Chapter 68: Rock Lee
Sakura glanced at Sasuke, then at Naruto, and said, "Maybe this is the last time I'll fight alongside you both; I don't want to miss it."
Sakura was a girl, after all, and her thoughts were quite delicate; she had likely already sensed the estrangement between the three of them.
Naruto looked at Sasuke, and just then, Sasukelooked at Naruto as well. The two met each other's gaze and, without saying a word, walked directly into the Ninja Academy.
Watching their retreating backs, Sakura followed them with a low mood.
Just as Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke reached the second floor, they saw two people guarding the classroom door, preventing candidates from registering.
Naruto and Sasuke both curled their lips simultaneously, neither having any interest in watching the performance, and stepped forward to continue on.
However, one of the gatekeepers said, "Hey, you two brats, didn't we tell you? You're not allowed in here. If you dare take another step forward, don't blame me for being rough with you."
Naruto and Sasuke completely ignored them and continued walking forward at a leisurely pace.
It was only because their appearances and hair colors were different; otherwise, one would surely think they were twins with a telepathic connection.
In fact, Naruto had noticed this long ago. He didn't know when it started, but Sasuke had developed a habit of mimicking his small gestures and expressions, often resulting in perfect synchronization between the two.
Sakura didn't know what Naruto and Sasuke were thinking, but she still followed closely behind them.
The two guards, one being Izumo Kamizuki and the other Kotetsu Hagane, saw Naruto and Sasuke's arrogant behavior and wanted to teach them a lesson.
Thus, Izumo Kamizuki swung a punch at Naruto, while Kotetsu Hagane swung one at Sasuke.
To everyone's surprise, Naruto and Sasuke neither dodged nor deflected, taking the punches head-on.
Even more surprising was that Naruto and Sasukewere perfectly fine, while Izumo Kamizuki and Kotetsu Hagane seemed to have been electrocuted, their bodies trembling and stiffening in place.
Just as Naruto was about to dispel the Lightning Release Body Forging Technique...
Suddenly, a person wearing a green jumpsuit, with a bowl-cut hairstyle and especially thick black eyebrows, rushed out and quickly swatted away the hands of Izumo Kamizuki and Kotetsu Hagane.
As soon as Naruto saw the newcomer, he knew it was Might Guy's disciple, Lee—full name Rock Lee.
Although Naruto had never met Lee, he knew the character quite well, so he felt no need for wariness or vigilance.
Sasuke, however, was different. Someone had suddenly rushed out and saved the others before he even sensed them, so Sasuke remained very wary of Rock Lee.
Just as Sasuke was about to speak, Rock Lee's other two teammates, Tenten and Neji, walked over.
Neji looked at Sasuke and asked, "Are you the top graduate of this class? Uchiha Sasuke?"
Sasuke glanced at Naruto, then suppressed his irritation and asked Neji, "And who are you?"
"Neji! Hyuga Neji, the top graduate of the previous class."
"Hmph! Top graduate! Just a joke."
After saying that, Sasuke turned and headed for the third floor.
Naruto, on the other hand, stared at Hyuga Neji for a good while. A bird trapped in a cage... Narutoremembered a theme song from Naruto called 'Blue Bird,' which seemed to have been written for Neji.
Perhaps Naruto's gaze made Neji feel uncomfortable.
"You must be Naruto! Stay away from Lady Hinata; she is not someone you should be close to."
Naruto was somewhat speechless upon hearing Neji's words. This was a total sister-con, just with a rather peculiar way of showing it.
Naruto rolled his eyes, said nothing, and used the Body Flicker Technique to catch up with Sasuke.
Seeing this situation, Sakura sighed helplessly and could only follow quickly.
Neji was also quite displeased seeing Naruto's cocky attitude.
While Neji was feeling annoyed, Rock Lee grabbed Neji's shoulders and said, "What did you say his name was? Naruto?"
Seeing Rock Lee's excited state, Tenten quickly said, "What's wrong with his name being Naruto? Why are you so excited!"
"You don't understand! He's the Taijutsu genius Guy-sensei always talks about. Guy-sensei keeps saying Naruto is a genius at learning Taijutsu. No, I have to go find him."
With that, Rock Lee quickly rushed off to chase Naruto and Sasuke.
Neji and Tenten looked at each other, and fearing Rock Lee might do something impulsive, they also quickly gave chase.
Just as Naruto and the others reached the second-floor lobby...
Rock Lee caught up and looked at Naruto, saying, "Wait!"
Seeing Rock Lee catch up, Naruto looked at Sasuke; in the original story, Rock Lee was supposed to challenge Sasuke.
However, to Naruto's surprise, Rock Lee had actually come for him.
"Guy-sensei said you are Konoha's Taijutsu genius, and his greatest regret is not taking you as his disciple. Today, I want to challenge you to prove to Guy-sensei that my Taijutsu is definitely not inferior to yours. Uzumaki Naruto!"
Hearing Rock Lee's words, Naruto smiled and shook his head, saying, "I'm sorry I didn't become Guy-senpai's disciple, but in my view, whether practicing Taijutsu or Ninjutsu, as long as one becomes a powerful Ninja, there's no need to distinguish so clearly."
"Are you denying Guy-sensei?"
"Not at all! Guy-senpai is a very powerful Ninja, and I have always admired him."
"If that's the case, then you should accept my challenge all the more."
After Rock Lee spoke, he dropped into a standard horse stance, one hand behind his back and the other forward, extending an invitation to duel.
Seeing Rock Lee's persistence, Naruto felt a bit emotional; he didn't know whether he should have a match with Rock Lee.
Undeniably, Rock Lee was a hard-working genius. Defeating him with Taijutsu might crush his confidence.
But if he didn't use Taijutsu to defeat Rock Lee, he wouldn't be able to prove Might Guy's eye for talent.
While Naruto was hesitating, Rock Lee had already charged forward.
Just as Naruto was preparing to block, Sasukestepped in front of him.
Naruto frowned and looked at Sasuke, saying, "You're not his match!"
Sasuke glared at Naruto angrily and said, "Shut up! I know you're strong, but you can't deny my strength either."
Seeing Sasuke's angry look, Naruto turned and said, "Since you want to fight, then take your time! I'm going to register."
With that, Naruto left directly.
At that moment, Neji and Tenten also caught up.
"Lee, don't be impulsive! Now is not the time for a duel."
But Rock Lee completely ignored Tenten and Nejiand continued fighting with Sasuke.
Seeing that Sasuke had no ability to parry, Sakuraquickly chased after Naruto, blocking his path and saying, "Naruto, go stop them! If Sasuke gets injured, he won't be able to participate in the Chunin Exams!"