Ryosuke's face contorted from the unbearable pain, but even so, he made up his mind to continue training.
This was his trump card for the night of the Uchiha massacre—his only real trump card at this stage. Some things simply had to be endured.
He continued gathering chakra, once again trying to break through the Opening Gate. But just as it began to crack open, that piercing, needle-like pain surged through his brain again.
Ryosuke clenched his teeth and endured it for only two seconds before he had no choice but to stop refining chakra.
This pain was different from typical bodily pain. It felt more like an attack on the mind itself, making it impossible to maintain focus while manipulating chakra.
Turning to Guy, Ryosuke sighed in frustration.
"This hurts way too much."
Guy gave a hearty laugh.
"That's just how tough this technique is. Otherwise, I wouldn't have only just managed to open the fifth gate even now. With every gate you unlock, the pain only gets worse."
"But Ryosuke, your body is no weaker than mine. You can endure this pain."
"Once you get used to it, it won't hurt as much."
Ryosuke felt a little more at ease after hearing that.
If the pain stayed like this every time, the Eight Gates really wouldn't be worth learning.
He resumed chakra refinement, focusing again on breaking through the Opening Gate.
As the gate gradually began to open, the pain increased. It was like the excruciating ache of a gymnast forcing into a full split—so sharp it brought cold sweat to his forehead.
If not for his prior training with Guy, which had toughened his pain tolerance significantly, he might have already given up.
At this point, Ryosuke couldn't help but complain internally. The pain was unbearable, and yet the system didn't reward him with any physical attribute boosts. How unfair.
This kind of torment should definitely earn him something—but alas, the system gave nothing.
But he couldn't change how the system worked. All he could do was keep training.
Meanwhile, Guy remained nearby, carefully watching over Ryosuke like his father had once done for him.
When Guy had first trained the Eight Gates, the pain of opening the First Gate had caused him to faint. His father had to carry him home on his back.
As time passed, Ryosuke continued pushing through the agony, and Guy stood by, quietly guarding him.
Guy's respect for Ryosuke grew. His determination wasn't any weaker than his own. Even as his face twisted in pain and his teeth clenched tight, Ryosuke didn't stop trying to break through.
When Guy had first attempted this training, the pain had been so severe he couldn't bring himself to try again for a long time. It had traumatized him.
After all, this wasn't some ordinary ache—it felt like the brain itself was being ripped apart.
Like having your arm stretched until it was about to snap—this pain went beyond normal endurance.
After a long stretch of intense training, Ryosuke's mind was foggy and light-headed.
Then, during one final chakra surge to the Opening Gate, the blinding pain struck again—and his consciousness finally gave out. He collapsed to the ground.
Not far away, Guy rushed over and knelt beside him to check his condition.
Seeing that Ryosuke was still breathing, Guy finally relaxed. He was just unconscious—not seriously hurt. No need to rush him to the hospital.
Half an hour later, Ryosuke woke up. His vision was blurry at first.
After a few moments, things gradually came into focus.
Guy asked with concern,
"You okay?"
Ryosuke shook his head slightly.
"I'm fine. My head's just a little woozy."
Guy nodded and warned him gently,
"The Eight Gates are incredibly difficult to train. You need to take it slow, or you'll risk damaging your brain."
Ryosuke nodded in agreement.
He had indeed rushed. He'd forced his way through the First Gate and paid for it with overwhelming pain.
Clearly, this couldn't be rushed. If he kept pushing recklessly, his head might just explode.
He would have to train the way Guy said—bit by bit, easing into the Opening Gate.
After parting ways with Guy, Ryosuke returned to the Uchiha compound and washed up thoroughly.
His mind felt much clearer. The dizzy feeling had faded.
After dinner, he stepped outside and headed toward Kurenai's house.
He needed more time with her. After all, nothing ever happened without contact—and she clearly didn't mind going out for walks with him.
Sure enough, as he reached her front door, Kurenai appeared in another elegant kimono, looking absolutely stunning.
When she saw Ryosuke walking toward her, a soft smile lit up her face. After what had happened the night before, their relationship had taken a big step forward.
Being with him felt natural and comforting.
But as Ryosuke approached, she noticed his face was unusually pale and asked with concern,
"Ryosuke, are you alright?"
Ryosuke waved a hand casually.
"It's nothing. I was just training a particularly tough taijutsu technique."
Though the Eight Gates training was brutal, he didn't want to tell her and make her worry.
Kurenai assumed he had been training hard with Guy again—probably some extreme physical regimen. That was routine by now, and she, as a woman, couldn't exactly get involved.
Still, she gently warned him.
"Just take care of yourself when you train, alright? Don't push so hard that you wear yourself out."
"I will. Don't worry," Ryosuke replied with a smile.
TL/N: So what do you think of this fanfiction let met know and if it deserve give it powerstone