Team Gai (Guy)

Top : An older Team Gai in Shippuden - l-r Rock Lee, Maito Gai, Tenten, Hyuuga Neji. Below : Pre Chuunin exams

Was watching Naruto the past few days. While Naruto is similar somewhat to Bleach, unlike Bleach where I like/fangirl Ichigo, here in Naruto I prefer the side characters. Particularly Team Gai. And Sasuke as well, but that's a given fact coz I always do like brooding, handsome anti-heroes.

So.... What is Team Gai actually? They're a team of three ninjas, under the tutelage of the most hilarious jounin tutor ever - Maito Gai (supposed to mean Might Guy, if I'm not mistaken.

Team Gai consists of Konoha's Prideful Green Beast, the over-exuberant leader, Maito Guy, his equally enthusiastic and favourite pupil who hangs onto his every (ridiculous) word, Rock Lee, the weapon's mistress Tenten and the silent, brooding genius of the famed Hyuuga clan, Hyuuga Neji.

The character dynamics of this team is hilarious, yet touching at the same time, especially that of the almost father-son dynamics between Gai and Lee, both who look rather similar to each other, thanks to Lee's steadfast admiration of his mentor. Lee, being practically useless at any form of ninjutsu or genjutsu, is Gai's favourite pupil due to his steadfast belief that hard work can surpass geniuses as he resembles Gai when younger. Hence, Gai takes it to heart to train Lee completely in tajijutsu, in order to help him attain his goal of being a powerful ninja despite being labelled as a "hot-blooded loser" back in his academy days. Indeed, Gai really took this task seriously, as was portrayed when Lee was deliberating on undergoing a risky operation with only 50% chance of survival, which without it he can no longer be a ninja anymore. Gai encouraged him to take the risk and reassured him that it will go well. However, if the operation fails (i.e. Lee dies) Gai will also die with him, as Gai's purpose would then be no more. This scenes (together with the scenes when Lee was fighting against Gaara during the Chuunin exams) gave a different view to both Gai and Lee, and make them seem more "balanced" and not just forever spouting ridiculous phrases.

Hyuuga Neji, also has an interesting back story to his name. When first introduced to him, he comes across as a horrible person - cold, unfeeling, fatalistic and bubbling with resentment underneath. All these appears to be due to being a member of the side branch of the family, which prioritises the main branch, of which his less talented cousins, Hinata and Hanabi are of. Having been led to believe that all is done to protect the main branch (even his father was sacrificed to protect his uncle), it is no wonder that Neji is what he is. However, once this misunderstanding is cleared up, he seems to be a much nicer person. Neji is talented in fighting and is the top rookie of his year. He also displays much leadership qualities though he has an ability to be too stoic for his own good. But that's what we all love about him. =)

The final member of Team Gai is not very well defined. Tenten is a weapon's mistress who's ability is in long range combat. She is always seen training with Neji and agreeing with him on how ridiculous both their teammate and leader are acting. However, nothing much is known of her past, though, if reflected by her personality, it seems that she is the most normal one of them all as she is bubbly, friendly and sweet.

Team Gai is indeed my favourite team in this series, though they receive quite little screen time. To compensate for that, here are some nice Team Gai-centric fanfics:

A Portrait of Youth
Snapshots from the life of Team Gai. If you don't have friends, you don't have anything...
A wonderful collection of one-shots of Team Gai. Full of their exuberant humour, the sarcasm, and the ridiculousness of it all... Definitely a must-read for any Team Gai fan!

Twenty Truths About Team Gai
As per title.
A lovely one-shot about the hidden facts of Team Guy, of which even some of its members are unaware.

Funny Facts And Not So Silly Stories
Team Gai was created under the influence of nostalgia, malice and some level of intoxication on the part of the people present. For some reason this wasn't viewed as a problem.
Another story full of Team Gai love.

Of Naming Team 13
They've amassed quite a few names over the years. But in the end, they are Team Gai.
Another 20 truths about Team Gai.

37 Facts About Team Gai
A number of short moments in the history of Team Gai, from them meeting each other to the present. A little humour, a little angst and lots of love.

What can I say? Team Gai rocks! Go Team Gai!