Two and a half years later, at Konoha's fourth training ground.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The rapid and solid sounds of fists and feet colliding rang out in quick succession. Two figures in the arena crossed, separated, and collided again at an extremely fast speed. Their movements were clean and neat, and the strong winds they generated stirred up fine dust on the ground.
One of the figures was dark-skinned and burly, with a fierce and powerful attack; it was Takashi Ishizuka.
The other was shrewd and composed, with a rigorous and systematic approach in his responses; it was naturally Shinichi Higashino.
"This kid's physique is really extraordinary."
Off the field, a short, stocky middle-aged man with round sunglasses and a somewhat comical demeanor was stroking his chin, deep in thought.
He is none other than Master Chen, hailed as the strongest Taijutsu user in Konoha, nicknamed the Leaf Dragon God.
On the field, Takashi's offense became increasingly fierce, seemingly trying to suppress the opponent with strength, but Shinichi's response remained systematic; his defense was watertight, and his occasional counterattacks, seizing gaps, were precise and effective, forcing Takashi to retreat to defense.
"Hmm... It's about time to end. This kid is about to get serious."
Master Chen keenly sensed the subtle changes in Shinichi's aura and rhythm.
Sure enough, the next moment…
The instant that Takashi landed a heavy punch, Shinichi's foot slipped unpredictably, cutting into the opponent's midline, which was slightly sluggish due to the exertion of force. His right hand transformed from a palm into a finger, and with lightning speed, he lightly touched a certain spot between Takashi's chest and abdomen.
Takashi Ishizuka groaned, feeling his breath suddenly go awry, his gathered strength instantly dissipating, and he immediately lost his footing.
Shinichi didn't miss the opportunity and seized the moment with a simple sweeping leg.
Bang!
His sturdy body lost its balance and fell heavily backward to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.
"Cough... Haha!"
Takashi lay on the ground, catching his breath, then laughed, showing no sign of frustration.
"Shinichi, you're still so strong! I thought my move just now would at least force you to retreat!"
A smile appeared on Shinichi's face, his breathing steady. He stepped forward and reached out his hand to Takashi, who was lying on the ground.
"You've made great progress, Takashi."
Takashi chuckled, grabbed Shinichi's hand, and leaped up. Then he brushed the dirt off his clothes with undiminished fighting spirit: "Let's do it again next time! Let's have a rematch after the school starts in a few days..."
"Maybe... there's no chance left, Takashi."
Shinichi gently shook his head.
"No chance left?"
Takashi was stunned and didn't react.
"Kid, are you planning to apply for early graduation?"
A slightly hoarse but powerful voice came from the side. Master Chen, wearing sunglasses, had taken a few steps closer. He crossed his arms, and his eyes behind the sunglasses seemed to be fixed on Shinichi.
Shinichi turned to Master Chen and bowed slightly respectfully: "Yes, Master Chen, that's exactly what I was thinking."
The close relationship with Takashi over the years has indeed played the role that Shinichi expected.
About a year ago, when he was sparring with Takashi at the training ground, Master Chen happened to see them.
After that, Master Chen seemed to take notice of him, occasionally offering seemingly casual comments after watching a match, pointing out minor flaws in his power exertion or footwork.
The frequency of such guidance gradually increased, and the content became more in-depth.
He even taught him some Taijutsu.
Although Master Chen never explicitly mentioned taking on apprentices, what he taught far exceeded the typical scope of a senior teaching a junior.
Shinichi was fully aware of the situation and always treated him with respect as his apprentice, with a humble and sincere attitude.
"It's about time."
Master Chen nodded, his tone calm but with the certainty of someone who had been there before: "At your current level, staying at the Ninja Academy won't teach you anything new. It might even limit your growth. Going out to experience real missions and hone your combat skills will be more beneficial for you."
"Shinichi, you're graduating early?"
Takashi finally understood, his eyes lighting up with a surge of excitement: "Me too! Let's graduate together..."
"Graduate early, my ass!"
Master Chen interrupted without any politeness, took a step forward, raised his hand, and gave Takashi's head a solid thud while cursing, "Your training is still far from sufficient, and you're already thinking about graduating?"
"Ouch!"
Takashi rubbed his head while complaining, "But Might Guy from the next class graduated a year ago, didn't he? Back then, his Taijutsu... I think they weren't even as good as mine!"
"At least Might Guy knows how to use Ninjutsu! Can you?"
Master Chen glared at him irritably. "The graduation exam definitely tests your application of basic Ninjutsu, especially the three-body technique! You can't even do the most basic Clone Technique. What are you going to use for the exam? Go up there and show off your muscles?"
Master Chen's words hit the nail on the head. Might Guy is indeed a master of Taijutsu, but he is not completely incapable of Ninjutsu.
Takashi's situation is even more special. Like Guy's father, Might Duy, and the later hardworking genius Rock Lee, he has a congenital obstacle in the form and nature transformation of chakra, making it almost impossible for him to use any conventional Ninjutsu.
The reason why Takashi was able to become a ninja later was probably that the Konoha higher-ups took special care of Master Chen, the Leaf Dragon God, and a top Taijutsu Jonin. But that's another story.
"Huh? Then... Then does that mean I'll never graduate?"
Hearing his teacher ruthlessly point out the cruel reality, Takashi felt as if he had been struck by lightning. His excitement just now was instantly extinguished, and he felt that his future was bleak.
"We'll figure something out later!"
Master Chen rolled his eyes. "In short, for now, just give up on the idea of graduating early. Focus on building a solid foundation and getting stronger!"
"Master Chen is right, Takashi."
Shinichi also spoke up to comfort him, his tone sincere: "The foundation of a Taijutsu-type ninja lies in physical fitness. You are now in the golden period of building your foundation and growing your body. Spend more time making your body stronger, so that even if you only know Taijutsu, you will be able to deal with many more situations and environments when you become a ninja in the future."
"... Okay."
"Hey, kid."
Master Chen's attention returned to Shinichi, and his tone was unusually earnest: "I know you're a true genius, with outstanding strength. At your current level, even after you graduate, you'll definitely be among the top-tier Chunin."
He paused, his voice deepening, "But you must remember, in the ninja profession, strength and talent alone are far from enough. Missions are ever-changing, enemies are cunning, and underestimating your opponent and being complacent are often shortcuts to your grave."
"The outside world is a thousand times more brutal than the classrooms and training grounds of the Ninja Academy. Always be vigilant, never underestimate any opponent, and never overestimate your luck. Understand?"
Shinichi's expression turned serious. Meeting Master Chen's serious gaze, he nodded solemnly: "I understand, Master Chen. Thank you for your teachings. I will keep them in mind."
"Hmm."
Seeing his upright attitude, Master Chen's expression softened slightly.
He nodded, pondered for a moment, and seemed to have made a decision before saying, "Make sure you survive. When you are promoted to Chunin... I will teach you a new Taijutsu technique."
New Taijutsu technique?
Shinichi's heart stirred.
Over the past year, he had been studying under Master Chen and had mastered a great deal of the exquisite Strong Fist Style Taijutsu of Konoha.
Is it the Leaf Dragon God technique?
He suppressed the turmoil in his heart and bowed respectfully again, replying, "Yes, I understand, Master Chen. I will try my best."
Master Chen said no more, just waved his hand, indicating that they could continue practicing. He then turned around and swayed as he walked out of the training field.