Chapter 69: Izayoi vs. Rock Lee

Chapter 69: Izayoi vs. Rock Lee

"Perfect!"

Rock Lee clenched his fist in excitement as he realized his opponent was Izayoi. His eyes sparkled with anticipation.

He'd wanted to challenge Izayoi ever since being blocked by Sasuke Uchiha earlier. Witnessing Sasuke's strength and his protective stance toward Izayoi only intensified Rock Lee's determination. Now, finally, his chance had come.

"Lee, let your youth blossom!" Might Guy slapped Rock Lee's shoulder, flashing his signature toothy grin.

"You got it, Guy-sensei!" Rock Lee snapped to attention, his own grin gleaming like polished steel.

The surrounding spectators winced at the blinding display. Nearby, Tenten buried her face in her hands. "So embarrassing..."

Neji Hyuga remained impassive. "Lee, your opponent isn't ordinary. His chakra reserves are extraordinary, and he's Hinata-sama's teammate. Don't underestimate him."

"I understand!" Rock Lee nodded solemnly before springing onto the railing and flipping gracefully to the arena floor.

Izayoi raised an eyebrow at seeing his match. He'd expected Rock Lee to face Gaara as in the original story, while he himself might've drawn Shino Aburame or Choji Akimichi. This unexpected pairing intrigued him - especially the chance to test against the Eight Gates Release.

As Izayoi prepared to descend, Hinata's voice stopped him.

"Izayoi-kun, let me hold your camcorder."

"Sure." He handed it over, then leaned close to her ear. "After I win, don't forget my victory reward."

Before Hinata could react, Izayoi vanished in a Body Flicker, reappearing in the arena. Blushing furiously, Hinata hid behind the camcorder while searching for the perfect lighting angle.

Kurenai Yuhi watched with an amused smile.

"Izayoi, I'll count on you!" Rock Lee assumed his stance, eyes burning with battle-lust.

"First, remove your weights", Izayoi advised. "This is just a friendly match between comrades, but I won't hold back. If you insist on keeping them, don't look so surprised when I end this instantly."

"Amazing! He figured it out right away!" Rock Lee's respect deepened, though he hesitated about breaking his promise to Guy.

"Lee, take them off!" Guy's voice boomed from above. "This is an opponent worth going all out against!"

"Yes, Guy-Sensei!" Tears of joy in his eyes, Rock Lee eagerly removed his leg weights.

"What? He was wearing weights this whole time?!" Team 7 gaped.

Sasuke scoffed, "Just some iron plates..." His arrogance shattered when the weights hit the ground with twin Booms, creating craters and spiderweb cracks across the arena floor.

Sasuke gripped the railing, stunned. If Rock Lee moved this fast with weights, how terrifying was his true speed? Even jonin like Kakashi and Asuma exchanged uneasy glances.

"Izayoi's met his match", Kurenai murmured, unaware of Izayoi's full capabilities.

Shino Aburame leaned forward, his shaded glasses reflecting Izayoi's calm figure. "Finally, we'll see the true strength of our class's top graduate."

Orochimaru, lingering at the edge of the room, smirked. "Could this child have mastered that technique too?"

Rock Lee bounced lightly on his feet, revitalized. "Izayoi, this is my ultimate form! Let's settle this!"

Izayoi raised two fingers in a V-sign. "Come at me. I'll show you my Gentle Fist."

"Please, show me your best!" Rock Lee shifted into his Opposition Seal stance.

Hayate Gekko raised his hand. "Tenth match: Izayoi vs. Rock Lee... Begin!"

He Body Flickered to the upper stands just as Rock Lee vanished. A blur materialized at Izayoi's left -

"Hidden Leaf Whirlwind!"

Rock Lee's kick struck faster than most could track. But Izayoi moved faster.

As Rock Lee's foot approached, Izayoi simply turned his head and exhaled sharply. A hurricane-force wind erupted, deflecting the kick and sending Rock Lee flying backward.

"Single-handed sealing?!" The jonin gasped. "His technique speed is incredible!"

To the audience, it seemed like Izayoi hadn't moved at all. His hands remained hidden in his sleeves as he casually redirected Rock Lee's attack, the wind manifesting as an invisible hand that slammed Rock Lee into the wall.

Hayate had barely reached the stands when Izayoi countered.

In less than three seconds, the match had revealed the vast gap between these prodigies and the average ninja.

Sasuke activated his Sharingan. Kakashi pulled up his forehead protector, revealing his tomoe-marked Sharingan. Both men leaned forward, anticipation crackling in the air.

These two would deliver a battle for the ages.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end