Naruto: Martial God Art

Just taijutsu! Sasuke thought in shock. He couldn't believe it. This was the world of ninjas, where ninjutsu and genjutsu were dominant. Everyone learned taijutsu, but it was seen as the most basic form of combat. In real battles, what mattered were powerful jutsus and illusions.

He had never imagined that someone could reach such a terrifying level using only taijutsu. Yet here was Rock Lee, who, without any ninjutsu or genjutsu, had completely overpowered him—even while he was using his two-tomoe Sharingan. Sasuke felt as if everything he believed about strength was being challenged.

Rock Lee glanced at Sasuke, who struggled to rise from the ground, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth. "Uchiha Sasuke, my moves aren't ninjutsu or genjutsu. They're purely taijutsu," Lee said. "Your Sharingan can see through all kinds of techniques—ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu—but…"

Lee paused, watching Sasuke closely. "While the Sharingan can see through jutsus that require specific hand signs, taijutsu is different."

"What… do you mean?" Sasuke asked, his voice shaky. Despite his pain, he forced himself up, his fierce gaze locked on Lee.

"It's simple," Lee replied. "Even if your Sharingan can predict my moves, your body can't keep up. Your eyes might see it coming, but you're still too slow to react."

Sasuke's hands clenched, his body trembling with frustration. He hated to admit it, but he could feel the truth in Lee's words. His Sharingan let him see Lee's attacks, but his body wasn't fast enough to dodge them.

It's my own weakness, Sasuke thought bitterly. My Sharingan is powerful, but I'm not strong enough to use it fully.

Lee continued, his voice calm. "Sasuke, there are two types of strong people: those who rely on natural talent and those who work hard. Your Sharingan comes from your bloodline—a gift of talent. But my strength comes from hard work, training relentlessly to reach this level."

While speaking, Lee glanced at where Naruto was hiding, knowing he'd been watching the fight.

Naruto's heart pounded with excitement. He knows I'm here, he thought, feeling that Lee's words were meant for him too. All his life, Naruto had struggled, always at the bottom of his class, unable to do even basic techniques. Even during graduation, he couldn't manage a simple Clone Technique and had only passed thanks to the Shadow Clone Technique he learned from the forbidden scroll.

He had often felt discouraged and envious of Sasuke, but seeing Lee—a so-called "failure" like himself—hold his own against an Uchiha awakened something inside him. So even someone like me can be strong if I work hard… Naruto thought, determination settling into his heart.

Suddenly, Sasuke, still enraged, let out a furious cry and charged at Lee once again. But his movements were shaky, his balance unsteady from the pain and frustration clouding his mind.

Lee shook his head, losing interest in the fight. "This is over," he said. "If you want to challenge me again, come back stronger. Right now, you're too weak for me to even take seriously."

"Shut up!" Sasuke yelled, his face contorted with rage. He threw wild punches at Lee, who sidestepped easily, avoiding the blows without effort.

Bang! Lee raised his leg and delivered a powerful kick to Sasuke's chin for the third time, the impact so strong that Sasuke's jaw cracked from the force.

"Ugh…" Sasuke gasped, spitting out blood, but even then, he refused to give up. He struggled to his feet, determined to keep fighting despite the pain.

"Hmph," Lee grunted, his expression cool as he disappeared in a flash and reappeared behind Sasuke, positioning himself in a stance known only to elite fighters.

"That stance… that's Shadow of the Dancing Leaf!" Neji gasped, recognizing the advanced taijutsu technique, usually only performed by elite Chūnin.

"An advanced move?" Tenten whispered, wide-eyed. "Are you saying that Lee's reached that level?"

Neji didn't respond, but his Byakugan activated as he observed Lee closely. From this moment on, he saw Lee as his biggest rival in the Chūnin Exams.

Behind Sasuke, Lee spoke quietly. "Sasuke, I didn't intend to humiliate you today," he said. "I only wanted to show you that talent isn't everything. Sometimes, hard work can surpass even natural talent."