The first match ended.
Neji Hyuga and Sōnagi Uzumaki exited the arena, and the next match would be between Kimimaro Kaguya and Lee.
In the hallway leading back to the waiting room, Neji met Lee.
Lee congratulated Neji, saying enthusiastically, "You were just as impressive as always, Neji. Congratulations on your victory."
Meeting Lee's gaze seriously, Neji said, "Lee, because you and I are teammates, I feel I should give you some advice. Your upcoming opponent is very strong—his [Kekkei Genkai] directly counters your style. Don't overexert yourself. Just show your true abilities. There's no need to win at all costs. As the Third said earlier, as long as you display your strength, even losing can make you eligible to become a Chunin."
Lee replied fervently, "I won't give up! Since you did so well, I'll definitely go all out. Originally, I had a certain move prepared specifically for you. But now that my opponent is someone even you consider powerful, I have no choice but to work even harder!"
Seeing Lee so fired up, Neji knew nothing he said now would fall on deaf ears.
Without another word, Neji walked forward.
Halfway down the hall, Neji crossed paths with Kimimaro Kaguya.
As they passed each other, Neji whispered softly, "Do me a favor."
Kimimaro paused slightly before replying, "I understand."
Receiving Kimimaro's silent agreement, Neji felt somewhat relieved.
Although Neji had already decided to leave Konoha, after living there for many years, he had spent six years in the Ninja Academy alongside Lee and Tenten, followed by more than a year as teammates. Despite his cold demeanor, he truly considered them friends.
Back in the Forest of Death, when Sōnagi once confronted Naruto, Neji observed Kimimaro's fighting style using the [Byakugan]. He reached one definite conclusion:
There was no way Lee could defeat Kimimaro.
That's why Neji begged Kimimaro to hold back during their fight—not to kill Lee.
After briefly freshening up in the waiting room, Neji left the venue. He needed to meet with the fourteen clan members who had decided to leave with him, then begin releasing them from their Caged Bird seals. Once Chinya and Orochimaru's plan began, he too would start moving.
Sōnagi Uzumaki returned to the spectator lounge.
Jugo Tenbin glanced at Sōnagi sitting beside him, clearly irritated, and chuckled, "Never thought you'd actually lose."
Sōnagi snapped, "So what if I lost? Who hasn't lost before? If they hadn't banned my techniques, Brother Neji definitely wouldn't have beaten me!"
Suddenly changing the subject, Sōnagi pointed at himself and asked Jugo, "Hey, do I seem arrogant or something?"
Jugo looked Sōnagi up and down and answered honestly, "Well... sometimes you really do act too cocky."
Uzumaki Sōnagi's already gloomy expression turned even darker.
After muttering a few complaints about Chinya under his breath, Uzumaki glanced toward the arena and said, "Once Kimimaro finishes his battle, we should head out to carry out our mission. With Kimimaro's strength, this match should be over before long. After all, that melon-head kid seems to know only taijutsu."
Kimimaro Kaguya and Lee were already standing face-to-face.
Genma Shiranui announced, "The next match: Rock Lee from Konoha versus Kimimaro Kaguya from Otogakure!"
Minato Namikaze showed surprise, "Kaguya? Could he be one of the Kaguya from Kirigakure?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in response, "That's right. This child from Otogakure truly belongs to the Kaguya Clan from Kiri. He possesses the Kekkei Genkai bloodline ability called Shikotsumyaku—the power to control his own bones as weapons. Most likely, he was forced to flee from Kiri and found refuge in Otogakure. Lucky bastard."
Minato looked toward Lee with a serious expression, "I've heard that Guy's student relies solely on taijutsu. The Kaguya are also famed for their mastery of hand-to-hand combat. Combined with their Shikotsumyaku Kekkei Genkai, they become the ultimate counter against any taijutsu specialist."
As soon as Genma Shiranui signaled the start of the match, Lee sprang into action.
[Leaf Whirlwind!]
Lee launched a high-speed spinning kick at Kimimaro.
Calm as ever, Kimimaro snatched Lee's leg mid-kick and fired a punch straight into his gut.
Lee twisted hard mid-air, breaking free from Kimimaro's grip.
Flipping several times in the air, Lee followed up with a roundhouse kick aimed at Kimimaro's head.
Kimimaro stepped back easily, dodging the attack.
Lee's kick slammed into the ground, instantly leaving a small crater where it struck.
They traded blow after blow, neither holding back—every punch and block landed with bone-rattling force.
From the audience, Might Guy watched Kimimaro with slight astonishment.
Even in pure hand-to-hand combat, Kimimaro had actually managed to suppress Lee.
When Lee's flying kick barely missed Kimimaro's head, Kimimaro immediately countered with an upward knee strike, sending Lee flying backward.
Lee rolled across the ground a few times before regaining his footing.
Standing up, Lee wore a pained expression—clearly outmatched by Kimimaro in brute strength.
And worse still, Kimimaro far surpassed him in skill as well.
Lee shot a desperate glance at Might Guy in the crowd.
Might Guy flashed a big thumbs-up: "Time to drop those weights! You have my permission to use it now!"
Nodding, Lee removed the weighted bands strapped to both legs.
When the weights hit the ground, they kicked up a cloud of dust—showing exactly how damn heavy they were.
Lee bounced lightly on his feet. "Now things feel much lighter."
In an instant, Lee exploded forward like lightning and slammed a punch dead center into Kimimaro's face.
This time, it was Kimimaro who went flying backward.
Kimimaro Kaguya had barely begun to land when Lee sprinted straight toward his landing spot.
[Eight Gates!] [Opening Gate!] Open!
Lee unlocked the limit on his mind, pushing his body to 100% capacity and burning through his energy to boost his attack and speed.
Using Shadow of the Dancing Leaf, Lee unleashed a rapid series of kicks on Kimimaro Kaguya mid-air, sending him flying higher.
After reaching a certain height, Lee wrapped Kimimaro Kaguya in bandages.
[Primary Lotus!]
Lee spun at high speed and slammed Kimimaro Kaguya headfirst into the ground, leaving a deep crater behind.
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