That became the turning point in his path as a ninja.

Even though his strength was undeniable, most of Konoha remained unaware of Guy's true capabilities—at least until the Fourth Great Ninja War. It wasn't until Kakashi personally witnessed the terrifying power of the Eight Gates that he began mentoring a new generation of "Green Beasts."

Guy had always viewed Kakashi as his eternal rival. After Kakashi joined the ANBU, Guy once submitted a request to the Third Hokage to join as well.

But Hiruzen turned him down—not because Guy lacked strength, but because his personality was far too incompatible with the covert and often grim work of the ANBU.

The moment Sakura laid eyes on Guy's frog-like green jumpsuit, her eye twitched uncontrollably. She desperately resisted the urge to gouge her own eyes out. His taste in fashion was so outrageous, so unforgivable, she didn't even know where to begin complaining.

"Young lady!" Guy declared with radiant enthusiasm. "I didn't expect to meet someone in Konoha who understands the true essence of youth! I, Might Guy, hereby recognize you as a kindred spirit! For the sake of our burning youth, let's walk around the village on our hands—twenty full laps!"

He flashed his signature grin, teeth glinting in the sunlight like a mirror. Naruto, Sasuke, and the rest of the group collectively shivered.

"No thanks," Sakura replied without hesitation. "I'm still a growing child. Overexerting myself might hinder my physical development."

There was no way she'd parade around the village upside-down with Guy. Even if she could handle it physically, the stares alone would be unbearable.

"Ah, what a shame!" Guy sighed with genuine disappointment. But before the moment could turn solemn, he suddenly grinned again, a mysterious glint in his eye.

"Well then, young lady! I have a set of magical clothes that—"

"I don't need it!" Sakura cut him off instantly, breaking out in cold sweat.

She knew exactly what that "magical outfit" was—the same neon green abomination Guy himself wore. She'd rather charge straight at Madara Uchiha right now than wear that.

"Young lady," Guy continued, undeterred. "Even though you refused my gift, I can still sense the youthful energy burning within you. Come! Let's dash around Konoha together and let our youth blaze brightly!"

He gave a passionate thumbs-up, his dazzling white teeth shining so brightly that everyone instinctively shielded their eyes.

"…Actually, maybe you're the real White Fang of Konoha," Sakura muttered under her breath.

Sakura let out a silent sigh, utterly speechless. That smile… what a waste not to star in a toothpaste commercial.

"Konoha's… White Fang…"

Shisui Uchiha, who had been smiling politely the whole time, suddenly froze.

The image of the legendary White Fang of Konoha collided violently in his mind with the utterly bizarre sight of Might Guy in his neon green jumpsuit. He felt his spirit crack just a little.

"It's getting late. We should get moving," Kakashi cut in, finally deciding enough was enough. Now that even his late father was being dragged into this mess, he had no choice but to pull things back on track.

"Kakashi-senpai," Shisui greeted respectfully. Kakashi's reputation was well known in the village, especially with the Sharingan—Shisui had heard quite a bit about him.

"Wait, what? Depart?" Guy scratched his head in confusion. "But the person we're supposed to escort hasn't arrived yet, have they?!"

"That person is me," Sakura said, her mouth twitching. Is this guy just naturally clueless, or is there something seriously wrong with his head?

"HUH?!"

Guy stood stunned for a long moment before he finally processed it. "We're escorting… a little kid?! And she's being sent somewhere dangerous like that?!"

"Kakashi-uncle, can I punch him?"

A few veins popped on Sakura's forehead. The calm and peaceful mindset she'd worked so hard to cultivate lately was on the verge of collapse, all thanks to Guy.

"As long as you don't injure him, I don't see a problem."

Kakashi's lips twitched beneath his mask. Uncle? Did he look that old? He'd just turned eighteen!

"Great."

Sakura gave a small, cold smile. Holding her oil-paper umbrella in her left hand, she flicked her right—and in the next moment, Guy was sent flying through the air like a ragdoll.

"W-What's happening?!"

Guy flailed his arms and legs in mid-air, unable to muster any strength to stabilize himself. His limbs trembled. Had he just encountered a supernatural phenomenon?!

After all the chaos finally settled down, the group prepared to depart. Sakura turned her back to her parents, Naruto, Sasuke, and the others, waved goodbye, and began her journey toward the border under the protection of Kakashi, Shisui, and Guy.

Once the mission formally began, the atmosphere changed immediately. Kakashi and Shisui became focused and silent, and even Guy dropped his usual theatrics, fully alert and vigilant for any possible ambushes.

"Kakashi-uncle, Shisui-nii, and Guy-uncle," Sakura said, "If you don't mind, you can ride on my sword instead. There's no need to exhaust yourselves walking."

With a thought, Sakura expanded the size of her enchanted sword. It was more than big enough to carry all four of them comfortably.

"This… this is amazing!" Guy exclaimed with genuine joy. The sword moved swiftly through the air, yet Sakura had surrounded them with a near-invisible barrier that blocked the brunt of the wind. The result was a smooth, pleasant breeze brushing their cheeks.

"Yeah, this is… pretty nice," Kakashi said, pulling out the gift Jiraiya had given him on his birthday—Make-Out Paradise. He opened it with casual ease. It was his first time experiencing flight like this, and he had to admit—he was enjoying it.

"To fly like a bird in the open sky… so free…"

Shisui's eyes shimmered with quiet longing. He slowly extended his arms, as if trying to grasp that freedom.

"Shisui-nii… do you really love peace that much?" Sakura asked unexpectedly.

"Of course I do."

Shisui nodded without hesitation. "A world without war… without killing… without meaningless death…

If people could live peacefully side by side, this world would have far fewer tragedies."