Chapter 1: Talentless, Not Powerless
"Kid, believe in yourself! Even without ninjutsu, you can become a remarkable ninja!"
"Come on, let's keep pushing our limits. How about fifty laps walking on our hands if we can't finish?"
"...." Garou Zenin, his eyes half-lidded, glanced at the exuberant Might Guy, a sigh hidden deep within his chest.
He understood Guy's good intentions.
However, as someone who had reincarnated into this world, he knew better than anyone the limit of pure taijutsu.
Strong? Sure, but there was always a ceiling.
Even the Eight Gates, a pinnacle of taijutsu, were brilliant only for an instant, like fireworks bursting across the dark canvas of the night, beautiful but short-lived.
In this brutal world of shinobi, such brilliance was a fleeting memory, easily forgotten by the endless wars. Garou had no intention of becoming a firework.
Besides, he was the same age as Rock Lee.
No matter how hard he trained, if he stuck to only taijutsu, he would at best reach Lee's level.
During the climactic battles, even after opening six gates, Lee's impact was more symbolic than practical. He could only stand helplessly as his sensei fought and bled. All he could do was watch, powerless.