Naruto: The White Spider of the Leaf

The sun was beginning its descent, casting a golden hue over the park as Yukino and I walked along the cobblestone path. The events of the day had left me feeling both exhilarated and exhausted, but having Yukino by my side made it easier to relax. We chatted casually, enjoying the warm evening air.

"Seriously, though," Yukino said, a playful smile on her lips, "I can't believe you actually went through with that bet. You should have known better than to challenge me."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Yeah, yeah. Lesson learned. No more betting with you. You have a way of wringing me dry."

Yukino laughed, the sound light and infectious. "Well, it's not like you lost everything. You gained some valuable negotiation skills, right?"

"Right," I replied, rolling my eyes. "Next time, I'll remember to negotiate my bets better. Or maybe just not bet at all."

"Smart choice," she said, nudging me playfully with her elbow. "Besides, I think you enjoyed the ice cream more than you let on."

I couldn't help but smile. "Maybe a little. But don't get used to it. It's a one-time deal."

She clicked her tongue and grinned while shaking a finger at me. "Ah, ah! A one-week deal!"

"Don't remind me…"

As we continued walking, I noticed a figure appearing at the end of the pathway. The setting sun cast long shadows, making it difficult to see clearly at first. But as the figure drew closer, I recognized the distinctive pale eyes of a Hyūga.

"Lady Yukino," the man wearing a Jonin uniform greeted, his voice formal and respectful.

Yukino's expression shifted from playful to resigned. She let out a sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Already?" she muttered under her breath. "I thought I'd have more time."

The Jonin remained silent, waiting patiently. Yukino turned to me, her eyes reflecting a mix of disappointment and acceptance. "Duty calls," she said softly. "I guess I have to go."

I nodded, understanding the weight of her responsibilities within the Hyūga clan. "It's okay, Yuki. We'll hang out another time."

She offered a small, appreciative smile. "Thanks, Shiro. I'll see you around."

With that, Yukino walked towards the Hyūga Jonin, her posture straightening as she approached him. The two of them disappeared down the path, leaving me alone with my thoughts. The park seemed a bit emptier without her lively presence, but I understood that her role in the Hyūga clan was important.

As I continued to wander through the park, my mind drifted to the future. There was so much more to learn, so many challenges to face. But for now, I was content to enjoy the peaceful evening after having thoroughly humiliated Uchiha Shinichi. Oh, how well I put him in his place. That whole ordeal has made me pretty confident in myself! Heck, I'm even walking with a grin.

As I continued my stroll through the park, the quiet rustle of leaves and distant chatter of people faded into the background. Suddenly, a distinct sound pierced through my reverie—the unmistakable, rhythmic thudding of fists smashing into wood. It was a sound I knew all too well from my own training sessions. Curiosity piqued, I followed the noise, the steady thud guiding me deeper into the park.

As I approached the source, I saw him: a tall and burly man in his early twenties, sporting a thick beard and even thicker brows, his powerful frame glistening with sweat under the fading sunlight. Wearing the iconic green suit, he was relentlessly pounding his fists into a training tree stump, each blow accompanied by a loud, almost frantic shout.

"Nine-thousand nine-hundred seventy-eight! Nine-thousand nine-hundred seventy-nine! Nine-thousand nine-hundred eighty!"

I stood there, transfixed by the sheer intensity of his training. Every punch he threw seemed to reverberate through the air, the force of his blows evident in the deep indentations marking the surface of the stump. I swear I could see wind blowing from each smash of his fists. His movements were swift and precise, a testament to years of relentless training. 

It was nothing like my baby fists.

"Nine-thousand nine-hundred eighty-one! Nine-thousand nine-hundred eighty-two!"

I could hardly believe what I was seeing. The man's stamina and dedication were unlike anything I'd ever witnessed. Each shout of a number seemed to carry a mixture of determination and desperation, as if he were driven by a purpose far greater than just physical conditioning.

He kept going, shouting a number again and again as it rose. Soon, he shouted, "Ten-thousand!"

But he did NOT stop!

"Ten-thousand and one, Ten-thousand and two!"

Conventional logic stated that reaching such a number should be enough to satisfy oneself and cease training. Even I only ever reached a thousand before I swapped to my legs. Yet logic didn't seem to apply to this man.

Unable to contain my curiosity, I stepped closer, my eyes wide with admiration. "Excuse me," I called out, my voice almost drowned out by the sound of his punches. "Are you… are you Might Dai?"

The man paused mid-punch, his head snapping in my direction. His intense expression softened into a warm, almost fatherly smile. "Ah, a young lad! Indeed, I am Might Dai, known throughout as Konoha's very own PROUD GREEN BEAST! Also known as the ETERNAL Genin! And who might you be, child?"

"Shirokumo," I replied, still slightly in awe at how he could say that as if he was proud of it. 

"Ah…" I realized I'd been too straight-forward. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to bother you, sir! It's just... Your training seems incredible."

Dai laughed heartily, the sound full of genuine warmth. He grinned widely and struck that oh, so iconic pose, his shining white teeth glistering in what remained of the sunlight. "THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!" 

Memories struck me. That's right, even in front of all the ridicule in the world, he always responded with that phrase. "You really are amazing, you know that?" I chuckled, feeling somewhat down.

Did I really feel pride in beating up three children even younger than I was when my previous life ended? That's pathetic, if anything.

Dai seemed to notice my downcast gaze and proceeded speaking with his warm smile. "I'm just a humble man trying to push his limits. Every day is a new challenge, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger."

I nodded, feeling a surge of inspiration. "I can see that. Your dedication is… unbelievable. Do you train like this every day?"

"Without fail," Dai said, his eyes shining with a fierce but kind light as he looked at my hands with a knowing grin. "Strength comes from perseverance, young Shirokumo. Remember that. No matter how tough things get, keep pushing forward. That's the way of the true shinobi."

His words resonated deeply with me. Here was a man who embodied the very essence of hard work and perseverance, a living example of what it meant to never give up. As I stood there, watching him resume his training, I couldn't help but feel a newfound resolve building within me.

"Thank you, Might Dai," I said sincerely. "I'll remember your words."

Dai nodded, his smile widening. "Good! Now, how about you join me for a few rounds? Let's see what you're made of, Shirokumo."

"What? Are you sure? Really?"

"Of course! For that is the meaning of YOUTH!" Dai laughed heartily.

With that, I stepped up to the training stump, ready to test my own limits alongside Might Dai. Someone perceived by all as a weakling, yet one who later in life managed to nearly end the legendary seven ninja swordsmen of the mist. Perhaps in all of the current Konoha, there is not another man more worthy of respect than him.

Dai's invitation filled me with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Training alongside someone as dedicated as him was both an honor and a challenge. I took a deep breath, steadying myself before stepping up to the training stump.

"Alright, Shirokumo!" Dai boomed, his energy infectious. "We'll start with basic punches. Focus on your form, and don't worry about speed or power just yet. Those will come with time."

I nodded, mimicking his stance as best as I could. Dai's posture was perfect—feet firmly planted, knees slightly bent, fists up and ready. I tried to match his form, feeling the muscles in my arms tense with anticipation.

"Good, good!" Dai encouraged me. "Now, throw a punch, and shout out the number with all your might!"

I took a deep breath and threw my first punch, feeling a rush of energy as my fist connected with the stump. "One!"

"Excellent! Again!" Dai shouted, throwing his own punch with even more vigor. "Two!"

I followed his lead, my punches growing more confident with each strike. "Two! Three! Four!"

Dai's enthusiasm was contagious. His shouts of encouragement and his powerful punches drove me to push harder, to dig deeper. The rhythmic sound of our fists hitting the stump filled the air, creating a symphony of determination.

"Five! Six! Seven!" I shouted, my voice growing louder with each count.

"That's it, Shirokumo! Keep going! Feel the strength in your body, the fire in your spirit!" Dai's voice was like a guiding light, leading me through the intense training.

We continued this way, our punches creating a steady, powerful rhythm. As the numbers climbed higher, I could feel the burn in my muscles, the strain in my lungs. But I didn't stop. Dai's presence, his unwavering determination, fueled me to keep pushing.

"Fifty! Fifty-one! Fifty-two!" I shouted, my voice hoarse but resolute.

"Excellent, Shirokumo!" Dai's praise was like a balm to my aching body. "I can see how you earned those fists you carry!" 

"I've still got a long way to go!"

"And that way you will go through!" 

"Yes!" 

Soon, not even thirty minutes in, and I passed a thousand. I usually reach here after close to an hour. But with proper guidance I found myself surpassing my limits. I kept punching, going past my limits until the first hour-mark of my training was reached. I reached two-thousand for the first time!

Dai was burning with excitement. "Now, let's move on to kicks. Same principle—focus on form, and give it your all!"

I could feel my muscles protesting. But I didn't let up. I followed Dai's lead, his powerful kicks slicing through the air with precision and force.

"One! Two! Three!" I shouted, my legs burning with each kick.

"That's it! Keep going! Never give up!" Dai's voice was unwavering, his energy seemingly limitless.

As we trained, the sun continued its descent, casting long shadows across the park. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and determination. I lost track of time, lost in the rhythm of our training, the numbers blending together in a haze of effort and resolve.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Dai called for a break. "Alright, Shirokumo. Let's take a moment to catch our breath."

I collapsed onto the grass, my chest heaving with exertion. Dai sat down beside me, his breathing steady despite the intensity of our training.

"You did well, Shirokumo," he said, his voice warm and encouraging. "You have the spirit of a true shinobi."

"Thank you, Dai-sensei," I replied, my voice barely a whisper. "I thought I trained hard before, but... I've never trained like THAT before..."

Dai laughed, a deep, hearty sound. "The path of the shinobi is not an easy one, but it's the challenges we face that make us stronger. Remember that, and you'll go far."

I nodded, feeling a deep sense of gratitude and respect for this man. He had shown me what it meant to truly push one's limits. I felt as though I had been half-assing it this entire time. 

"Dai-sensei," I said, turning to him. "I want to train with you again. I want to learn from you, to become stronger."

Dai's eyes twinkled with pride and joy. "Of course, Shirokumo. You're always welcome to train with me. Together, we'll push our limits and become the best we can be. That's the power of youth!"

"However, please do not call me sensei." He said firmly.

"I cannot?"

"No. For I am not one worthy of that title yet."

Might Dai was a genin, even though he could far outperform anyone in any sort of combat despite being unable to use ninjutsu and genjutsu. I'm sure that gave him some sort of inferiority complex, but he really, really didn't show it in the slightest. 

"If that is your decision, then I'll abide by it, Dai-san." I said, heaving a sigh. 

Regardless of honorifics, having made this man's acquaintance can be said to be my second blessing since befriending Minato. If I can just survive the training, I can go from a Sakura build to a truly proper Rock Lee one!