Shadow of Nara [96]

As Gaara's voice fell, the sand around him surged upward and outward. In an instant, it transformed into massive hands made entirely of sand, reaching out in all directions, aiming to grab hold of Rock Lee.

Lee didn't need to be told how dangerous Gaara's sand techniques were—even without knowing the name Sand Coffin, he could sense that getting caught would end the match in a very bad way. He dodged swiftly, but even so, he appeared increasingly pressured and cornered.

From the stands, several Konoha genin were puzzled by Lee's tactics. Most of all, Ino couldn't understand why Lee wasn't using any ninjutsu or genjutsu after realizing that basic taijutsu was ineffective against Gaara. She leaned toward Shikamaru, puzzled.

Standing nearby, Might Guy, Lee's mentor, heard the question and didn't hesitate to answer. Whether it was because Shikamaru had spoken kindly to Lee earlier, or simply because Guy was proud of his student's determination, he openly revealed the truth:

"Rock Lee can only use taijutsu. He can't use ninjutsu or genjutsu at all."

Gasps rippled through the audience. Aside from his teammates Neji and Tenten, and Shikamaru who already knew, everyone else looked absolutely stunned.

They all knew how grueling the Chūnin Exams had been so far. The Forest of Death had pushed them to the limit. To make it this far using only taijutsu? That was unheard of.

Guy continued with a big, gleaming grin:

"Since he can't rely on ninjutsu or genjutsu, Lee devoted everything—his time, his energy, his life—to perfecting taijutsu!"

Everyone knew taijutsu wasn't something that gave quick results. It required mind-numbing repetition, pain, and sacrifice. Compared to that, even complex ninjutsu seemed easier to master. That meant Lee's success wasn't luck or talent—it was sheer, stubborn will.

Then Guy suddenly turned to the stands and called out:

"Shikamaru!"

Startled, Shikamaru met Guy's blazing-white smile and perfect teeth.

"Lee made a promise to you. And once he makes a promise… he never loses!"

Shikamaru didn't answer, but his silence wasn't disagreement—it was understanding.

Back on the battlefield, Lee was still dodging Gaara's pursuing sand hands. When Guy shouted—

"Lee! Take them off!"

Lee hesitated for a moment. That command could mean only one thing. He jumped back, creating distance between himself and Gaara, and looked toward his teacher.

"But…!"

Guy silenced him with a single gesture. He gave a powerful thumbs-up, his signature sparkle flashing off his teeth.

"No buts! You made a man's promise—I'm giving you permission. Take them off!"

A grin spread across Lee's face. He looked at Gaara—still expressionless, not pressing the attack—and nodded. He leapt to the edge of the arena, landing atop one of the massive statues.

Lee reached down and unwrapped the yellow cloth from his legs, revealing two enormous ankle weights. Emblazoned in ink on the side of each was a single word:

"Determination."

Weight training wasn't unique to Lee. Many ninja trained with weights. But no one, absolutely no one, took it as far as Rock Lee.

Most shinobi, even those who trained hard, would make exceptions. They'd remove weights for missions or dangerous battles. No one risked holding back in real combat—because in a life-or-death situation, no one could afford to. But Lee… Lee followed Guy's words like law.

He never took them off—no matter the danger.

Even Shikamaru, who sometimes trained with weights himself, knew he couldn't follow such an extreme regimen. It was one thing to wear them during practice. But in battle? Against an unknown, powerful enemy like Gaara? Lee's restraint was insane. And now… he was ready to unleash.

But Lee didn't just toss the weights aside. No—he went full dramatic.

With exaggerated effort, he hurled the ankle weights through the air. They rocketed toward Gaara like cannonballs. Though Gaara didn't flinch, the weights missed him narrowly and struck the ground on either side.

BOOM!

Twin explosions erupted where they landed. The floor cracked under the impact. Dust and debris flew into the air. Even the watching genin felt the tremors from the stands.

Gasps filled the arena.

Tenten's eyes widened.

Kakashi and Asuma, both jōnin, exchanged stunned glances.

Even Temari, who had scoffed at Lee earlier, stared slack-jawed.

"How heavy were those things!?"

Ino gaped in disbelief, nudging Shikamaru.

Even Gaara's face twitched—his usual cold demeanor cracking slightly as he turned to see what had just caused the shockwave behind him. But when he turned back…

Lee was gone.

Smack!

A sudden strike to the back.

Lee had appeared behind him in a flash, his fist slamming into Gaara's back. The Sand Shield barely managed to intercept it.

But by the time Gaara turned to face him, Lee had vanished again.

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