NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: One Month later
In the dense woods, Lee continued his training, hands clasped behind his back and face flushed with the strain. His breaths came in rapid gasps, like the rhythm of a bellows.
In under ten minutes, Lee had surpassed 300 squats, completing the routine assigned by Might Guy. Still, he kept going. He'd noticed Might Guy perched high in a nearby tree, observing him, so he pressed on, determined to make it look like he was giving his all. Of all his training, squats were undoubtedly among the toughest in Might Guy's regimen.
"Three hundred fifty-one… three hundred fifty-two…" Lee counted silently as he pushed forward, drenched in sweat yet feeling a strong surge of energy. His unique training method was working wonders—he had barely completed a day and a night of it. He was already purging impurities, enhancing his physical capabilities to a whole new level.
In the past, Rock Lee had maxed out around 190 squats, but today, with the same body, Lee had pushed beyond 350 in just ten minutes. The transformation in his stamina was remarkable, leaving him feeling invigorated and hopeful about what was yet to come.
"If I can keep up this pace for two months," Lee mused to himself, "who knows what I could achieve once my body is fully purified!"
…
"Lee, you're exceeding my expectations," Might Guy muttered from a branch 30 meters up, his gaze unwavering. "At this rate, by the Chūnin Exams, I'll have you prepared to show the world what can be achieved with sheer hard work." His fist clenched as he spoke, both in pride and in encouragement.
…
As evening fell, Lee was still training. The day had flown by in his single-minded focus, and he only stopped when Might Guy gathered the team.
"That's enough for today," Might Guy announced, glancing at each of them before his gaze settled on Lee. "Remember, true progress requires both work and rest. Overdraw yourself, and you risk your future."
Lee felt a pang of guilt. He knew these words were directed at him, but he couldn't abandon his nightly training—not if he wanted to improve at the speed he desired.
After Neji and Tenten had left, Might Guy lingered, looking at Lee thoughtfully.
"Lee, do you intend to continue practicing tonight?" he asked.
Lee met his gaze steadily. "Yes, Mr. Guy," he admitted. "I'm… I'm the weakest in the group. Compared to Neji, even compared to Tenten. If I want to stop being the last in line, I need to work ten, a hundred times harder." Lee's voice was calm but resolute. "Please don't stop me."
For a long moment, Might Guy studied Lee in silence. Finally, he nodded. "I won't stop you, Lee," he said quietly. "But don't push so far that it damages your future."
"Thank you, Mr. Guy," Lee replied gratefully.
"Good!" Might Guy slapped Lee's shoulder with an encouraging grin. "I'll leave you to it, then. I'm looking forward to the day you'll stand tall, defying every expectation and challenging geniuses like Neji."
"That day will come," Lee said confidently. "One day, I'll make everyone recognize my strength."
"Good! Good! Hahaha!" Guy laughed heartily before leaping off into the night.
After he left, Lee stretched and grinned. Despite Sion's life experience, he had to act like an overly enthusiastic youth, and sometimes it felt exhausting.
Assured he was alone, Lee dropped into his strange, specific poses, resuming his secret training method to refine his body.
…
A month passed quickly.
During that time, Lee had faced off against Neji in practice multiple times, only to be defeated soundly each time. But he held back on purpose. Beneath his quiet restraint, Lee's body had undergone an incredible transformation. Where he once struggled, he now thrived. His aptitude had soared beyond Tenten's and even started rivaling Neji's.
Still, he resisted the urge to show his full strength. His transformation wasn't complete, and he wanted his progress to be flawless. Only then would he allow himself to tap into his new potential fully.
"Lee, come here." Might Guy's voice cut through the forest as Lee finished another set of squats.
"Mr. Guy!" Lee sprang to his feet and hurried over.
"Your progress has been remarkable, Lee," Might Guy said, looking pleased. "And to reward your dedication, I've decided to teach you a technique capable of facing any opponent!"
"This technique is a pure physical skill!" Might Guy added with pride.