The moment Lee dropped the weights, the atmosphere shifted.
Even the breeze paused, as if holding its breath.
Sasuke's smirk had faded, replaced by a more cautious expression. He crouched slightly, eyes trained on Lee's stance. The air between them crackled, tension thick like storm clouds before lightning.
And then, Lee vanished.
Boom!
"—?!"
Sasuke barely saw it coming. A foot blurred toward his head—he dodged on reflex alone, spinning sideways, only for a fist to smash into his ribs from the other side.
"Gah—!"
He flew backward, flipping mid-air, skidding across the ground, and planting his heels to stop.
What the hell was that?
He wiped his mouth, glaring ahead.
Lee stood calmly, eyes glowing with youthful intensity. "This… is the Strong Fist style. A taijutsu that focuses on full-body offense and brute strength."
Without warning, Lee dashed forward again—faster than before.
Sasuke moved instinctively, dodging punches, flipping over, sweeping kicks—but Lee's speed was relentless, inhuman. Each strike came within millimeters of connecting.
His moves… they're clean. His every attack is so precise with no wasted moments.
Lee ducked low and spun with a wide sweep. "Leaf Great Gale!!"
A powerful kick hit the air, creating a shockwave of wind and force. Sasuke threw up his arms to guard, but the sheer pressure pushed him back, his feet dragging furrows in the dirt.
"Damn it—" Sasuke grunted, leaping high to escape.
But Lee was already above him.
"How is he this fast—?!" Sasuke thought, his heart pounding.
A spinning kick slammed into his back and sent him crashing to the ground like a comet. Dust erupted around him, the earth cracked beneath his impact.
"Ugh…!"
Sasuke growled, climbing to his feet. His shirt was torn. His breath came in fast bursts.
Lee landed a few meters away, bouncing on his toes.
"This is not the end, Uchiha-san," He said with respectful firmness. "I can go further. If you are truly strong, I will show you the power of my dedication."
Sasuke clenched his fists. This guy… he's not using any ninjutsu. It's pure taijutsu. And I'm being cornered!
Naruto, watching with wide eyes, leaned forward. "He's only using basic techniques… and he's pushing Sasuke this far?"
Neji's expression remained unreadable. "Lee's strength isn't flashy. But it's real. And it's earned."
Tenten smiled softly. "He trains harder than anyone I know."
Lee took a deep breath, standing tall. He looked at Sasuke and then glanced at Gai-sensei's absence in the distance, imagining his mentor's proud thumbs-up.
"It's time I show you… a glimpse of what I'm capable of," He whispered.
"First Gate—Gate of Opening… OPEN!!"
A sudden rush of chakra exploded around him, shaking the very ground. His muscles bulged, his aura surged outward like a wildfire.
Sasuke's eyes widened. "What—?! What is this…?!"
Lee grinned wildly, eyes intense.
"NOW!!"
He burst forward—this time, Sasuke couldn't react.
A punch to the stomach and a knee to the jaw. A roundhouse kick that sent Sasuke spiraling into the air.
"GHHK—!!"
He's everywhere! He's faster than I can see!
Sasuke fell hard, coughing, chest heaving. His limbs felt heavy. He had never been hit this many times in a single fight.
Lee didn't press further. He stopped, panting, the energy from the First Gate fading. His face was drenched in sweat, and his legs trembled slightly.
He bowed. "I believe… this is enough for now."
Sasuke slowly stood, bruised and panting. But there was no anger in his face.
His face was full of admiration for his opponent.
"You…" Sasuke began, voice low, "You're incredible."
Lee looked up.
"I underestimated you," Sasuke continued. "But I won't make that mistake again."
His fists tightened, a new fire in his voice. "When we meet in the Chuunin Exams… I'll defeat you. That's a promise."
Lee's eyes lit up, and he smiled—genuinely, warmly.
"I'll be waiting for that day, Uchiha Sasuke. And I'll fight you with everything I have again."
As the two lowered their guard, the others approached.
Naruto whistled. "That was insane. You really gave him a run, Lee."
Tenten gave Lee a soft punch in the shoulder. "Show-off."
Sakura walked to Sasuke, offering a cloth. He took it without a word, wiping the sweat and dust from his face.
Neji remained silent, but gave Lee the smallest nod—a rare gesture of recognition.
Sasuke looked at Lee again, a flicker of a grin appearing.
"Guess there's more to hard work than I thought."
Lee beamed.
"It's not always about genius… Sometimes, youthful perseverance can break any limit!"
He stepped forward slowly, still catching his breath, but his smile was as radiant as the afternoon sun. He turned toward Naruto with a twinkle in his eyes.
"Naruto-kun… I hope we get the chance to fight as well. I've heard much about your progress. I would like to see the fruits of your training—firsthand."
Naruto blinked, then grinned from ear to ear. "You're on, Bushy Brows! I've been training like crazy. When we fight, I'll come at you with everything I've got!"
Tenten chuckled nearby, arms crossed. "Lee always finds time to challenge people when he's just barely finished one fight."
But before the laughter could settle, a sharp voice cut through the air.
"You'll have to get through me first."
Everyone turned. Neji stepped forward, his pale eyes locked onto Naruto's like a hawk eyeing a storm.
"I'm not letting you go straight to Lee. Not when I'm still standing in your path."
Naruto turned, smile still present, but his tone changed. A quiet intensity sparked in his voice.
"Then I'll be waiting, Neji. Let's see what fate has in store."
Neji narrowed his eyes slightly. He didn't smile, but there was a flicker of recognition—maybe even respect.
But then, Sasuke's voice broke through the moment.
"Tch. You're all wrong."
He stepped in between them, chin raised, hands in his pockets, the breeze tousling his hair slightly. His black eyes were sharp, filled with confidence and that ever-present pride in his name.
"I'll be the one who defeats Naruto… and Lee… and Neji. Every single one of you."
He glanced sideways at Naruto, smirking. "You're not getting ahead of me. Not this time."
The air tensed again.
For a few seconds… no one moved.
Then Lee took a step forward, his hands on his hips, laughing boldly.
"I welcome that challenge, Uchiha Sasuke! May the flames of youth guide us all!"
Neji looked at them one by one. "If nothing else… the Chunin Exams will be interesting."
Naruto crossed his arms, eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Heh… guess I'll just have to beat all of you."
The four stood in a loose circle, each one radiating resolve, ambition, and hunger for growth.
And then, they laughed.
It wasn't mockery or arrogance. It was pure joy, a shared fire ignited by challenge, by friendship, and the thrill of the journey ahead.
From the sidelines, Sakura watched with a soft smile. Tenten leaned against a tree, eyes gleaming with pride for her teammates.
"Looks like we're in for one hell of an exam," she murmured.
Sakura nodded. "Yeah… and they're all going to shine."
The sun dipped slightly lower, casting long shadows across the training field as the wind gently stirred the grass.
---- ✦ ✦ ✦ ----
Spoilers for the next three chapters!
Chapter 173: The Blonde Goddess
Chapter 174: The Blonde Goddess (2)
Chapter 175: The Blonde Goddess (3)
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