Rock Lee Vs Neji Part 2

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"You can do this Lee," In the midst of the electrifying atmosphere, Guy whispered words of encouragement under his breath. His voice, barely audible amidst the sea of voices, carried a profound belief in Lee's abilities. Guy knew that this was Lee's moment, his chance to prove himself against the formidable Neji and emerge victorious.

With a steely gaze fixed upon his opponent, Lee exuded a newfound confidence. His muscles tensed, ready to unleash his unparalleled speed and agility. The tension in the air was palpable as the crowd braced themselves for the clash of two ninjas like them. Lee's words, dripping with determination, pierced through the silence, challenging Neji to keep pace with his lightning-fast movements.

"Now, Neji. Let's see if you can keep up with my speed." All eyes were on Lee. The spectators could feel the surge of adrenaline coursing through their veins, their hearts pounding in sync with the pulsating energy of the arena.

Neji clenched his teeth tightly, preparing himself for Lee's swift and formidable attack, fully aware of the immense strength and agility that his opponent possessed. On the other hand, Lee planted his feet firmly on the ground, channeling all his energy into a single powerful stomp that caused the earth beneath him to shatter like intricate spider webs, a testament to the sheer force he was about to unleash. With a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins, Lee propelled himself forward with lightning speed, leaving Neji momentarily astounded and struggling to keep up with the sudden disappearance of his rival from his line of sight. However, amidst the intensity of the battle, Neji's keen eyes caught a fleeting movement from the corner of his field of vision, signaling that Lee was nearby.

Always alert and quick in his movements, Neji instinctively turned his head to the left with impeccable timing, realizing just in time that a fist was hurtling toward his face. Reacting swiftly, he raised both his hands, forming a defensive shield against the incoming blow. However, with a bewildering agility, Lee's fist vanished from Neji's line of sight, leaving him momentarily perplexed.

With utmost urgency, Neji's eyes darted behind him, only to lock onto Lee's figure, reappearing out of thin air. In a split second, Lee's fist collided with Neji's vulnerable shoulder, creating an excruciating pain coursing through his body, making him grimace in agony. The intensity of the burning sensation was almost unbearable, but Neji, determined and unyielding, chose to suppress the searing discomfort, refusing to let it hinder his resolve. Fuelled by sheer willpower, he launched a retaliatory strike toward Lee, but before his attack could connect, Lee masterfully vanished once more, his speed and elusive nature proving to be significant challenges for Neji to overcome.

Utilizing his extraordinary Byakugan ability, Neji swiftly turned his gaze toward his right, granting him a partial glimpse of the opponent's subtle movements. However, his eager anticipation was met with a disheartening scene as a cloud of dirt erupted into the air, obstructing his view. Despite the flurry of activity unfolding within his field of vision, Neji's trained eyes failed to capture the elusive figure. Just as frustration began to take hold, Lee, seemingly materializing out of thin air, suddenly appeared right before Neji, catching him off-guard.

Neji, with a sense of determination, instinctively moved his arms to protect his chest as his opponent's punch landed on his arm instead. The impact sent Neji hurtling through the air, causing his arm to bear the marks of a bruise. Despite the pain that would have normally accompanied such an injury, Neji found himself oddly disconnected from the physical sensation as adrenaline coursed through his body. As he rotated his body mid-air. Lee materialized before him, his leg primed to strike Neji's vulnerable chest. Reacting instantly, Neji shielded himself again, using his arms as a barricade between the forceful blow and his vital organs.

He's fast, but he's predictable, Neji thought with clenched teeth. Neji's frustration grew palpable as he gritted his teeth and mentally acknowledged that, indeed, Lee's speed was exceptional, making him an undeniable force to be reckoned with. The predicament Neji found himself in was nothing short of a humbling realization as he struggled to accept the fact that he was grappling with the predictability of his adversary. In a moment of intense struggle, Neji's body collided with the earth, jarring his legs and sending a plume of dust scattering in all directions. Meanwhile, a staggering distance of a hundred meters away, Lee gracefully touched down with a powerful impact that shattered the very ground beneath him, causing a chaotic eruption of dust that enveloped the surroundings, obscuring the arena with its swirling fury.

Neji's Byakugan honed in on Lee's elusive figure amidst the billowing veil of smoke, accentuating its precision and the advantage it bestowed upon its wielder. Recognizing the inherent risks of solely relying on his Byakugan to track Lee's lightning-fast movements, Neji foresaw the potential danger it posed in the long run. Despite Neji's unparalleled proficiency in maintaining his Byakugan for extended periods, he was acutely aware that pushing its limits beyond an hour would exact a heavy toll on his physical stamina. If Lee were to relentlessly push Neji to sustain his Byakugan for an extended duration, the consequences would be dire, depleting every ounce of Neji's energy reserves and leaving him far too fatigued for the subsequent rounds of combat.

I can slightly follow his speed due to my Byakugan, but that means I should keep using it, and unlike me, Lee is barely using any of his chakra; if he keeps up like this, I will get exhausted and lose, that means, Neji, feeling a surge of enlightenment rushing through him, swiftly adjusted his body into a fierce fighting stance. Meanwhile, amidst the dissipating smoke, Lee confidently stepped forward, fixing his intense gaze upon Neji. Despite this challenging disposition, a slight, almost mischievous smirk lingered on Lee's face, exuding a self-assured sense of accomplishment.

"Is this everything you can do it," Neji shouted with a sneer, expressing his dissatisfaction and disbelief at the capabilities displayed. His words hung in the air, causing a wave of confusion to ripple through the audience. Those watching couldn't comprehend the extent of what had just been shown, leaving them perplexed and uncertain. As their confusion grew, Lee's once genuine and unwavering smile began to falter. It quickly disappeared, replaced by a steely glare that seemed to intensify with every passing moment.

"Don't act like you can keep up with my speed, Neji," Lee shouted with uncontrollable anger, his face beet red and his voice trembling, as he struggled to catch his breath due to the intense pain shooting through his leg. Despite the throbbing ache from the forceful hit, Lee remained resilient and forged ahead, disregarding the agony coursing through his body. Neji sported a wicked smirk, relishing in his opponent's suffering. Just as Lee began to gather himself, his shock escalated to a new level as Neji, with smug satisfaction, enacted a swift hand gesture, causing his powerful Byakugan to deactivate. At that precise juncture, Lee felt an overwhelming sensation akin to a brutal blow to his abdomen, mentally and physically knocking the wind out of him.

Neji looked back at Lee with a smug grin. "See, Lee, you love bringing up the fact that my Byakugan brings me an unfair advantage, how my talent gives me an edge that not many people have. Well, here I am, I don't need my Byakugan to proved it to you that you're not a Shinobi, and you will never be one. The only reason Guy-sensei trains you and hasn't kicked you out of the team yet is because he pities you. That's right, Lee. You never became a Shinobi because of your strength, people simply pity you," Neji's voice reverberated with intensity as he shouted the last part, his piercing gaze locked onto Lee's eyes. In that moment of shock and sadness, Lee's eyes widened. However, within the blink of an eye, his expression transformed into the most intense and wrathful glare Neji had ever witnessed, brimming with an unparalleled ferocity that pierced Neji's very core.

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"Guy, I'm not saying my team's relationship between each other is the best, but I think this is a bit far, this is very dangerous, especially when your team is still just a bunch of Genins," Kakashi warned Guy with a serious voice as he stood beside him, every Jonin that had a team knew the importance of their team getting along with one another, it could easily make the difference between life and death, the last thing a Jonin needed to worry about is whatever or not the Genins would started fighting each other.

If the team doesn't get along, then the teams are changed, or the teammates go through a small program to help them get along; a team that couldn't get along was deemed as a liability. Therefore, they weren't allowed to have any missions besides harmless D Mission.

Kakashi knew just how dangerous a mission could be for a Jonin and his team; if the team didn't get along well, it could make the difference between living and dying.

Guy nodded wordlessly upon hearing Kakashi's words, his brows furrowing in confusion. He couldn't comprehend what Neji was attempting to accomplish with his actions. Sure, Guy was aware that Neji and Lee's friendship had its ups and downs, but the extent of Neji's negative feelings towards Lee caught him off guard. Guy prided himself on his perceptive nature, always taking notice of even the tiniest details. He had firmly believed that his team possessed an unbreakable bond built on trust and camaraderie. However, in light of recent events, Guy found himself faltering in his certainty. Doubt cast its shadow over his previously unwavering faith in their strong bond, leaving him uncertain and perplexed about what to believe anymore.

"I know, Kakashi," Guy said with a hint of disappointment in his voice as he watched the events unfolding in the arena. Leaning forward, his upper body resting on the iron railings, he expressed his surprise, "I never thought Neji thinks of Lee this way." His eyes fixed on the intense battle, Guy's curiosity was piqued as he attempted to better understand the unfolding drama in the arena.

"Perhaps," Kakashi murmured, his Sharingan eye visible as he focused on Neji before murmuring, "or maybe all this is just a ploy."

Guy momentarily diverted his attention towards Kakashi, with a mixture of surprise and perplexity clearly plastered across his face. As he attempted to make sense of the situation unfolding before him, his hands instinctively clasped around the rigid iron railing, their grip growing increasingly intense to the point where the sheer force exerted even caused the sturdy iron to undergo a gradual metamorphosis of its original form. "A Ploy?"

"There are many ways to win a fight and not just through brute strength and speed," Kakashi answered cryptically, causing Guy's eyes to widen in realization.

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"Wow, the Hyuga is a savage," Karui exclaimed out loud, completely taken aback by the unexpected comment. This was the first time she had witnessed a teammate speaking in such a hurtful manner towards another teammate. Despite her not having the strongest bond with Omoi, she prided herself on never resorting to such insulting words. Even when Omoi was at his most irritating, Karui maintained her composure and refrained from saying anything hurtful. In the rare instances where she did tease or joke around with him, it was always made abundantly clear that her words were meant in good humor rather than malice.

Yugito nodded in agreement beside her as she glared down at the Hyuga. While she didn't know either Neji or Lee, she knew they were on the same team, and being so unnecessarily harsh towards a fellow teammate was cruel; a similar reaction came from Ino, Choji, and Hinata.

The Heiress of the Hyuga clan couldn't help but wonder what was going through her cousin's head; sure, Neji was cold and never said much, and even when he did say anything, he could get quite insulting, but Hinata didn't understand why Neji was saying something so harsh to his teammate.

"I disagree," Amidst the tense atmosphere, Samui unexpectedly voiced her disagreement with a firm tone, instantly grabbing the attention of those nearby. This unexpected turn of events triggered a ripple of curiosity among those present, with Yugito, who had been visibly taken aback that Samui seemed to agree with what Neji said to his teammate.

"Are you saying someone should say something like that to a teammate?" Karui questioned, her eyebrow raised in a mix of disbelief and curiosity as she absentmindedly rubbed the back of her head, clearly perplexed by the idea.

"This is a fight, Karui; feelings are the last thing you should have in this situation; if Lee is smart, he will see right through it, and not lose his head because of something as meaningless as words." Samui, clad in her usual attire of the Kumogakure forehead protector and silver samurai armor, meticulously explained the intricate details with a tone as cold as ice. Every word that escaped her lips resonated with an unwavering firmness, freezing the air around her. Her piercing blue eyes shimmered like glaciers as she spoke, conveying an icy intensity that matched her unwavering resolve. In response to her frigid demeanor, those present couldn't help but cast disapproving glances her way, their eyebrows furrowing and lips pursing in silent criticism.

However, amidst the disapproval, a select group of individuals stood unwavering in their support. Naruto acknowledged Samui's words with a firm nod. Shino, his gaze hidden behind dark sunglasses, silently showed his agreement. Omoi, his expressive face reflecting a mixture of emotions, realized the importance of Samui's words and nodded in acknowledgment. Lastly, Shikamaru understood the pragmatic reasoning behind Samui's statements and expressed his agreement with a decisive nod.

"How can words be meaningless?" Choji pondered aloud; his eyes fixated on the bag of chips that rested untouched on his hands. It was a peculiar sight for those who knew him well. Choji's affinity for devouring snacks was nearly insatiable, making this sudden cessation of his munching ritual all the more noteworthy.

"Words are winds, without action or proof, they're naught but a waste of oxygen," her statement garnered a nod of approval from Naruto, signifying his agreement with her viewpoint. On the other hand, Hinata couldn't help but inwardly cringe, feeling a sense of discomfort towards the Kumo girl. Samui appeared distant and unapproachable to Hinata, exuding an icy demeanor that clashed with her warm nature. However, despite Hinata's reservations, Naruto's clear alignment with Samui's perspective indicated that he shared the belief in the insignificance of empty rhetoric.

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"I'm nothing," Lee murmured under his breath, a hint of despair in his voice as he expressed his deep sense of worthlessness. Feeling the weight of his emotions, he couldn't help but release his anger and frustration by forcefully stomping on the ground before him. With every step, the intensity in his expression only grew, causing his feet to dig deep into the earth, leaving an imprint that resembled a one-foot-deep hole. Once solid and unyielding, the ground crumbled beneath the force, shattering like fragile glass.

Lee glared furiously at Neji, his eyes burning with uncontainable rage as he vehemently shouted, "I'm not Nothing!" His voice echoed through the air, carrying a hint of desperation and determination. With an adrenaline-fueled burst of energy, Lee propelled himself forward, each step generating a thunderous impact that shattered the ground beneath his feet, sending shockwaves through the arena. In a display of unparalleled speed, Lee materialized right before Neji, his fist propelled forward with extraordinary power. The impact was thunderous as Lee's knuckles collided with Neji's face with a force that felt unrestrained and resolute. To Lee's astonishment, his eyes widened in disbelief as he witnessed Neji swiftly conjure a defense, his arms moving fluidly to shield his face, shielding himself from the full wrath of Lee's punch.

Lee felt his blood boil even more, but his eyes noticed something strange: Neji's Byakugan was activated.

When did he? Lee thought in shock before quickly moving all around Neji with incredible speed. He darted around Neji with lightning-fast reflexes, each movement blurring with unparalleled agility. Lee's incredible speed made it nearly impossible for anyone to keep up with his movements. Lee swiftly materialized behind Neji, poised to deliver a devastating kick aimed squarely at the back of Neji's head. Lee knew all too well the potential consequences of such a blow - a forceful impact that could easily lead to a severe concussion. However, to Lee's astonishment, Neji appeared to have seen through him. Neji's face spun around in an instant, his penetrating gaze fixated on Lee, piercing through the chaos with his activated Byakugan.

Instead of attacking, Lee jumped away; he looked back at Neji the moment he landed, only to see his Byakugan was deactivated.

As Neji observed Lee's intense anger, he noticed it not only in his eyes but also in his overall body language. Lee's hands clenched and unclenched repeatedly, clearly manifesting his frustration. Despite the tension in the air, Neji couldn't help but smirk slightly as Lee suddenly vanished from his line of sight, only to resurface to Neji's right moments later.

Lee's powerful kick connected with Neji's face with a resounding thud, jolting his head back and propelling him through the air. The impact generated a burst of pain shooting through Neji's face, leaving him momentarily disoriented. However, as Neji's body soared through the air, Lee couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment, a triumphant smile spreading across his face. The surge of satisfaction coursed through every fiber of his being, akin to a forceful wave crashing onto the shore.

Without wasting a single moment, Lee swiftly transitioned from his kick to deliver a fierce punch directly at Neji's already battered face. The force behind Lee's blow was immense, causing Neji's body to hurtle backward uncontrollably until it collided harshly with the wall. The impact produced a bone-jarring crunch, resonating throughout the air.

As Lee watched intently, his heart filled with concern and determination, Neji's nose continued to drip blood. Unyielding to the sight of his opponent's weakness, Lee's instincts kicked in, propelling him forward like a force of nature. Without granting Neji even a moment's respite, he swiftly sprinted towards him, his movements empowered by unwavering resolve.

In a blur of motion, Lee unleashed a rapid succession of perfectly executed strikes, combining a powerful punch with swift kicks that seemed to blur the lines between technique and sheer intensity. Each blow landed with devastating precision, amplifying the impact of the previous hit and driving Neji further into an increasingly perilous situation. The relentless assault from Lee's unyielding fists and feet left Neji reeling; his body whisked towards the heavens as if caught in a typhoon.

Undeterred by Neji's airborne state, Lee exhibited his unparalleled agility, launching himself into a breathtaking mid-air somersault. With astonishing accuracy, he descended towards Neji's elevated position, his elevated fist poised to land a thunderous blow upon the hapless target below.

In a valiant attempt to protect himself from the impending strike, Neji instinctively raised his arms, creating a makeshift shield in a desperate bid for self-preservation. Lee's fist, fueled by an indomitable determination, collided with Neji's raised arms, sending a resounding shockwave through the air. The impact resonated like thunder.

The intense force behind Lee's punch reverberated through his entire body, mirroring the unwavering conviction propelling him forward.

Despite that, Lee smiled in triumph, knowing his victory was all but secured. Once a formidable opponent, Neji had now fallen behind Lee's lightning-fast speed. The victorious moment was further solidified as Lee gracefully landed on the ground, his eyes shifting to Neji's still-standing figure despite the evident injuries that adorned his body. Among the injuries, a dislocated arm hung limp at Neji's side. However, the tenacity in Neji's eyes remained unwavering as he defiantly clenched his teeth in pain, his determination outweighing the physical toll. Neji grabbed his arm with his other hand before putting it back in place.

Fueled by an adrenaline rush, Lee propelled himself forward with an unrivaled swiftness that showcased his incredible agility and determination. His focused mind honed in on his target, Neji, as he unleashed all his physical prowess with an animated punch directed specifically at Neji's chest. Lee's fist was strong enough to shatter his bones and rupture organs.

However, to Lee's astonishment, Neji sprang into swift action just as he closed the gap between them with a remarkable display of agility. Neji skillfully activated his chakra, spinning with mesmerizing grace, conjuring a protective shield that crackled with an ethereal glow. This barrier materialized directly before him, forming an impenetrable wall of energy, effectively thwarting Lee's impending strike.

As Lee witnessed his fist being helplessly redirected by the unyielding strength of Neji's chakra barrier, an expression of complete disbelief overtook his face.

As soon as Lee's body forcefully collided with Neji's unyielding barrier, a ceaseless onslaught of sudden blows erupted in every direction, pummeling his defenseless form. The impact of each strike was akin to an unrelenting barrage of fists raining down upon him, leaving Lee consumed by excruciating agony. Despite his desperate attempts to retaliate or even escape, his paralyzed body remained immobile, subjecting him to an unending flurry of relentless blows, continually searing torment into his being.

Neji relentlessly unleashed a series of blows on Lee, each strike connecting with precision and force, relentlessly battering him. The rhythmic repetition of hits resounded in the air, magnifying the intensity of the assault. Determined to break Lee's defenses, Neji abruptly ceased his barrage, swiftly retracting his protective barrier. As he pivoted to confront the still-standing Lee, Neji's hands gracefully extended towards his opponent's stomach, their open palms finding contact with shocking accuracy.

A powerful surge of wind surged forth from the impact, violently erupting from Lee's back. The sheer force caused a torrent of blood to spray forth from Lee's nose and mouth. Caught in the tempestuous gust, Lee's body was violently propelled through the air, ultimately colliding with an unfortunately positioned wall. The sheer impact of the collision was enough to shatter the surrounding structure, unleashing a storm of fragmented debris that scattered in all directions, filling the air with a chaotic dance of destruction.

As the audience who were watching the intense fight between Lee and Neji, their faces twisted in complete shock and disbelief. In that fleeting moment, it appeared that Lee, a fighter who didn't belong to any particular clan, was somehow inching toward an astonishing victory. The mere thought of an outsider triumphing over the established contenders sent ripples of surprise through the crowd. However, in a breathtaking turn of events, Neji swiftly and unexpectedly reversed the course of the battle, completely altering the tide. The tables had now turned, leaving Lee standing there while Neji radiated an aura of triumphant superiority. The transformation was so sudden that even the most ardent supporters of Lee couldn't help but marvel at Neji's stunning comeback.

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"What just happened?" Choji, his voice laced with disbelief and shock, questioned with widened eyes as he struggled to comprehend the sudden turn of events. In a state of deep astonishment, he repeatedly closed and opened his eyes, desperately hoping to restore some semblance of reality. However, no matter how many times he blinked, the speed at which things had transformed remained unfathomable to him.

Caught in the same shock vortex, Hinata stood beside Choji, her mouth agape. The gravity of the situation further heightened her astonishment as she realized the tremendous danger of the two-palm attack compared to a single-palm attack. Nonetheless, Hinata's keen observational skills saved her from further distress. In the midst of Neji's relentless onslaught, she astutely noticed that his attack wasn't directed towards Lee's vital organs, ultimately providing a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dire situation.

"Lee allowed his anger to take control, Neji fooled him into thinking that he could no longer follow Lee's incoming attacks, Lee got careless and allowed himself to be in the best position for Neji's The Eight Trigrams: Palm Rotation, Lee is lucky to still be alive," Naruto explained emotionlessly while shaking his head; he had expected more from Lee. Instead, he had allowed himself to lose control, for all his hard work to turn into dust.

"No wonder you lost against him, Karui," Omoi commented carelessly, his nonchalant tone dripping with a hint of superiority and amusement. The derisive remark seemed to ignite a fierce fire within Karui, her eyes narrowing into slits as she resisted the urge to launch herself at him in a fit of righteous anger. Determined to make him pay for his audacity, she clenched her fists tightly, her knuckles turning white under the strain. With lightning-fast reflexes, she lunged forward, unleashing a flurry of rapid punches and kicks directed towards Omoi, who effortlessly stepped and weaved, gracefully evading each and every one of her assaults. His nimble footwork and agile movements exemplified a seasoned warrior, skillfully evading her attacks with a relaxed confidence that only seemed to enrage Karui further.

Naruto couldn't help but wonder something else. Did he miss? Why did Neji hit his stomach instead of his chest, Naruto asked himself, knowing that the fight would have already been over if Neji had exploited the opportunity he had to the fullest; one hit in the chest, and Lee would be naught but a corpse, instead, Neji despite his coldness and harsh words had purposely avoided Lee's vital organs.

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"Guy!" With an assertive tone ringing in his voice, Kakashi urgently called out to Guy, firmly clutching his wrist as if restraining him from entering the arena and coming to Lee's aid. The firmness of his grip conveyed a strong message - Guy was not to pass through and safeguard his protégé at that moment.

Guy was ready to tell Kakashi to mind his own business. His eyes diverted from the silver-haired shinobi and focused on the arena before him, where a thick veil of smoke and dust cloaked Lee's injured form. In anticipation, the crowd held their breath, their collective gasp nearly audible as the particles settled to reveal an astonishing sight. Despite the severity of his wounds, Lee remained upright, defying all odds. The sight was both shocking and mesmerizing, for blood trickled from his mouth, nose, and ears, creating a harrowing spectacle. Even his eyes, seemingly weeping crimson tears, conveyed the depth of his pain and determination.

Do it, Lee; you still have one more move to use, Guy thought desperately, hoping that Lee could somehow hear him. Guy had no doubts that Lee could win the fight; if he opened two of his gates, he could easily win against Neji and prove once and for all that Hard Work can win over natural talent.

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Neji could hardly believe his eyes as he saw Lee still standing tall despite the merciless attack he had endured. The overwhelming shock left Neji astounded and amazed by Lee's unwavering determination. Though inflicted with numerous wounds, Lee's indomitable spirit and resilience allowed him to transcend the boundaries of pain and physical limitations. Neji had always been aware of Lee's tenacity, but witnessing it firsthand in such a life-threatening situation was truly remarkable. It became evident to Neji that Lee's unwavering persistence drove him to push his body to unfathomable limits, jeopardizing his own life just to continue fighting.

"Lee, give up, just rest, you have already pushed yourself too far," Neji shouted with a mix of anger and a small hint of concern, his voice strained from the intensity of the battle. He stared steadfastly at Lee, his eyes scanning the wounds that adorned his battered body, a testament to the tremendous effort Lee had already exerted. Despite his injuries, Lee refused to back down, maintaining his fighting stance and continuing to inch closer to Neji, displaying an unwavering determination that both amazed and worried his opponent.

"Lee," Neji confessed with a smile of acknowledgment, "I will admit that in this fight, you have been closer to defeating me than ever before." Tenten, observing the exchange from her seat, couldn't help but smile in anticipation, expecting Lee to surrender in the face of Neji's humble admission. To her surprise, however, Lee let out a weary sigh, his determination unwavering despite Neji's words.

"Neji, I gave you my word that one day I will win," Lee began speaking, his voice displaying not only exhaustion but also a hint of determination. He took slow, deep breaths, attempting to alleviate the intense pain coursing through his entire body. Despite the excruciating torment, Lee remained resolute, disregarding the anguish. He positioned his arms in the shape of a cross, protecting his face, while an extraordinary transformation took place. The veins surrounding his entire physique started pulsating, gradually throbbing with a vibrant blue chakra, slowly enveloping Lee's body.

The ground around the colossal arena began trembling vigorously, resembling the effects of a small but potent earthquake. As the vibrations intensified, cracks emerged perilously close to where Lee stood. Miraculously, a vibrant emerald aura effortlessly materialized around Lee's physique, cocooning him with a protective force akin to a second skin.

Neji wasted no time as he swiftly activated his Byakugan, his eyes widening in pure shock and a small hint of fear gripping his heart. Beads of cold sweat cascaded down his face, painting a portrait of utter astonishment as he instinctively shielded his face with his arms in a feeble attempt to protect himself from the fierce onslaught of the howling wind. The gale's unrelenting force was powerful enough to test even Neji's steadfast balance, making it an arduous task to remain on his feet amidst the chaos it brought.

He can open the Gates! But the only one that can teach him...Neji's eyes widened in shock, realizing that his sensei had taught Lee something that he hadn't taught either Neji or TenTen.

"The Gate of Opening: Open!" With a furious shout that echoed through the stadium, causing a surge of chakra to flow from his body like a blazing torrent of blue flames. As the intense energy engulfed him, the very air surrounding the arena seemed to simmer with an escalating heat, raising the temperature and electrifying the atmosphere.

"The Gate of Healing: Open!!" Not content with just one display of his formidable abilities, Lee continued his onslaught, his voice resolute and determined. Summoning yet another burst of chakra. This time, the towering wall standing fifty meters behind him quivered under the immense force, cracks spiderwebbing across its surface with a resounding boom. The fracture snaked its way upwards, reaching the pinnacle of the barrier as debris rained down in a chaotic symphony, punctuating the magnitude of Lee's power.

Not anymore, Neji thought as he mustered every ounce of determination and urgency, his mind racing as he desperately lunged toward Lee. His sole purpose was to halt Lee's rapid progress in opening the gates that could potentially unleash more immense power. However, to his astonishment, Lee's sharp perception allowed him to effortlessly anticipate Neji's intentions, and in an instant, he vanished from Neji's line of sight. It was as if Lee's lightning-fast movements blurred into the ether.

Neji's intuition warned him that the impending attack would originate from his left, and his premonition proved correct. However, this time, he realized that his own speed was insufficient to defend against the impending strike. With lightning-like precision, a devastating punch connected with Neji's vulnerable cheek, sending shockwaves of excruciating pain through his face and fracturing his delicate nose in an agonizing shatter.

As Neji's body forcefully collided with the solid concrete wall, the impact caused a devastating effect - his delicate nasal capillaries ruptured, resulting in a crimson stream flowing down his upper lip. Simultaneously, an excruciating surge of agony surged through his entire being, originating from the point of impact and radiating outward. Neji displayed remarkable resilience, bravely clenching his teeth in an attempt to mask his suffering, for he understood all too well that his nasal bone had been fractured.

Refusing to succumb to pain, Neji tapped into his extraordinary power, activating his Byakugan. Just as he activated this formidable ability, another intense surge of pulsating chakra emanated from Lee's body, creating an aura of heightened energy in the vicinity.

"The Gate of Life: Open!!!"

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