Stepping into the third level

"Apart from Might Guy, I finally found someone who can help me at a critical moment!" Rock Lee thought to himself, watching the figure of Mitarashi Anko in the distance.

The pure taijutsu training regimen that Rock Lee followed was one of resilience and hard work. Unlike other ninja, who relied on powerful bloodlines or special abilities, Lee had to push through sheer willpower and determination. His path did not advance quickly at first, and against those with unique jutsu or kekkei genkai, he often found himself at a disadvantage.

However, once his training reached a certain level—when his discipline and techniques fully matured—Lee knew his taijutsu would become unstoppable. At that point, his body would be harder than steel, capable of breaking swords with his bare hands, and he would be able to fight on par with even the most elite shinobi. No one of the same level would be able to defeat him.

Lee was now on the cusp of a breakthrough. After surviving the second stage of the Chūnin Exams and enduring battles with foreign shinobi, including his brush with the Kage-level Orochimaru, he felt his strength growing exponentially. He was confident he could soon ascend to a new height in his training—one where his body would become a true weapon.

He knew, however, that talent alone wouldn't be enough to guarantee his safety. Konoha, for all its virtues, had a dark side that lurked beneath its polished exterior. Even the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, could not control every shadow that moved within the village. Lee understood that as someone different—a shinobi without ninjutsu or genjutsu but with a unique strength—he might be targeted for interrogation or worse if he became too powerful.

"I must prepare myself," Lee thought. "If Konoha's leadership ever becomes greedy for my secrets, I'll need allies to stand by me."

Every action Lee had taken so far—befriending Uzumaki Naruto, pushing the Ino–Shika–Chō team to grow stronger, sparring with Hyūga Hinata and Inuzuka Kiba, and even saving Uchiha Sasuke from Orochimaru—had been part of his plan. By creating strong bonds and building trust, Lee was weaving a network of support that could protect him in the future.

His team, led by Might Guy, was already a formidable force, but Lee wanted to expand his influence. Naruto, the son of the Fourth Hokage, and Sasuke, the last Uchiha, were particularly valuable allies. If he continued to show his worth, even Konoha's leaders would hesitate to act against him.

Lee leapt through the forest with practiced ease, his mind shifting to his teammates. "I wonder how Naruto and Sasuke are doing?" he thought. He had already found their hiding place earlier—a cave sheltered by a massive tree—but he had returned to rescue Mitarashi Anko from Orochimaru. Now, with Anko safe, Lee turned his attention back to his team.

Settling on a high branch near the cave, Lee looked down to see Sakura watching over the injured Naruto and Sasuke. Her hands trembled slightly as she gripped a kunai, her eyes darting at every sound in the forest.

"Although Haruno Sakura is guarding them, if an enemy appears, the three of them wouldn't stand a chance," Lee thought. "But at least she's trying to protect them."

"Who's there?!" Sakura's voice rang out as she sensed his presence. She jumped to her feet, kunai raised.

"Don't be alarmed—it's me," Lee said calmly, stepping into the light.

"Lee!" Sakura's voice wavered, a mix of relief and surprise. Her eyes softened as she stared at him, taking in his wind-swept hair and calm demeanor. The memory of him saving their team from Orochimaru was still fresh in her mind. "You're really strong…" she murmured to herself, her face flushing slightly.

"If you need anything, call out to me," Lee said simply, his focus already shifting to the forest. Before Sakura could respond, he turned and disappeared into the trees.

Late that night, Lee found a secluded clearing and began his training. His muscles strained and his bones cracked as he pushed his body through the rigorous techniques he had mastered. The pain was intense, but Lee gritted his teeth and persevered.

"Ah!" A low cry escaped his lips as his body finally broke through its limits. A surge of energy coursed through him, mending the fractures in his bones and leaving him stronger than before. Lee clenched his fists, marveling at the power flowing through him.

"With this strength," he thought, "I can take on any Chūnin—and maybe even challenge a Jōnin."