Martial Eyes

"No, Mr. Guy, I haven't lost yet! I can still fight!" Lee insisted, his voice carrying both pain and defiance. His expression was a mix of frustration and fierce determination, the stubborn spirit of a young fighter refusing to back down.

In truth, Lee was well aware that Might Guy wouldn't allow him to continue against Neji. But it was important he voiced his intent, wanting to keep everyone's expectations of him consistent. After all, Rock Lee was the kind who would keep getting up, no matter how many times he'd been beaten down.

Lee clenched his fists, his eyes blazing with frustration as he took a step forward. "I can keep going!" he yelled, charging towards Neji—only to be gently restrained by Guy Sensei after a couple of steps.

"Lee, you've lost," Might Guy said firmly, his gaze both proud and serious. "You're not ready to face Neji's level yet."

"Mr. Guy, I…I don't accept this!" Lee's voice trembled with barely hidden grief. "I still have one good arm and two legs. I can keep fighting!"

Guy's voice softened. "Lee, sometimes, when you lose, you lose. But don't let it break you. Keep working hard, and one day you'll not only catch up to Neji, but you might even surpass him."

Moved by his teacher's faith, Lee forced a smile, blinking back tears. "Thank you, Mr. Guy," he whispered.

…

"I can't take it anymore, Neji! These two are impossible!" Tenten sighed, shaking her head at Guy and Lee's dramatic bond.

"I've had enough goosebumps for one day," Neji replied, barely hiding his exasperation. "Now, come on. Let's see what you've learned."

Tenten grinned. "You better be careful, Neji—I've got a new move up my sleeve."

"I'd like to see you try," Neji said with calm confidence, a hint of challenge in his voice.

With a determined shout, Tenten pulled a handful of kunai from her pack and flicked them towards Neji in a precise formation, the blades cutting through the air in a tightly spaced "pin" shape.

"Too slow," Neji muttered, sidestepping effortlessly as the kunai sliced past him. His movements were subtle yet decisive, designed for evading in close combat.

Lee watched closely, marveling at Neji's agility. "That's some amazing footwork," he thought, taking mental notes on the Hyuga clan's technique. "If I'm right, this precision could give them an edge up close. So, the Hyuga clan really lives up to its reputation."

"Let's go again!" Tenten yelled, her competitive streak kicking in.

She flung more kunai, throwing six at a time until the air around Neji was thick with a barrage of blades.

"Better numbers this time, but still lacking speed and power," Neji's voice came from within the onslaught as he deflected each kunai with swift, exact movements. His hands blurred, each kunai meeting his palm before dropping harmlessly to the ground.

"Impossible!" Tenten gasped, stunned as she watched Neji emerge unscathed. She had trained tirelessly, but Neji's skill was a step beyond what she expected.

Might Guy nodded approvingly. "Impressive, Neji. The strength you've shown here would serve you well as a Chūnin!"

Lee studied Neji, his surprise visible. But while others marveled at Neji's finesse, Lee focused on something more specific—the unmistakable intensity of Neji's Byakugan.

Those eyes, pale yet striking, emanated power. But the veins around them pulsed unnervingly, adding an air of mystery.

"So this is the Hyuga's Byakugan," Lee thought, noting its unique attributes. "They say it's like having insight that reaches everywhere. And it's probably true, judging by how he sees chakra flow so precisely."

He pondered the comparison, thinking about the elusive technique known in Sion's world as "The Martial Eye," a skill honed by only the most gifted. Though it was notoriously difficult to master, The Martial Eye enabled its user to see through any technique, uncovering even the most hidden secrets of an opponent's moves. If he could cultivate his body further in the coming months, he could draw closer to mastering it himself.

"Tenten, you did well," Neji said coolly, deactivating his Byakugan. "I only used a fraction of its power this time."

"Wait, really?" Tenten's expression shifted, the pride of earning Neji's full attention replacing her disappointment. "You used Byakugan against me?"

"Yes," Neji replied simply. He turned, bowing slightly to Guy. "Mr. Guy, Tenten, I'll be going now." He nodded once before striding away, never casting another look back at Lee.

"Goodbye, Mr. Guy, Lee." Tenten gave a brief wave before leaving as well.