Chapter 88: Effort vs Genius Who is Superior?

[Defeating One of the Konoha 12, Rock Lee]

[Reward: One chance to use the Ninja Technique Laboratory (limited to developing Body Techniques)]

Body Techniques?

The fight with Lee actually triggered a mission from the system.

Indeed!

Sasuke was now finally feeling a bit excited.

After all, the reward from the system this time was the Ninja Technique Laboratory, even though it was limited to developing Body Techniques.

But the Ninja Technique Laboratory was something Sasuke had long been dreaming about!

"Well then, Lee, I won't hold back!"

Hearing this, Lee, who was about to make a move, suddenly became even more excited.

Tears even started to well up in his eyes.

Perhaps, in Lee's view, Sasuke's seriousness was the greatest respect he could offer him.

So, Sasuke's earnestness was, in a way, an acknowledgment of his strength.

Naturally, Lee was overjoyed.

"Lee..."

At that moment, even Might Guy put aside his worries and opened his arms, loudly cheering for Lee: "Go, Lee! Show Sasuke the results of your special training!"

Upon hearing this, Lee quickly nodded.

"Yes, sensei!"

The passionate and excited atmosphere between the two left Ino and the others at a loss.

What was going on? It was just a match, yet it seemed like these two were turning it into some kind of intense, motivational event.

The next moment.

Crack!

Incredible speed.

Lee's attack was so fast, it was several times quicker than before.

Even Sasuke was caught off guard by Lee's speed. Just moments ago, Sasuke had felt that even without using ninjutsu, his physical skills had surpassed Lee's.

But now, as Lee made his move, Sasuke immediately abandoned that laughable thought.

Sasuke was growing stronger, but others were also improving!

And it was even because of his influence that they were strengthening themselves in their own ways.

One strike!

Lee's attack wasn't just fast; it was also incredibly powerful.

Even Sasuke could barely block Lee's strength.

Boom!

The attack wasn't even technical. Lee's rapid, successive spinning kicks continued to sweep toward Sasuke.

While blocking, Sasuke suddenly increased his speed and launched a powerful counterattack.

Facing Sasuke's attack, Lee effortlessly deflected it with a single move. Immediately after, he lunged at Sasuke, his fists, elbows, and knees flying like a barrage of missiles toward him.

For a moment, the collision of pure physical techniques between the two created such a powerful shockwave that it stunned everyone present.

Kiba initially wasn't concerned, thinking that the seemingly naïve Lee would be defeated by Sasuke in just three seconds.

However, what he didn't expect was that once Lee started to fight, his performance completely shattered their perceptions.

"This guy... he's so strong!"

Kiba widened his eyes, and Shino beside him seemed equally surprised by the turn of events.

She gently adjusted her glasses, as if trying to see things more clearly.

"I told you not to underestimate Lee!"

At this moment, Ten Ten gave a knowing look at the others.

Kiba and Shino glanced at Ten Ten but remained silent.

On the other side, Chouji and the others were also in disbelief.

"Can someone grow this strong with just physical techniques?"

"His speed is incredible. I can barely see the details of their exchange!"

Asuma chuckled. "Don't underestimate ninjas."

He then looked toward Might Guy. "Especially that guy, the so-called 'Azure Beast of Konoha'. Even if his disciple only uses physical techniques, he's not to be taken lightly!"

Shikamaru glanced at Might Guy, who was watching Lee's frenzied attacks with tears of pride in his eyes.

'Azure Beast? That guy?'

Crack!

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Suddenly, a strong shockwave echoed, followed by a cloud of smoke.

Everyone instinctively rubbed their eyes.

Incredibly, Sasuke was the one who had been knocked into the wall.

Sasuke jumped down from the cracked wall, raising his hand to lightly cover his chest.

"So that's how it is... He's trained his body's instinctive reactions to this level!"

"Not bad!"

Sasuke smiled and looked up at Lee.

When it came to speed and power, there was no question Lee had grown much stronger.

But when it came to physical techniques, Sasuke was not inferior to Lee.

Yet, this guy had actually trained his body's instincts specifically to deal with him.

In the moment Sasuke had tried to seize Lee's opening, Lee had instinctively kicked out with an extraordinarily unorthodox move, knocking Sasuke back.

Lee smiled. "It's an honor to receive compliments from Sasuke-kun."

"But the fight's not over. Sasuke-kun, I think the warm-up is almost done!"

"Let's get serious now!"

Sasuke smiled but didn't speak. A burst of electricity suddenly sparked from his shoulder.

In the next moment, the electricity spread throughout his body.

Lightning Release: Electrocute!

At this stage, there was no need for Sasuke to use his God Speed technique. A serious use of Lightning Release would be enough.

As the lightning crackled, Lee's smile grew even wider.

This time, Sasuke struck first. Lee's changes weren't just in speed and power. His technique had become even more refined. Now, Sasuke wasn't even sure if he could guarantee a victory using only his physical techniques.

So, striking first was definitely necessary.

Electricity gathered under Sasuke's feet, providing a brief boost of speed, but the distance was short.

In the next moment, the lightning concentrated in Sasuke's fist.

With a powerful punch imbued with lightning, Sasuke slammed toward Lee's face.

For a split second, Lee smiled, but in the next moment, his speed increased once more.

His body seemed to vanish, leaving behind only afterimages.

Sasuke's eyes narrowed slightly.

Sharingan… activate!

The moment the Sharingan activated, Sasuke was able to track Lee's movement.

Lee had appeared behind him.

Sasuke quickly spun around, crossing his arms to block with lightning gathered on his forearms.

Crack!

The clash of thunder and lightning resonated through the air.

Sasuke slid back five or six meters before coming to a stop, his feet scraping deep marks into the ground.

He slowly lowered his arms, staring at Lee in surprise.

'What... was that step just now?'