Naruto: Martial God Art

"In that case, are you the enemy?" Aburame Shino asked coldly, his voice and demeanor turning even more intense. A powerful aura, almost as fierce as Gaara's, radiated from Shino, signaling his readiness for a fight.

"Impressive," Lee said, nodding in admiration. "I was hoping for a challenge, and you three seem worthy."

"Hah! At least you have the sense to recognize our skill," Inuzuka Kiba smirked, feeling confident. "But if you're thinking of taking us on, think again. You'll regret it."

Akamaru, the small dog on Kiba's head, barked as if to agree, showing his own readiness.

"Heh," Lee replied, smiling calmly. "Let's see if you can back up that confidence."

In a sudden burst of speed, Lee shot forward like a lightning strike, closing the distance to Kiba in a flash. His fist shot out, aimed right at Kiba's face with surprising speed and power, almost too fast to see.

Kiba's eyes widened, and though he had been ready, he hadn't expected Lee's attack to be this swift. He barely had time to react, instinctively turning his body to the side to shield himself. But as he did, he heard a warning from Shino.

"Kiba, watch out! His strength is on another level!" Shino shouted, his usually calm expression replaced by shock. Shino had sensed Lee's incredible power and knew Kiba couldn't take it head-on.

But it was too late. Lee's punch, even with only part of his strength behind it, created a powerful gust that made Kiba's hair blow back. The sheer force of Lee's attack left Kiba feeling completely overwhelmed.

"If that punch connects, I'm done for!" Kiba thought, alarmed by the power behind it. Lee's physical strength was shattering his previous assumptions that only ninjutsu or genjutsu could be this strong.

"Kiba, step back!" came a soft voice, and suddenly, a pale hand appeared between Lee's punch and Kiba.

With a quick motion, Hinata had stepped in, her palm meeting Lee's fist with a surprisingly firm resistance.

A loud "boom!" echoed through the forest as Lee's fist clashed with Hinata's Gentle Fist technique. Her movements were smooth and controlled, and she absorbed the impact with surprising skill, deflecting most of the force. Even so, the impact made her take several steps back, her face flushed from the strain.

"Is that… the Gentle Fist technique of the Hyuga clan? Impressive," Lee said, his interest piqued as he watched Hinata recover.

Hinata was trying to calm herself, the impact of Lee's punch leaving her slightly shaky. She had managed to block him, but the power behind his punch was unlike anything she'd felt before.

"Hinata, are you okay?" Kiba asked, rushing to her side to support her.

"I-I'm fine," Hinata whispered, her voice steady but soft. She looked up at Kiba and Shino with concern. "But be careful… his strength… it's greater than even my brother's."

Kiba and Shino both looked at Lee with newfound respect and caution. Hyuga Neji, Hinata's cousin, was considered one of the strongest Genin in Konoha. But Hinata had just said that Lee, someone rarely acknowledged in the same way, might be even stronger.

"Huh… so he's hiding that kind of strength?" Kiba muttered, astonished.

Lee's gaze moved between Kiba and Shino. "Are you done hiding behind her?" he asked, his tone sharp. "You're both men, aren't you? Yet you let a woman stand in front and protect you. Aren't you embarrassed?"

"Hmph. I'll take you on myself," Shino responded firmly. He took a step forward, his own aura dark and intense as he faced Lee.

But before Shino could continue, Kiba, ever the hothead, moved in front of him. "No way, Shino. I'm going first. I want to make sure he knows he messed with the wrong team." Kiba crouched low, preparing to attack.