Chapter 43: A Spirited Encounter: Might Duy Appears!
After a month...
The air was thick with early morning mist, curling around the trees and the calm river flowing beside him. The rhythmic sound of his breath mixed with the steady impact of his movements against the earth.
A boy with blond hair moved through his training routine with precision and focus—Kiyoshi Senju. His body, lean yet steadily developing, carried the signs of intense conditioning. He wore his weighted seals, though their resistance remained unchanged. Tsunade's orders.
"Until you can dodge my attacks while wearing them, you don't get to increase their weight."
She hadn't been joking. Whenever she was in a bad mood, she'd test him by launching wooden kunai and shuriken at him—and they hurt. The bruises on his arms and legs were proof of that.
Still, he wasn't about to complain. Chakra-Enhanced Strength was a powerful technique, but it wasn't just about raw force—it required discipline, controlled exertion, and a body that could withstand its own power. That's why he had dedicated himself to an intense regimen, strengthening every part of his body to serve as the foundation for his growing skills.
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Kiyoshi's Chakra-Enhanced Strength Stage Two Training Routine:
1️⃣ Core Strength Training (Foundation for Power Generation)
• Planks – Stability for maintaining form during strikes.
• Hanging Leg Raises – Strengthens the lower core for explosive movement.
• Russian Twists – Improves rotation strength for powerful punches.
• Ab Wheel Rollouts – Enhances core endurance.
2️⃣ Lower Body Strength & Endurance (Supports Chakra Flow & Mobility)
• Squats – Builds raw power in legs for better jumps and kicks.
• Lunges – Improves mobility and balance.
• Calf Raises – Strengthens footwork and chakra flow control.
• Box Jumps – Enhances explosive movement.
• Sprints – Builds speed and endurance.
3️⃣ Upper Body Strength (Supports Punching Force & Chakra Flow)
• Push-ups (Normal, Diamond, Wide) – Strengthens arms, shoulders, and chest.
• Pull-ups/Chin-ups – Develops upper back and grip strength.
• Overhead Press – Improves shoulder strength and stability.
• Dips – Strengthens triceps for extended striking endurance.
• Punching Bag Training – Enhances striking power and precision.
4️⃣ Grip & Hand Conditioning (Supports Chakra Infusion in Strikes)
• Farmer's Walk – Builds grip and endurance.
• Finger Push-ups – Strengthens fingers and wrists.
• Rice Bucket Training – Toughens hands and fingers for stronger strikes.
• Knuckle Push-ups – Conditions knuckles for close-combat impact.
5️⃣ Stamina & Recovery (Ensures Prolonged Chakra Use & Injury Prevention)
• Jump Rope – Improves agility and foot coordination.
• Swimming – Strengthens lung capacity and full-body endurance.
• Yoga/Stretching – Enhances flexibility and injury resistance.
• Meditation/Breathing Exercises – Controls chakra expenditure and mental clarity.
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As Kiyoshi finished his squats, he adjusted his breathing, focusing on the rhythm of his heartbeat. He had been improving, but dodging Tsunade's attacks while wearing these weights? That was a different challenge entirely.
"She doesn't even go easy on me… and the fact that she actually enjoys throwing those kunai makes it worse."
Despite the pain, he was grateful. There was no better teacher for this kind of training than Tsunade, one of the greatest medical-nin and strongest kunoichi in history. If she was pushing him, that meant she saw potential in him.
With that thought in mind, Kiyoshi prepared to move on to the next part of his routine—when suddenly…
"Kiyoshi! You are here, my boy!"
A cheerful and confident voice boomed through the morning mist. Kiyoshi froze mid-motion, recognizing that distinct energy instantly.
From the trees emerged a man dressed in a green jumpsuit, orange striped leg warmers, and a yellow scarf wrapped around his neck. His presence radiated determination, enthusiasm, and boundless energy.
"Kiyoshi! Are you ready?"
There was only one person who could possibly enter a scene like this—
The Eternal Genin, Might Duy.
When Kiyoshi first started training in this secluded area, he hadn't expected to meet anyone, let alone form a bond with one of Konoha's most misunderstood shinobi. He had chosen this spot specifically because of its solitude—the quiet forest clearing near the river was the perfect place to push his limits without distractions.
At first, Might Duy was just a passing figure. Every morning, Kiyoshi would see him running along the riverbank, his pace relentless, his form impeccable despite the seemingly simple exercises he performed. Their interactions were minimal—a nod of acknowledgment, a brief "Good morning" exchanged in passing. But even then, Kiyoshi had noticed something unusual about the man. Unlike most shinobi, Duy's eyes never held doubt or hesitation. They burned with unwavering determination, as if he had already conquered every hardship that life could throw at him.
Slowly, their interactions deepened. Duy would pause in his training runs to observe Kiyoshi's form, occasionally offering small words of encouragement. Then came the inevitable questions:
"What drives you to train so hard, my boy?"
"Ah! A splendid stance, but your footing could use some adjustment!"
"Endurance training is vital, but have you considered refining your explosive movements?"
Before Kiyoshi realized it, he had gained an unexpected mentor. What started as occasional tips soon evolved into structured guidance. Duy, despite his reputation as an eternal genin, had a wealth of knowledge on conditioning and stamina. His insights improved Kiyoshi's routine dramatically, introducing new drills that enhanced not just his physical strength but also his control over his Chakra-Enhanced Strength.
When Duy suggested that training alone wouldn't be enough, Kiyoshi had agreed without hesitation. He knew the importance of real combat experience, and if there was one thing he had learned about Might Duy—it was that the man never said anything without meaning it.
Kiyoshi had never been skeptical about Might Duy. However, being accustomed to being looked down upon, Duy asked Kiyoshi for a spar. And Duy proved himself the moment they first fought.
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Their first spar had been an eye-opener.
Kiyoshi had expected a simple exchange of blows, perhaps some footwork drills. Instead, the moment the match began, Duy vanished.
A blur of movement—no, a storm.
Before Kiyoshi could react, a powerful yet controlled kick sent him skidding backward, barely keeping his balance. His instincts screamed at him—this is not the strength of an incompetent man.
Duy's attacks were precise, relentless, and fluid. He moved with an intensity that made it clear: this wasn't just training for him. This was his way of life.
Kiyoshi barely managed to block, dodge, and counter, each exchange forcing him to acknowledge a painful truth—Might Duy was holding back a lot. If this was what he could do while suppressing himself, then what was his true power?
Kiyoshi knew what Might Duy was actually capable of...
Might Duy, the man everyone mocked. The man who was seen as weak because he remained as a genin. The man whose name wasn't recorded in the books as a great shinobi.
Yet, in the future, he alone would stand against the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist. He would push himself beyond his limits, open all Eight Gates, and defeat foes that even Jonin would fear. He would die for the people he loved, proving that strength was not about rank or recognition—but about protecting what truly mattered.
Duy's own words echoed in Kiyoshi's mind:
"Victory is not becoming the strongest, but being able to protect what is most important to you."
These were the exact words Might Duy said to his son, and he even proved them by becoming the strongest to protect the person most important to him—his son.
That moment shaped Might Guy into the person who ultimately made Madara Uchiha acknowledge his efforts. Madara not only recognized Might Guy's determination but also, through his praise, made Guy feel proud of his father—the man who shaped him, never gave up on him, and always motivated him to train.
At that moment, something clicked within Kiyoshi.
If there was one person in this world who inspired Kiyoshi the most, it wasn't a Hokage, a legendary shinobi, or even a member of his own clan.
It was Might Duy.
And that was why Kiyoshi had made up his mind.
He would not let Duy die.
The world didn't yet understand what this man was capable of, but Kiyoshi did. If he had the power, if his gacha system and his own efforts could make a difference—he would use them to ensure that Might Duy lived beyond that destined battle.
It wouldn't be easy. Changing fate never was. But Kiyoshi wasn't the type to back down from the impossible.
As his thoughts settled, he met Duy's expectant gaze. The man was still in a fighting stance, waiting for his answer.
Kiyoshi took a deep breath and cracked his knuckles, a smirk forming.
"Alright, Might Duy-san... let's do this."
Duy's grin widened. "Ah! That's the spirit! Now—brace yourself!"
And with that, their battle began once more.
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